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Isaiah 13:8 — Word Study

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WLCוְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ׀ צִירִ֤ים וַֽחֲבָלִים֙ יֹֽאחֵז֔וּן כַּיּוֹלֵדָ֖ה יְחִיל֑וּן אִ֤ישׁ אֶל־ רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ יִתְמָ֔הוּ פְּנֵ֥י לְהָבִ֖ים פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

BSATerrorbâhal [fear, dread] paintsîyr [pangs, sorrows] and anguishchebel [intense suffering] will seize themʼâchaz they will writhechûwl [twist, be in agony] like a woman in laboryâlad [giving birth, travail, childbirth] They will look atʼêl [gaze, stare] oneʼîysh anotherrêaʻ [each other, their neighbor] their facespânîym [countenances, expressions] flushedlahab [burning, like flames] with feartâmahh [alarm, amazement]

Word
Listen & take awayIsaiah 13
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 8 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (pe.nei.Hem) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Isaiah 13:8quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse describes a time of great terror and anguish, comparing the fear experienced to the pains of childbirth.
Who is speakingThe prophet Isaiah is conveying a message about impending judgment.
Where we areThis passage is part of a prophecy concerning the Day of the LORD and its devastating effects.
The hard wordוְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ
Take awayThe imagery of childbirth emphasizes the intensity of the coming distress.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבָּהַל The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Isaiah 13:8

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 Day of the LORDgenerated

7Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt.
8Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
9Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.
10For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.

Isaiah 13:8 depicts a scene of terror and anguish that will seize people during the Day of the LORD. The imagery of a woman in labor highlights the intensity of their suffering. This passage serves as a warning about the impending judgment and the fear that will grip those who experience it, reflecting a broader theme found in the prophetic literature regarding divine retribution and the consequences of sin.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Isaiah 21:3–4Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see.
2Isaiah 26:17As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD.
3Psalm 48:5–6They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror.
4Jeremiah 30:6Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
5Jeremiah 50:43The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

be amazed one at anotherJoel 2:6 Nahum 2:10

The Key Word וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ, ve.niv.Ha.lugenerated

The verb בָּהַל (bahal) is a Niphal form meaning 'to be terrified' or 'to be dismayed'. It conveys a sudden and intense alarm, often in response to frightening events. The parsing as a sequential perfect indicates that this terror will occur as a definitive action in the future.

This word captures the emotional turmoil that will grip people, emphasizing their vulnerability in the face of divine judgment. The use of the verb in this context highlights the severity of the situation, as it is not merely a passing fear but a profound and overwhelming dread.


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 verse consists of multiple clauses, with the main action centered around the finite verbs וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ and יִתְמָ֔הוּ. The structure begins with an expression of terror, followed by descriptions of the anguish experienced, culminating in the reactions of the people.

The Hebrew word order emphasizes the actions and feelings of the subjects, with the verbs leading the clauses to highlight the urgency and intensity of the emotions being described.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ as ταραξθήσονται, which carries a similar meaning of being disturbed or agitated. This choice reflects a consistent interpretation of the emotional state of the people in the face of impending calamity.

The use of πρέσβεις for צִירִ֤ים indicates a shift in nuance, as it suggests a messenger or envoy rather than a direct reference to physical pain, which may imply a broader interpretation of the distress being described.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Isaiah 13:8 describes a scene where terror, pain, and anguish will seize people, comparing their fear to the intense suffering of a woman in labor. They will look at one another in astonishment, their faces flushed with fear, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the coming judgment.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that they will writhe like a woman in labor?

This imagery emphasizes the intensity and pain of the suffering they will experience, similar to the agony of childbirth.

Why are their faces described as flushed with fear?

The flushed faces indicate a deep emotional response to the terror they are experiencing, reflecting their alarm and astonishment.

What is the significance of the Day of the LORD?

The Day of the LORD signifies a time of divine judgment and reckoning, where the consequences of sin and rebellion against God will be fully realized.

How does this verse relate to other prophetic literature?

This verse shares themes with other prophetic texts that describe the impending judgment and the emotional turmoil that will accompany it, such as in Jeremiah 30:6.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do I respond to fear and anguish in my own life, and what can I learn from this verse?
  2. What does the imagery of childbirth teach us about the nature of suffering and deliverance?
  3. In what ways can I support others who are experiencing intense fear or distress?
  4. How can I prepare myself spiritually for times of judgment or crisis, as described in this passage?

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

Early commentators, including Ambrose of Milan and Jerome, reference this verse to discuss the suddenness of divine judgment and the emotional turmoil it brings.

Ambrose of MilanLETTER 32 (8:56.12) c. 339–397
The day of the Lord comes suddenly, it says, and in an unexpected way like the pains of childbirth, which forestall all one’s efforts to hide them.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 13 →
JeromeVerse 8. c. 347–420
They will be tormented with twists and pains. They will groan like a woman giving birth. Each one will be astonished at their neighbor. Their faces will be burned.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 13 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Isaiah 13:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And they shall be afraid,.... Troubled, dismayed, frightened, at the sudden taking of the city, and at the sight of Cyrus's troops marching up into the very heart of it, and to the king's palace:

Read John Gill on Isaiah 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.

Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They shall be amazed one at another, to see so populous and impregnable a city as Babylon was, so easily and unexpectedly taken. Flames, Heb. faces of flame; either pale with fear, or inflamed with rage and torment, as men in misery frequently are. Some render it the faces of Lehabim, a people descending from Mizraim, , i.e. black with pain, as men use to be; of which see .

Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces [shall be as] flames.Ver. 8. And they shall be afraid.] “ Conturbabuntur - Innumerabilibus sollicitudinibus. ” They shall be amazed one at another.] Amused, amazed, amated, as being at their wits’ ends. Their faces shall be as flames.] So Jeremiah 30:5-6, a voice of fear and trembling, every man with his hands on his loins, the posture of a travailling woman, and all faces turned into paleness. The prophet here alludeth, saith Musculus, to the face of a smith at dark night, when he standeth blowing his fire, for…

Read John Trapp on Isaiah 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 8. And they shall be afraid - "And they shall be terrified"] I join this verb, ונבהלו venibhalu, to the preceding verse, with the Syriac and Vulgate. Pangs and sorrows shall take hold on them - "Pangs shall seize them"] The Septuagint, Syriac, and Chaldee read יאחזום yochezum, instead of יאחזון yochezun, which does not express the pronoun them, necessary to the sense.

Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

8. they shall be amazed one at another] i.e. “look in horror on each other.” their faces shall be as flames] Lit. faces of flames are their faces, burning with feverish excitement, or perhaps with shame (Ezekiel 7:18). There are no exact parallels to the expression; cf. Joe 2:6; Nahum 2:10.

Read Cambridge on Isaiah 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

They shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth - This comparison is often used in the Scriptures to denote the deepest possible pain and sorrow, as well as the suddenness with which any calamity

Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 13 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

8. Afraid — Dismayed. Poetic power is manifest in the figures here used, which are to the effect that contortions from agonizing pain fall on the people; men stare at each other in helpless fright;

Read Daniel Denison Whedon 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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

They will be dismayed. Pangs and sorrows will seize them. They will be in pain like a woman in labor. They will look in amazement one at another. Their faces will be faces of flame.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They panic – cramps and pain seize hold of them like those of a woman who is straining to give birth. They look at one another in astonishment; their faces are flushed red.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

and they shall be dismayed; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall look in amazement one at another; their faces shall be faces of flame.

RVARevised Version, American1894

and they shall be dismayed; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be faces of flame.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And they shalbe afraid: anguish and sorowe shall take them, and they shall haue paine, as a woman that trauaileth: euery one shall be amased at his neighbour, and their faces shalbe like flames of fire.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

and they shall be terrified: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them, they shall writhe as a woman that travaileth; they shall be amazed one at another, their faces shall be as flames.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And they have been troubled, Pains and pangs they take, As a travailing woman they are pained, A man at his friend they marvel, The appearance of flames — their faces!

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And they have been troubled, || Pains and pangs take them, || They are pained as a travailing woman, || A man marvels at his friend, || The appearance of flames—their faces!

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And they shall be affrighted, pangs and pains shall seize on them; they shall have throes as a woman that travaileth; one at the other shall they look amazed; red like flames shall their faces glow.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

They will be terrified; pain and agony will seize them, like a woman in labor. They will look in astonishment at one another; their faces will be aflame.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And shall be broken. Gripings and pains shall take hold of them, they shall be in pain as a woman in labour. Every one shall be amazed at his neighbour, their countenances shall be as faces burnt.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They will be terrified; pain and anguish will seize them; they will suffer like a woman giving birth. They will look in shock at each other, their faces burning in fear.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Their hearts will be full of fear; pains and sorrows will overcome them; they will be in pain like a woman in childbirth; they will be shocked at one another; their faces will be like flames.

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.

וְֽandclauseverbנִבְהָ֓לוּthey.will.be.terrifiedclausenoun phrase · subjectצִירִ֤יםpangsוַֽandחֲבָלִים֙labor-painsverb phrase · verbיֹֽאחֵז֔וּtheyןwill.seize.[them]clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalכַּlike.(the)noun phrase[womanיּוֹלֵדָ֖הwho].gives.birthverb phrase · verbיְחִיל֑וּtheyןwill.be.in.anguishclausenoun phrase · adverbialאִ֤ישׁeachprepositional phraseאֶלtonoun phraseרֵעֵ֨neighborהוּ֙hisverbיִתְמָ֔הוּthey.will.look.in.astonishmentclausenoun phrase · predicateפְּנֵ֥י[will.be].facesלְהָבִ֖יםof.flamesnoun phrase · subjectפְּנֵיfacesהֶֽםtheir

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


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

The other witnesses, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, align closely with the Masoretic Text, preserving the core message of the verse. Variations are minor, with some words restored or supplied by editors, but the overall content remains consistent across these ancient texts.

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

וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ׀ צִירִ֤ים וַֽחֲבָלִים֙ יֹֽאחֵז֔וּן כַּיּוֹלֵדָ֖ה יְחִיל֑וּן אִ֤ישׁ אֶל־ רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ יִתְמָ֔הוּ פְּנֵ֥י לְהָבִ֖ים פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ׀ταραξθήσονταιצִירִ֤יםπρέσβειςוַֽחֲבָלִים֙ὠδῖνεςיֹֽאחֵז֔וּןἕχουσινכַּיּוֹלֵדָ֖הγυναικὸςיְחִיל֑וּןσυμφοράσουσινאִ֤ישׁἕτεροςאֶל־πρὸςרֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ἕτερονפְּנֵ֥יπρόσωπονלְהָבִ֖יםφλὸχ

11 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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Qisaaa copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ונבהלו צירים וחבלים יאחזו׳ן כיולדה יחילו׳ן איש אל רע׳הו יתמהו ופני להבים פני׳הם

13 words on the leather.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Q8a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ונבהלו] [צירים] [וחבלים] [יאחזון] [כיולדה] [יחילו׳ן] [איש] אל רע׳הו [יתמהו] [פני] [להבים] [פני׳הם]

1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 11 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q55a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ונבהלו] [צירים] [וחבלים] [יאחזו׳ן] [כיולדה] יחילו׳ן איש אל רע׳הו יתמהו פני להבים פני׳הם

7 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q56a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ונבהלו צירים וחבלים [יחילו׳ן] [איש] [אל] [רע׳הו] יתמהו פני להבים פני׳הם

11 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Isaiah 13:8בָּהַלand they wiand they will bבָּהַלצִירpangspangsצִירחֶ֫בֶלand painsand painsחֶ֫בֶלאָחַזthey will sthey will seizeאָחַזיָלַדlike [womanlike [woman] giיָלַדחוּלthey will bthey will be inחוּלאִישׁeacheachאִישׁאֶלtotoאֶלרֵעַneighbor hineighbor hisרֵעַתָּמַהּthey will lthey will look תָּמַהּפָּנֶה[will be] f[will be] facesפָּנֶהלַ֫הַבflamesflamesלַ֫הַבפָּנֶהfaces theirfaces theirפָּנֶהפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצוּרto confineto confineצוּרחָבַלto pledgeto pledgeחָבַלאֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁאִשָּׁהwomanwomanאִשָּׁהבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדHouse of SHouse of Shepheבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסאִיcoastlandcoastlandאִיאָחַזto graspto graspאָחַזחַלְחָלָהanguishanguishחַלְחָלָהאַרְגֹּבArgobArgobאַרְגֹּבמָשַׁךְto drawto drawמָשַׁךְרַ֫עַדtremblingtremblingרַ֫עַדצִירenvoyenvoyצִירשֶׁ֫לַחShelahShelahשֶׁ֫לַחהָרָהto conceivto conceiveהָרָהטֶ֫רֶםbeforebeforeטֶ֫רֶם
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 13:8

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.

and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ׀ve.niv.Ha.lu and they will be terrified H926 Verb · Niphal · sequential perfect third person common plural
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Amplified meaning
fear, dread
Tyndale gloss
to dismay
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּהַל (bahal) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of meanings related to disturbance and haste. It can mean to be disturbed, terrified, or anxious, as well as to act hastily or make haste. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, including Niph, Pi, Pu, and Hiph, which reflect different nuances of dismay and urgency.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּהַל] vb.

Niph.

be disturbed, dismayed, terrified

be in haste, hasty

Pi.

dismay, terrify

hasten, make haste, act hastily

Pu. hastened; hastily gained

Hiph.

dismay, terrify

(late) hasten, hurry

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H926 בָּהַל . . be disturbed, dismayed, terrified

. be in haste, hasty

. . dismay, terrify

. hasten, make haste, act hastily

. hastened; hastily gained

. . dismay, terrify

. (late) hasten, hurry

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

926 bahal baw-hal'

a primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e.

(figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or

agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously:--be (make)

affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make)

haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble,

vex.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּהַל (ba.hal) — to dismay.

1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious

1a2) to be in haste, be hasty

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened

1b2) to dismay, terrify

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to hasten

1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.)

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste

1d2) to dismay, terrify

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp — Verb · Niphal · sequential perfect third person common plural
Hc/VNq3cp
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
צִירִ֤יםtzi.Rim pangs H6735 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A pang refers to a sharp feeling of pain or distress, like the sorrow felt by King David in Psalm 55:4. It can also mean a messenger or ambassador, like the ones sent by King Solomon in 1 Kings 5:8.
Amplified meaning
pangs, sorrows
Tyndale gloss
envoy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word צִיר (tsiyr) has several meanings, including 'envoy' or 'messenger,' 'hinge' or 'pivot of a door,' and 'pang' or 'pain.' It is derived from a root meaning to press in turning. The word appears in contexts related to physical objects and emotional distress, with a specific reference in Proverbs 26:14.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צִיר n.m. envoy, messenger

base

[צִיר] n.[m.] pivot (of door), hinge;—Pr 26:14

ref

[צִיר] n.[m.] pang (prop. writhing)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6735a צִיר envoy, messenger H6735b צִיר pivot (of door), hinge H6735c צִיר pang (prop. writing)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6735 tsiyr tseer

from 6696; a hinge (as pressed in turning); also a throe (as

a phys. or mental pressure); also a herald or errand-doer (as

constrained by the principal):--ambassador, hinge, messenger,

pain, pang, sorrow. Compare 6736.

see HEBREW for 06696

see HEBREW for 06736

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צִיר (tsir) — envoy.

envoy, messenger

צִיר (tsir) — hinge.

pivot of door, hinge

צִיר (tsir) — pang.

pang, distress

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
וַֽחֲבָלִים֙va.cha.va.Lim and pains H2256 Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
62× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Amplified meaning
intense suffering
Tyndale gloss
cord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חֶ֫בֶל (*chevel*) encompasses meanings related to a cord or rope, territory, and pain or pangs. It can refer to a measuring line, a company or band, and even destruction. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical objects like cords to abstract concepts like sorrow. Notably, it is associated with both physical and emotional contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫בֶל n.m. f. cord, territory, band

cord, rope

measuring-cord, line

measured portion, lot, part, region

band, company of prophets

base

חֵ֫בֶל n.m. pain, pang

pains of travail

of other than birth-pangs

base

חֹבְלִים n.[m.]pl. union (lit. binders) name of Zec.’s second symbolic staff

base

חֶ֫בֶל n.m. destruction—Mi 2:10

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2256a חֶ֫בֶל cord, territory, band H2256b חֵ֫בֶל pain, pang H2256c חֹבְלִים union H2256d חֶ֫בֶל destruction

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2256 chebel kheh'-bel

or chebel {khay'-bel}; from 2254; a rope (as twisted),

especially a measuring line; by implication, a district or

inheritance (as measured); or a noose (as of cords);

figuratively, a company (as if tied together); also a throe

(especially of parturition); also ruin:--band, coast, company,

cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion,

region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling.

see HEBREW for 02254

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫בֶל (che.vel) — Mahalab.

This name means a cord, territory, region

Another name of ach.lav (אַחְלָב "Ahlab" H0303)

חֵ֫בֶל (che.vel) — pain.

1) pain, sorrow, travail, pang

1a) pains of travail

1b) pains, pangs, sorrows

חֹבְלִים (chov.lim) — union.

union

חֶ֫בֶל (che.vel) — destruction.

destruction

חֶ֫בֶל (che.vel) — cord.

1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company

1a) a rope, cord

1b) a measuring-cord or line

1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region

1d) a band or company

§ destruction

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Ncmpa
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
יֹֽאחֵז֔וּןyo.che.Zun they will seize [them] ! H270 Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
68× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Tyndale gloss
to grasp
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp, take hold of, or seize. It has various forms, including Qal (to grasp), Niphal (to be caught), Piel (to enclose), and Hophal (to be fastened). The entries highlight its use in contexts of possession and holding, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָחַז 68 vb. grasp, take hold of, take possession

Qal grasp, take hold of

Niph. be caught

Pi. enclose, overlay

Hoph. fastened

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H270 אָחַז grasp, take hold of, take possession .grasp, take hold of

. be caught

. enclose, overlay

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

270 'achaz aw-khaz'

a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of

holding in possession):--+ be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay,

take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get,

have or take) possess(-ion).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָחַז (a.chaz) — to grasp.

1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession

1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of

1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled

1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay

1d) (Hophal) fastened

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
HVqi3mp/Sn
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
כַּיּוֹלֵדָ֖הkai.yo.le.Dah like [woman] giving birth H3205 Preposition · verb qal participle (active) feminine singular
496× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
giving birth, travail, childbirth
Tyndale gloss
to beget
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָלַד (*yalad*) means to bear, bring forth, or beget, and it encompasses various forms of childbirth and lineage declaration. It can refer to both the act of giving birth and the role of a midwife. The entries also note its use in contexts of distress and wicked behavior, as well as in reference to birthdays.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָלַד 497 vb. bear, bring forth, beget

Qal

bear, bring forth

less often beget

of both parents

Niph. be born

Pi. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

Pu. be born

Hiph.

beget (a father a child)

bear

Hoph. day of one's being born = birthday

Hithp. declared their pedigree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3205 יָלַד bear, bring forth, beget .. bear, bring forth

. less often beget

. of both parents

. be born

. cause (or help) to bring forth, viz., assist or tend as midwife

. be born

. . beget (a father a child)

. bear

. day of one's being born = birthday

. declared their pedigree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3205 yalad yaw-lad'

a primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget;

medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show

lineage:--bear, beget, birth((-day)), born, (make to) bring

forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be

delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch,

labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be

the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָלַד (ya.lad) — to beget.

1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to bear, bring forth

1a1a) of child birth

1a1b) of distress (simile)

1a1c) of wicked (behaviour)

1a2) to beget

1b) (Niphal) to be born

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to cause or help to bring forth

1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife

1c3) midwife (participle)

1d) (Pual) to be born

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to beget (a child)

1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity)

1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive)

1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Qal — Preposition · verb qal participle (active) feminine singular
HRd/Vqrfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

burth (genesis):

(1) It was said by the angel beforehand of John the Baptist, "Many shall rejoice at his birth"; and when he was born Elisabeth said, "Thus hath the Lord done unto me .... to take away my reproach among men" (Lu 1:14,25). Among the ancient Hebrews barrenness was a "reproach" and the birth of a child, of a son especially, an occasion for rejoicing.

(2) This, no doubt, was due in part to the Messianic hope inspired and sustained by prophecy (see Ge 3:15, where it was foretold that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head; and subsequent prophecies too numerous to mention). Cases in point worth studying are found in Ge 4:1, where Eve rejoices over the birth of her firstborn and cries, "I have gotten a…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Birth

As soon as a child was born it was washed, and rubbed with salt (Ezek. 16:4), and then swathed with bandages (Job 38:9; Luke 2:7, 12). A Hebrew mother remained forty days in seclusion after the birth of a son, and after the birth of a daughter double that number of days. At the close of that period she entered into the tabernacle or temple and offered up a sacrifice of purification (Lev. 12:1-8; Luke 2:22). A son was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, being thereby consecrated to God (Gen. 17:10-12; comp.

→ Giving, ordained to be in sorrow Ge 3:16

→ See ABORTION

→ See CHILDREN

and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
יְחִיל֑וּןye.chi.Lun they will be in anguish ! H2342 Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
58× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Amplified meaning
twist, be in agony
Tyndale gloss
to twist: tremble
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חוּל (chuwl) is built from a primitive root meaning to twist or whirl. It covers a range of meanings, including to dance, writhe in pain, bear children, and wait anxiously. The word can also imply strength or firmness, as noted in some entries. Various forms indicate different nuances, such as being made to writhe or suffering anguish.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חוּל [חִיל] vb. whirl, dance, writhe

Qal

dance

twist, writhe

whirl, whirl about

Po‛lel

dance

writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)

wait anxiously

Po‛lal

be made to writhe

be brought forth

Hiph. cause to be in anguish

Hoph. be born

Hithpol.

whirling

writhing, suffering torture

wait longingly

Hithpalp. and she writhed in anxiety

base

[חול, חִיל] vb. be firm, strong

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2342a חוּל [חִיל] whirl, dance, writhe .. dance

. twist, writhe

. whirl, whirl about

.. dance

. writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)

. wait anxiously

.. be made to writhe

. be brought forth

. cause to be in anguish

. be born

. . whirling

. writhing, suffering torture

. wait longingly

. and she writhed in anxiety

H2342b חול, חִיל br firm, strong

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2342 chuwl khool

or chiyl {kheel}; a primitive root; properly, to twist or

whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to

dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear;

figuratively, to wait, to pervert:--bear, (make to) bring

forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously

(with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope,

look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake,

shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain),

tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוּל (chul) — to twist: tremble.

: tremble/fear

1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to dance

1a2) to twist, writhe

1a3) to whirl, whirl about

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to dance

1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth

1b3) to wait anxiously

1c) (Pulal)

1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear

1c2) to be brought forth

1d) (Hophal) to be born

1e) (Hithpolel)

1e1) whirling (participle)

1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle)

1e3) to wait longingly

1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed

חִיל (chil) — be firm.

to be firm, strong

חוּל (chul) — to twist: give birth.

: give_birth

1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to dance

1a2) to twist, writhe

1a3) to whirl, whirl about

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to dance

1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth

1b3) to wait anxiously

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
HVqi3mp/Sn
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

an'-gwish: Extreme distress of body, mind or spirit; excruciating pain or suffering of soul, e.g. excessive grief, remorse, despair. Chiefly expressed in Old Testament, by four derivatives of tsuq, "straitened," "pressed," and tsar, and two derivatives signifying "straitness," "narrowness," hence distress; also shabhats, "giddiness," "confusion of mind"; hul "to twist" with pain, "writhe." So in the New Testament, thlipsis, "a pressing together," hence affliction, tribulation, stenochoria, "narrowness of place," hence extreme affliction; sunoche, "a holding together," hence distress. The fundamental idea in these various terms is pressure--being straitened, compressed into a narrow place, or pain through physical or mental torture. Used of the physical agony of child-birth (Jer 4:31; 6:24; 49:24; 50:43;

and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
אִ֤ישׁ'ish each H376 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
1,664× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Tyndale gloss
man
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

376 'iysh eesh

contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root

meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male

person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and

in such cases frequently not expressed in

translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +

champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,

husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),

him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,

person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.

Compare 802.

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0802

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִישׁ (ish) — man.

: man

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.

: husband

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.

: anyone/someone

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Amplified meaning
gaze, stare
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙re.'E.hu neighbor his H7453 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
188× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Amplified meaning
each other, their neighbor
Tyndale gloss
neighbor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֵעַ (rea`) refers to a friend, companion, or fellow, emphasizing close associations such as brotherhood or intimacy. It can also denote a neighbor or another person in a broader sense. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to associate.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֵעַ 187 n.m. friend, companion, fellow

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7453 רֵעַ friend, companion, fellow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7453 rea` ray'-ah

or reya2 {ray'-ah}; from 7462; an associate (more or less

close):--brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover,

neighbour, X (an-)other.

see HEBREW for 0reya2

see HEBREW for 07462

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֵעַ (re.a) — neighbor.

1) friend, companion, fellow, another person

1a) friend, intimate

1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)

1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
יִתְמָ֔הוּyit.Ma.hu they will look in astonishment H8539 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to be amazed or stunned, like when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus. It describes a strong emotional response to something incredible. It's used in Psalm 48:5 to describe how kings are amazed by God's power.
Amplified meaning
alarm, amazement
Tyndale gloss
to astounded
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּמַהּ (tamah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be astounded or dumbfounded. It has a primitive root form and encompasses the idea of being amazed or astonished, with a specific usage in the Hithpael form indicating mutual astonishment. The entries consistently highlight its emotional impact, emphasizing a sense of wonder or consternation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[תָּמַהּ] vb. be astounded, dumbfounded

Qal be astounded

Hithp. + Qal lit. astonish yourselves, be astounded

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8539 [תָּמַהּ] be astounded, dumbfounded

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8539 tamahh taw-mah'

a primitive root; to be in consternation:--be amazed, be

astonished, marvel(-lously), wonder.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּמַהּ (ta.mah) — to astounded.

1) to be astounded, be stunned, be amazed, be dumbfounded

1a) (Qal) to be astounded

1b)(Hithpael) to astonish yourself, be astounded, be astonished at one another

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

as-ton'-ish-ment: Amazement; mental surprise, excitement, wonder; often the cause of the startled emotion, as in De 28:37: "Thou shall become an astonishment." The chosen people, visited with calamities for idolatry would become a source of amazement to all nations (Jer 25:9,11,18); Solomon's' lofty and beautiful temple would be "an astonishment" (2Ch 7:21 the King James Version). For original terms and fuller study see ASTONISHED.

Thompson Chain Reference topics

Christ causes

Mt 13:54; 15:31; 22:22,33; Mr 2:12; 4:41; 7:37; 10:24

Lu 2:48; 4:22,36; 8:25

and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
פְּנֵ֥יpe.Nei [will be] faces of H6440 Noun common · masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
countenances, expressions
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
לְהָבִ֖יםle.ha.Vim flames H3851 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a flame or a sharp blade, like the point of a spear or sword. It can also describe something that flashes or glitters, like a bright flame.
Amplified meaning
burning, like flames
Tyndale gloss
flame
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לַ֫הַב (lahab) refers to both 'flame' and 'blade.' It is derived from an unused root meaning to gleam, indicating a bright or glittering quality. The term encompasses the idea of a flame as well as the sharp point of a weapon, such as a spear or sword.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לַ֫הַב n.m. flame, blade

flame

of flashing point of spear; blade of sword

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3851 לַ֫הַב flame, blade

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3851 lahab lah'-hab

from an usused root meaning to gleam; a flash; figuratively,

a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon:--blade, bright,

flame, glittering.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לַ֫הַב (la.hav) — flame.

1) flame, blade

1a) flame

1b) of flashing point of spear or blade of sword

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and they will be terrified pangs and pains they will seize [them] ! like [woman] giving birth they will be in anguish ! each to neighbor his they will look in astonishment [will be] faces of flames faces their
פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃pe.nei.Hem faces their H6440 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp3mp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp3mp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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