Habakkuk 1:8 — Word Study
WLCוְקַלּ֨וּ מִנְּמֵרִ֜ים סוּסָ֗יו וְחַדּוּ֙ מִזְּאֵ֣בֵי עֶ֔רֶב וּפָ֖שׁוּ פָּֽרָשָׁ֑יו וּפָֽרָשָׁיו֙ מֵרָח֣וֹק יָבֹ֔אוּ יָעֻ֕פוּ כְּנֶ֖שֶׁר חָ֥שׁ לֶאֱכֽוֹל׃
BSATheir horsesçûwç [faster than leopards, swifter than the wind] are swifterqâlal■ than leopardsnâmêr fiercerchâdad■ [more savage, intensely fierce] than wolveszᵉʼêb [evening wolves, beasts of the night] of the nightʻereb Their horsemenpârâsh [cavalry soldiers, charioteers] charge aheadpûwsh■ and their cavalrypârâsh [horsemen, armed riders] comesbôwʼ▸ from afarrâchôwq [a distant place, far away] They flyʻûwph▸ [soar, hasten] like a vulturenesher [an eagle, a bird of prey] swooping downchûwsh [rushing, hastening] to devourʼâkal [consume, eat ravenously]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְקַלּ֨וּ | and they are swift | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person common plural |
| מִנְּמֵרִ֜ים | more than leopards | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| סוּסָ֗יו | horses its | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וְחַדּוּ֙ | and they are keen | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person common plural |
| מִזְּאֵ֣בֵי | more than wolves of | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| עֶ֔רֶב | [the] evening | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּפָ֖שׁוּ | and they paw [the] ground | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person common plural |
| פָּֽרָשָׁ֑יו | warhorses its | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וּפָֽרָשָׁיו֙ | and horsemen its | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| מֵרָח֣וֹק | from a distance | Preposition |
| יָבֹ֔אוּ | they come | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| יָעֻ֕פוּ | they fly | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| כְּנֶ֖שֶׁר | like an eagle | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| חָ֥שׁ | making haste | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| לֶאֱכֽוֹל׃ | to devour | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. |
| KJV | Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. |
| ASV | Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen press proudly on: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour. |
| YLT | Swifter than leopards have been its horses, And sharper than evening wolves, And increased have its horsemen, Even its horsemen from afar come in, They fly as an eagle, hasting to consume. |
| WEB | Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour. |
| BBE | And their horses are quicker than leopards and their horsemen more cruel than evening wolves; they come from far away, like an eagle in flight rushing on its food. |
Where they part company is in the description of the horsemen — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with several descriptive and comparative phrases, illustrating the characteristics of the enemy.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbקָלַל
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 — Habakkuk 1:8
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 — The Prophecy of Habakkukgenerated
Habakkuk 1:8 presents a vivid description of the Babylonian invaders, comparing their speed and ferocity to that of swift animals. The imagery illustrates the overwhelming nature of the threat faced by Judah, as the prophet conveys the urgency of the situation. This reflects the broader themes of divine judgment and the struggle of the faithful in the face of adversity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 28:49 | The LORD will bring a nation from afar, from the ends of the earth, to swoop down upon you like an eagle—a nation whose language you will not understand, |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:26–28 | He lifts a banner for the distant nations and whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come! |
| 3 | Jeremiah 5:6 | Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. |
| 4 | Zephaniah 3:3 | Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 4:13 | Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined! |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וְקַלּוּ, ve.ka.Lugenerated
The word קָלַל (qalal) means to be swift or light, indicating speed. In this context, it emphasizes the rapid approach of the enemy forces, suggesting they are not only fast but also formidable.
The verb is in the Qal form, which indicates a simple action, and the parsing shows it is a sequential perfect, meaning it describes a completed action in the past. This highlights the immediacy of their swiftness.
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 main verb וְקַלּוּ governs the sentence, describing the horses as swift. The structure includes additional clauses that elaborate on the characteristics of both the horses and the horsemen.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the swiftness of the horses first, followed by the fierceness of the horsemen, which reflects the urgency of the invasion.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וְקַלּוּ as ἐχαλοῦνται, which conveys a sense of being swift or hurried. This choice aligns with the original Hebrew meaning but may imply a slightly different nuance regarding the nature of their swiftness.
The LXX uses παρδάλεις for leopards, indicating a direct correlation with the Hebrew, maintaining the imagery of speed and ferocity.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Habakkuk 1:8 describes the invading forces as swifter than leopards and fiercer than wolves. It emphasizes their speed and ferocity, comparing them to predatory animals. The verse highlights the urgency of the threat faced by Judah during this prophetic vision.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The comparison emphasizes the speed and ferocity of the invading forces, suggesting they are predatory and threatening.
Animal imagery conveys the characteristics of the enemy in a vivid way, illustrating their danger and the urgency of the situation.
The horsemen represent the military might of the invaders, underscoring their organized and aggressive approach to conquest.
This verse reflects themes of divine judgment and the struggle of the faithful, as it portrays the overwhelming threat of the Babylonians against Judah.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I recognize the 'invaders' in my life that threaten my peace or faith?
- What does it mean to be swift in my response to challenges, as described in this verse?
- In what ways can I prepare myself to face overwhelming situations, like the people of Judah?
- How does understanding the fierceness of the enemy help me rely more on God?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Habakkuk 1:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTheir horses also are swifter than the leopards,.... Creatures remarkable for their swiftness: these are creatures born of the mating of a he panther and a lioness, and not of a lion and a she
Read John Gill on Habakkuk 1 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryTheir horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Read Robert Jamieson on Habakkuk 1 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTheir horses also are swifter; they will be sooner upon you than you think, and when once among you, they will be swifter than you can flee from, . Than the leopards; a fierce creature, ravenous as the lion, and much swifter, a watchful and sly beast, from which it is very hard to shift. More fierce, more eager after, and more cruel to the prey, than the evening wolves; which with long fasting in the day, do come out in the evening more fierce on every thing that may be a prey for them: see . Their horsemen; excellent riders, that can manage the speed and fierceness of these horses. Shall spread themselves all over the land, so many shall they be, and so active, and all strong and hale, as…
Read Matthew Poole on Habakkuk 1 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsHabakkuk 1:8 Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle [that] hasteth to eat.Ver. 8. Their horses also are swifter than the leopards] Or panthers, famous for their swiftness; whence the proverb, Panthera velocior (see Plin. i. 10, viii. 17). The horse is so swift in service that the Persians (as Pausanias hath it) dedicated him to their god, the Sun; as the swiftest creature to the swiftest god, ωσπερτοταχιστοντωταχυτατωθεων. See Job 41:20 Proverbs 21:31. And are more fierce than the evening wolves] Heb. More sharp-set, after…
Read John Trapp on Habakkuk 1 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) Are more fierce.—Better, are sharper. This is the literal meaning of the verb. The ideas intended are those of activity and ferocity, both prompted by hunger. The evening wolf coming out of his lair to find prey is elsewhere an illustration of ravenous greediness. (See Zephaniah 3:3 and Psalms 59:7). In Jeremiah 5:6 God’s punishment is likened to “a wolf of the evening,” “a lion out of the forest.” Jeremiah 4:13 “his chariots shall be as a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles,” is similar to Habakkuk 1:8, but it is not necessary to regard it either as its original or its echo. Both passages are to some extent based on 2 Samuel 1:23.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Habakkuk 1 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Their horses also are swifter than the leopards] The Chaldean cavalry are proverbial for swiftness, courage, c. In Jeremiah, Jeremiah 4:13, it is said, speaking of Nebuchadnezzar, "His chariots are as a whirlwind his horses are swifter than eagles." Oppian, speaking of the horses bred about the Euphrates, says, "They are by nature warhorses, and so intrepid that neither the sight nor the roaring of the lion appals them; and, besides, they are astonishingly fleet." The leopard, of all quadrupeds, is allowed to be the swiftest. The evening wolves] The wolf is remarkable for his quick sight. AElian says, Οξυωτεστατονεστιζωον, καιμεντοι, καινυκτοςκαισεληνηςουκουσηςὁδεὁρᾳ; "The wolf…
Read AdamClarke on Habakkuk 1 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. swifter than the leopards] Jeremiah 4:13 says, “his horses are swifter than eagles.” more fierce than the evening wolves] lit. more sharp. Being parallel to “swift” the term “fierce” probably means keen in attack, eager in flinging themselves on the foe. Gesenius quotes Virg. Georg. 3. 264, genus acre luporum, and Æn. 4. 156, acri gaudet equo. The wolf attacks at night when his hunger is keen. For, “evening wolves,” Sept. reads “wolves of Arabia,” supplying different vowels. their horsemen shall spread themselves] and his horsemen bound, or, gallop. The word is used of the springing or bounding of cattle, Malachi 4:2 (Heb. 3:20); Jeremiah 50:11. horsemen shall come from far] his horsemen…
Read Cambridge on Habakkuk 1 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleTheir horses are swifter - literally, lighter, as we say “light of foot” Than leopards - The wild beast intended is the panther, the lightest, swiftest, fiercest, most bloodthirsty of beasts of prey
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
Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour.
Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.
Their horses are faster than leopards and more alert than wolves in the desert. Their horses gallop, their horses come a great distance; like a vulture they swoop down quickly to devour their prey.
Tyndale line
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen press proudly on: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves; and their horsemen spread themselves: yea, their horsemen come from far; they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour.
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.
Their horses also are swifter then the leopards, and are more fierce then the wolues in the euening: and their horsemen are many: and their horsemen shall come from farre: they shall flie as the eagle hasting to meate.
Strictly literal
And their horses are swifter than the leopards, and are more agile than the evening wolves; and their horsemen prance proudly, and their horsemen come from afar: they fly as an eagle that hasteth to devour.
Swifter than leopards have been its horses, And sharper than evening wolves, And increased have its horsemen, Even its horsemen from afar come in, They fly as an eagle, hasting to consume.
His horses have been swifter than leopards, || And sharper than evening wolves, || And his horsemen have increased, || Even his horsemen from afar come in, || They fly as an eagle, hastening to consume.
And swifter than leopards are their horses, and fiercer than the evening wolves; and their horsemen spread themselves abroad: and their horsemen will come from afar; they will fly like the eagle hastening to eat.
Their horses also are swifter than leopards, quicker than the evening wolves. So their horses stamp, and their horsemen come from a great distance—they fly like an eagle hurrying to eat.
From the Latin
Their horses are lighter than leopards, and swifter than evening wolves; and their horsemen shall be spread abroad: for their horsemen shall come from afar, they shall fly as an eagle that maketh haste to eat.
Simplified
Their horses are faster than leopards and fiercer than hungry wolves. Their cavalry charges, racing in from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to eat their prey.
And their horses are quicker than leopards and their horsemen more cruel than evening wolves; they come from far away, like an eagle in flight rushing on its food.
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 and the Septuagint show significant agreement, with 12 of the 15 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align closely with the MT, though some words are partly restored or supplied by an editor.
וְקַלּ֨וּ מִנְּמֵרִ֜ים סוּסָ֗יו וְחַדּוּ֙ מִזְּאֵ֣בֵי עֶ֔רֶב וּפָ֖שׁוּ פָּֽרָשָׁ֑יו וּפָֽרָשָׁיו֙ מֵרָח֣וֹק יָבֹ֔אוּ יָעֻ֕פוּ כְּנֶ֖שֶׁר חָ֥שׁ לֶאֱכֽוֹל׃
12 of the 15 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.
וקלו מנמרים סוסי׳ו וחדו מזאבי [ערב] ופשו פרשי׳ו [ופרשי׳ו] [מרחוק] יבאו יעפו כנשר חש לאכול
10 words on the leather — 2 partly restored, 3 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 Habakkuk 1:8
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 קָלַל (qalal) is a primitive root meaning to be light or trifling, covering a range of senses from being swift to being of little account. It can also mean to curse or treat with contempt. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances such as making light or being lightly esteemed.
[קָלַל] 82 vb. be slight, swift, trifling
Qal
be slight, of water, be abated
be swift
trifling, i.e. of little account
Niph.
shew oneself swift
appear trifling
be lightly esteemed
Pi. curse (prop. make contemptible)
Pu. be cursed
Hiph.
make light, lighten
treat with contempt
Pilp.
shake
(peculiarly) whet
Hithpalp. reflex. of 1: hills shook themselves
base
H7043 קָלַל be slight, swift, trifling .. be slight, of water, be abated
. be swift
. trifling, i.e. of little account
. . shew oneself swift
. appear trifling
. be lightly esteemed
. curse (prop. make contemptible)
. be cursed
. . make light, lighten
. treat with contempt
. . shake
. (peculiarly) whet
. reflex. of 1: hills shook themselves
7043 qalal kaw-lal'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally
(swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling,
vile, etc.):--abate, make bright, bring into contempt,
(ac-)curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make
somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly
afflict, -ly esteem, thing), X slight(-ly), be swift(-er),
(be, be more, make, re-)vile, whet.
קָלַל (qa.lal) — to lighten.
1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water)
1a2) to be swift
1a3) to be trifling, be of little account
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift
1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant
1b3) to be lightly esteemed
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to make despicable
1c2) to curse
1d) (Pual) to be cursed
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to make light, lighten
1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour
1f) (Pilpel)
1f1) to shake
1f2) to whet
1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common pluralHc/Vqq3cp
See SWALLOW.
נָמֵר (namer) means 'leopard' and is derived from a root suggesting the idea of being spotted or stained, akin to the animal's distinctive markings. It has an Aramaic equivalent, נְמַר (ne.mar). The entries consistently identify this word with the leopard without significant disagreement.
נָמֵר n.m. leopard
base
H5246 נָמֵר leopard
5246 namer naw-mare'
from an unused root meaning properly, to filtrate, i.e. be
limpid (comp 5247 and 5249); and thus to spot or stain as if
by dripping; a leopard (from its stripes):--leopard.
see HEBREW for 05247
see HEBREW for 05249
נָמֵר (na.mer) — leopard.
leopard
Aramaic equivalent: ne.mar (נְמַר "leopard" H5245)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHR/Ncmpa
סוּס (sus) refers to both a 'swallow' and a 'horse,' derived from a root meaning to skip or leap. The word captures the swift nature of both the bird and the animal, often associated with chariot horses in the context of the Old Testament. There is a note in the entries about a comparison with another Hebrew word, but no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
סוּס n.[m.] swallow or swift
base
סוּס 138 n.m. horse
base
H5483a סוּס swallow or swift H5483b סוּס horse
5483 cuwc soos
or cuc {soos}; from an unused root meaning to skip (properly,
for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid
flight):--crane, horse((-back, -hoof)). Compare 6571.
see HEBREW for 06571
סוּס (sus) — swallow.
swallow, swift
סוּס (sus) — Horse (Gate).
This name means horse
סוּס (sus) — horse.
1) horse
1a) chariot horses
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
חָדַד (chadad) and חָדַה (chadah) both relate to the concept of sharpness. The first refers to being sharp or keen, while the second emphasizes the process of becoming sharp or the act of sharpening. The entries suggest a figurative use as well, indicating severity or fierceness. A specific verse reference is not provided.
[חָדַד] vb. be sharp, keen
Qal are keener than evening wolves
Hiph. the smith sharpeneth an axe.
Hoph. be sharpened
base
[חָדַה] vb. be or grow sharp
Qal grow sharp
Hiph. sharpen (fig.)
base
H2300a חָדַד be sharp, keen H2300b חָדַה be or grow sharp
2300 chadad khaw-dad'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) sharp or
(figuratively) severe:--be fierce, sharpen.
חָדַד (cha.dad) — be sharp.
1) to be sharp, be alert, be keen
1a) (Qal) to be sharp, be keen
1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen
1c) (Hophal) to be sharpened
Also means: cha.dah (חָדַה "to sharpen" H2300B)
חָדַה (cha.dah) — to sharpen.
1) to be or to grow sharp
1a) (Qal) to grow sharp
1b) (Hiphil) to sharpen
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common pluralHc/Vqq3cp
זְאֵב (z'ev) means 'wolf' and is derived from an unused root that suggests a yellow color. The term is straightforwardly defined across the entries, with no significant variation in meaning. It appears in contexts referring to the animal itself.
H2061 זְאֵב wolf
2061 z'eb zeh-abe'
from an unused root meaning to be yellow; a wolf:--wolf.
זְאֵב (ze.ev) — wolf.
wolf
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
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…
עֶ֫רֶב (ereb) refers to the time of day known as evening or dusk, originally associated with sunset. It can also denote night, particularly in poetic contexts. The phrase 'between two evenings' suggests a time frame between sunset and darkness.
עֶ֫רֶב 131 n.[m.] (sun)set, evening
evening, orig. sunset
du. in phrase between two evenings, i.e. prob. between sunset and dark
(late poet.) = night
base
H6153 עֶ֫רֶב (sun)set, evening . . evening, orig. sunset
. du. in phrase between two evenings, i.e. prob. between sunset and dark
. (late poet.) = night
6153 `ereb eh'-reb
from 6150; dusk:--+ day, even(-ing, tide), night.
see HEBREW for 06150
עֶ֫רֶב (e.rev) — evening.
1) evening, night, sunset
1a) evening, sunset
1b) night
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Evening
The period following sunset with which the Jewish day began (Gen. 1:5; Mark 13:35). The Hebrews reckoned two evenings of each day, as appears from Ex. 16:12: 30:8; 12:6 (marg.); Lev. 23:5 (marg. R.V., “between the two evenings”). The “first evening” was that period when the sun was verging towards setting, and the “second evening” the moment of actual sunset. The word “evenings” in Jer. 5:6 should be “deserts” (marg. R.V.).
The Hebrews reckoned two evenings in each day; as in the phrase, "between the two evenings," Ex 12:6 Nu 9:3 28:4. In this interval the Passover was to be killed, and the daily evening sacrifice offered, Ex 29:39-41, Hebrew. According to the Carites, this time between the evenings is the interval from sunset to complete darkness, that is, the evening is the interval from sunset to complete darkness, that is, the evening twilight. Compare De 16:6. According to the Pharisees and the rabbins, the first evening began when the sun inclined to descend more rapidly, that is, at the ninth hour; while the second or real evening commenced at sunset. See DAY.
פּוּשׁ (puwsh) is a Hebrew verb that conveys the idea of leaping or springing about, as well as scattering or spreading. It appears in different forms, such as the Qal, which means to act proudly or frisk, and the Niphal, which indicates being scattered. The word is notably referenced in Nahum 3:18.
ref
H6335a פּוּשׁ appar. spring about H6335b פּוּשׁ Niph. be scattered
6335 puwsh poosh
a primitive root; to spread; figuratively, act
proudly:--grow up, be grown fat, spread selves, be scattered.
פּוּשׁ (push) — to leap.
1) to spring about
1a) (Qal) to frisk, act proudly (fig.)
פּוּשׁ (push) — to scatter.
(Niphal) to be scattered, be spread
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common pluralHc/Vqq3cp
פָּרָשׁ (parash) refers to a horse or steed, specifically one used for pulling a vehicle rather than for riding. It can also denote a horseman or cavalry. The word is built from the root meaning to stretch out, indicating its use in a chariot context.
[פָּרָשׁ] n.[m.] horse, steed
base
פָּרָשׁ n.m. horseman
base
H6571a פָּרָשׁ horse, steed H6571b פָּרָשׁ horseman
6571 parash paw-rawsh'
from 6567; a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single
nor for mounting (compare 5483)); also (by implication) a
driver (in a chariot), i.e. (collectively)
cavalry:--horseman.
see HEBREW for 06567
see HEBREW for 05483
פָּרָשׁ (pa.rash) — horse.
horse, steed, warhorse
פָּרָשׁ (pa.rash) — horseman.
horseman
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
פָּרָשׁ (parash) refers to a horse or steed, specifically one used for pulling a vehicle rather than for riding. It can also denote a horseman or cavalry. The word is built from the root meaning to stretch out, indicating its use in a chariot context.
[פָּרָשׁ] n.[m.] horse, steed
base
פָּרָשׁ n.m. horseman
base
H6571a פָּרָשׁ horse, steed H6571b פָּרָשׁ horseman
6571 parash paw-rawsh'
from 6567; a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single
nor for mounting (compare 5483)); also (by implication) a
driver (in a chariot), i.e. (collectively)
cavalry:--horseman.
see HEBREW for 06567
see HEBREW for 05483
פָּרָשׁ (pa.rash) — horse.
horse, steed, warhorse
פָּרָשׁ (pa.rash) — horseman.
horseman
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
רָחֹק (rachowq) means distant or far, and can refer to both physical distance and time. It can also denote a sense of remoteness or preciousness. The word can be used adverbially and is associated with the concept of distance in various contexts, including distant lands or times.
רָחֹק, רָחוֹק adj. distant, far, et n.m. distance
base
H7350 רָחֹק, רָחוֹק distant, far, distance
7350 rachowq raw-khoke'
or rachoq {raw-khoke'}; from 7368; remote, literally or
figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often
used adverbially (with preposition):--(a-)far (abroad, off),
long ago, of old, space, great while to come.
see HEBREW for 07368
רָחֹק (ra.choq) — distant.
adj
1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones
1a) of distance, time
n m
2) distance
2a) from a distance (with prep)
Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHR/Aamsa
בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.
בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go
Qal
come in
come (approach, arrive)
go, i.e. walk, associate with
go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
Hiph.
cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
Hoph.
be brought in (of pers. and things)
be brought
be introduced, put
base
H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in
. come (approach, arrive)
. go, i.e. walk, associate with
. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
. . be brought in (of pers. and things)
. be brought
. be introduced, put
935 bow' bo
a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of
applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +
besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X
certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,
upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,
(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be
fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),
grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,
pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken
(in age), X surely, take (in), way.
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.
: come/go_in
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
1a5) to go
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lead in
1b2) to carry in
1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
1b4) to bring to pass
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought, brought in
1c2) to be introduced, be put
לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).
This name means to go in, enter
Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.
: towards/entrance
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
kum: The translation of many Hebrew and Greek words. In the phrase "The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon him" (Jud 14:6,19; 15:14; 1Sa 10:10; 11:6; 16:13), the word is tsaleah; Jud 14:6; 15:14 "came mightily," which is the uniform translation of the Revised Version (British and American) (compare Jud 13:25 "to move," i.e. to disturb or stir up). In Jud 6:34; 1Ch 12:18; 2Ch 24:20, it is labhesh, "to clothe"; the Revised Version, margin "The Spirit .... clothed itself with Gideon" and .... "with Zechariah,"…
עוּף (uwph) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to fly,' with various nuances including hovering and fleeing. It can also imply covering or dimness, as seen in the related noun תְּעֻפָה (teʾuphah), which refers to gloom. The word appears in different forms, such as Qal and Hiphil, indicating various actions related to flight.
עוּף vb. fly
Qal
fly, of birds
hover (protectingly)
fly away
Hiph. dost thou cause thine eyes to fly
Pō‛l.
fly about, to and fro
cause to fly to and fro, brandish
Hithpō‛l. like a bird their glory shall fly away
H5774a עוּף fly H5774b תְּעֻפָה n. f. id. [מוּעָף]
5774 `uwph oof
a primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence
(as denominative from 5775) to fly; also (by implication of
dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning):--brandish,
be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), X set, shine forth,
weary.
see HEBREW for 05775
עוּף (uph) — to fly.
v
1) to fly, fly about, fly away
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to fly, hover
1a2) to fly away
1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon
1c) (Polel)
1c1) to fly about or to and fro
1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish
1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away
2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
תְּעֻפָה (te.u.phah) — gloom.
gloom
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
(Verb; `uph petaomai, or, contracted, ptaomai):
Used in preference to "flee" when great speed is to be indicated. "To fly" is used: (1) Literally, of birds, `uph (Ge 1:20; Ps 55:6); da'ah (De 28:49), of sparks (Job 5:7); of the arrow (Ps 91:5); of the seraphim (Isa 6:2,6); of an angel (Da 9:21, ya`aph, "to be caused to fly"); of swift action or movement (Ps 18:10; Jer 48:40); of people (
Fly
Heb. zebub, (Eccl. 10:1; Isa. 7:18). This fly was so grievous a pest that the Phoenicians invoked against it the aid of their god Baal-zebub (q.v.). The prophet Isaiah (7:18) alludes to some poisonous fly which was believed to be found on the confines of Egypt, and which would be called by the Lord. Poisonous flies exist in many parts of Africa, for instance, the different kinds of tsetse.
Heb. ‘arob, the name given to the insects sent as a plague on the land of Egypt (Ex. 8:21-31; Ps. 78:45; 105:31). The LXX. render this by a word which means the “dog-fly,” the cynomuia. The Jewish commentators regarded the Hebrew word here as connected with the word ’arab, which means…
A genus of insects, of which there are a great many species. Moses declares them and most other insects to be unclean, Le 11:42. They abound in Egypt, and are annoying and vexatious in the extreme, attacking the eyelids, etc., in swarms and with the utmost pertinacity. How intolerable a plague of flies may be, is evident from the fact that whole districts in the Levant have been for a time depopulated by them, the inhabitants being unable to stand against their incessant attacks, Ex 8:24. The Philistines and Canaanites adored Beelzebub, the fly-god, probably as a patron to protect them against these tormenting insects.
In Isa 7:18, the prophet describing the armies of Egypt and Assyria, each under the symbol of one of the…
→ See FLIES
נֶשֶׁר (nesher) refers to a griffon-vulture or eagle, derived from a root meaning to lacerate. The term covers large birds of prey, including both eagles and vultures. It has an Aramaic equivalent, נְשַׁר (ne.shar), which also means eagle.
נֶשֶׁר n.m. griffon-vulture, eagle
base
H5404 נֶשֶׁר griffon-vulture, eagle
5404 nesher neh'-sher
from an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other
large bird of prey):--eagle.
נֶשֶׁר (ne.sher) — eagle.
eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture
Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
e'-g'-l (nesher; aetos; Latin aquila): A bird of the genus aquila of the family falconidae.
The Hebrew nesher, meaning "to tear with the beak," is almost invariably translated "eagle," throughout the Bible; yet many of the most important references compel the admission that the bird to which they applied was a vulture.
There were many large birds and carrion eaters flocking over Palestine, attracted by the offal from animals slaughtered for tribal feasts and continuous sacrifice. The eagle family could not be separated from the vultures by their habit of feeding, for they ate the offal from slaughter as well as the vultures. One distinction always holds good. Eagles never flock. They select the tallest trees of the forest, the topmost crag of the mountain, and pairs live in solitude, hunting and feeding singly, whenever possible carrying their prey to the nest so that the young may gain…
Eagle
(Herb. nesher; properly the griffon vulture or great vulture, so called from its tearing its prey with its beak), referred to for its swiftness of flight (Deut. 28:49; 2 Sam. 1:23), its mounting high in the air (Job 39:27), its strength (Ps. 103:5), its setting its nest in high places (Jer. 49:16), and its power of vision (Job 39:27-30).
This “ravenous bird” is a symbol of those nations whom God employs and sends forth to do a work of destruction, sweeping away whatever is decaying and putrescent (Matt.…
(Heb. nesher , i.e. a tearer with the beak). At least four distinct kinds of eagles have been observed in Palestine, viz., the golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos , the spotted eagle, Aquila naevia , the imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca , and the very common Circaetos gallicus . The Hebrew nesher may stand for any of these different species, though perhaps more particular reference to the golden and imperial eagles and the griffon vulture may be intended. The passage in Micah, (Micah 1:16) "enlarge thy baldness as the eagle," may refer to the griffon vulture, Vultur fulvus , in which case the simile is peculiarly appropriate, for the whole head and neck of this bird are destitute of true feathers. The "eagles" of (Matthew 24:28; Luke…
Job 39:27-30, a large and very powerful bird of prey, hence called the King of birds. There are several species of eagle described by naturalists, and it is probable that this word in the Bible comprehends more than one of these. The noble eastern species, called by Mr. Bruce "the golden eagle," measures eight feet four inches from wing to wing; and from the tip of his tail to the point of his beak, when dead, four feet seven inches. Of all known birds, the eagle flies not only the highest, Pr 23:5 Jer 49:16 Ob 1:4, but also with the greatest rapidity. To this circumstance there are several striking allusions in the sacred volume,
חוּשׁ (chush) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to hurry or make haste. It can also imply eagerness or enjoyment. The entries indicate two main uses: one related to hastening actions and the other to feelings of enjoyment. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
חוּשׁ vb. haste, make haste
Qal make haste
Hiph.
shew haste, act quickly
transit. I will hasten it
base
[חוּשׁ] vb. feel, enjoy
base
H2363a חוּשׁ haste, make haste .make haste
. . shew haste, act quickly
. transit. I will hasten it
H2363b חוּשׁ feel, enjoy
2363 chuwsh koosh
a primitive root; to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with
excitement or enjoyment:--(make) haste(-n), ready.
חוּשׁ (chush) — to hasten.
1) to haste, make haste, hurry
1a) (Qal) to make haste
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
חוּשׁ (chush) — to enjoy.
to feel, enjoy
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
hast (chaphaz, chush, mahar; speudo): "Haste" (from a root meaning "to pursue") implies "celerity of motion."
(1) The noun occurs as translation of mahar, "to hasten," etc. (Ex 10:16; 12:33, "in haste"); of chapaz, "to make haste" (2Ki 7:15; Ps 31:22; 116:11, "I said in my haste (the Revised Version margin "alarm"), All men are liars"); of chippazon, a "hasty flight" (Ex 12:11; De 16:3; Isa 52:12); of nachats, "to be urgent" (1Sa 21:8, "The king's business required haste").
→ In judgment, by Moses and the Israelites Nu 32:1-19; Jos 22:10-34
→ See RASHNESS
אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.
אָכַל 806 vb. eat
Qal
eat, human subject
of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
fig. of fire, devour, consume
of sword, devour, slay
in genl., devour, consume, destroy
fig. of oppression, devour the poor
Niph.
be eaten by man
be devoured by fire, consumed
be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
Pu. be consumed
Hiph.
cause to eat, feed with
cause to devoure, obj. sword
base
H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject
. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour
. fig. of fire, devour, consume
. of sword, devour, slay
. in genl., devour, consume, destroy
. fig. of oppression, devour the poor
. . be eaten by man
. be devoured by fire, consumed
. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh
. be consumed
. . cause to eat, feed with
. cause to devoure, obj. sword
398 'akal aw-kal'
a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at
all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),
feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)
meat, X quite.
אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.
1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to eat (human subject)
1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)
1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)
1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)
1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)
1a6) to devour (of oppression)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be eaten (by men)
1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)
1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to cause to eat, feed with
1c2) to cause to devour
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to feed
1d2) to cause to eat
1e) (Piel)
1e1) consume
Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc