Genesis 32:3 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֤ב מַלְאָכִים֙ לְפָנָ֔יו אֶל־ עֵשָׂ֖ו אָחִ֑יו אַ֥רְצָה שֵׂעִ֖יר שְׂדֵ֥ה אֱדֽוֹם׃
BSAJacobYaʻăqôb [the supplanter, deceiver]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח | and he sent | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| יַעֲקֹ֤ב | Jacob | Noun proper masculine |
| מַלְאָכִים֙ | messengers | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| לְפָנָ֔יו | before him | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| עֵשָׂ֖ו | Esau | Noun proper masculine |
| אָחִ֑יו | brother his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אַ֥רְצָה | [the] land of towards | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| שֵׂעִ֖יר | Seir | Noun proper |
| שְׂדֵ֥ה | [the] region of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| אֱדֽוֹם׃ | Edom | Noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. |
| KJV | And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. |
| ASV | And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom. |
| YLT | And Jacob sendeth messengers before him unto Esau his brother, towards the land of Seir, the field of Edom, |
| WEB | Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom. |
| BBE | Now Jacob sent servants before him to Esau, his brother, in the land of Seir, the country of Edom; |
Where they part company is in the rendering of מַלְאָכִים — see How Translations Differ.
The main action is clear and direct, with additional phrases providing context for the sending.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectיַעֲקֹב
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 32:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Jacob Prepares to Meet Esaugenerated
Genesis 32:3 describes Jacob sending messengers to his brother Esau as he prepares to meet him after many years apart. This passage highlights Jacob's concern for his safety and his desire to reconcile with Esau, whom he had previously deceived. The context shows a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, where he seeks to mend relationships and face the consequences of his past actions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Malachi 3:1 | “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 2 | Luke 9:52 | He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. |
| 3 | Luke 14:31–32 | Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? |
| 4 | Genesis 14:6 | and the Horites in the area of Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the desert. |
| 5 | Genesis 33:14–16 | Please let my lord go ahead of his servant. I will continue on slowly, at a comfortable pace for the livestock and children, until I come to my lord at Seir.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מַלְאָכִים, mal.'a.Khimgenerated
The Hebrew word מַלְאָךְ (mal'ak) means 'messenger' and can refer to human or divine agents. It is derived from a root meaning to dispatch as a deputy, indicating roles such as angels, prophets, or ambassadors.
In this verse, Jacob sends מַלְאָכִים to communicate with Esau, indicating a formal approach to reconciliation. The choice of this word emphasizes the importance of the message being carried, as it represents not just a physical sending but also the weight of Jacob's intentions.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb governing the verse is וַיִּשְׁלַח, and he sent, with a noun phrase as the subject (יַעֲקֹב, Jacob) and another noun phrase as the object (מַלְאָכִים, messengers). The structure shows a straightforward action of sending, with prepositional phrases indicating direction and destination.
The sentence is constructed to emphasize Jacob's action and intention, placing the verb at the forefront, which highlights the urgency and significance of the act of sending.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מַלְאָכִים as ἡνίκα, which indicates a focus on the act of sending. This choice reflects a similar understanding of the role of messengers in conveying important messages.
The translation aligns closely with the Hebrew text, maintaining the emphasis on the communication aspect of Jacob's action.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 32:3 tells us that Jacob sent messengers to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. This action shows Jacob's desire to reconcile with Esau after their past conflicts. The messengers were tasked with delivering Jacob's message, indicating the importance of communication in mending relationships.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Jacob sent messengers to Esau to communicate and seek reconciliation after years of separation and conflict.
The name Esau means 'hairy' and is associated with his character and physical appearance.
The land of Seir is significant as it is associated with Esau and his descendants, the Edomites, and represents a region that Jacob must navigate in his reconciliation efforts.
Messengers in biblical narratives often serve as intermediaries, carrying important messages or instructions from one person to another, and can also represent divine communication.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I seek reconciliation in my own relationships, like Jacob did with Esau?
- What steps can I take to communicate effectively and clearly with others?
- In what ways can I be a messenger of peace in my community?
- What lessons can I learn from Jacob's actions in this passage?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers comment on Jacob's actions, discussing themes of fear and reconciliation in his encounter with Esau.
See how great was Jacob’s fear even after the vision had affected the good man. He was afraid of his brother’s aggression and was concerned lest the memory of what had been done by him previously might provoke Esau into an attack on him.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 32 →
Jacob did not want to see Esau before he had appeased him with presents, and he only saw him afterward when the presents had been accepted. And when Jacob came to him, he bowed down to him from a long way off.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 32 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 32:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Jacob sent messengers before him unto Esau his brother,.... Or "angels": not angels simply, as Jarchi, for these were not under the command, and in the power of Jacob to send, nor would they have
Read John Gill on Genesis 32 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. Sent messengers - i:e., had sent.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 32 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe land of Seir; of which see 36:9,20,21; whither Esau had removed his habitation from Canaan, partly out of discontent at his parents; partly as most convenient for his course of life; and principally by direction of Divine Providence, that Canaan might be left free and clear for Jacob and his posterity. The land of Seir, the country of Edom; so that Seir and Edom either are one and the same place; or rather Seir was a part of Edom. Some say both names are put here for distinction. For they make two lands of Edom, the one southward from Canaan, the other eastward, and this latter they understood here, alleging that the other, or southern, was so remote from Mount Gilead, whence Jacob was…
Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 32 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 32:3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.Ver. 3. And Jacob sent messengers.] Means, he knew, was to be used by him, though well assured of safeguard. God must be trusted, not tempted: means must be used, but not trusted. Jacob was "as one that fled from a lion, and a bear met him". Laban, as a lion, had some shamefacedness, saith a Rabbi: Esau, as a bear, had none. Jacob therefore prays, and sends, and submits, and presents him; and all to pacify him. He that meets with a bear, will not strive with him for the wall, but be glad to escape by him. Pirkei R. Eliez., cap. 37.
Read John Trapp on Genesis 32 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersJACOB’S WITH ESAU. (Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 33:16.) (3) Jacob sent messengers.—As Jacob travelled homewards to Hebron the news somehow reached him that Esau, at the head of a large body of retainers, was engaged in an expedition against the Horites. These, as we have seen on Genesis 14:6, were a miserable race of cave-men, utterly unable to cope with Esau and his trained servants. We learn from Genesis 36:6 that Esau’s home was still with Isaac at Hebron, and probably this was a mere marauding expedition, like that against the people of Gath, which a century later cost Ephraim the lives of so many of his sons (1 Chronicles 7:21); but it revealed to Esau the weakness of the in habitants, and…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 32 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. Jacob sent messengers] מלאכים malachim, the same word which is before translated angels. It is very likely that these messengers had been sent some time before he had this vision at Mahanaim, for they appear to have returned while Jacob encamped at the brook Jabbok, where he had the vision of angels; see Genesis 32:6; Genesis 32:23. The land of Seir, the country of Edom.] This land, which was, according to Dr. Wells, situated on the south of the Dead Sea, extending from thence to the Arabian Gulf, 1Kg 9:26, was formerly possessed by the Horites, Genesis 14:6; but Esau with his children drove them out, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead, Deuteronomy 2:22; and thither Esau went…
Read AdamClarke on Genesis 32 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3–12 (J). The Approach of Esau, and Jacob’s Prayer 3. the land of Seir] This name for the country occupied by the Edomites (Genesis 14:6) seems to mean the “shaggy,” or “rough,” “forest-covered” country; see Genesis 33:14; Genesis 33:16, Genesis 36:8. It is applied not only to the mountains on the east of the Arabah desert, but also to the mountain country of the Arabah and the southern borders of Palestine. the field of Edom] The future home of Esau’s descendants is here so called by a not unnatural anachronism. Cf. Genesis 14:7, “the country of the Amalekites”; Genesis 21:34, “the land of the Philistines.” The description of the country by the twofold name “land of Seir” and “field of…
Read Cambridge on Genesis 32 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible3. Sent messengers — To conciliate his brother, open the way for a friendly meeting, and discover the spirit and circumstances of Esau.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 32 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Jacob sent messengers on ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the region of Edom.
Tyndale line
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, to the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Then Iaakob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, vnto the land of Seir into the countrey of Edom:
Strictly literal
And Jacob sent messengers before his face to Esau his brother, into the land of Seir, the fields of Edom.
And Jacob sendeth messengers before him unto Esau his brother, towards the land of Seir, the field of Edom,
And Jacob sends messengers before him to his brother Esau, toward the land of Seir, the field of Edom,
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
Jacob sent messengers on ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, in the region of Edom.
From the Latin
And he sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir to the country of Edom:
Simplified
He sent messengers on ahead to meet his brother Esau who was living in the region of Seir in the country of Edom.
Now Jacob sent servants before him to Esau, his brother, in the land of Seir, the country of Edom;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word. The Septuagint matches 10 of the 11 words from the Hebrew text, indicating a strong consistency across these ancient witnesses.
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֤ב מַלְאָכִים֙ לְפָנָ֔יו אֶל־ עֵשָׂ֖ו אָחִ֑יו אַ֥רְצָה שֵׂעִ֖יר שְׂדֵ֥ה אֱדֽוֹם׃
10 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ויאמר יעקב כאשׁר ראם מחנה אלהים זה ויקרא שׁם המקום ההוא מחנים
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 32:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.
שָׁלַח 814 vb. send
Qal
send: human subj.
send: subj. י׳ (God)
stretch out, esp. acc. hand
rarely send away: human subj.
let loose
Niph. letters were sent
Pi.
send off, away, human subj.
send away, subj. י׳
give over
cast out
send out, forth
let go, set free
shoot forth branches
let down
shoot
Phrases
Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
Hiph. and I (י׳) will send
base
H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.
. send: subj. י׳ (God)
. stretch out, esp. acc. hand
. rarely send away: human subj.
. let loose
. letters were sent
. . send off, away, human subj.
. . send away, subj. י׳
. give over
. cast out
. send out, forth
. let go, set free
. shoot forth branches
. let down
. shoot
. Phrases
. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
. and I (י׳) will send
7971 shalach shaw-lakh'
a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great
variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the
way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give
(up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose),
push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send
(away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread,
stretch forth (out).
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.
: depart/send
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled
1e) (Hiphil) to send
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.
: let_go/free
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
Hc/Vqw3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
יַעֲקֹב (i.e. *Ya`aqob*) refers to Jacob, a key figure in the Old Testament. The word is derived from a root meaning 'heel-catcher' or 'supplanter.' Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, brother of Esau, and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is also known as Israel, highlighting his significance in biblical history.
יַעֲקֹב 344, יַעֲקוֹב 6 n.pr.m. et gent. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, father of tribes of Isr.
as n.pr.m.
as n.pr.gent.
base
H3290 יַעֲקֹב, יַעֲקוֹב Jacob
3290 Ya`aqob yah-ak-obe'
from 6117; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the
Israelitish patriarch:--Jacob.
see HEBREW for 06117
יַעֲקֹב (ya.a.qov) — Jacob.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26;
son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);
brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A);
father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently
Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478)
§ Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter"
son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Jacob
One who follows on another’s heels; supplanter, (Gen. 25:26; 27:36; Hos. 12:2-4), the second born of the twin sons of Isaac by Rebekah. He was born probably at Lahai-roi, when his father was fifty-nine and Abraham one hundred and fifty-nine years old. Like his father, he was of a quiet and gentle disposition, and when he grew up followed the life of a shepherd, while his brother Esau became an enterprising hunter. His dealing with Esau, however, showed much mean selfishness and cunning (Gen. 25:29-34).
When Isaac was about 160 years of age, Jacob and his mother conspired to deceive the aged patriarch (Gen. 27), with the view of procuring the transfer of the birthright to himself. The birthright secured to him who…
(supplanter), the second son of Isaac and Rebekah. He was born with Esau, probably at the well of Lahai-roi, about B.C. 1837. His history is related in the latter half of the book of Genesis. He bought the birthright from his brother Esau, and afterward acquired the blessing intended for Esau, by practicing a well-known deceit on Isaac. (Jacob did not obtain the blessing because of his deceit, but in spite of it. That which was promised he would have received in some good way; but Jacob and his mother, distrusting God’s promise, sought the promised blessing in a wrong way, and received with it trouble and sorrow. --ED.) Jacob, in his 78th year, was sent from the family home to avoid his brother, and to seek a wife among his kindred in Padan-aram. As he passed through Bethel, God appeared to him. After the lapse of twenty-one years he returned from Padan-aram with two wives, two…
Son of Isaac and Rebekah, and twin-brother to Esau. As at his birth he held his brother’s heel, he was called Jacob, that is, the heelholder, one who comes behind and catches the heel of his adversary, a supplanter, Ge 25:26. This was a king of predictive intimation of his future conduct in life. Jacob was meek and peaceable, living a shepherd life at home. Esau was more turbulent and fierce, and passionately fond of hunting. Isaac was partial to Esau, Rebekah to Jacob. Jacob having taken advantage of his brother’s absence and his father’s infirmity to obtain the blessing of the birthright, or primogeniture, was compelled to fly into Mesopotamia to avoid the consequences of his brother’s wrath, Ge 27:1-28:22. On his journey the Lord appeared to him in a dream, (see LADDER,)…
that supplants, undermines; the heel
מַלְאָךְ (mal'ak) means 'messenger' and can refer to an angel, particularly as a messenger of God. It is derived from a root meaning to dispatch as a deputy and encompasses roles such as ambassador, prophet, and teacher. The term is used in contexts that include divine communication.
מַלְאָךְ 214 n.m. messenger
messenger
angel, as messenger of God
the theophanic angel
base
H4397 מַלְאָךְ messenger . messenger
. angel, as messenger of God
. the theophanic angel
4397 mal'ak mal-awk'
from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a
messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a
prophet, priest or teacher):--ambassador, angel, king,
messenger.
מַלְאָךְ (ma.le.akh) — messenger.
: messenger
1) messenger, representative
1a) messenger
1b) angel
1c) the theophanic angel
מַלְאָךְ (ma.le.akh) — messenger: angel.
: angel
1) messenger, representative
1a) messenger
1b) angel
1c) the theophanic angel
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
HR/Ncmpc/Sp3ms — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
HR — PrepositionHR
עֵשָׂו (Esav) refers to Esau, the hairy eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. He is noted for selling his birthright for food and is considered the progenitor of the Arab peoples. The name is also associated with Edom, and the entries indicate that it derives from a root meaning 'rough' or 'sensibly felt.'
עֵשָׂו 97 n.pr.m. Esau
base
H6215 עֵשָׂו Esau
6215 `Esav ay-sawv'
apparently a form of the passive participle of 6213 in the
original sense of handling; rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav,
a son of Isaac, including his posterity:--Esau.
see HEBREW for 06213
עֵשָׂו (e.sav) — Esau.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25;
son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);
brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258);
father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54;
Also named: e.dom (אֱדוֹם "Edom" H0123H)
§ Esau = "hairy"
eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
עֵשָׂו (e.sav) — Esau.
People descended from Esau = "hairy"
eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
HNpm — Noun proper masculineHNpm
e'-so (`esaw, "hairy"; Esau):
Son of Isaac, twin brother of Jacob. The name was given on account of the hairy covering on his body at birth: "all over like a hairy garment" (Ge 25:25). There was a prenatal foreshadowing of the relation his descendants were to sustain to those of his younger brother, Jacob (Ge 25:23). The moment of his birth also was signalized by a circumstance that betokened the same destiny (Ge 25:26).
The young Esau was fond of the strenuous, daring life of the chase--he became a skillful hunter, "a man of the field" ('ish sadheh). His father warmed toward him rather than toward Jacob, because Esau's hunting expeditions resulted in meats that appealed to the old man's taste (
Esau
Hairy, Rebekah’s first-born twin son (Gen. 25:25). The name of Edom, “red”, was also given to him from his conduct in connection with the red lentil “pottage” for which he sold his birthright (30, 31). The circumstances connected with his birth foreshadowed the enmity which afterwards subsisted between the twin brothers and the nations they founded (25:22, 23, 26). In process of time Jacob, following his natural bent, became a shepherd; while Esau, a “son of the desert,” devoted himself to the perilous and toilsome life of a huntsman. On a certain occasion, on returning from the chase, urged by the cravings of hunger, Esau sold his birthright to his brother, Jacob, who thereby obtained the covenant blessing (Gen. 27:28, 29, 36;
(hairy), the eldest son of Isaac, and twin-brother of Jacob. The singular appearance of the child at his birth originated the name. (Genesis 25:25) Esau’s robust frame and "rough" aspect were the types of a wild and daring nature. He was a thorough Bedouin, a "son of the desert." He was much loved by his father, and was of course his heir, but was induced to sell his birthright to Jacob. Mention of his unhappy marriages may be found in (Genesis 26:34) The next episode in the life of Esau is the loss of his father’s covenant blessing, which Jacob secured through the craft of his mother, and the anger of Esau, who vows vengeance. (Genesis 27:1) ... Later he marries a daughter of Ishmael, (
The son of Isaac, and twin brother of Jacob, Ge 25:1-34. He was the elder of the two, and was therefore legally the heir, but sold his birthright to Jacob. We have an account of his ill-advised marriages, Ge 26:34; of his loss of his father’s chief blessing, and his consequent anger against Jacob, Ge 27:1-46; of their subsequent reconciliation, Ge 32:1-33:20; and of his posterity, Ge 36:1-43. He is also called Edom; and settled in the mountains south of the Dead Sea, extending to the gulf of Akaba, where he became very powerful. This country was called from him the land of Edom, and afterwards IDUMAEA, which see.
אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.
אָח 630 n.m. brother
brother, born of same mother (& father)
indef. = relative
fig. of resemblance
in phr. one … another
base
H251 אָח brother
251 'ach awkh
a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of
literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance
(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.
Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".
see HEBREW for 01
אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.
: male-sibling
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.
: male-relative
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.
: compatriot
1) brother
1a) brother of same parents
1b) half-brother (same father)
1c) relative, kinship, same tribe
1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)
1e) (fig.) of resemblance
HNcmsc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.
אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land
earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
earth, opp. to heaven, sky
earth = inhabitants of earth
land =
country, territory
district, region
trial territory
piece of ground
specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
= inhabitants of land
used even of Shᵉʼôl
ground, surface of ground
soil, as productive
אֶרֶץ in phrases
people of the land
in measurements of distance
the country of the plain, level or plain country
land of the living
end(s) of the earth
pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
base
H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
. earth, opp. to heaven, sky
. earth = inhabitants of earth
. land = . country, territory
. district, region
. trial territory
. piece of ground
. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
. = inhabitants of land
. used even of Shᵉʼôl
. . ground, surface of ground
. soil, as productive
. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land
. in measurements of distance
. the country of the plain, level or plain country
. land of the living
. end(s) of the earth
. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
776 'erets eh'-rets
from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth
(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,
field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.
: country/field
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
1b2) district, region
1b3) tribal territory
1b4) piece of ground
1b5) land of Canaan, Israel
1b6) inhabitants of land
1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
1b8) city (-state)
1c) ground, surface of the earth
1c1) ground
1c2) soil
1d) (in phrases)
1d1) people of the land
1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
1d3) level or plain country
1d4) land of the living
1d5) end(s) of the earth
1e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1e1) lands, countries
1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.
: soil
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
HNcfsc/Sd — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sd
שֵׂעִיר (Se`iyr) refers to a mountainous region in Edom, south of the Dead Sea, and is associated with its early inhabitants, the Horites. The term can mean 'hairy' or 'shaggy' and also denotes a patriarch of the Horites mentioned in Genesis 36:20. The entries collectively emphasize its geographical and genealogical significance.
שֵׂעִיר n.pr. Sē‛ir
terr. land of Edom, S. of Dead Sea
specif. mont. E. of Arabah
gent. = Edom
personif. as m.
mont. in Judah
base
H8165a שֵׂעִיר Sēir H8165b שֵׂעִיר Sēir
8165 Se`iyr say-eer'
formed like 8163; rough; Seir, a mountain of Idumaea and its
aboriginal occupants, also one in Palestine:--Seir.
see HEBREW for 08163
שֵׂעִיר (se.ir) — Seir.
§ Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy"
n pr terr
2) the land of Edom, south of the Dead Sea n pr mont
3) a mountain range in Edom extending from the Dead Sea to the Elanitic Gulf
3a) apparently also called 'Mount Seir' and extending most of the distance of the mountain range itself
4) a mountain in northern Judah lying westward from Kirjath-jearim
שֵׂעִיר (se.ir) — Seir.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.20;
father of: Lotan (H3877), Shobal (H7732), Zibeon (H6649H), Anah (H6034H), Dishon (H1787), Ezer (H0687), Dishan (H1789), Timna (H8555H)
§ Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy"
patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites
שֵׂעִיר (se.ir) — (Mount) Seir.
§ Seir = "hairy" or "shaggy"
patriarch of the Horites, the inhabitants of Edom before the descendants of Esau, the Edomites
HNpl — Noun properHNpl
se'-ir:
(1) (har se'-ir, "Mt. Seir" (Ge 14:6, etc.), 'erets se`-ir (Ge 32:3, etc.); to oros Seeir, ge Seeir): In Ge 32:3 "the land of Seir" is equated with "the field of Edom." The Mount and the Land of Seir are alternative appellations of the mountainous tract which runs along the eastern side of the Arabah, occupied by the descendants of Esau, who succeeded the ancient Horites (Ge 14:6; 36:20), "cave-dwellers," in possession. For a description of the land see EDOM.
(2) (har se`ir; Codex Vaticanus Assar; Codex Alexandrinus Seeir): A landmark on the boundary of Judah (Jos 15:10), not far from Kiriath-jearim and Chesalon.…
Seir
Rough; hairy. (1.) A Horite; one of the “dukes” of Edom (Gen. 36:20-30).
(2.) The name of a mountainous region occupied by the Edomites, extending along the eastern side of the Arabah from the south-eastern extremity of the Dead Sea to near the Akabah, or the eastern branch of the Red Sea. It was originally occupied by the Horites (Gen. 14:6), who were afterwards driven out by the Edomites (Gen. 32:3; 33:14, 16). It was allotted to the descendants of Esau (Deut. 2:4, 22; Josh. 24:4; 2 Chr. 20:10; Isa.…
(hairy, Shaggy), We have both "land of Seir," (Genesis 32:3; 36:50) and "Mount Seir." (Genesis 14:6) It is the original name of the mountain range extending along the east side of the valley of Arabah, from the Dead Sea to the Elanitic, Golf. The Horites appear to have been the chief of the aboriginal inhabitants, (Genesis 36:20) but it was ever afterward the possession of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. The Mount Seir of the: Bible extended much farther south than the modern province, as is shown by the words of (2:1-8) It had the Arabah on the west, vs. 1 and 8; it extended as far south as the head of the Gulf of Akabah, ver. 8; its eastern border ran along the base of the mountain range where the plateau of Arabia…
1. A mountain of Judah, near Kirjath-jearim, Jos 15:10.
2. A Horite, one of the primitive rulers of the country south and southeast of the Dead Sea, Ge 36:20 De 2:12.
3. A mountainous tract lying between the southern extremity of the Dead Sea and the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. Mount Hor formed part of Seir, and is the only part that retains its original name. See IDUMEA.
שָׂדַי (saday) and שָׂדֶה (sadeh) both refer to a field or land, encompassing cultivated areas, open fields, and regions opposed to mountains or seas. The terms can denote specific portions of ground and are associated with wildlife habitats. They derive from a root meaning to spread out, indicating flat, expansive areas.
שָׂדַי n.m. field, land
cultivated field
home of wild beasts
plain, opp. mt.
land, opp. sea
base
שָׂדֶה 819 n.m. id. [u.ak.ab]
(ordinary contr. form)open field, country
definite portion of ground, field, land
land, opp. sea
base
H7704a שָׂדַי field, land . cultivated field
. home of wild beasts
. plain, opp. mt.
. land, opp. sea
H7704b שָׂדֶה id. [7704a] . open field, country
. definite portion of ground, field, land
. land, opp. sea
7704 sadeh saw-deh'
or saday {saw-dah'-ee}; from an unused root meaning to spread
out; a field (as flat):--country, field, ground, land, soil,
X wild.
שָׂדַי (sa.day) — Sirion.
This name means field, land, plain
Another spelling of cher.mon (חֶרְמוֹן "(Mount )Hermon" H2768)
שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: soil.
: soil
1) field, land
1a) open field, country
1b) definite portion of ground, field, land
1c) land (opposed to sea)
שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: country.
: country/field
1) field, land
1a) open field, country
1b) definite portion of ground, field, land
1c) land (opposed to sea)
שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — Field (of the Launderer).
Combined with ka.vas (כָּבַס "Washer's" H3526)
This name means field, land
שָׂדֶה (sa.deh) — land: wildlife.
: wild(animals/plants)
1) field, land
1a) open field, country
1b) definite portion of ground, field, land
1c) land (opposed to sea)
שָׂדַי (sa.day) — field.
1) field, land
1a) cultivated field
1b) of home of wild beasts
1c) plain (opposed to mountain)
1d) land (opposed to sea)
HNcmsc — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אֱדוֹם (Edom) refers to both a person and a region. It is derived from the Hebrew word for 'red' and is associated with Esau, Jacob's brother. The term encompasses the Edomites, descendants of Esau, and the land of Edom, located southeast of Palestine. It is first mentioned in Genesis 25:25.
אֱדוֹם († אֱדֹם Ez 25:11) n.pr.m.
Edom
coll. Edomites, Idumeans as descend. of Esau
land of Edom, Idumaea
base
H123 אֱדוֹם . Edom
. coll. Edomites, Idumeans as descend. of Esau
. land of Edom, Idumaea
123 'Edom ed-ome'
or (fully) oEdowm {ed-ome'}; from 122; red (see Gen. 25:25);
Edom, the elder twin-brother of Jacob; hence the region
(Idumaea) occupied by him:--Edom, Edomites, Idumea.
see HEBREW for 0122
אֱדוֹם (e.dom) — Edom.
Edom = "red"
land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
אֱדוֹם (e.dom) — Edom.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25;
son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259);
brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258);
father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54;
Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G)
§ Edom = "red"
1) Edom
2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau
3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
HNpm — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Edom
(1.) The name of Esau (q.v.), Gen. 25:30, “Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage [Heb. haadom, haadom, i.e., ‘the red pottage, the red pottage’] ...Therefore was his name called Edom”, i.e., Red.
(2.) Idumea (Isa. 34:5, 6; Ezek. 35:15). “The field of Edom” (Gen. 32:3), “the land of Edom” (Gen. 36:16), was mountainous (Obad. 1:8, 9, 19, 21). It was called the land, or “the mountain of Seir,” the rough hills on the east side of the Arabah. It extended from the head of the Gulf of Akabah, the Elanitic gulf, to the foot of the Dead Sea (
Red, a name of Esau, Isaac’s eldest son, appropriate on account of his natural complexion, but given, it would seem, from the current name of food for which he sold his birthright-"that same red," Ge 25:25,30. See ESAU and IDUMEA.
red, earthy; of blood
→ (Signifies red)
1. A name of Esau, possibly on account of his being covered with red hair Ge 25:25,30; 36:1,8,19
2. A name of the land occupied by the descendants of Esau
It extended from the Elanitic Gulf to the Red Sea, and was also called IDUMEA Ge 32:3; 36:16,17,21; Jer 40:11
Noted for its wise men Ob 1:8
Sins of Ob 1:10-14
Prophecies concerning Jer 25:21-23; 27:1-11; Da 11:41
See EDOMITES
FIGURATIVE of the foes of Zion Isa 63:1