Isaiah 31:5 — Word Study
WLCכְּצִפֳּרִ֣ים עָפ֔וֹת כֵּ֗ן יָגֵ֛ן יְהוָ֥ה צְבָא֖וֹת עַל־ יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם גָּנ֥וֹן וְהִצִּ֖יל פָּסֹ֥חַ וְהִמְלִֽיט׃
BSALike birdstsippôwr [flying] hovering overheadʻûwph sokên the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] of Hoststsâbâʼ [a large group of people or things, an army] will protectgânan▸ [defend, shield from harm] JerusalemYᵉrûwshâlaim [the city of peace, the capital of Palestine] He will shield itgânan [cover, preserve] and deliver itnâtsal [rescue, snatch away] He will pass over itpâçach [limp, hop, spare] and preserve itmâlaṭ [keep from danger, rescue]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כְּצִפֳּרִ֣ים | like birds | Preposition, noun common both plural absolute |
| עָפ֔וֹת | flying | Verb, Qal, participle (active) feminine plural |
| כֵּ֗ן | so | Adverb |
| יָגֵ֛ן | he will defend | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| יְהוָ֥ה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| צְבָא֖וֹת | of hosts | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| עַל־ | Preposition | |
| יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם | Jerusalem | Noun proper |
| גָּנ֥וֹן | he will defend [it] | Verb, Qal, infinitive absolute |
| וְהִצִּ֖יל | and he will rescue [it] | Verb, Hiphil, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| פָּסֹ֥חַ | he will pass over [it] | Verb, Qal, infinitive absolute |
| וְהִמְלִֽיט׃ | and he will deliver [it] | Verb, Hiphil, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.” |
| KJV | As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it. |
| ASV | As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it. |
| YLT | As birds flying, so doth Jehovah of Hosts Cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering, Passing over, and causing to escape.' |
| WEB | As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.” |
| BBE | Like birds with outstretched wings, so will the Lord of armies be a cover to Jerusalem; he will be a cover and salvation for it, going over it he will keep it from danger. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of יָגֵ֛ן — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with additional phrases that detail God's protective actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעוּף
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 31:5
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — God's Protection Over Jerusalemgenerated
Isaiah 31:5 presents a vivid image of God's protective nature, comparing it to birds hovering overhead. This verse assures the people of Jerusalem that despite challenges, God will defend and deliver them. The surrounding verses emphasize the strength of God in contrast to human threats, reinforcing the theme of divine security amidst turmoil.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 10:14 | My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
| 2 | Exodus 19:4 | ‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:11 | As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions. |
| 4 | Psalm 46:5 | God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. |
| 5 | Psalm 91:4 | He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יָגֵ֛ן, ya.gengenerated
The verb יָגֵ֛ן (ya.gen) is in the imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing action of defense. It is derived from the root גָּנַן (ganan), which means to cover or protect. This word conveys the idea of God actively shielding His people from harm.
In this context, יָגֵ֛ן emphasizes God's role as a protector, suggesting a strong, continuous defense rather than a one-time act. The imagery of birds hovering suggests vigilance and care, reinforcing the assurance of safety under God's watchful eye.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses protect for יָגֵ֛ן, aligning with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יָגֵ֛ן (he will defend) governs the entire sentence, with several clauses describing the actions of God. The structure emphasizes God's protective role, with the adverbial כֵּ֗ן (so) linking the simile to the main assertion.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on God's actions first, followed by the object of His protection, Jerusalem, which highlights the focus on divine intervention.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יָגֵ֛ן as ὑπερασπιεῖ (hyperaspiei), meaning 'to defend' or 'to protect'. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing God's active role in safeguarding Jerusalem.
The use of ὑπερασπιεῖ suggests a strong, military connotation of protection, reinforcing the idea of God as a warrior defending His people.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 31:5 assures that God will protect Jerusalem like birds hovering overhead. This image conveys God's vigilance and care. The verse emphasizes that despite any threats, God will defend, rescue, and preserve His people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This imagery suggests God's constant vigilance and care, similar to how birds hover protectively over their young.
It emphasizes God's authority and power as the leader of heavenly armies, assuring His capability to protect Jerusalem.
This suggests that God will spare Jerusalem from harm, much like the Passover event where the Israelites were protected.
It echoes themes found in other passages, such as Psalm 91, where God is depicted as a refuge and fortress for His people.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I recognize God's protection in my own life?
- In what ways does the imagery of birds resonate with my understanding of God's care?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's defense during challenging times?
- How can I share the assurance of God's protection with others?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 31:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAs birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem,.... As the preceding metaphor expresses the mighty power of God, this his tenderness and affection, as well as his speed and swiftness in the deliverance of his people.
Read John Gill on Isaiah 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAs birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it. As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 31 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAs birds flying; which come from above, and so cannot be kept off; which fly swiftly, and engage themselves Valiantly and resolutely, when they perceive that their young ones are in eminent danger. He seems to allude, and to oppose this, to those boasting expressions of the Assyrian, : compare ,12 Mt 23:37. Passing over; the destroying angel shall pass over Jerusalem untouched, and shall fall upon the Assyrians. He seems to allude to the history of God’ s passing over and sparing the houses of the Israelites, when he slew the Egyptians, in which this word is constantly used, ,23,27.
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 31:5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver [it; and] passing over he will preserve it.Ver. 5. As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts.] This is the second similitude; the eagle, when she flieth highest of all from the nest, and seemeth to set herself among the clouds, still keeps her eye on her nest, so that if any come near her young ones to offend them, she makes all possible speed for their defence. Such an eagle is Almighty God, such a hen is Jesus Christ. The Church is God’ s nest; who dare meddle with it? Sennacherib had threatened to destroy nest and young ones together, because he had done so elsewhere, and none dared…
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 31 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) As birds flying . . .—The picture that follows (Æschylean, as the former was Homeric; see “Æsch. Agam. 49-54, though there the point is the wailing of the parent birds over the plundered nest) is, at least, not doubtful in its meaning, whether it be meant as a counterpart or antithesis to that which precedes it. The eagles hovering over their nest, and scaring off man or beast that attacked their nestlings, supplied the most vivid image possible of protection. (Comp. the image, like, but not the same, in Deuteronomy 32:11.) Passing over.—The word is the same as that used in connection with the Passover festival, and may perhaps imply a reference to it.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 5. Passing over - "Leaping forward"] The generality of interpreters observe in this place an allusion to the deliverance which God vouchsafed to his people when he destroyed the first-born of the Egyptians, and exempted those of the Israelites sojourning among them by a peculiar interposition. The same word is made use of here which is used upon that occasion, and which gave the name to the feast which was instituted in commemoration of that deliverance, פסח pesach. But the difficulty is to reconcile the commonly received meaning of that word with the circumstances of the similitude here used to illustrate the deliverance represented as parallel to the deliverance in Egypt. "As the…
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. Jehovah’s protection of Jerusalem is expressed by a very different figure—that of birds hovering over their nests. The word for birds denotes especially small, sparrow-like, birds; and its use here might seem less appropriate than in Psalms 11:1 as a synonym for timidity. It is, however, frequently used of birds in general (e.g. Psalms 8:8). passing over] The verb is that from which the word Pesaḥ ? (Passover) is derived; it occurs again only in Exodus 12:13; Exodus 12:23; Exodus 12:27. For preserve read rescue. 6 contains the only summons to repentance in this whole series of discourses. It must not be understood as implying that the deliverance of Jerusalem is conditional upon a…
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAs birds flying - This is another comparison indicating substantially the same thing as the former, that Yahweh would protect Jerusalem.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 31 →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
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”
As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”
Just as birds hover over a nest, so the Lord who commands armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it; as he passes over he will rescue it.
Tyndale line
As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.
As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.
As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it ; and passing over he will preserve it .
As birds that flie, so shall the Lord of hostes defend Ierusalem by defending and deliuering, by passing through and preseruing it.
Strictly literal
As birds with outstretched wings, so will Jehovah of hosts cover Jerusalem; covering, he will also deliver, passing over, he will rescue [it].
As birds flying, so doth Jehovah of Hosts Cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering, Passing over, and causing to escape.'
As birds flying, so does YHWH of Hosts || Cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering, || Passing over, and causing to escape.”
As fluttering birds, so will the Lord of hosts shield Jerusalem; shielding and delivering; sparing and preserving.
Like birds in flight, so Yahweh of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and rescue as he passes over it and preserves it.
From the Latin
As birds dying, so will the Lord of hosts protect Jerusalem, protecting and delivering, passing over and saving.
Simplified
Like birds that hover above, so the Lord Almighty will take care of Jerusalem. He will protect it and save it; he will pass over it and rescue it.
Like birds with outstretched wings, so will the Lord of armies be a cover to Jerusalem; he will be a cover and salvation for it, going over it he will keep it from danger.
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 — 1Qisaa agree closely, with only minor variations in wording. Both confirm the protective promise of God over Jerusalem, maintaining the same essential message.
כְּצִפֳּרִ֣ים עָפ֔וֹת כֵּ֗ן יָגֵ֛ן יְהוָ֥ה צְבָא֖וֹת עַל־ יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם גָּנ֥וֹן וְהִצִּ֖יל פָּסֹ֥חַ וְהִמְלִֽיט׃
9 of the 12 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
כצפורים עפות כן יגן יהוה צבאות על ירושלם גנון והציל ופסח והפליט
12 words on the leather.
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 31:5
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
צִפּוֹר (tsippowr) means 'bird' and can refer to a singular bird or birds collectively. It is derived from a root meaning 'to hop' and is associated with small birds like sparrows. The Aramaic equivalent is צְפַר (tse.phar).
צִפּוֹר, צִפֹּר 40 n.f. bird
base
H6833 צִפּוֹר, צִפֹּר bird
6833 tsippowr tsip-pore'
or tsippor {tsip-pore'}; from 6852; a little bird (as
hopping):--bird, fowl, sparrow.
see HEBREW for 06852
צִפּוֹר (tsip.por) — bird.
1) bird, fowl
1a) bird (singular)
1b) birds (coll)
Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common both plural absoluteHR/Ncbpa
burds (`ayiT; Greek variously ta peteina (Mt 13:4) ta ornea tou ouranou (Re 19:17) ornis (Mt 23:37; Lu 13:34) Latin, avis; Old English "brid"):
I. Meaning of the Word.
All authorities agree that the exact origin of the word bird, as we apply it to feathered creatures, is unknown.
1. In Early Hebrew:
The Hebrew `ayiT means to "tear and scratch the face," and in its original form undoubtedly applied to birds of prey. It is probable that no spot of equal size on the face of the globe ever collected such numbers of vultures, eagles and hawks as ancient Palestine. The land was so luxuriant that flocks and herds fed from the face of Nature. In cities, villages, and among…
[SPARROW]
Birds, like other animals, were divided by Moses into clean and unclean; the former might be eaten, the latter not. The general ground of distinction is, that those which feed on grain or seeds are clean; while those which devour flesh, fish, or carrion, are unclean. Turtledoves, young pigeons, and perhaps some other kinds of birds, were prescribed in the Mosaic law as offerings, Le 5:7-10 14:4-7 Lu 2:24.
There is great difficulty in accurately determining the different species of birds prohibited in Le 11:13-19 De 14:11-20, and the proper version of the Hebrew names. The information we have respecting them may be found under the names by which they are translated in our…
→ Creation of, on the fifth creative day Ge 1:20-30
→ Man's dominion over Ge 1:26,28; 9:2,3; Ps 8:5-8; Jer 27:6; Da 2:38; Jas 3:7
→ Appointed for food Ge 9:2,3; De 14:11-20
→ What species were unclean Le 11:13-20; De 14:12-19
→ Used for sacifice
See DOVE
→ See PIGEON
עוּף (uwph) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to fly,' with various nuances including hovering and fleeing. It can also imply covering or dimness, as seen in the related noun תְּעֻפָה (teʾuphah), which refers to gloom. The word appears in different forms, such as Qal and Hiphil, indicating various actions related to flight.
עוּף vb. fly
Qal
fly, of birds
hover (protectingly)
fly away
Hiph. dost thou cause thine eyes to fly
Pō‛l.
fly about, to and fro
cause to fly to and fro, brandish
Hithpō‛l. like a bird their glory shall fly away
H5774a עוּף fly H5774b תְּעֻפָה n. f. id. [מוּעָף]
5774 `uwph oof
a primitive root; to cover (with wings or obscurity); hence
(as denominative from 5775) to fly; also (by implication of
dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning):--brandish,
be (wax) faint, flee away, fly (away), X set, shine forth,
weary.
see HEBREW for 05775
עוּף (uph) — to fly.
v
1) to fly, fly about, fly away
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to fly, hover
1a2) to fly away
1b) (Hiphil) to cause to fly, light upon
1c) (Polel)
1c1) to fly about or to and fro
1c2) to cause to fly to and fro, brandish
1d) (Hithpolel) to fly away
2) (Qal) to cover, be dark
תְּעֻפָה (te.u.phah) — gloom.
gloom
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) feminine pluralHVqrfpa
The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'
כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest
right
veritable, true
pl. concr. honest (men)
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
כֵּן adv. so
base
H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so
3651 ken kane
from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as
adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)
rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and
relation; often with other particles):--+ after that
(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be
(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like
(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,
straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,
thus, true, well, X you.
see HEBREW for 03559
כֵּן (ken) — right.
adv
adj
1) right, just, honest, true, veritable
1a) right, just, honest
1b) correct
1c) true, veritable
[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.
adv
forasmuch as, since
כֵּן (ken) — so.
adv
1) so, therefore, thus
1a) thus, so
1b) just so
1c) therefore
1d) so...as (paired with adv)
1e) then
1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)
1g) (with prep)
1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)
1g2) hitherto
1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)
1g4) afterwards
1g5) in such case
Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)
Part — AdverbHD
so (co', although the Hebrew might be pointed cewe'; Assyrian Sib'u; Septuagint Segor, Soa; Manetho, Seuechos; Latin Sevechus; Herodotus (ii. 137 ff), Sabakon): In all probability the "Sabaeo" of Herodotus, the Shabaka, who founded the Ethiopian dynasty, the XXVth of Egyptian kings. His date is given as 715-707 BC (Flinders Petrie, History of Egypt, III, 281 ff), but we may suppose that before his accession to the throne he was entitled to be designated king, as being actually regent. To this So, Hoshea, king of Israel, made an appeal for assistance to enable him to throw off the yoke of the Assyrian Shalmaneser IV (2Ki 17:3). But Hoshea's submission to So brought him no advantage, for Shalmaneser came up throughout all the land and laid siege to Samaria. Not long after the fall of Samaria, So ventured upon an eastern campaign, and…
So
(Nubian, Sabako), an Ethiopian king who brought Egypt under his sway. He was bribed by Hoshea to help him against the Assyrian monarch Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:4). This was a return to the policy that had been successful in the reign of Jeroboam I.
"So, king of Egypt," is once mentioned in the Bible -- (2 Kings 17:4) So has been identified by different writers with the first and second kings of the Ethiopian twenty-fifth dynasty, called by Manetho, Sabakon (Shebek) and Sebichos (Shebetek).
King of Egypt, made an alliance with Hoshea king of Israel, and promised him assistance; but was unable to prevent Shalmaneser king of Assyria from taking Samaria and subverting the kingdom, B. C. 721, 2Ki 17:4. See PHARAOH.
So is believed to have been the Servetus or Sabaco II of secular history, the second king of the Ethiopian or twenty-fifth dynasty, and the predecessor of Trihakah. A singular fact has been brought to light by the recent explorations at Nineveh, corroborating the Scripture record the more forcibly, because unexpected and direct. The Bible shows that Egypt and Assyria, though remote, were often in conflict during the height of the Assyrian ruins power, and that So was at war with Shalmaneser. After war comes the treaty of peace; and as the Bible prepares us to suppose such treaties were made, the Assyrian ruins…
גָּנַן (ganan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cover, surround, or defend. It is a primitive root with usages in both the Qal and Hiphil forms, indicating the action of defending or protecting. The entries consistently emphasize its protective connotation without significant disagreement among the sources.
[גָּנַן] vb. cover, surround, defend
Qal defend
Hiph. defend
base
H1598 [גָּנַן] cover, surround, defend
1598 ganan gaw-nan'
a primitive root; to hedge about, i.e. (generally)
protect:--defend.
גָּנַן (ga.nan) — to defend.
1) to defend, cover, surround
1a) (Qal) to defend
1b) (Hiphil) to defend
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
The Hebrew word צָבָא (*tsaba'*) primarily means 'army' or 'warfare,' encompassing organized groups for battle, divine hosts, and even celestial bodies. It can also refer to service or duty in a military context. The term appears in various forms, including צְבָאוֹת (*tsaba'ot*), which denotes the 'hosts' of the Lord, particularly in relation to God's role in warfare.
צָבָא 485 n.m. army, war, warfare
army, host
war, warfare, service
service
צְבָאוֹת, in name of י׳ as God of war, prob. first in time of warlike David (some connect with sacred ark, but ark older)
base
H6635a צָבָא army, war, warfare . army, host
. war, warfare, service
. service
H6635b צְבָאוֹת army, war, warfare . army, host
. war, warfare, service
. service
. צְבָאוֹת, in name of י׳ as God of war, prob. first in time of warlike David (some connect with sacred ark, but ark older)
6635 tsaba' tsaw-baw'
or (feminine) tsbadah {tseb-aw-aw'}; from 6633; a mass of
persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized
for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or
figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship):--appointed
time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers,
waiting upon, war(-fare).
see HEBREW for 06633
צָבָא (tsa.va) — army.
: army
1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host
1a) army, host
1a1) host (of organised army)
1a2) host (of angels)
1a3) of sun, moon, and stars
1a4) of whole creation
1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war
1c) service
צָבָא (tsa.va) — Hosts.
The Hosts (of the Lord)
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
צָבָא (tsa.va) — army: war.
: war
1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host
1a) army, host
1a1) host (of organised army)
1a2) host (of angels)
1a3) of sun, moon, and stars
1a4) of whole creation
1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war
1c) service
צָבָא (tsa.va) — army: duty.
: duty
1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host
1a) army, host
1a1) host (of organised army)
1a2) host (of angels)
1a3) of sun, moon, and stars
1a4) of whole creation
1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war
1c) service
N-cp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
HR — PrepositionHR
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫͏ם (Yruwshalaim) refers to Jerusalem, the capital city of Palestine. The name is thought to derive from terms meaning 'founded peaceful' and is linked to its two main hills. It is described as the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫͏ם, יְרוּשָׁלַ֫יִם 644 n.pr.loc. Jerusalem
base
H3389 יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫͏ם, יְרוּשָׁלַ֫יִם Jerusalem
3389 Yruwshalaim yer-oo-shaw-lah'-im
rarely Yruwshalayim {yer-oo- shaw-lah'-yim}; a dual (in
allusion to its two main hills (the true pointing, at least of
the former reading, seems to be that of 3390)); probably from
(the passive participle of) 3384 and 7999; founded peaceful;
Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of
Palestine:--Jerusalem.
see HEBREW for 03390
see HEBREW for 03384
see HEBREW for 07999
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם (ye.ru.sha.laim) — Jerusalem.
§ Jerusalem = "teaching of peace"
the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
je-roo'-sa-lem:
I. THE NAME
1. In Cuneiform
2. In Hebrew
3. In Greek and Latin
4. The Meaning of Jerusalem
5. Other Names
II. GEOLOGY, CLIMATE AND SPRINGS
1. Geology
2. Climate and Rainfall
3. The Natural Springs
III. THE NATURAL SITE
1. The Mountains Around
2. The Valleys
3. The Hills
IV. GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY OF JERUSALEM
1. Description of Josephus
2. Summary of the Names of the Five Hills
3. The Akra
4. The Lower City
5. City of David and Zion
V. EXCAVATIONS AND ANTIQUITIES
1. Robinson
2. Wilson, and the Palestine Exploration Fund (1865)
3. Warren and Conder
4. Maudslay
5. Schick
6. Clermont-Ganneau
7. Bliss and Dickie
8. Jerusalem Archaeological Societies
VI. THE CITY'S WALLS AND GATES
1. The Existing Walls
2. Wilson's Theory
3. The Existing Gates
4. Buried Remains of Earlier Walls
5. The Great Dam of the Tyropoeon
6. Ruins of Ancient Gates
7. Josephus' Description of the Walls
8. First Wall
9. Second Wall
10. Third Wall
Jerusalem
Called also Salem, Ariel, Jebus, the “city of God,” the “holy city;” by the modern Arabs el-Khuds, meaning “the holy;” once “the city of Judah” (2 Chr. 25:28). This name is in the original in the dual form, and means “possession of peace,” or “foundation of peace.” The dual form probably refers to the two mountains on which it was built, viz., Zion and Moriah; or, as some suppose, to the two parts of the city, the “upper” and the “lower city.” Jerusalem is a “mountain city enthroned on a mountain fastness” (comp. Ps. 68:15, 16; 87:1; 125:2; 76:1, 2; 122:3). It stands on the edge of one of the highest table-lands in Palestine, and is surrounded on the south-eastern, the southern, and the western sides by deep and precipitous ravines.
(the habitation of peace), Jerusalem stands in latitude 31 degrees 46’ 35" north and longitude 35 degrees 18’ 30" east of Greenwich. It is 32 miles distant from the sea and 18 from the Jordan, 20 from Hebron and 36 from Samaria. "In several respects," says Dean Stanley, "its situation is singular among the cities of Palestine. Its elevation is remarkable; occasioned not from its being on the summit of one of the numerous hills of Judea, like most of the towns and villages, but because it is on the edge of one of the highest table-lands of the country. Hebron indeed is higher still by some hundred feet, and from the south, accordingly (even from Bethlehem), the approach to Jerusalem is by a slight descent. But from any other side the ascent is perpetual; and to the traveller approaching the city from the east or west it must always have presented the appearance beyond any other capital…
The chief city of the Holy Land, and to the Christian the most illustrious in the world. It is situated in 31 degrees 46’43" N. lat., and 35 degrees 13’ E. long. on elevated ground south of the center of the country, about thirty-seven miles from the Mediterranean, and about twenty-four from the Jordan. Its site was early hallowed by God’s trial of Abraham’s faith, Ge 22:1-24 2Ch 3:1. It was on the border of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, mostly within the limits of the former, but reckoned as belonging to the latter, because conquered by it, Jos 15:8 18:16,28 Jud 1:18. The most ancient name of the city was Salem, Ge…
גָּנַן (ganan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cover, surround, or defend. It is a primitive root with usages in both the Qal and Hiphil forms, indicating the action of defending or protecting. The entries consistently emphasize its protective connotation without significant disagreement among the sources.
[גָּנַן] vb. cover, surround, defend
Qal defend
Hiph. defend
base
H1598 [גָּנַן] cover, surround, defend
1598 ganan gaw-nan'
a primitive root; to hedge about, i.e. (generally)
protect:--defend.
גָּנַן (ga.nan) — to defend.
1) to defend, cover, surround
1a) (Qal) to defend
1b) (Hiphil) to defend
V-Qal-Ptc — Verb · Qal · infinitive absoluteHVqaa
The Hebrew word נָצַל (natsal) is built from a primitive root meaning to snatch away, with various usages across different stems. It covers a range of meanings including to rescue, deliver, plunder, and strip. The word appears in contexts of delivering oneself or being delivered, as well as rescuing from enemies or sin.
[נָצַל] 212 vb. not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
Niph.
reflex. tear oneself away, deliver oneself
passive, be torn out or away
Pi.
strip off, spoil
deliver
Hiph.
take away, snatch away
rescue, recover
deliver from
deliver from sin and guilt
Hoph. as a brand plucked out of the burning
Hithp. and they stripped themselves of their ornaments.
base
H5337 נָצַל not in Qal; Pi. strip, plunder; Niph. deliver oneself, be delivered Hiph. snatch away, deliver
5337 natsal naw-tsal'
a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad
sense:- X at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, X without
fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save,
spoil, strip, X surely, take (out).
נָצַל (na.tsal) — to rescue.
1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself
1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to strip off, spoil
1b2) to deliver
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to take away, snatch away
1c2) to rescue, recover
1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death)
1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt
1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out
1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhq3ms
The Hebrew word פָּסַח (*pasach*) is built from a primitive root meaning to hop or skip over, and it covers a range of meanings including to pass over, limp, and dance. The entries indicate that it can be used in various forms, such as Qal (to pass over) and Piel (to skip). There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
פָּסַח vb. pass or spring over
base
[פָּסַח] vb. limp
Qal fig.
Niph. and he fell and was made limping (lame).
Pi. they went limping (along by the altar)
base
H6452a פָּסַח pass or spring over H6452b פָּסַח limp
6452 pacach paw-sakh'
a primitive root; to hop, i.e. (figuratively) skip over (or
spare); by implication, to hesitate; also (literally) to limp,
to dance:--halt, become lame, leap, pass over.
פָּסַח (pa.sach) — to pass.
1) to pass over, spring over
1a) (Qal) to pass over
1b) (Piel) to skip, pass over
פָּסַח (pa.sach) — to limp.
1) to limp
1a) (Qal) to limp
1b) (Niphal) to be lame
1c) (Piel) to limp
V-Qal-Ptc — Verb · Qal · infinitive absoluteHVqaa
מָלַט (malat) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to escape or slip away. It encompasses various nuances such as delivering, saving, and even giving birth in specific contexts. The entries indicate that it can refer to both physical escape and the act of laying eggs. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
[מָלַט] vb. slip away (not in Qal)
Niph.
slip away
escape
pass. be delivered
Pi.
lay (eggs)
let escape
deliver
Hiph.
give birth to a male child
deliver
Hithp.
slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
escape
base
H4422 מָלַט slip away . . slip away
. escape
. pass. be delivered
. . lay (eggs)
. let escape
. deliver
. . give birth to a male child
. deliver
. . slip forth, escape (sparks of fire from jaws of crocodile)
. escape
4422 malat maw-lat'
a primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. (by
implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively,
to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit
sparks:--deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone,
let go, preserve, save, X speedily, X surely.
מָלַט (ma.lat) — to escape.
1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered
1a)(Niphal)
1a1) to slip away
1a2) to escape
1a3) to be delivered
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs)
1b2) to let escape
1b3) to deliver, save (life)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to give birth to
1c2) to deliver
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape
1d2) to escape
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhq3ms