Genesis 49:5 — Word Study
WLCשִׁמְע֥וֹן וְלֵוִ֖י אַחִ֑ים כְּלֵ֥י חָמָ֖ס מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
BSASimeonShimʻôwn [Shimeon, the second son of Jacob] and LeviLêvîy [a son of Jacob and Leah] are brothersʼâch [male siblings, close relatives] their swordsmᵉkêrâh△ [instruments of war, devices for fighting] are weaponskᵉlîy [articles, utensils] of violencechâmâç [cruelty, injustice, chaos]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| שִׁמְע֥וֹן | Simeon | Noun proper masculine |
| וְלֵוִ֖י | and Levi | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| אַחִ֑ים | [are] brothers | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| כְּלֵ֥י | [are] weapons of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| חָמָ֖ס | violence | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ | swords their | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. |
| KJV | ¶ Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. |
| ASV | Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords. |
| YLT | Simeon and Levi [are] brethren! Instruments of violence — their espousals! |
| WEB | “Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence. |
| BBE | Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs. |
Where they part company is כְּלֵי — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by a descriptive phrase, emphasizing the relationship and the nature of their swords.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
1 of 6 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.
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 49:5
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's Blessing to His Sonsgenerated
Genesis 49:5 describes Jacob's words about his sons Simeon and Levi, noting their close relationship as brothers and their violent tendencies. This passage is part of Jacob's blessings, where he reflects on the character and actions of each of his sons, providing insight into their future roles within the tribes of Israel.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 29:33–34 | Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. |
| 2 | Genesis 34:25–31 | Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:10–11 | The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:9 | Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys. |
| 5 | Genesis 34:25–29 | Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שִׁמְע֥וֹן, shim.'ongenerated
The name שִׁמְעוֹן (shim'on) refers to Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. The name is derived from a root meaning 'to hear' and emphasizes the idea of being heard or listened to. In this context, it highlights his identity and familial connections.
Simeon is also the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon, which plays a significant role in the history of Israel. His actions, as noted in this verse, reveal a violent nature that is echoed in the characteristics of his descendants.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term weapons of violence.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is implied, with the structure focusing on the subjects: שִׁמְע֥וֹן and וְלֵוִ֖י as brothers. The sentence structure emphasizes their relationship and the description of their swords as instruments of violence.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the brothers first, followed by their swords, which highlights their identity before their violent actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שִׁמְע֥וֹן as συμεων, maintaining the identification of Simeon. This choice reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew, emphasizing continuity in the names.
The term for violence in the Septuagint is ἀδικίαν, which carries connotations of injustice, aligning with the Hebrew understanding of חָמָס.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 49:5 states that Simeon and Levi are brothers, and their swords are described as weapons of violence. This verse is part of Jacob's blessings to his sons, reflecting on their actions and character.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The swords symbolize the violent nature of Simeon and Levi, indicating their propensity for aggression.
They are both sons of Jacob and Leah, highlighting their close familial relationship.
Jacob's blessings provide insight into the future roles and characteristics of his sons and their tribes.
The actions of Simeon and Levi, as noted here, set a precedent for the behavior of their descendants within the tribes of Israel.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some examples of violence in our world today, and how can we respond to it?
- How can the relationship between Simeon and Levi inform our understanding of family dynamics?
- In what ways can we learn from the mistakes of Simeon and Levi to avoid similar paths?
- How does Jacob's blessing reflect the importance of character in our lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers like Hippolytus of Rome reference this verse to discuss the implications of Simeon and Levi's actions and their consequences.
This he says regarding the conspiracy into which they were to enter against the Lord. And that he means this conspiracy, is evident to us. For the blessed David sings, Rulers have taken counsel together against the Lord, and so forth.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 49 →
Since from Simeon sprang the scribes, and from Levi the priests. For the scribes and priests fulfilled iniquity of their own choice, and with one mind they slew the Lord.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 49 →
This he says regarding the conspiracy into which they were to enter against the Lord. And that he means this conspiracy, is evident to us. For the blessed David sings, “Rulers have taken counsel together against the Lord,” and so forth.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 49 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 49:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSimeon and Levi are brothers,.... Not because they were so in a natural sense, being brethren both by father and mother's side, for there were others so besides them; but because they were of like
Read John Gill on Genesis 49 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySimeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. Simeon and Levi are brethren - i:e., united by similar dispositions as by blood relationship. Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 49 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSimeon and Levi are brethren; not only by nature, but in iniquity; of like cruel and bloody disposition, confederate in the same wicked design, . So the word brother is elsewhere used, for him that agrees much with another in his temper, or employment, or designs, as , &c. Their bloody swords are yet in their dwellings, to bear witness against them for their barbarous cruelty. But these words may be, and are by some both ancient and later interpreters, rendered otherwise. For the Hebrew word mecheroth, here rendered habitations, is never so used, nor indeed is found elsewhere in Scripture. Nor doth that signification agree with the Hebrew root from whence this comes, which is machar, and…
Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 49 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 49:5 Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.Ver. 5. Simeon and Levi are brethren.] Nobile par fratrum not more in nature than in iniquity. Here Moses blancheth not over the blemishes of his progenitors, but wrote as he was inspired by the impartial Spirit of truth. If it could be said of Suetonius, that in writing the lives of the twelve Caesars, he took the same liberty to set down their faults that they took to commit them; how much more truly may this be said of the holy penmen, they spared not themselves, much less their friends. See my "True Treasure," page 21. Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.] Or, Are their swords.…
Read John Trapp on Genesis 49 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) Simeon and Levi are brethren.—That is, they are alike in character and disposition. Despising the feeble Reuben, they seem to have been close friends and allies, and probably tried to exercise a tyrannical authority over their younger brethren, Judah being the only one near them in age. Their habitations.—This translation is universally abandoned, but there is much difference of opinion as to the real meaning of the word. The most probable explanation is that given by Jerome and Rashi, who render it swords. Apparently it is the Greek word machaera, a knife; and as neither the Hebrews nor the Canaanites were metallurgists, such articles·were imported by merchants from Ionia. Long before…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 49 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible5. Simeon and Levi, brethren: They have accomplished their fraudulent purposes. 6. Into their secret council my soul did not come; In their confederacy my honour was not united: For in their anger they slew a man, (איש ish, a noble,) And in their pleasure they murdered a prince. 7. Cursed was their anger, for it was fierce! And their excessive wrath, for it was inflexible! I will divide them out in Jacob, And I will disperse them in Israel. Verse 5. Simeon and Levi are brethren] Not only springing from the same parents, but they have the same kind or disposition, head-strong, deceitful, vindictive, and cruel. They have accomplished, c.] Our margin has it, Their swords are weapons of…
Read AdamClarke on Genesis 49 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. Simeon and Levi] These two brothers were associated in the massacre of the Shechemites, to which reference is possibly here made in language of indignation. (See ch. Genesis 34:25; Genesis 34:30.) swords] The Hebrew word (m’khκrβh) occurs only here. Its similarity in sound to the Greek μάχαιρα, “a sword,” has suggested the English rendering. If it be rightly derived from a root meaning “to dig,” possibly the traditional rendering denoting “a weapon” is correct. The R.V. marg., compacts, gives another conjecture. Driver (Add. xl.) says the word “must come from karar, prob. to turn round; hence Dillm. suggests a curved knife, or sabre.” The obscurity accounts for the following variant…
Read Cambridge on Genesis 49 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible5. Simeon and Levi are named together, because they were brothers in the twofold sense of being sons of the same mother, and so much alike in disposition and character.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 49 →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
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.
“Simeon and Levi are brothers. Their swords are weapons of violence.
Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.
Simeon and Levi are brothers, weapons of violence are their knives!
Tyndale line
¶ Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords.
Simeon and Levi are brethren; Weapons of violence are their swords.
Simeon and Levi are brethren: instruments of cruelty are in, their habitations.
Simeon and Leui, brethren in euill, the instruments of crueltie are in their habitations.
Strictly literal
Simeon and Levi are brethren: Instruments of violence their swords.
Simeon and Levi [are] brethren! Instruments of violence — their espousals!
Simeon and Levi [are] brothers! Instruments of violence—their espousals!
Simeon and Levi are brethren; weapons of violence are their swords.
Simeon and Levi are brothers. Weapons of violence are their swords.
From the Latin
Simeon and Levi brethren: vessels of iniquity, waging war.
Simplified
Simeon and Levi are two of the same kind—they use their weapons for destructive violence.
Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.
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 Septuagint, which matches five of the six words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly with the word כלו instead of the expected term, indicating a variation in the text. The Dead Sea Scrolls show significant restoration, with some words supplied by an editor.
שִׁמְע֥וֹן וְלֵוִ֖י אַחִ֑ים כְּלֵ֥י חָמָ֖ס מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶֽם׃
5 of the 6 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.
שׁמעון ולוי אחים כלו חמס מכרתיהם
1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: כלו (be complete)
[שמעון] [ולוי] [אחים] כלי [חמס] [מכרתי׳הם]
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.
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 49:5
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.
שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim`own) refers to Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah, and the name of the tribe descended from him. The entries highlight his familial connections and mention a post-exilic Israelite with a foreign wife. The name is associated with the meaning 'heard,' derived from the root for hearing.
שִׁמְעוֹן 44 n.pr.m.
second son of Jacob and Leah
tribal name
post-ex. Jew with foreign wife
base
H8095 שִׁמְעוֹן . second son of Jacob and Leah
. tribal name
. post-ex. Jew with foreign wife
8095 Shim`own shim-one'
from 8085; hearing; Shimon, one of Jacob's sons, also the
tribe descended from him:--Simeon.
see HEBREW for 08085
שִׁמְעוֹן (shim.on) — Simeon.
A man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.33;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);
brother of: Reuben (H7205), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Canaanite_woman (H3669);
father of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199), Zerah (H2226L) and Shaul (H7586H)
§ Simeon or Shimeon = "heard"
1) the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon
2) an Israelite of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
שִׁמְעוֹן (shim.on) — Shimeon.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31
§ Simeon or Shimeon = "heard"
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Simeon
Hearing. (1.) The second son of Jacob by Leah (Gen. 29:33). He was associated with Levi in the terrible act of vengeance against Hamor and the Shechemites (34:25, 26). He was detained by Joseph in Egypt as a hostage (42:24). His father, when dying, pronounced a malediction against him (49:5-7). The words in the Authorized Version (49:6), “they digged down a wall,” ought to be, as correctly rendered in the Revised Version, “they houghed an ox.”
(2.) An aged saint who visited the temple when Jesus was being presented before the Lord, and uttered lofty words of thankgiving and of prophecy (Luke 2:29-35).
(3.) One of the ancestors of Joseph (Luke 3:30).
(heard). The second of Jacob’s son by Leah. His birth is recorded in (Genesis 29:33) The first group of Jacob’s children consists, besides Simeon, of the three other sons of Leah --Reuben, Levi, Judah. Besides the massacre of Shechem, (Genesis 34:25) the only personal incident related of Simeon is the fact of his being selected by Joseph as the hostage for the appearance of Benjamin. (Genesis 42:19,24,36; 43:23) The chief families of the tribe of Simeon are mentioned int he lists of (Genesis 46:10) At the census of Sinai Simeon numbered 59,300 fighting men. (Numbers 1:23) When the second census was taken, at Shittim…
1. One of the twelve patriarches, the son of Jacob and Leah, Ge 29:33 Ex 6:15. Some have thought he was more guilty than his brethren in the treatment of Joseph, Ge 37:20 42:24 43:23; but he may have been detained as a hostage because he was one of the eldest sons. The tribes of Simeon and Levi were scattered and dispersed in Israel, in conformity with the prediction of Jacob, on account of their sacrilegious and piratical revenge of the outrage committed against Dinah their sister, Ge 34:1-31 49:5. Levi had no compact lot or portion in the Holy Land; and Simeon received for his portion only a district dismembered from Judah, with some other lands the tribe overran in the…
that hears or obeys; that is heard
לֵוִי (Levi) refers to a man from the tribe of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The name means 'attached' or 'joined to.' He is the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari, and is first mentioned in Genesis 29:34. The entries indicate his significance as the progenitor of the Levites.
לֵוִי n.pr.m. Levi
base
H3878 לֵוִי Levi
3878 Leviy lay-vee'
from 3867; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob:--Levi. See also
3879, 3881.
see HEBREW for 03867
see HEBREW for 03879
see HEBREW for 03881
לֵוִי (le.vi) — Levi.
A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812);
brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144);
father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115)
§ Levi = "joined to"
the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Levi
Adhesion. (1.) The third son of Jacob by Leah. The origin of the name is found in Leah’s words (Gen. 29:34), “This time will my husband be joined [Heb. yillaveh] unto me.” He is mentioned as taking a prominent part in avenging his sister Dinah (Gen. 34:25-31). He and his three sons went down with Jacob (46:11) into Egypt, where he died at the age of one hundred and thirty-seven years (Ex. 6:16).
(joined). The name of the third son of Jacob by his wife Leah. (B.C. about 1753.) The name, derived from lavah , "to adhere," gave utterance to the hope of the mother that the affections of her husband, which had hitherto rested on the favored Rachel, would at last be drawn to her: "This time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have borne him three sons." (Genesis 29:34) Levi, with his brother Simeon, avenged with a cruel slaughter the outrage of their sister Dinah. [DINAH] Levi, with his three sons, Gershon, Kohath and Merari, went down to Egypt with his father Jacob. (Genesis 47:11) When Jacob’s death draws near, and the sons are gathered round him, Levi and Simeon hear the old crime brought up again to receive its sentence. They no less than Reuben, the incestuous…
1. The third son of Jacob and Leah, born in Mesopotamia; and father of three sons, and of Jochebed the mother of Moses, Ge 29:34 Ex 6:16-20. For his share in the treacherous massacre of the Shechemites, Ge 34:1-31, his father at death foreboded evil to his posterity, Ge 49:5-7; but as they afterwards stood forth on the Lord’s side, Moses was charged to bless them, Ex 32:26-29 De 33:8-11. The tribe of Levi was, according to Jacob’s prediction, scattered over all Israel, having no share in the cities in the portions of other tribes. All the tithes, first fruits, and…
associated with him
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
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.
כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel
base
H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel
3627 kliy kel-ee'
from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an
implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour
((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,
instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that
which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,
vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.
see HEBREW for 03615
כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.
1) article, vessel, implement, utensil
1a) article, object (general)
1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
1b1) implement (of hunting or war)
1b2) implement (of music)
1b3) implement, tool (of labour)
1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)
1b5) utensils, furniture
1c) vessel, receptacle (general)
1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
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…
חָמָס (chamac) refers to concepts of violence and wrongdoing. It encompasses terms like cruelty, injustice, and unjust gain. The word is built from a root that implies violent actions or dealings. The entries consistently highlight its negative connotations without significant disagreement.
חָמָס n.m. violence, wrong
base
H2555 חָמָס violence, wrong
2555 chamac khaw-mawce'
from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust
gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor,
unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing),
wrong.
see HEBREW for 02554
חָמָס (cha.mas) — violence.
violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
מְכֵרָה (mekerah) likely refers to a type of weapon, possibly a sword, though its exact meaning is uncertain. It appears in the plural form in Genesis 49:5. The word may be related to the concept of stabbing, as suggested by its connection to another Hebrew term.
[מְכֵרָה] n.[f.] prob. the name of a weapon, only pl. Gn 49:5
ref
H4380 [מְכֵרָה] prob. the name of a weapon
4380 mkerah mek-ay-raw'
probably from the same as 3564 in the sense of stabbing; a
sword:--habitation.
see HEBREW for 03564
מְכֵרָה (me.khe.rah) — sword.
1) swords, weapons, devices
1a) meaning uncertain
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp3mp