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Habakkuk 1:3 — Word Study

Depth

WLCלָ֣מָּה תַרְאֵ֤נִי אָ֙וֶן֙ וְעָמָ֣ל תַּבִּ֔יט וְשֹׁ֥ד וְחָמָ֖ס לְנֶגְדִּ֑י וַיְהִ֧י רִ֦יב וּמָד֖וֹן יִשָּֽׂא׃

BSAWhymâh do You make me seerâʼâh [reveal to my eyes, cause me to behold] iniquityʼâven [evil, wickedness, trouble] Why do You toleratenâbaṭ [allow, permit] wrongdoingʻâmâl [perverseness, injustice] Destructionshôd [desolation, spoiling] and violencechâmâç [cruelty, injustice] [are] before meneged [in front of, visible to] Striferîyb [dispute, quarrel] is ongoinghâyâh [continual, persistent] and conflictmâdôwn [contention, argument] aboundsnâsâʼ [rises up, multiplies]

Word
Listen & take awayHabakkuk 1
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (yi.Sa') — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Habakkuk 1:3quick helps
In a sentenceHabakkuk questions God about the presence of evil and violence in the world.
Who is speakingThe prophet Habakkuk, expressing his distress to God.
Where we areIn a lament where Habakkuk voices his concerns about injustice.
The hard wordאָ֙וֶן
Take awayThe prophet feels overwhelmed by ongoing strife and injustice.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectרִיב verbנָבַט The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 — Habakkuk 1:3

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 — Habakkuk's Lamentgenerated

2How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?
3Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds.
4Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
5“Look at the nations and observe— be utterly astounded! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe even if someone told you.

Habakkuk 1:3 reveals a deep frustration from the prophet regarding the apparent triumph of wickedness and the suffering of the righteous. Habakkuk's cry is not just for personal relief but reflects a broader concern for justice and the moral state of his people. This lament is situated within a larger dialogue with God, where the prophet seeks understanding amidst chaos, as seen in the preceding verse Habakkuk 1:2 and the following verses that continue to explore themes of justice and divine response.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 12:1–2Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
2Psalm 55:9–11O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
3Psalm 73:3–9For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4Psalm 120:5–6Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
5Ecclesiastes 4:1Again I looked, and I considered all the oppression taking place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, and they had no comforter; the power lay in the hands of their oppressors, and there was no comforter.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.Psalm 12:1–2 Psalm 55:9–11 Psalm 73:3–9 Psalm 120:5–6 Ecclesiastes 4:1 Ecclesiastes 5:8 Jeremiah 9:2–6 Ezekiel 2:6 Micah 7:1–4 Matthew 10:16 2 Peter 2:8

The Key Word אָ֙וֶן, 'a.vengenerated

The word אָ֙וֶן ('a.ven) refers to wickedness or iniquity, often associated with moral failure or idolatry. It encapsulates a sense of wrongdoing and trouble, indicating a strong ethical dimension in its usage.

In this verse, Habakkuk uses אָ֙וֶן to express his distress over the evil he perceives around him. The use of this term underscores the severity of the situation he is witnessing, reinforcing his plea for God to address the injustice.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses iniquity for אָ֙וֶן, a choice that aligns with the moral implications of the term.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb תַרְאֵ֤נִי (tar.'E.ni), meaning 'do you make me see', governs the main clause, with several phrases detailing what is being seen: wickedness, mischief, and the ongoing strife.

The structure of the verse emphasizes the prophet's direct address to God, highlighting his emotional turmoil and the weight of the injustices he observes.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אָ֙וֶן as κόπους, which suggests a focus on the labor or toil associated with wickedness, possibly indicating the burdens it brings.

This choice reflects a nuanced interpretation of the Hebrew term, emphasizing the consequences of iniquity rather than merely its presence.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Habakkuk 1:3 expresses the prophet's frustration with God about the presence of evil and injustice. He asks why God allows him to see such wickedness and why there is ongoing strife and conflict around him. This lament highlights the prophet's deep concern for justice and the moral state of his people.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Habakkuk mean by asking why he sees iniquity?

Habakkuk is expressing his distress over the visible presence of evil and wrongdoing in his society, questioning God's allowance of such conditions.

Why does Habakkuk mention strife and conflict?

He highlights these issues to illustrate the pervasive nature of injustice and the turmoil that surrounds him, seeking understanding from God.

What is the significance of the term אָ֙וֶן in this context?

This term underscores the moral decay and wrongdoing that Habakkuk perceives, emphasizing the severity of the situation he is lamenting.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Habakkuk?

This lament sets the stage for a dialogue with God about justice and the prophet's struggle to reconcile faith with the reality of evil in the world.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What injustices do I see in my own life or community that cause me to question God?
  2. How can I express my frustrations to God like Habakkuk did?
  3. In what ways do I see God's justice at work, even amidst apparent evil?
  4. How can I support others who are struggling with similar questions about injustice?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Jerome interprets this verse, noting the power of judgment and the perversion of justice in the face of wickedness.

JeromeVer. 3, 4. c. 347–420
And judgment and contradiction become more powerful: therefore the law is torn apart and judgment does not reach its end: because the wicked prevail against the just, therefore a perverse judgment proceeds.
Early Church Fathers on Habakkuk 1 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Habakkuk 1:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance?.... That is, wicked men, and such as give a great deal of trouble vexation, and grief to others, by their rapine and oppression;

Read John Gill on Habakkuk 1 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! O Lord, how long shall I cry ... even cry out unto thee of violence ... Why dost thou show me iniquity?

Read Robert Jamieson on Habakkuk 1 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Why dost thou show me? it is a most unpleasing sight, and that which troubles me and every good man, to see unjust and injurious men without control, and unpunished, to act their iniquity; and yet, O God, thou not only permittest it to be done, but to be done in sight, and to the grief of thy servants: thus God showeth it, and it is not without just cause, though the cause be hidden. Iniquity; men of iniquity and vanity, unrighteous toward men, and vain in their thoughts and practices of religion toward God. And cause me to behold: this explains the former. Grievance: so it is in regard of the effect it hath upon beholders, and such as suffer by this iniquity; it is grief and sorrow to…

Read Matthew Poole on Habakkuk 1 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Habakkuk 1:3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.Ver. 3. Why dost thou show me iniquity? &c.] These were Hazaels to Habakkuk’ s eyes, he could not see them with dry eyes, he could not but vex his righteous soul from day to day, as Lot did at Sodom, with their unlawful deeds, 2 Peter 2:8, privately committed (as here in their common commerce), and publicly, as in the next words, in courts and consistories; for all was out of order. And cause me to behold grievance] Molestation and mischief done to those that would live peaceably in the land, to the poor that are…

Read John Trapp on Habakkuk 1 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(3) Why dost thou shew me iniquity? . . .—Better, Why dost thou show me distress and look upon grievance; oppression and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention exalts itself.” The question, “Why dost thou . . . look upon grievance?” is illustrated by Habakkuk 1:13, “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil.” Grievance, or “trouble wilfully caused.” Heb. âmâl, associated again with âven, a term of similar import, in Psalms 10:7; Psalms 55:11.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Habakkuk 1 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 3. And cause me to behold grievance] עמל amal, labour, toil, distress, misery, &c., the common fruits of sin.

Read AdamClarke on Habakkuk 1 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. shew me iniquity] cause me to see iniquity. God by His interposition might have checked the iniquity; by His refraining the continuance of it is virtually due to Him. One thing pains the prophet—that he has to behold iniquity; and another perplexes him—that God, the Righteous One, brings him into such a trial, or leaves him in it. The Hebrew mind was the more profoundly agitated by the moral anomalies in the world, because it could not help ascribing them directly to God, Who was the immediate cause of all things. The feeling is often expressed in Job, e.g. Job 23:16-17. The term “iniquity” is used both of physical evil, “affliction” (Jeremiah 4:14; Job 5:6), and moral evil…

Read Cambridge on Habakkuk 1 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Why dost Thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold - , or rather, “Why beholdest Thou grievance?” God seemed to reverse what He had said by Balaam Numbers 23:21, “He hath not beheld iniquity in

Read Albert Barnes on Habakkuk 1 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Why do You make me see iniquity? Why do You tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict abounds.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Why do you force me to witness injustice? Why do you put up with wrongdoing? Destruction and violence confront me; conflict is present and one must endure strife.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there is strife, and contention riseth up.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for devastation and violence are before me: and there are that raise strife and contention.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Why doest thou shewe mee iniquitie, and cause me to beholde sorowe? for spoyling, and violence are before me: and there are that rayse vp strife and contention.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Why dost thou cause me to see iniquity, and lookest thou upon grievance? For spoiling and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Why dost Thou shew me iniquity, And perversity dost cause to behold? And spoiling and violence [are] before me, And there is strife, and contention doth lift [itself] up,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Why do You show me iniquity, || And cause [me] to behold perversity? And spoiling and violence [are] before me, || And there is strife, and contention lifts [itself] up,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Why wilt thou let me see wickedness, and wilt look on trouble, and the robbery and violence [that are] before me: while there is strife, and contention lifteth up [its head]?

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Why do you make me see iniquity and look upon wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention rises up.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Why hast thou shewn me iniquity and grievance, to see rapine and injustice before me? and there is a judgment, but opposition is more powerful.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Why do you force me to see this wickedness and suffering? Why do you just observe such destruction and violence? Arguments and fighting happen right in front of me!

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Why do you make me see evil-doing, and why are my eyes fixed on wrong? for wasting and violent acts are before me: and there is fighting and bitter argument.

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.

clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָ֣מָּהwhy?verbתַרְאֵ֤doobjectנִיyou.make.me.seesecond objectאָ֨וֶן֙wickednessוְandclauseobjectעָמָ֣לmischiefverbתַּבִּ֔יטdo.you.look.at?וְandclausenoun phrase · subjectשֹׁ֥דdevastationוְandחָמָ֖סviolenceprepositional phrase · predicateprepositional phraseלְ[are].toנֶגְדִּ֑beforeיmeוַandclauseverbיְהִ֧יit.has.beensubjectרִ֦יבstrifeוּandclausesubjectמָד֖וֹןcontentionverbיִשָּֽׂאit.arises

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely, with 12 of the 12 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment shows partial agreement, with some words restored by an editor, indicating a high degree of textual consistency.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

לָ֣מָּה תַרְאֵ֤נִי אָ֙וֶן֙ וְעָמָ֣ל תַּבִּ֔יט וְשֹׁ֥ד וְחָמָ֖ס לְנֶגְדִּ֑י וַיְהִ֧י רִ֦יב וּמָד֖וֹן יִשָּֽׂא׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לָ֣מָּהτίתַרְאֵ֤נִיμοιאָ֙וֶן֙κόπουςוְעָמָ֣לπόνουςתַּבִּ֔יטἐπιβλέπεινוְשֹׁ֥דταλαιπωρίανוְחָמָ֖סἀσέβειανלְנֶגְדִּ֑יμουוַיְהִ֧יγέγονενרִ֦יבκρίσιςוּמָד֖וֹןκαὶיִשָּֽׂא׃λαμβάνει

12 of the 12 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — Mur88a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

און ועמל תביט [ושד] וחמס לנגד׳י [ויהי] ריב [ומדון] [ישא]

10 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 4 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.

Habakkuk 1:3מָהwhy?why?מָהרָאָהdo you makedo you make seeרָאָהאָ֫וֶןwickednesswickednessאָ֫וֶןעָמָלand mischieand mischiefעָמָלנָבַטdo you lookdo you look at?נָבַטשֹׁדand devastaand devastationשֹׁדחָמָסand violencand violenceחָמָסנֶ֫גֶד[are] to be[are] to beforeנֶ֫גֶדהָיָהand it has and it has beenהָיָהרִיבstrifestrifeרִיבמָדוֹןand contentand contentionמָדוֹןנָשָׂאit arisesit arisesנָשָׂאעָמַלto toilto toilעָמַלרִיבto contendto contendרִיבשָׁדַדto wasteto wasteשָׁדַדחָמַסto injureto injureחָמַסנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדדִּיןto judgeto judgeדִּיןאַ֫יִןnothingnothingאַ֫יִןהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאאֵבfruitfruitאֵבאָבַדto perishto perishאָבַדפָּעַלto workto workפָּעַלעָמָלtroubletroubleעָמָלכָּ֫כָהthusthusכָּ֫כָהעֳנִיafflictionafflictionעֳנִינָבַטto lookto lookנָבַטאָ֫וֶןevil: wickevil: wickednesאָ֫וֶןשָׁמַיheavenheavenשָׁמַיחָמָסviolenceviolenceחָמָס
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Habakkuk 1:3

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.

why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
לָ֣מָּהLa.mah why? H4100 Preposition · pronoun
753× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Tyndale gloss
what?
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught

interrog. what?

Used adverbially

Indef. pron.

With preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?

. Used adverbially

. Indef. pron.

. With preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4100 mah maw

or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a

primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including

how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including

how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even

relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various

adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-

soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),

whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָה (mah) — what?.

interr pron

1) what, how, of what kind

1a) (interrogative)

1a1) what?

1a2) of what kind

1a3) what? (rhetorical)

1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what

1b) (adverb)

1b1) how, how now

1b2) why

1b3) how! (exclamation)

1c) (with prep)

1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?

1c2) because of what?

1c3) the like of what?

1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?

1c3b) for how long?

1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?

1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?

indef pron

2) anything, aught, what may

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Part — Preposition · pronoun
HR/Pi
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
תַרְאֵ֤נִיtar.'E.ni do you make see me H7200 Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
1,300× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Amplified meaning
reveal to my eyes, cause me to behold
Tyndale gloss
Provider
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָאָה 1315 vb. see

Qal 1141

see, subj.

see, c. acc. rei

see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design

see, so as to learn to know

abs. see, have (power of) vision

see = perceive

look at, see, by direct volition

of mental observation

c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

see, c. acc. rei

Niph.

appear

be seen

be visible

Pu. appar. his bones are not detected

Hithp. recipr. look at each other

Hiph.

cause one to see something, shew

cause to experience something

cause to look intently at, to behold

Hoph.

be caused to see, be shewn

be exhibited to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.

. see, c. acc. rei

. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design

. see, so as to learn to know

. abs. see, have (power of) vision

. see = perceive

. look at, see, by direct volition

. of mental observation

. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest

. see, c. acc. rei

. . appear

. be seen

. be visible

. appar. his bones are not detected

. recipr. look at each other

. . . cause one to see something, shew

. cause to experience something

. cause to look intently at, to behold

. . be caused to see, be shewn

. be exhibited to

H7200b רְאוּת look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7200 ra'ah raw-aw'

a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in

numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,

intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,

behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have

experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look

(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,

upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,

regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one

another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X

surely, X think, view, visions.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.

: see/show

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at

1a7) to provide, choose

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face

רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.

: examine/consider

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect second person masculine singular · suffix
HVhi2ms/Sp1bs
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
אָ֙וֶן֙'a.ven wickedness H205 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
77× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Amplified meaning
evil, wickedness, trouble
Tyndale gloss
evil: wickedness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָ֫וֶן (aven) encompasses meanings related to trouble, sorrow, and wickedness. It may also refer to idolatry and the concept of vanity or nothingness. The entries suggest a range of negative connotations, including affliction and iniquity, indicating a strong moral or ethical dimension. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָ֫וֶן 85 n.m. trouble, sorrow, wickedness

trouble, sorrow

idolatry

trouble of iniquity, wickedness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H205 אָ֫וֶן trouble, sorrow, wickedness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

205 'aven aw-ven'

from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence,

to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught);

strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness;

specifically an idol:--affliction, evil, false, idol,

iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust,

unrighteous, vain ,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 369.

see HEBREW for 0369

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: wickedness.

1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow

1a) trouble, sorrow

1b) idolatry

1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness

Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)

אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: trouble.

1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow

1a) trouble, sorrow

1b) idolatry

1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wik'-ed-nes:

1. In the Old Testament:

The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…

why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
וְעָמָ֣לve.'a.Mal and mischief H5999 Conjunction · noun common both singular absolute
55× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Amplified meaning
perverseness, injustice
Tyndale gloss
trouble
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָמָל (amal) refers to trouble, labor, or toil. It encompasses a range of meanings including physical and mental effort, as well as sorrow and mischief. The word is built from a root that conveys the idea of wearing effort and can imply grievance or wickedness. It appears in contexts related to suffering and toil.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָמָל n.m. f. trouble, labor, toil

trouble (∥ sorrow): one’s own suffering

trouble, mischief, as done to others

toil, labour (late in Heb.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5999 עָמָל trouble, labor, toil

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5999 `amal aw-mawl'

from 5998; toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. of

body or mind:--grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour,

mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow,

toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness.

see HEBREW for 05998

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָמָל (a.mal) — trouble.

1) toil, trouble, labour

1a) trouble

1b) trouble, mischief

1c) toil, labour

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common both singular absolute
HC/Ncbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mis'-chif: The word, in the sense of "hurt" or "evil" befalling, plotted against, or done to, anyone, represents a variety of Hebrew terms (e.g. 'acon, the King James Version Ge 42:4; 44:29; Ex 21:22; ra`, 1Sa 23:9; 2Sa 16:8; 1Ki 11:25, etc.; `amal, Ps 7:14,16; 10:7,14; Pr 24:2, etc.). Sometimes the Revised Version (British and American) changes the word, as to "evil" (Ex 32:12,22); in Ac 13:10, to…

Thompson Chain Reference topics

1Sa 23:9; Ne 6:2; Job 15:35; Ps 10:7; 36:4; Pr 4:16

Pr 6:14; 24:2; Ac 13:10

\\--SEE Malice (2), CRUELTY

why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
תַּבִּ֔יטta.Bit do you look at? H5027 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person masculine singular
69× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Amplified meaning
allow, permit
Tyndale gloss
to look
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָבַט (nabat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to look or regard. It encompasses various nuances, such as looking intently, considering, and showing favor or care. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical forms, specifically the Piel and Hiphil stems, which emphasize the act of looking or regarding. No significant disagreements among lexicons are noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָבַט] vb. Pi., Hiph. look

Pi. look

Hiph. look

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5027 נָבַט look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5027 nabat naw-bat'

a primitive root; to scan, i.e. look intently at; by

implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care:--(cause

to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָבַט (na.vat) — to look.

1) to look, regard

1a) (Piel) to look

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) tolook

1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider

1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVhi2ms
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
וְשֹׁ֥דve.Shod and devastation H7701 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means violence or destruction, often referring to social sin or ruin, as seen in the desolation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. It is used to describe the devastating effects of war and oppression. This concept is discussed in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Amplified meaning
desolation, spoiling
Tyndale gloss
violence
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֹׁד (shod) refers to concepts of violence and destruction, encompassing havoc, devastation, and ruin. It is derived from a root that suggests oppression and robbery. The term appears in contexts related to social sin and the consequences of violence, as noted in Job 5:21.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֹׁד, שׁוֹד n.m. violence, havoc, devastation, ruin

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7701 שֹׁד, שׁוֹד violence, havoc, devastation, ruin

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7701 shod shode

or showd (Job 5:21) {shode}; from 7736; violence,

ravage:--desolation, destruction, oppression, robbery,

spoil(-ed, -er, - ing), wasting.

see HEBREW for 07736

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֹׁד (shod) — violence.

1) havoc, violence, destruction, devastation, ruin

1a) violence, havoc (as social sin)

1b) devastation, ruin

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
וְחָמָ֖סve.cha.Mas and violence H2555 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
60× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Amplified meaning
cruelty, injustice
Tyndale gloss
violence
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָמָס n.m. violence, wrong

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2555 חָמָס violence, wrong

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָמָס (cha.mas) — violence.

violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
לְנֶגְדִּ֑יle.neg.Di [are] to before me H5048 Preposition · suffix
151× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Amplified meaning
in front of, visible to
Tyndale gloss
before
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֶ֫גֶד (neged) refers to something that is conspicuous or in front, functioning as both a noun and an adverb. It denotes a position opposite or before someone, often used to indicate presence or visibility. The word can imply a counterpart or mate, and it appears in contexts emphasizing sight or proximity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫גֶד 151 subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5048 נֶ֫גֶד subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5048 neged neh'-ghed

from 5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a

counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with

preposition) over against or before:--about, (over) against,

X aloof, X far (off), X from, over, presence, X other side,

sight, X to view.

see HEBREW for 05046

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged) — before.

subst

1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of

adv

2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of

3) in front of oneself, straightforward

4) before your face, in your view or purpose

with prep

5) what is in front of, corresponding to

6) in front of, before

7) in the sight or presence of

8) parallel to

9) over, for

10) in front, opposite

11) at a distance

prep

12) from the front of, away from

13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from

14) from before, in front of

15) as far as the front of

Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Acmsc/Sp1bs
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
וַיְהִ֧יvay.Hi and it has been H1961 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Amplified meaning
continual, persistent
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
רִ֦יבriv strife H7379 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Amplified meaning
dispute, quarrel
Tyndale gloss
strife
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רִיב (riyb) refers to strife or dispute, encompassing personal or legal contests. It can denote adversarial situations, chiding, or legal cases. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to conflict, such as quarrels and controversies, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רִיב 62 n.m. strife, dispute

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7379 רִיב strife, dispute

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7379 riyb reeb

or rib {reeb}; from 7378; a contest (personal or legal):--+

adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy,

multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing),

suit.

see HEBREW for 07378

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רִיב (riv) — strife.

1) strife, controversy, dispute

1a) strife, quarrel

1b) dispute, controversy, case at law

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ge 13:8; 45:24; De 1:12; Ps 31:20; 55:9; 80:6; Pr 3:20; 6:12-14,16-19; 10:12; 13:10; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1,14,19; 18:6,19; 19:13; 20:3; 21:19; 22:10; 23:29,30; 25:8,24; 26:17,20,21; 27:15; 28:25; 29:22; 30:33; Isa 41:11,12; 58:4; Hab 1:3; Mt 5:25,39-41; 10:34-36; 12:25; 18:15-17; Mr 3:24,25; Lu 11:17; 12:51-53,58,59; Ro 2:8

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Christ, an example of avoiding

Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23

- Forbidden

Pr 3:30; 25:8

- A work of the flesh

Ga 5:20

- An evidence of a carnal spirit

1Co 3:3

- Existed in the church

1Co 1:11

- EXCITED BY

. Hatred

Pr 10:12

. Pride

Pr 13:10; 28:25

. Wrath

Pr 15:18; 30:33

. Frowardness

why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
וּמָד֖וֹןu.ma.Don and contention H4066 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Amplified meaning
contention, argument
Tyndale gloss
strife
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָדוֹן (madown) refers to strife or contention, encompassing disputes and quarrels. It can also denote an object of contention. The word is derived from a root meaning to contend and is associated with conflict in various contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָדוֹן n.m. strife, contention

strife, contention

object of contention

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4066 מָדוֹן

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4066 madown maw-dohn'

from 1777; a contest or quarrel:--brawling,

contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare 4079, 4090.

see HEBREW for 01777

see HEBREW for 04079

see HEBREW for 04090

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָדוֹן (ma.don) — strife.

1) strife, contention

1a) strife, contention

1b) object of contention

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ See STRIFE

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
why? do you make see me wickedness and mischief do you look at? and devastation and violence [are] to before me and it has been strife and contention it arises
יִשָּֽׂא׃yi.Sa' it arises H5375 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
656× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Amplified meaning
rises up, multiplies
Tyndale gloss
to lift: raise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָשָׂא (nasa') means to lift, carry, or take, encompassing a wide range of applications both literal and figurative. It can refer to actions like bearing burdens, taking away, or being exalted. The entries indicate various forms and uses, including the ability to lift oneself up or cause others to bear iniquity. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָשָׂא 656 vb. lift, carry, take

Qal

lift, lift up

Bear, carry

Take, take away

Niph.

be lifted up

refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment

be borne, carried

be taken away, carried off

Pi.

lift up = exalt

fig. = desire, long

carry, bear continuously

take, take away

Hithp. lift oneself up

Hiph.

cause one to bear iniquity

appar. cause to bring, have brought

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5375 נָשָׂא lift, carry, take .. lift, lift up

. Bear, carry

. Take, take away

. . be lifted up

. refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment

. be borne, carried

. be taken away, carried off

. . lift up = exalt

. fig. = desire, long

. carry, bear continuously

. take, take away

. lift oneself up

. . cause one to bear iniquity

. appar. cause to bring, have brought

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5375 nasa' naw-saw'

or nacah (Psalm 4 : 6 (7)) {naw-saw'}; a primitive root; to

lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and

figurative, absol. and rel. (as follows):--accept, advance,

arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring

(forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease,

exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further,

give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable (+ man), lade,

lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain,

pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare,

stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.

see HEBREW for 04

see HEBREW for 06

see HEBREW for 07

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: raise.

: raise/take_up

1) to lift, bear up, carry, take

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lift, lift up

1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure

1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted

1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up

1b3) to be borne, be carried

1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist

1c2) to desire, long (fig.)

1c3) to carry, bear continuously

1c4) to take, take away

1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity)

1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: bear.

: look/lift(eyes)

1) to lift, bear up, carry, take

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lift, lift up

1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure

1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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