Isaiah 13:19 — Word Study
WLCוְהָיְתָ֤ה בָבֶל֙ צְבִ֣י מַמְלָכ֔וֹת תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּא֣וֹן כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים כְּמַהְפֵּכַ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־ סְדֹ֖ם וְאֶת־ עֲמֹרָֽה׃
BSAAnd BabylonBâbel [the glory of kingdoms, a city of confusion] the jeweltsᵉbîy [beauty, precious gem] of the kingdomsmamlâkâh the glorytiphʼârâh [excellence, majestic splendor] of the pridegâʼôwn [arrogance, excellence] of the ChaldeansKasdîy [inhabitants of Chaldea, a region in Mesopotamia] will behâyâh overthrownmahpêkâh [completely destroyed, devastated] by Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme Ruler] like SodomÇᵉdôm [a city of wickedness] and GomorrahʻĂmôrâh [a city of corruption]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְהָיְתָ֤ה | and it will be | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person feminine singular |
| בָבֶל֙ | Babylon | Noun proper |
| צְבִ֣י | [the] beauty of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| מַמְלָכ֔וֹת | kingdoms | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת | [the] splendor of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| גְּא֣וֹן | [the] pride of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים | [the] Chaldeans | Noun proper |
| כְּמַהְפֵּכַ֣ת | like [the] overthrow of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| אֱלֹהִ֔ים | God | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| סְדֹ֖ם | Sodom | Noun proper |
| וְאֶת־ | and the object marker | Conjunction, particle |
| עֲמֹרָֽה׃ | Gomorrah | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| KJV | ¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| ASV | And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| YLT | And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, The glory, the excellency of the Chaldeans, Hath been as overthrown by God, With Sodom and with Gomorrah. |
| WEB | Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. |
| BBE | And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beautiful town which is the pride of the Chaldaeans, will be like God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. |
Translations agree on the portrayal of Babylon and its destruction, with no significant differences noted.
The main clause centers on Babylon's destruction, with descriptive phrases elaborating on its former glory and the nature of its judgment.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֱלֹהִים
verbהָיָה
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 — Isaiah 13:19
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 Against Babylongenerated
Isaiah 13:19 speaks of Babylon, a city renowned for its beauty and power, which will face destruction akin to that of Sodom and Gomorrah. This prophecy serves as a warning of God's judgment against pride and wickedness, emphasizing the fate that awaits those who oppose Him. The surrounding verses describe the violence and desolation that will come upon Babylon, reinforcing the certainty of its downfall.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 14:4–6 | you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! |
| 2 | Jeremiah 51:41 | How Sheshach has been captured! The praise of all the earth has been seized. What a horror Babylon has become among the nations! |
| 3 | Daniel 2:37–38 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. |
| 4 | Daniel 4:30 | the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” |
| 5 | Genesis 19:24 | Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בָבֶל, va.Velgenerated
The Hebrew word בָּבֶל (Babel) refers to Babylon, an ancient city known for its grandeur and confusion. Its root meaning is associated with confusion, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:9.
In this verse, Babylon is described as the jewel of kingdoms, highlighting its former glory and beauty. The parsing indicates it is a proper noun, emphasizing its significance as a historical and cultural center in the ancient world.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations agree on the rendering of Babylon as a prominent city, with the BSB, KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE all maintaining the description of Babylon's glory and its impending destruction.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וְהָיְתָ֤ה, and it will be, governs the entire verse, with several noun phrases detailing Babylon's attributes and a prepositional phrase indicating the nature of its destruction. The structure emphasizes Babylon's glory before its downfall.
The sentence construction places the subject, Babylon, at the forefront, followed by its descriptors and the impending action of destruction, which highlights the contrast between its current state and future judgment.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, Babylon is rendered as βαβυλών (Babylon), maintaining its identity as a significant city. The choice of the Greek word reflects the same understanding of Babylon's prominence.
The Greek term used for the destruction indicates a similar sense of total overthrow, aligning with the Hebrew context of divine judgment.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 13:19 warns that Babylon, once a glorious city, will be destroyed by God, just like Sodom and Gomorrah were. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and wickedness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It describes Babylon as a beautiful and powerful city that will face complete destruction due to its pride and wickedness.
The comparison emphasizes the totality of Babylon's impending judgment, as both cities were known for their wickedness and faced divine destruction.
The name 'Babylon' is derived from a root meaning confusion, reflecting the city's historical association with chaos and disorder.
It highlights the certainty of divine justice against prideful nations and serves as a warning to all who oppose God's will.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does the fate of Babylon serve as a warning to modern societies?
- In what ways can pride lead to downfall, as illustrated in this verse?
- What lessons can we learn from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?
- How can we ensure that we remain humble and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Jerome comments on this verse, noting Babylon's glory and its eventual downfall, drawing parallels to Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon will be glorious in kingdoms, renowned in the pride of the Chaldeans: just as the Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: it will not be inhabited until the end, and it will not be established until generation after generation.Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 13 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 13:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,.... The first and most ancient kingdom, Genesis 10:10 and now, at the time of its fall, the largest and most extensive; wherefore of the image Nebuchadnezzar saw
Read John Gill on Isaiah 13 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 13 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe glory of kingdoms; which once was the most noble and excellent of all the kingdoms then in being, and Was more glorious than the succeeding empires, whence it was represented by the head of gold, . The beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency; the famous and beautiful seat of the Chaldean monarchy. Shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah; shall be totally and irrecoverably destroyed, as is more fully expressed in the following verses; which yet was not done immediately upon the taking of the city by Darius and Cyrus, but was fulfilled by degrees, as is confessed by historians, and appears this day.
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 13 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.Ver. 19. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms.] Those four great monarchies of the world had their times and their turns, their rise and their ruin. The Roman empire can scarce stand on its feet of clay; and by the death of the recent emperor, no King of Romans being nominated, is like to suffer great concussions. Shall be as when God overthrew Sodom.] The destruction whereof was the greatest and most stupendous that ever we read of.
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 13 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms.—The words paint the impression which the great city, even in Isaiah’s time, made upon all who saw it. So Nebuchadnezzar, though his work was mainly that of a restorer, exulted in his pride in the greatness of the city of which he claimed to be the builder (Daniel 4:30). So Herodotus (i. 178) describes it as the most famous and the strongest of all the cities of Assyria, adorned beyond any other city on which his eyes had ever looked. (Compare the descriptive notices in Jeremiah 51:41, and the constantly recurring epithet of “gold-abounding Babylon” in the Persians of Ӕ ?schylus.) As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.—The phrase had clearly become…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 13 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 19. And Babylon] The great city of Babylon was at this time rising to its height of glory, while the Prophet Isaiah was repeatedly denouncing its utter destruction. From the first of Hezekiah to the first of Nebuchadnezzar, under whom it was brought to the highest degree of strength and splendour, are about one hundred and twenty years. I will here very briefly mention some particulars of the greatness of the place, and note the several steps by which this remarkable prophecy was at length accomplished in the total ruin of it. It was, according to the lowest account given of it by ancient historians, a regular square, forty-five miles in compass, inclosed by a wall two hundred feet…
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 13 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges19. the Chaldees’ excellency] The territory of the Chaldæans lay near the head of the Persian Gulf. Their dominion over Babylon began with Nabopolassar, the father of Nebuchadnezzar. as when God overthrew, &c.] See on Isaiah 1:7 and cf. Amos 4:11, where the same phrase occurs (also Jeremiah 50:40).
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 13 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAnd Babylon, the glory of kingdoms - That is, the capital or chief ornament of many nations. Appellations of this kind, applied to Babylon, abound in the Scriptures.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 13 →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
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Babylon, the most admired of kingdoms, the Chaldeans’ source of honor and pride, will be destroyed by God just as Sodom and Gomorrah were.
Tyndale line
¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellence, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babel the glorie of kingdomes, the beautie and pride of the Chaldeans, shall be as the destruction of God in Sodom and Gomorah.
Strictly literal
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' pride, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, The glory, the excellency of the Chaldeans, Hath been as overthrown by God, With Sodom and with Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, || The glory, the excellence of the Chaldeans, || Has been as overthrown by God, || With Sodom and with Gomorrah.
And [thus] shall Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the proud ornament of the Chaldeans, become like the overthrow through God of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Then Babylon, the most admired of kingdoms, the splendor of Chaldean pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.
From the Latin
And that Babylon, glorious among kingdoms, the famous pride of the Chaldeans, shall be even as the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrha.
Simplified
Babylon, the most marvelous city of any kingdom, the greatest pride of the Babylonian people, will be demolished by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beautiful town which is the pride of the Chaldaeans, will be like God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
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 Dead Sea Scrolls agree on the wording and structure of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a close correspondence but differing in word order. The Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the essential elements of the prophecy without significant variation.
וְהָיְתָ֤ה בָבֶל֙ צְבִ֣י מַמְלָכ֔וֹת תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּא֣וֹן כַּשְׂדִּ֑ים כְּמַהְפֵּכַ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת־ סְדֹ֖ם וְאֶת־ עֲמֹרָֽה׃
10 of the 13 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.
והיתה בבל צבי ממלכת תפראת גאון כשדיים כמאפכת אלוהים את סודם ואת עומרה
13 words on the leather.
[והיתה] [בבל] צבי ממלכת׳ו
4 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 2 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 Isaiah 13:19
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 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.
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.
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
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
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
Conj | V-Qal-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqq3fs
בָּבֶ֫ל (Babel) refers to Babylon, an ancient city and capital of Babylonia, associated with the idea of confusion. It is derived from a root meaning 'confusion' and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament. The lexicons agree on its meaning and significance, with no noted disagreements.
בָּבֶ֫ל 262 n.pr.loc. Babel, Babylon
base
H894 בָּבֶ֫ל Babel, Babylon
894 Babel baw-bel'
from 1101; confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including
Babylonia and the Babylonian empire:--Babel, Babylon.
see HEBREW for 01101
בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל (ba.vel) — Babylon.
§ Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)"
Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
Babylon
The Greek form of BABEL; Semitic form Babilu, meaning “The Gate of God.” In the Assyrian tablets it means “The city of the dispersion of the tribes.” The monumental list of its kings reaches back to B.C. 2300, and includes Khammurabi, or Amraphel (q.v.), the contemporary of Abraham. It stood on the Euphrates, about 200 miles above its junction with the Tigris, which flowed through its midst and divided it into two almost equal parts. The Elamites invaded Chaldea (i.e., Lower Mesopotamia, or Shinar, and Upper Mesopotamia, or Accad, now combined into one) and held it in subjection. At length Khammu-rabi delivered it from the foreign yoke, and founded the new empire of Chaldea (q.v.), making Babylon the capital of the united kingdom. This city gradually grew in extent and grandeur, but in process of time it became subject to Assyria. On the fall of Nineveh (B.C. 606) it threw off…
in the Apocalypse, is the symbolical name by which Rome is denoted. (Revelation 14:8; 17:18) The power of Rome was regarded by the later Jews as was that of Babylon by their forefathers. Comp. (Jeremiah 51:7) with Reve 14:8 The occurrence of this name in (1 Peter 5:13) has given rise to a variety of conjectures, many giving it the same meaning as in the Apocalypse; others refer it to Babylon in Asia, and others still to Babylon in Egypt. The most natural supposition of all is that by Babylon is intended the old Babylon of Assyria, which was largely inhabited by Jews at the time in question.
1. A celebrated city situated on the Euphrates, the original foundation of which is described under the word Babel. Wit this coincide many ancient traditions, while some speak of Semiramis as the founder, and others of Nebuchadnezzar. These accounts may all be reconciled, by supposing that Semiramis rebuilt the ancient city, and the Nebuchadnezzar. These accounts may all be reconciled, by supposing that Semiramis rebuilt the ancient city, and that Nebuchadnezzar afterwards greatly enlarged and adorned it.
Babylon lay in a vast and fertile plain watered by the Euphrates, with flowed through the city. Its walls are described as 60 miles in circumference, 300 feet high, and 75 feet wide, Jer 51:44- 58. A deep trench ran parallel with the walls. In each of the four sides were 25 brazen gates, from which roads crossed to the opposite…
same as Babel
צְבִי (tsbiy) has two primary meanings: beauty or honor, and gazelle. It is derived from a root meaning prominence or splendor. The word encompasses concepts of beauty and glory, as well as referring to the gazelle, known for its gracefulness. The lexicons do not indicate any significant disagreement regarding its meanings.
צְבִי n.m. beauty, honour
base
צְבִי n.m. gazelle
base
H6643a צְבִי beauty, honour H6643b צְבִי gazelle
6643 tsbiy tseb-ee'
from 6638 in the sense of prominence; splendor (as
conspicuous); also a gazelle (as beautiful):--beautiful(-ty),
glorious (-ry), goodly, pleasant, roe(-buck).
see HEBREW for 06638
צְבִי (tse.vi) — beauty.
1) beauty, glory, honour
1a) beauty, decoration
1b) honour
צְבִי (tse.vi) — gazelle.
1) roebuck, gazelle
1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Also means: tse.viy.yah (צְבִיָּה "gazelle" H6646)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah) refers to concepts of kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, and reign. It is derived from the root word for dominion and can denote both an abstract estate of rule and a concrete realm or country. The term is noted to primarily refer to non-Israelite kingdoms in some contexts.
מַמְלָכָה n.f. kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign
kingdom, realm, chiefly non-Isr.
sovereignty, dominion
reign
base
H4467 מַמְלָכָה kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign . kingdom, realm, chiefly non-Isr.
. sovereignty, dominion
. reign
4467 mamlakah mam-law-kaw'
from 4427; dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or
(concretely) the country (realm):--kingdom, king's, reign,
royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מַמְלָכָה (mam.la.khah) — kingdom.
1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty
1a) kingdom, realm
1b) sovereignty, dominion
1c) reign
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
תִּפְאָרָה (tiph'arah) refers to beauty and glory, encompassing both physical and abstract qualities. It can denote the beauty of garments and jewels, the glory associated with rank or God, and even the honor of Israel. The term is built from the root meaning 'ornament' and covers a range of meanings related to splendor and majesty.
תִּפְאָרָה n.f. beauty, glory
base
H8597 תִּפְאָרָה beauty, glory
8597 tiph'arah tif-aw-raw'
or tiphereth {tif-eh'-reth}; from 6286; ornament (abstractly
or concretely, literally or figuratively):--beauty(- iful),
bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), hono; ornament
(abstractly or concretely, literally or
figuratively):--beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair,
glory(-ious), honour, majesty.
see HEBREW for 06286
תִּפְאָרָה (tiph.a.rah) — beauty.
1) beauty, splendour, glory
1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels)
1b) glory
1b1) of rank, renown
1b2) as attribute of God
1c) honour (or nation Israel)
1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
גָּאוֹן (ga'own) refers to exaltation, majesty, and excellence, but can also imply pride in a negative sense. It is derived from the root associated with arrogance and includes connotations of both divine and national majesty, as well as references to the Jordan. The entries consistently highlight these meanings without significant disagreement.
גָּאוֹן n.m. exaltation
exaltation, majesty, excellence
pride (bad sense)
base
H1347 גָּאוֹן exaltation . exaltation, majesty, excellence
. pride (bad sense)
1347 ga'own gaw-ohn'
from 1342; the same as 1346:--arrogancy, excellency(-lent),
majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling.
see HEBREW for 01342
see HEBREW for 01346
גָּאוֹן (ga.on) — pride.
1) exaltation, majesty, pride
1a) majesty, exaltation, excellence
1a1) of nations
1a2) of God
1a3) of the Jordan
1b) pride, arrogance (bad sense)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
כַּשְׁדִּים (Kasdim) refers to the Chaldeans or Chaldea, a region in lower Mesopotamia. The term can denote the inhabitants of this area, as well as those considered wise, such as astrologers. It is derived from כֶּסֶד (Kesed), indicating descent. The word appears in various contexts, emphasizing both the geographical and cultural significance of the Chaldeans.
כַּשְׂדִּים n.pr.gent. et terr. Kasdim = Chaldeans, Chaldea
base
H3778 כַּשְׂדִּים Kasdim = Chaldeans, Chaldea
3778 Kasdiy kas-dee'
(occasionally with enclitic) Kasdiymah {kas-dee'- maw};
towards the Kasdites:--into Chaldea), patronymically from 3777
(only in the plural); a Kasdite, or descendant of Kesed; by
implication, a Chaldaean (as if so descended); also an
astrologer (as if proverbial of that people:--Chaldeans,
Chaldees, inhabitants of Chaldea.
כַּשְׂדִּים (kas.di) — Chaldea.
§ Chaldea or Chaldeans = "clod-breakers"
1) a territory in lower Mesopotamia bordering on the Persian Gulf
2) the inhabitants of Chaldea, living on the lower Euphrates and Tigris
3) those persons considered the wisest in the land (by extension)
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
This name is taken, 1. For the people of Chaldea, and the subjects of that empire generally; 2. For philosophers, naturalists, or soothsayers, whose principal employment was the study of mathematics and astrology, by which they pretended to foretell the destiny of men born under certain constellations.
The Chaldeans were originally a warlike people, who at first inhabited the Carduchian or Koordish mountains north of Assyria and Mesopotamia, Jer 50:17. As the Assyrian monarchs extended their conquests towards the north and west, the Chaldeans also came under their dominion; and this rough and energetic people appear to have assumed, under the sway of their conquerors, a new character, and to have been transformed from a rude horde into a civilized people. A very vivid and graphic description of the Chaldean warriors is given by the…
מַהְפֵּכָה (mahpekah) refers to an overthrow or destruction, specifically noted in the context of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is derived from the root meaning to overthrow, and the entries consistently emphasize its association with destruction.
[מַהְפֵּכָה] n.f. overthrow
base
H4114 מַהְפֵּכָה overthrow
4114 mahpekah mah-pay-kaw'
from 2015; a destruction: --when...overthrew, overthrow(-n).
see HEBREW for 02015
מַהְפֵּכָה (mah.pe.khah) — overthrow.
1) overthrow, destruction
1a) always of Sodom and Gomorrah
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular constructHR/Ncfsc
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…
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA
1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought
2. Definition of the Idea
3. The Knowledge of God
4. Ethnic Ideas of God
(1) Animism
(2) Fetishism
(3) Idolatry
(4) Polytheism
(5) Henotheism
(6) Pantheism
(7) Deism
(8) Semitic Monolatry
(9) Monotheism
II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. The Course of Its Development
2. Forms of Its Manifestation
(1) The Face or Countenance of God
(2) The Voice and Word of God
(3) The Glory of God
(4) The Angel of God
(5) The Spirit of God
(6) The Name of God
(7) Occasional Forms
3. The Names of God
(1) Generic
(2) Attributive
(3) Yahweh
4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God
(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel
(a) His Early Worship
(b) Popular Religion
(c) Polytheistic Tendencies
(i) Coordination
(ii) Assimilation
(iii) Disintegration
(d) No Hebrew Goddesses
(e) Human Sacrifices
God
(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).
The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.
(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…
This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
סְדֹם (sedom) refers to Sodom, a significant Canaanite city often mentioned alongside Gomorrah. The name is linked to the idea of burning, possibly due to its volcanic or bituminous landscape. It is located near the Dead Sea and is known for its destruction by divine judgment.
סְדֹם 39 n.pr.loc. Sodom, important Canaanitish name (usu.) with Gomorrah
base
H5467 סְדֹם Sodom, important Canaanitish name (usu.) with Gomorrah
5467 Cdom sed-ome'
from an unused root meaning to scorch; burnt (i.e. volcanic
or bituminous) district; Sedom, a place near the Dead Sea:--
Sodom.
סְדֹם (se.dom) — Sodom.
Sodom = "burning"
a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment
Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
sod'-um (cedhom; Sodoma) One of the 5 CITIES OF THE PLAIN (which see), destroyed by fire from heaven in the time of Abraham and Lot (Ge 19:24). The wickedness of the city became proverbial. The sin of sodomy was an offense against nature frequently connected with idolatrous practices (see Rawlinson, History of Phoenicia). See SODOMITE. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is used as a warning to those who reject the gospel (Mt 10:15; 11:24; 2Pe 2:6; Jude 1:7). The word is used in a typical sense in Re 11:8. Sodom was probably located in plain South of the Dead Sea, now covered with water. The name is still preserved in Jebel…
Sodom
Burning; the walled, a city in the vale of Siddim (Gen. 13:10; 14:1-16). The wickedness of its inhabitants brought down upon it fire from heaven, by which it was destroyed (18:16-33; 19:1-29; Deut. 23:17). This city and its awful destruction are frequently alluded to in Scripture (Deut. 29:23; 32:32; Isa. 1:9, 10; 3:9; 13:19; Jer. 23:14; Ezek. 16:46-56; Zeph. 2:9; Matt. 10:15; Rom. 9:29;
(burning), one of the most ancient cities of Syria. It is commonly mentioned in connection with Gomorrah, but also with Admah and Zeboim, and on one occasion -- (Genesis 14:1) ... --with Bela or Zoar. Sodom was evidently the chief town in the settlement. The four are first named in the ethnological records of (Genesis 10:19) as belonging to the Canaanites. The next mention of the name of Sodom, (Genesis 13:10-13) gives more certain indication of the position of the city. Abram and Lot are standing together between Bethel and Ai, ver. 3, taking a survey of the land around and below them. Eastward of them, and absolutely at their feet, lay the "circle of Jordan." The whole circle was one great oasis --"a garden of Jehovah."…
One of the cities of the plain, and for some time the dwellingplace of Lot, Ge 13:10-13 14:12. Its crimes and vices were so enormous, that God destroyed it by fire from heaven, with three neighboring cities, Gomorrah, Zeboim, and Admah, which were as wicked as itself, Ge 19:1-20. The plain of Siddim in which they stood was pleasant and fruitful, like an earthy paradise; but it was first burned, and afterwards mostly overflowed by the waters of the Dead Sea or Lake of Sodom. See JORDAN, and SEA 3.
The prophets, in denouncing woes upon other countries, mention the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and intimate that these places shall be desert and dried up and uninhabited, Jer 49:18 50:40; that they shall be covered with briers…
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HC/To — Conjunction · particleHC/To
עֲמֹרָה (Amorah) refers to Gomorrah, a city known for its wickedness and destruction by divine judgment. The term is derived from a root meaning 'a (ruined) heap.' It is often associated with Sodom, and both cities are noted for their sinful nature in biblical texts.
עֲמֹרָה 19 n.pr.loc. Gomorrah
base
H6017 עֲמֹרָה Gomorrah
6017 `Amorah am-o-raw'
from 6014; a (ruined) heap; Amorah, a place in
Palestine:--Gomorrah.
see HEBREW for 06014
עֲמֹרָה (a.mo.rah) — Gomorrah.
Gomorrah = "submersion"
the twin-city in evil with Sodom, both destroyed in judgment by God with fire from heaven
Also named: Gomorra (Γόμορρα "Gomorrah" G1116)
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
go-mor'-a (`amorah; Septuagint and New Testament Gomorra, or Gomorra; Arabic Ghamara, "to overwhelm with water"): One of the CITIES OF THE PLAIN (which see) destroyed by fire from heaven in the time of Abraham and Lot (Ge 19:23-29). It was located probably in the plain South of the Dead Sea, now covered with water. See ARABAH; CITIES OF THE PLAIN; DEAD SEA. De Saulcy, however, with others who place the Cities of the Plain at the North end of the Dead Sea, fixes upon Khumran (or Gumran), marked on the Survey Map of Palestine North of Ras Feshkeh, where there are ruins about a mile from the Dead Sea. But there is nothing to support this view except the faint resemblance of the name and the inconclusive arguments placing the Cities of the Plain at that end of the sea.
George Frederick Wright
Gomorrah
Submersion, one of the five cities of the plain of Siddim (q.v.) which were destroyed by fire (Gen. 10:19; 13:10; 19:24, 28). These cities probably stood close together, and were near the northern extremity of what is now the Dead Sea. This city is always mentioned next after Sodom, both of which were types of impiety and wickedness (Gen. 18:20; Rom. 9:29). Their destruction is mentioned as an “ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” (2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 1:4-7). Their wickedness became proverbial (Deut. 32:32;
(submersion), one of the five "cities of the plain" or "vale of Siddim" that under the irrespective kings joined battle there with Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:2-8) and his allies by whom they were discomfited till Abraham came to the rescue. Four out of the five were afterwards destroyed by the Lord with fire from heaven. (Genesis 19:23-29) One of them only, Zoar (or Bela; which was its original name), was spared at the request of Lot, in order that he might take refuge there. The geographical position of these cities is discussed under SODOM.
One of the cities in the fruitful vale of Siddim, near the southern part of the ancient Dead Sea, miraculously blasted by God. See SODOM.