Isaiah 55:9 — Word Study
WLCכִּֽי־ גָבְה֥וּ שָׁמַ֖יִם מֵאָ֑רֶץ כֵּ֣ן גָּבְה֤וּ דְרָכַי֙ מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֔ם וּמַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖י מִמַּחְשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
BSAForkîy [as] the heavensshâmayim [the visible universe and the abode of God] are highergâbahh■ [exalted, lofty] than the earthʼerets [the land, the material world] sokên My waysderek [paths, manner of action] are highergâbahh■ [supreme, greater] than your waysderek [road, journey] and My thoughtsmachăshâbâh [plans, devices] than your thoughtsmachăshâbâh [intentions, inventions]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| גָבְה֥וּ | they are high | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| שָׁמַ֖יִם | [the] heavens | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| מֵאָ֑רֶץ | more than [the] earth | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| כֵּ֣ן | so | Adverb |
| גָּבְה֤וּ | they are high | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| דְרָכַי֙ | ways my | Noun common both plural construct, suffix |
| מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֔ם | more than ways your | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וּמַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖י | and thoughts my | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| מִמַּחְשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃ | more than thoughts your | Preposition, noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| KJV | For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. |
| ASV | For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. |
| YLT | For high have the heavens been above the earth, So high have been My ways above your ways, And My thoughts above your thoughts. |
| WEB | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. |
| BBE | For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. |
Translations agree on the use of גָּבְה֤וּ — see How Translations Differ.
The verse contains a main clause followed by two comparative clauses, emphasizing the contrast between divine and human understanding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשָׁמַיִם
verbגָּבַהּ
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 55:9
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 Contrast of Divine and Human Understandinggenerated
Isaiah 55:9 presents a profound contrast between the nature of God's thoughts and ways compared to those of humanity. The surrounding verses elaborate on the idea that just as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so too are God's ways and thoughts elevated above human understanding. This passage invites reflection on the vastness of God's wisdom and the limitations of human perspective.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 36:5 | Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 2 | Psalm 77:19 | Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found. |
| 3 | Psalm 89:2 | For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
| 4 | Psalm 103:11 | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
| 5 | Matthew 11:25 | At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — גָּבְה֤וּ, ga.ve.Hugenerated
The verb גָּבַהּ (gabahh) means 'to be high' or 'exalted'. It conveys a sense of loftiness, both in a physical and figurative sense. In this verse, it expresses the idea that God's ways are supreme and beyond human reach.
The parsing indicates that it is in the perfect tense, third person plural, which emphasizes the ongoing state of God's exalted nature. This verb captures the essence of divine superiority, contrasting with human limitations.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) as the base for comparison.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around a main clause with the finite verb גָּבְה֤וּ, they are high, which governs the comparative phrases that follow. The sentence begins with a prepositional phrase that sets the context, followed by two clauses that detail the comparison between God's ways and human ways.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the divine subject, שָׁמַ֖יִם, heavens, which underscores the contrast being made. The structure highlights the relationship between the heavenly and earthly realms.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates גָּבְה֤וּ with the Greek word ἀπέξει, indicating a sense of elevation or superiority. This choice reflects a similar understanding of the divine nature as being exalted above earthly matters.
This translation aligns with the overall theme of the passage, emphasizing the vast difference between divine and human perspectives.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Isaiah 55:9 explains that God's thoughts and ways are much higher than ours, just as the heavens are above the earth. This verse reminds us that God's understanding and actions surpass human reasoning and intentions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that God's plans and actions are beyond human understanding and wisdom, reflecting His divine nature.
We can trust in God's wisdom and guidance, recognizing that He sees the bigger picture beyond our limited perspective.
This emphasizes His sovereignty and the need for humility in our understanding, reminding us to seek His guidance.
It illustrates the vastness of God's knowledge compared to our finite understanding, highlighting His greatness.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust God's higher ways?
- How can I remind myself of God's greater understanding when facing difficult decisions?
- What steps can I take to align my thoughts and plans more closely with God's?
- How does recognizing the difference between God's thoughts and mine impact my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church father Prudentius uses this verse to illustrate the vast difference between divine and human understanding, emphasizing the need to rise above earthly concerns.
“If you would,” he says, “Ascend to heaven, banish cares of earth. For far as earth is distant from the sky And heaven from the world below, so far Are your vain thoughts from my eternal thoughts, Ill from good, sin from virtue,Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 55 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Isaiah 55:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor as the heavens, are higher than the earth,.... Than which there cannot be conceived a greater distance: so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts; which may denote
Read John Gill on Isaiah 55 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 55 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHigher than the earth; inexpressibly and infinitely; for the distance between the earth and the highest heavens is unmeasurable by any man upon earth.
Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 55 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsIsaiah 55:9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.Ver. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth.] And that is no small deal; see the note on Psalms 103:11-12. Lo, such is the proportion that my mercy beareth to your mercy, even the very best of you, that the heaven doth to the earth - i.e., that a most vast circumference doth to one little point or centre.
Read John Trapp on Isaiah 55 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. For as the heavens are higher] I am persuaded that כ caph, the particle of comparison, is lost in this place, from the likeness of the particle כי ki, immediately preceding it. So Houbigant and Secker. And their remark is confirmed by all the ancient Versions, which express it; and by the following passage of Ps 103:11, which is almost the same: - הארץ על שמים כגבה כי haarets al shamayim chigboah ki יראיו על חסדו גבר yereaiv al chasdo gabar "For as the heavens are high above the earth, So high is his goodness over them that fear him." Where, by the nature of the sentence, the verb in the second line ought to be the same with that in the first; גבה gabah, not גבר gabar: so…
Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 55 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8, 9. Jehovah’s thoughts transcend those of man as much as the heaven is higher than the earth. The point of the contrast is not the moral quality of the Divine thoughts as opposed to those of the “wicked”; the thoughts and ways of Jehovah are His purposes of redemption, which are too vast and sublime to be measured by the narrow conceptions of despairing minds (Isaiah 40:27 f.). Comp. Jeremiah 29:11 (“I know the thoughts that I entertain towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope”), Micah 4:12. The verses, therefore, furnish a motive not merely for repentance but also for eager and expectant hope.
Read Cambridge on Isaiah 55 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFor as the heavens ... - This verse is designed merely to illustrate the idea in the former. There is as great a difference between the plans of God and those of people, as between the heavens and the earth.
Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 55 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6-9. Seek ye the Lord — Now. This time of spiritual restoration, when God is more manifestly near than usual, is the best time, because a crisis time.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Isaiah 55 →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
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.
Tyndale line
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as ye heauens are higher then the earth, so are my wayes higher then your wayes, and my thoughtes aboue your thoughts.
Strictly literal
For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For high have the heavens been above the earth, So high have been My ways above your ways, And My thoughts above your thoughts.
“For [as] high [as] the heavens have been above the earth, || So high have been My ways above your ways, || And My thoughts above your thoughts.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
From the Latin
For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.
Simplified
In the same way the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
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 in wording, with minor variations in the order of phrases. The Septuagint corresponds well with the Hebrew, confirming the translation's fidelity to the original text.
כִּֽי־ גָבְה֥וּ שָׁמַ֖יִם מֵאָ֑רֶץ כֵּ֣ן גָּבְה֤וּ דְרָכַי֙ מִדַּרְכֵיכֶ֔ם וּמַחְשְׁבֹתַ֖י מִמַּחְשְׁבֹתֵיכֶֽם׃
9 of the 10 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.
כיא כגובה שמים מארץ כן גבהו דרכ׳י מדרכי׳כמה ומחשבות׳י ממחשבותי׳כמה
10 words on the leather.
כי גבהו שמים [מארץ] [כן] גבהו דרכ׳י מדרכי׳כם ומחשבת׳י ממחשבתי׳כם
8 words on the leather — 2 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Isaiah 55:9
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.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
גָּבַהּ (gabahh) is a Hebrew root meaning to be high or exalted. It can refer to physical height or a figurative sense of arrogance and pride. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, indicating a state of being lofty, and Hiphil, which means to elevate or exalt. There is a distinction in connotation, as it can imply both positive exaltation and negative haughtiness.
גָּבַהּ vb. be high, exalted
Qal
be high, lofty, tall
be exalted
lofty
Hiph. make high, exalt
base
H1361 גָּבַהּ be high, exalted
1361 gabahh gaw-bah'
a primitive root; to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be
haughty:--exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up,
mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward.
גָּבַהּ (ga.vah) — to exult.
1) to be high, be exalted
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be high, lofty, tall
1a2) to be exalted
1a3) to be lofty
1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense)
1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense)
1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.
[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky
visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
phrases
as abode of God
Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
base
H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
. phrases
. . as abode of God
. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim
dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused
root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps
alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well
as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies
revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).
שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.
1) heaven, heavens, sky
1a) visible heavens, sky
1a1) as abode of the stars
1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)
Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
hev'-'nz (shamayim; ouranoi): On the physical heavens see ASTRONOMY; WORLD. Above these, in popular conception, were the celestial heavens, the abode of God and of the hosts of angels (Ps 11:4; 103:19-21; Isa 66:1; Re 4:2; 5:11; compare Da 7:10), though it was recognized that Yahweh's presence was not confined to any region (1Ki 8:27). Later Judaism reckoned seven heavens. The apostle Paul speaks of himself as caught up into "the third heaven," which he evidently identifies with Paradise (2Co 12:2).
See HEAVENLY.
אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.
אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land
earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
earth, opp. to heaven, sky
earth = inhabitants of earth
land =
country, territory
district, region
trial territory
piece of ground
specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
= inhabitants of land
used even of Shᵉʼôl
ground, surface of ground
soil, as productive
אֶרֶץ in phrases
people of the land
in measurements of distance
the country of the plain, level or plain country
land of the living
end(s) of the earth
pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
base
H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)
. earth, opp. to heaven, sky
. earth = inhabitants of earth
. land = . country, territory
. district, region
. trial territory
. piece of ground
. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel
. = inhabitants of land
. used even of Shᵉʼôl
. . ground, surface of ground
. soil, as productive
. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land
. in measurements of distance
. the country of the plain, level or plain country
. land of the living
. end(s) of the earth
. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.
776 'erets eh'-rets
from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth
(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,
field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.
: country/field
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
1b2) district, region
1b3) tribal territory
1b4) piece of ground
1b5) land of Canaan, Israel
1b6) inhabitants of land
1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world
1b8) city (-state)
1c) ground, surface of the earth
1c1) ground
1c2) soil
1d) (in phrases)
1d1) people of the land
1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)
1d3) level or plain country
1d4) land of the living
1d5) end(s) of the earth
1e) (almost wholly late in usage)
1e1) lands, countries
1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.
: soil
1) land, earth
1a) earth
1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)
1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)
1a3) earth (inhabitants)
1b) land
1b1) country, territory
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHR/Ncfsa
urth ('adhamah, 'erets, 'aphar; ge, oikoumene):
In a hilly limestone country like Palestine, the small amount of iron oxide in the rocks tends to be oxidized, and thereby to give a prevailing reddish color to the soil. This is especially the case on relatively barren hills where there is little organic matter present to prevent reddening and give a more blackish tinge.
'Adhamah (compare 'adham, "a man," and Adam) is from 'adham, "to be red," and is used in the senses: "earth" (Ex 20:24), "land" (Ps 105:35), a "land" or country (Isa 14:2), "ground" (Ge 4:11), "the earth" (Ge 7:4).
Earth
(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah’. In Gen. 9:20 “husbandman” is literally “man of the ground or earth.” Altars were to be built of earth (Ex. 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules’ burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil.
(2). As the rendering of ’erets, it means the whole world (Gen. 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (1:10). Erets also denotes a country (21:32); a plot of ground (23:15); the ground on which a man stands (33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (
The term is used in two widely-different senses: (1) for the material of which the earth’s surface is composed; (2) as the name of the planet on which man dwells. The Hebrew language discriminates between these two by the use of separate terms, adamah for the former, erets for the latter. Adamah is the earth in the sense of soil or ground, particularly as being susceptible of cultivation. (Genesis 2:7) Erets is applied in a more or less extended sense-- (1) to the whole world, (Genesis 1:1) (2) to land as opposed to sea, (Genesis 1:10) (3) to a country, (Genesis 21:32) (4) to a plot of ground, (Genesis 23:15) and (5) to…
In both Hebrew and Greek the same word is used to denote the earth as a whole, and a particular land. Only the context can enable us to decide in which of these senses it is to be taken in a given passage.
Thus in Mt 27:45 we might, so far as the original word is concerned, render either "there was darkness over all the land," or over all the earth. The expression "all the earth" is sometimes used hyperbolically for a large portion of it, Ezr 1:2. The word is used of the whole world, etc. In a moral sense, earthly is opposed to what is heavenly, spiritual and holy, Joh 3:31 1Co 15:47 Col 3:2
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…
גָּבַהּ (gabahh) is a Hebrew root meaning to be high or exalted. It can refer to physical height or a figurative sense of arrogance and pride. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, indicating a state of being lofty, and Hiphil, which means to elevate or exalt. There is a distinction in connotation, as it can imply both positive exaltation and negative haughtiness.
גָּבַהּ vb. be high, exalted
Qal
be high, lofty, tall
be exalted
lofty
Hiph. make high, exalt
base
H1361 גָּבַהּ be high, exalted
1361 gabahh gaw-bah'
a primitive root; to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be
haughty:--exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up,
mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward.
גָּבַהּ (ga.vah) — to exult.
1) to be high, be exalted
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be high, lofty, tall
1a2) to be exalted
1a3) to be lofty
1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense)
1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense)
1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
N-cp | Suff — Noun common both plural construct · suffixHNcbpc/Sp1bs
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
Prep | N-cp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp2mp
מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashabah) refers to thoughts, devices, plans, or inventions, encompassing both good and bad intentions. It is derived from a root meaning to contrive or devise. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts relating to intention and creativity.
מַחֲשָׁבָה n.f. thought, device
thought
device, plan, purpose
invention
base
H4284 מַחֲשָׁבָה thought, device . thought
. device, plan, purpose
. invention
4284 machashabah makh-ash-aw-baw'
or machashebeth {makh-ash-eh'-beth}; from 2803; a
contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or
(abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good,
advice):--cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed),
imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
see HEBREW for 02803
מַחֲשָׁבָה (ma.cha.sha.vah) — plot.
1) thought, device
1a) thought
1b) device, plan, purpose
1c) invention
Conj | N-fp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncfpc/Sp1bs
מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashabah) refers to thoughts, devices, plans, or inventions, encompassing both good and bad intentions. It is derived from a root meaning to contrive or devise. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts relating to intention and creativity.
מַחֲשָׁבָה n.f. thought, device
thought
device, plan, purpose
invention
base
H4284 מַחֲשָׁבָה thought, device . thought
. device, plan, purpose
. invention
4284 machashabah makh-ash-aw-baw'
or machashebeth {makh-ash-eh'-beth}; from 2803; a
contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or
(abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good,
advice):--cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed),
imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
see HEBREW for 02803
מַחֲשָׁבָה (ma.cha.sha.vah) — plot.
1) thought, device
1a) thought
1b) device, plan, purpose
1c) invention
Prep | N-fp | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncfpc/Sp2mp