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Isaiah 58:6 — Word Study

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WLCהֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צ֣וֹם אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה וְשַׁלַּ֤ח רְצוּצִים֙ חָפְשִׁ֔ים וְכָל־ מוֹטָ֖ה תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃

BSAIsn’tlôʼ thiszeh [the true, authentic] the fasttsôwm [abstinence, self-denial] that I have chosenbâchar [selected, ordained] to breakpâthach [shatter, demolish] the chainschartsubbâh [bonds, fetters] of wickednessreshaʻ [evil, immorality] to untienâthar [loose, release] the cordsʼăguddâh [bands, straps] of the yokemôwṭâh [oppression, burden] to setshâlach [free, liberate] the oppressedrâtsats [crushed, afflicted] freechophshîy and tear offnâthaq [remove, destroy] everykôl yokemôwṭâh [burden, bondage]

Word
Listen & take awayIsaiah 58
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 6 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 (te.na.Te.ku) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Isaiah 58:6quick helps
In a sentenceGod defines true fasting as actions that liberate the oppressed and break the bonds of wickedness.
Who is speakingThe prophet Isaiah, conveying God's message.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger section addressing the nature of true worship and fasting.
The hard wordצ֣וֹם
Take awayTrue fasting involves social justice and compassion.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbפָּתַח 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 58:6

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 True Fastgenerated

5Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?
6Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?
7Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Isaiah 58:6 presents God’s perspective on fasting, emphasizing that it is not merely a ritual of abstaining from food but an active engagement in social justice. God desires His people to break the chains of wickedness and to liberate those who are oppressed. This teaching contrasts with superficial religious practices, calling for a deeper commitment to compassion and action, which is echoed throughout the prophetic literature.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Nehemiah 5:10–12I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury.
2Jeremiah 34:8–11After King Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty, the word came to Jeremiah from the LORD
3Micah 3:2–4You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones.
41 Timothy 6:1All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

heavy burdens1 Timothy 6:1

The Key Word צ֣וֹם, Tzomgenerated

The Hebrew word צוֹם (tzom) refers to fasting or abstaining from food, typically for spiritual reasons. It is derived from a root meaning related to self-denial, emphasizing the act of refraining from eating as a form of devotion.

In this verse, it signifies not just the act of fasting but a call to embody the principles of justice and mercy that God values. The context shows that God is not pleased with mere ritual; instead, He desires actions that reflect His heart for the oppressed.


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 is structured around a series of actions that define the true fast. The finite verb אֶבְחָרֵהוּ ('ev.cha.re.Hu, I choose) serves as the anchor, with multiple infinitive phrases detailing what this fast entails: to break, to untie, to set free, and to tear off.

The Hebrew syntax emphasizes these actions, presenting a clear and forceful call to social action as part of true worship. The order of the phrases highlights the progression from breaking bonds to liberating individuals.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the translators chose νηστείαν (nēsteian) for צ֣וֹם, which means 'fast' but carries a broader sense of abstinence. This choice reflects an understanding of fasting that includes both physical abstention and spiritual intent.

The choice of ἀδικίας (adikias) for רֶ֔שַׁע indicates a focus on injustice, aligning with the verse's emphasis on breaking wickedness and oppression.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Isaiah 58:6 shows that true fasting is not just about going without food; it is about taking action to help others. God wants His people to break the chains of wickedness, set free those who are oppressed, and care for those in need. This verse encourages us to think about how we can make a difference in the lives of others.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to fast according to this verse?

Fasting means engaging in actions that promote justice and mercy, rather than simply abstaining from food.

How does this verse define oppression?

Oppression is described as being bound by wickedness and yokes, which God calls His people to break.

What actions are associated with true fasting?

True fasting includes breaking chains of wickedness, untying cords of oppression, and liberating the afflicted.

Why does God emphasize social justice in fasting?

God desires His people to reflect His character, which includes compassion for the oppressed and a commitment to justice.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I actively demonstrate compassion and justice in my community?
  2. How can I incorporate the principles of this verse into my understanding of fasting?
  3. What does it mean to me to set the oppressed free in my daily life?
  4. How can I challenge superficial religious practices in favor of genuine acts of love and justice?

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

Early church fathers have commented on this verse, emphasizing the importance of true fasting as an expression of compassion and social justice.

JeromeVerses 6, 7. c. 347–420
Isn't this the fast that I have chosen? To loosen the chains of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isn't it to share your bread with the hungry,
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 58 →
John ChrysostomHOMILIES ON Genesis 8:15 c. 347–407
Do you see, dearly beloved, what true fasting really is? Let us perform this kind and not entertain the facile notion held by many that the essence of fasting lies in going without food till evening.
Early Church Fathers on Isaiah 58 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Isaiah 58:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Is not this the fast that I have chosen?.... Which God has appointed, he approves of, and is well pleasing in his sight; these are works and services more agreeable to him, which follow, without

Read John Gill on Isaiah 58 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Read Robert Jamieson on Isaiah 58 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? or, approve, as before, : or, Ought not such a fast to be accompanied with such things as these? where he is now about to show the concomitants of a true fast, with reference to the thing in hand, namely, to exercise works of charity, consisting partly in acts of self-denial, in this verse, and partly in doing good to those in distress, in the next. In this verse he instanceth in some particulars, and closeth with a general. The bands of wickedness, viz. the cruel obligations of usury and oppression. The heavy burdens, Heb. bundles; a metaphor possibly pointing at those many bundles of writings, as bills, bonds, mortgages, and acknowledgments, which…

Read Matthew Poole on Isaiah 58 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Isaiah 58:6 [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?Ver. 6. Is not this the fast that I have chosen?] There is a threefold fast, from meat, mirth, sin; this last crowns both the former, and yet we say not (as the Papists falsely say we hold) that fasting is no more but a moral temperance, a fasting from sin, a matter of policy. To loose the bands of wickedness,] i.e., Iuramentum, literariam cautionem, vincula, carceres, servitutem; the unjust bonds and obligations of usurers and oppressors, whereby poor non-solvents were imprisoned or embondaged. These are also here…

Read John Trapp on Isaiah 58 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) To loose the bands of wickedness.—The words do not exclude abstinence from food as an act of discipline and victory over self-indulgence, but declare its insufficiency by itself. So in the practice of the ancient Church fasting and almsgiving were closely connected, as indeed they are in Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:16. The history of the emancipation of the slaves and of their subsequent return to bondage presents a curious illustration of the prophet’s words (Jeremiah 34:8-22). The truth which he proclaimed was recognised in the hour of danger and forgotten in that of safety. Comp. Joe 2:13. To undo the heavy burdens.—Literally, the thongs of the yoke, the leather straps which fastened the…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Isaiah 58 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 6. Let the oppressed go free] How can any nation pretend to fast or worship God at all, or dare to profess that they believe in the existence of such a Being, while they carry on the slave trade, and traffic in the souls, blood, and bodies, of men! O ye most flagitious of knaves, and worst of hypocrites, cast off at once the mask of religion; and deepen not your endless perdition by professing the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, while ye continue in this traffic!

Read AdamClarke on Isaiah 58 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

6, 7. Description of the true fast in which Jehovah delights. The duties enjoined fall under two heads: (1) abstinence from every form of oppression (Isaiah 58:6), and (2) the exercise of positive beneficence towards the destitute (Isaiah 58:7). In naming these things as the moral essence of fasting, the prophet may be guided by the principle so often inculcated by our Lord, that he who would obtain mercy from God must shew a merciful disposition towards his fellow-men (Matthew 5:7; Matthew 6:12; Matthew 18:35 &c.). Or the idea may be that the spirit of self-denial possesses no value before God unless it be carried into the sphere of social duty. the bands (R.V. bonds) of wickedness] i.e.…

Read Cambridge on Isaiah 58 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? - Fasting is right and proper; but that which God approves will prompt to, and will be followed by, deeds of justice, kindness, charity.

Read Albert Barnes on Isaiah 58 →

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

Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?

NETBNew English Translation2006

No, this is the kind of fast I want. I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed, and to break every burdensome yoke.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

RVARevised Version, American1894

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Is not this the fasting, that I haue chosen, to loose the bandes of wickednes, to take off the heauie burdens, and to let the oppressed goe free, and that ye breake euery yoke?

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Is not this the fast which I have chosen: to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, and to send forth free the crushed, and that ye break every yoke?

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Is not this the fast that I chose — To loose the bands of wickedness, To shake off the burdens of the yoke, And to send out the oppressed free, And every yoke ye draw off?

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Is this not the fast that I chose—To loose the bands of wickedness, || To shake off the burdens of the yoke, || And to send out the oppressed free, || And draw off every yoke?

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Is not this [rather] the fast that I will choose? to open the snares of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye should break asunder every yoke?

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Is not this the fast that I choose: To release wicked bonds, to undo the ropes of the yoke, to set the crushed ones free, and to break every yoke?

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

No, this is the fast I want: set free those who have been unjustly imprisoned, untie the cords of the yoke used to burden people, set free those who are oppressed, and get rid of every form of abuse.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Is not this the holy day for which I have given orders: to let loose those who have wrongly been made prisoners, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the crushed go free, and every yoke be broken?

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.

clauseהֲ?clauseל֣וֹאnotclausepredicateזֶה֮[is].thisnoun phrase · subjectצ֣וֹם[the].fastclauseverbאֶבְחָרֵ[which].Iobjectהוּ֒choose.itclauseclauseverbפַּתֵּ֨חַ֙to.loosennoun phrase · objectחַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת[the].bondsרֶ֔שַׁעof.wickednessclauseverbהַתֵּ֖רto.unfastennoun phrase · objectאֲגֻדּ֣וֹת[the].bindingsמוֹטָ֑הof.[the].yoke-barוְandclauseverbשַׁלַּ֤חto.let.goobjectרְצוּצִים֙[those.who.are].crushedsecond objectחָפְשִׁ֔יםfreeוְandclausenoun phrase · objectכָלeveryמוֹטָ֖הyoke-barverbתְּנַתֵּֽקוּyou.will.tear.apart

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


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

The Masoretic Text (MT) of Isaiah 58:6 reads: "הֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צ֣וֹם אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה וְשַׁלַּ֤ח רְצוּצִים֙ חָפְשִׁ֔ים וְכָל־ מוֹטָ֖ה תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃" The Dead Sea Scrolls (1Qisaa and 1Q8) closely align with the MT, with minor variations in word forms but maintaining the same essential meaning. The 4Q58 version has significant restorations and is less complete, but it still reflects the same core ideas found in the MT. The Septuagint does not provide a direct translation but shares a similar structure, indicating agreement in the overall message of the verse. Therefore, while there are some textual variations, the primary themes of breaking chains of wickedness and setting the oppressed free are consistent across these ancient witnesses.

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

הֲל֣וֹא זֶה֮ צ֣וֹם אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒ פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙ חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹת רֶ֔שַׁע הַתֵּ֖ר אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת מוֹטָ֑ה וְשַׁלַּ֤ח רְצוּצִים֙ חָפְשִׁ֔ים וְכָל־ מוֹטָ֖ה תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הֲל֣וֹאοὐξὶזֶה֮τοιαύτηνצ֣וֹםνηστείανאֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒ἐχελεχάμηνפַּתֵּ֙חַ֙λῦεחַרְצֻבּ֣וֹתσύνδεσμονרֶ֔שַׁעἀδικίαςהַתֵּ֖רδιάλυεאֲגֻדּ֣וֹתστραγγαλιὰςוְשַׁלַּ֤חἀπόστελλεרְצוּצִים֙τεθραυσμένουςוְכָל־πᾶσανתְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃διάσπα

13 of the 16 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

הלוא זה הצום אשר אבחר׳הו פתח חרצבות רשע והתר אגודות מטה ושלח רצוצים חופשיים וכול מוטה תנתקו

17 words on the leather.

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

הלוא זה צום אבחר׳הו פתח חרצבת רשע התר אגדת מטה שלח רצצים חפשים וכל מטה תנתקו

16 words on the leather.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q58a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[הלוא] [זה] [צום] אבחר׳הו [פתח] [חרצבות] [רשע] [התר] [אגדות] [מוטה] שלח רצוצים [חפשים] [וכל] [מוטה] [תנתקו]

1 word on the leather — 2 partly restored, 13 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 58:6לֹא¿ not¿ notלֹאזֶה[is] this[is] thisזֶהצוֹם[the] fast[the] fastצוֹםבָּחַר[which] I c[which] I choosבָּחַרפָּתַחto loosento loosenפָּתַחחַרְצֻבָּה[the] bonds[the] bonds ofחַרְצֻבָּהרֶ֫שַׁעwickednesswickednessרֶ֫שַׁענָתַרto unfastento unfastenנָתַראֲגֻדָּה[the] bindi[the] bindings אֲגֻדָּהמוֹטָה[the] yoke-[the] yoke-barמוֹטָהשָׁלַחand to let and to let goשָׁלַחרָצַץcrushed [pecrushed [peopleרָצַץחָפְשִׁיfree [peoplfree [people]חָפְשִׁיכֹּלand everyand everyכֹּלמוֹטָהyoke-baryoke-barמוֹטָהנָתַקyou will teyou will tear aנָתַקצוּםto fastto fastצוּםרָשַׁעbe wickedbe wickedרָשַׁעמוֹטyokeyokeמוֹטחָפַשׁחָפַשׁכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלזֶהthisthisזֶהזֹהthisthisזֹהרָצַץto crushto crushרָצַץצַוָּארneckneckצַוָּאריָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדאַיwhere?where?אַיהֶ֫בֶלvanityvanityהֶ֫בֶלשַׂקsackclothsackclothשַׂקמָאַסto rejectto rejectמָאַסמָקוֹםplaceplaceמָקוֹםפִּתּוּחַengravingengravingפִּתּוּחַדָּלdoordoorדָּל
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 58:6

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.

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
הֲל֣וֹאha.Lo' ¿ not H3808 Particle · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part | Part — Particle · particle
HTi/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
זֶה֮zeh [is] this H2088 Particle
1,180× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Amplified meaning
the true, authentic
Tyndale gloss
this
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זֶה (zeh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone, be used appositively, or function as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns, adding emphasis and directness. In poetry, it may serve as a relative pronoun, though this usage is rare.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here

standing alone

In appos. to subst.

More oft. as pred.

It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

With prefixes (in special senses)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2088 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone

. In appos. to subst.

. More oft. as pred.

. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

. With prefixes (in special senses)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2088 zeh zeh

a primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this

or that:--he, X hence, X here, it(-self), X now, X of him, the

one...the other, X than the other, (X out of) the (self) same,

such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on

that side, X thus, very, which. Compare 2063, 2090, 2097,

2098.

see HEBREW for 02063

see HEBREW for 02090

see HEBREW for 02097

see HEBREW for 02098

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זֶה (zeh) — this.

1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such

1a) (alone)

1a1) this one

1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another

1b) (appos to subst)

1b1) this

1c) (as predicate)

1c1) this, such

1d) (enclitically)

1d1) then

1d2) who, whom

1d3) how now, what now

1d4) what now

1d5) wherefore now

1d6) behold here

1d7) just now

1d8) now, now already

1e) (poetry)

1e1) wherein, which, those who

1f) (with prefixes)

1f1) in this (place) here, then

1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter

1f3) thus and thus

1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus

1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side

1f6) on this account

1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Particle
HTm
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
צ֣וֹםTzom [the] fast H6685 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
26× 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 fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Amplified meaning
abstinence, self-denial
Tyndale gloss
fast
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צוֹם (tsom) refers to fasting or a fast. It is derived from a root meaning related to abstaining from food, as indicated in the entries. The term is used in contexts related to religious observance, though specific verse references are not provided.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צוֹם n.m. fasting, fast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6685 צוֹם fasting, fast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6685 tsowm tsome

or tsom {tsome}; from from 6684; a fast: --fast(-ing).

see HEBREW for 06684

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צוֹם (tsom) — fast.

fast, fasting

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Fast

The sole fast required by the law of Moses was that of the great Day of Atonement (q.v.), Lev. 23:26-32. It is called “the fast” (Acts 27:9).

The only other mention of a periodical fast in the Old Testament is in Zech. 7:1-7; 8:19, from which it appears that during their captivity the Jews observed four annual fasts.

(1.) The fast of the fourth month, kept on the seventeenth day of Tammuz, the anniversary of the capture of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans; to commemorate also the incident recorded Ex. 32:19. (Comp. Jer. 52:6, 7.)

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
אֶבְחָרֵהוּ֒'ev.cha.re.Hu [which] I choose it H977 Verb qal imperfect first person common singular · suffix
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Amplified meaning
selected, ordained
Tyndale gloss
to choose
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּחַר vb. choose

Qal

with בְּ,

divine choice

man’s choice

with אֲשֶׁר:

divine choice

man’s choice

with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for

with acc. and מִן, choose, select from

acc.

divine choice

man’s choice

with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction

with לְ of acc. chosen

test, try

Niph. to be chosen

Pu. chosen, selected

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try

. prove, test, try

. to be tried, proved

. the trial has been made

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

977 bachar baw-khar'

a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)

select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,

join, be rather, require.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.

1) to choose, elect, decide for

1a) (Qal) to choose

1b) (Niphal) to be chosen

1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Verb qal imperfect first person common singular · suffix
HVqi1cs/Sp3ms
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
פַּתֵּ֙חַ֙pa.Te.ach to loosen H6605 Verb · Piel · infinitive construct common
144× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Amplified meaning
shatter, demolish
Tyndale gloss
to open
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּתַח (pathach) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to open' and can refer to various actions such as opening doors, loosening restraints, or engraving. It has different forms, including Qal (to open), Niphal (to be opened), and Piel (to engrave). The entries highlight its literal and figurative uses, but there is some overlap in meaning regarding its applications in opening and engraving.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּתַח vb. open

Qal open sack

Niph. be opened

Pi. be opened

free, i.e. ungird, camels

loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

open gates, doors

Hithp. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

base

[פָּתַח] vb. Pi. engrave

Pu. stones engraved with the engravings of a signet.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6605a פָּתַח open .open sack

. be opened

. be opened . free, i.e. ungird, camels

. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

. open gates, doors

. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

H6605b פָּתַח Pi. engrave

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6605 pathach paw-thakh'

a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively);

specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve:--appear, break

forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-)grave(-n), loose (self),

(be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to open.

1) to open

1a) (Qal) to open

1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to free

1c2) to loosen

1c3) to open, open oneself

1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself

Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to engrave.

1) to carve, engrave

1a) (Piel) to engrave

1b) (Pual) to be engraved

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Ptc — Verb · Piel · infinitive construct common
HVpcc
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
חַרְצֻבּ֣וֹתchar.tzu.Bot [the] bonds of H2784 Noun common · feminine plural construct
2× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A bond or fetter is a chain that restricts movement, like the kind used in ancient times to hold prisoners. Figuratively, it can also mean a sharp pain. The Bible uses this word to describe a type of suffering.
Amplified meaning
bonds, fetters
Tyndale gloss
bond
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חַרְצֻבָּה (chartsubbah) refers to a bond or fetter, and can also mean pang or pain. It is noted as a feminine noun and is derived from an uncertain root. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to physical restraints and emotional distress.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חַרְצֻבָּה] n.[f.] bond, fetter, pang

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2784 חַרְצֻבָּה bond, fetter, pang

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2784 chartsubbah khar-tsoob-baw'

of uncertain derivation; a fetter; figuratively, a

pain:--band.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חַרְצֻבָּה (char.tsub.bah) — bond.

1) bond, fetter, pang, hands

1a) bonds

1b) pangs

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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…

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
רֶ֔שַׁעRe.sha' wickedness H7562 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
30× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Amplified meaning
evil, immorality
Tyndale gloss
wickedness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֶ֫שַׁע (resha`) refers to wickedness or moral wrong. It encompasses various forms of wrongdoing, including violence, crime against civil law, and ethical violations. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be wrong' and is used in contexts relating to both personal and societal morality.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֶ֫שַׁע n.m. wickedness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7562 רֶ֫שַׁע wickedness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7562 resha` reh'-shah

from 7561; a wrong (especially moral):--iniquity,

wicked(-ness).

see HEBREW for 07561

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֶ֫שַׁע (re.sah) — wickedness.

1) wrong, wickedness, guilt

1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law)

1b) wickedness (of enemies)

1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wik'-ed-nes:

1. In the Old Testament:

The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
הַתֵּ֖רha.Ter to unfasten H5425 Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
8× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to set free or untie, as in releasing someone from bondage. It can also mean to shake off or leap, as in Psalm 29:7-8, where God's voice shakes the earth.
Amplified meaning
loose, release
Tyndale gloss
to start
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָתַר (nathar) is a Hebrew verb with meanings related to movement and freedom. It can signify to spring up, leap, or start, as well as to loosen, unbind, or set free. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of action. Notably, it has an Aramaic equivalent, נְתַר.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָתַר] vb. spring or start up

Qal yea, it (the heart) starts up from its place

Pi. to leap with them (i.e. its legs) upon the earth

Hiph. he (י׳) looked, and made nations start up.

base

[נָתַר] vb. be free, loose;—Hiph.

unfasten, loosen

set free, unbind

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5425a נָתַר spring or start up H5425b נָתַר be free, loose;—Hiph. . unfasten, loosen

. set free, unbind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5425 nathar naw-thar'

a primitive root; to jump, i.e. be violently agitated;

causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie:--drive asunder,

leap, (let) loose, X make, move, undo.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַר (na.tar) — to start.

1) to start up, tremble, shake, spring up

1a) (Qal) to start up

1b) (Piel) to leap

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to start up

נָתַר (na.tar) — to free.

1) to loose, let loose, undo, be free, be loose

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to unfasten, loosen

1a2) to set free, unbind

Aramaic equivalent: ne.tar (נְתַר "to strip" H5426)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Ptc — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
HVhaa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
אֲגֻדּ֣וֹת'a.gu.Dot [the] bindings of H92 Noun common · feminine plural construct
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A band can refer to a group of people, like soldiers, or a bundle of objects, like hyssop. In the Bible, it is used to describe the binding of the heavens to the earth, and the connections between people and things.
Amplified meaning
bands, straps
Tyndale gloss
band
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲגֻדָּה (aguddah) refers to a band or bundle, derived from a root meaning to bind. It encompasses various meanings, including cords or thongs metaphorically related to slavery, a bunch of hyssop, a group of men, and the vault of the heavens. The lexicons consistently highlight these aspects without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲגֻדָּה n.f. band

pl. cstr. bands, thongs (fastening ox-bow) metaph. of fetters of slavery

bunch of hyssop

abs. band of men

vault of the heavens (as fitted together, constructed)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H92 אֲגֻדָּה band . pl. cstr. bands, thongs (fastening ox-bow) metaph. of fetters of slavery

. bunch of hyssop

. abs. band of men

. vault of the heavens (as fitted together, constructed)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

92 'aguddah ag-ood-daw'

feminine passive participle of an unused root (meaning to

bind); a band, bundle, knot, or arch:--bunch, burden, troop.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲגֻדָּה (a.gud.dah) — band.

1) band, binding

1a) cords, bands, thongs (metaphorical of slavery)

1b) bunch of hyssop

1c) band of men, troops

1d) vault (of the heavens), firmament (binding earth to the heavens)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
מוֹטָ֑הmo.Tah [the] yoke-bar H4133 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a yoke or bar, often symbolizing oppression or burden. For example, in Leviticus 26:13, God promises to break the yoke of slavery for the Israelites. It represents a weight or load that must be carried.
Amplified meaning
oppression, burden
Tyndale gloss
yoke
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹטָה (mowtah) refers to a pole or bar used in a yoke, with implications of oppression in a figurative sense. It is derived from the related word for 'pole' and is noted to be mostly used in later texts of the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוֹטָה n.f. pole, bar of yoke, mostly late

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4133 מוֹטָה pole, bar of yoke, mostly late

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4133 mowtah mo-taw'

feminine of 4132; a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence,

a yoke (either literal or figurative):--bands, heavy, staves,

yoke.

see HEBREW for 04132

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹטָה (mo.tah) — yoke.

1) pole, bar of yoke

1a) pole

1b) bar of yoke

1b1) of oppression (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bar

Used to denote the means by which a door is bolted (Neh. 3:3); a rock in the sea (Jonah 2:6); the shore of the sea (Job 38:10); strong fortifications and powerful impediments, etc. (Isa. 45:2; Amos 1:5); defences of a city (1 Kings 4:13). A bar for a door was of iron (Isa. 45:2), brass (Ps. 107:16), or wood (Nah. 3:13).

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
וְשַׁלַּ֤חve.sha.Lach and to let go H7971 Conjunction · verb piel infinitive construct common
847× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Amplified meaning
free, liberate
Tyndale gloss
to send: depart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁלַח 814 vb. send

Qal

send: human subj.

send: subj. י׳ (God)

stretch out, esp. acc. hand

rarely send away: human subj.

let loose

Niph. letters were sent

Pi.

send off, away, human subj.

send away, subj. י׳

give over

cast out

send out, forth

let go, set free

shoot forth branches

let down

shoot

Phrases

Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)

Hiph. and I (י׳) will send

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.

. send: subj. י׳ (God)

. stretch out, esp. acc. hand

. rarely send away: human subj.

. let loose

. letters were sent

. . send off, away, human subj.

. . send away, subj. י׳

. give over

. cast out

. send out, forth

. let go, set free

. shoot forth branches

. let down

. shoot

. Phrases

. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)

. and I (י׳) will send

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7971 shalach shaw-lakh'

a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great

variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the

way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give

(up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose),

push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send

(away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread,

stretch forth (out).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.

: depart/send

1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to send

1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct

1a3) to send away

1a4) to let loose

1b) (Niphal) to be sent

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out

1c2) to let go, set free

1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)

1c4) to let down

1c5) to shoot

1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled

1e) (Hiphil) to send

שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.

: let_go/free

1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to send

1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct

1a3) to send away

1a4) to let loose

1b) (Niphal) to be sent

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out

1c2) to let go, set free

1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)

1c4) to let down

1c5) to shoot

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-Ptc — Conjunction · verb piel infinitive construct common
HC/Vpcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(halakh, yalakh, bo', yatsa'; ago, hupago, anabaino, erchomi, aperchomai, poreuomai): "Go" ("went," etc.) occurs very frequently in the English Bible, and is the translation of a great many different Hebrew and Greek terms. As the word implies movement of all kinds, physical and mental, it has naturally many applications.

1. In the Old Testament:

In the Old Testament halakh and yalakh are among the commonest words, meaning "to go" in its original sense of "to walk," but also in the most varied senses, according to the verbal conjugations, etc., the preposition attached, and the words in connection with which the terms stand; halakh and yalakh are often used figuratively (translated "to walk," etc.) for to live, to pursue a way of life, e.g. "to walk ever in his ways" (De 19:9; compare

Mt 9:13; 21:28; 28:7; Lu 10:37; Joh 8:11

--SEE Divine Direction, GUIDANCE

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
רְצוּצִים֙re.tzu.Tzim crushed [people] H7533 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine plural
19× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To crush means to break or oppress something or someone, used to describe physical or emotional distress in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
crushed, afflicted
Tyndale gloss
to crush
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָצַץ (ratsats) means to crush, with various nuances including breaking, bruising, and oppressing. It can describe both literal and figurative actions, such as being crushed or oppressing others. The verb appears in multiple forms, indicating different aspects of crushing or being crushed, including reciprocal actions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָצַץ] vb. crush

Qal crush

Niph. be crushed, broken

Pi. crush in pieces

Pō‛ēl acc. pers.

Hiph. she crushed his skull

Hithpō‛. recipr., the children crushed (thrust, struck) one another within her.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7533 רָצַץ crush

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7533 ratsats raw-tsats'

a primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or

figuratively:--break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress,

struggle together.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָצַץ (ra.tsats) — to crush.

1) to crush, oppress

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to crush, get crushed, be crushed

1a2) to crush, oppress (fig)

1a3) crushed (participle passive)

1b) (Niphal) to be crushed, be broken

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to crush in pieces

1c2) to grievously oppress (fig)

1d) (Poel) to oppress (fig)

1e) (Hiphil) to crush

1f) (Hithpoel) to crush each other

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine plural
HVqsmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
חָפְשִׁ֔יםcha.fe.Shim free [people] H2670 Adj
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Tyndale gloss
free
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָפְשִׁי (chophshiy) means 'free,' indicating a state of exemption from bondage, taxes, or obligations. It is derived from the root word for freedom (H2666). The term is used in contexts relating to liberty, particularly in reference to freedom from slavery or financial burdens.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָפְשִׁי adj. free

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2670 חָפְשִׁי free

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2670 chophshiy khof-shee'

from 2666; exempt (from bondage, tax or care):--free,

liberty.

see HEBREW for 02666

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חׇפְשִׁי (choph.shi) — free.

1) free

1a) free (from slavery)

1b) free (from taxes or obligations)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
וְכָל־ve.khol and every H3605 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/Ncmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
מוֹטָ֖הmo.Tah yoke-bar H4133 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a yoke or bar, often symbolizing oppression or burden. For example, in Leviticus 26:13, God promises to break the yoke of slavery for the Israelites. It represents a weight or load that must be carried.
Amplified meaning
burden, bondage
Tyndale gloss
yoke
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹטָה (mowtah) refers to a pole or bar used in a yoke, with implications of oppression in a figurative sense. It is derived from the related word for 'pole' and is noted to be mostly used in later texts of the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוֹטָה n.f. pole, bar of yoke, mostly late

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4133 מוֹטָה pole, bar of yoke, mostly late

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4133 mowtah mo-taw'

feminine of 4132; a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence,

a yoke (either literal or figurative):--bands, heavy, staves,

yoke.

see HEBREW for 04132

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹטָה (mo.tah) — yoke.

1) pole, bar of yoke

1a) pole

1b) bar of yoke

1b1) of oppression (fig.)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bar

Used to denote the means by which a door is bolted (Neh. 3:3); a rock in the sea (Jonah 2:6); the shore of the sea (Job 38:10); strong fortifications and powerful impediments, etc. (Isa. 45:2; Amos 1:5); defences of a city (1 Kings 4:13). A bar for a door was of iron (Isa. 45:2), brass (Ps. 107:16), or wood (Nah. 3:13).

¿ not [is] this [the] fast [which] I choose it to loosen [the] bonds of wickedness to unfasten [the] bindings of [the] yoke-bar and to let go crushed [people] free [people] and every yoke-bar you will tear apart
תְּנַתֵּֽקוּ׃te.na.Te.ku you will tear apart H5423 Verb · Piel · imperfect second person masculine plural
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To tear or pull something away from something else, like pulling a plant out of the ground or separating two things, is what this word means, and it can also describe being separated or torn apart.
Amplified meaning
remove, destroy
Tyndale gloss
to tear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָתַק (nathaq) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pull, draw, or tear away. It encompasses various actions such as breaking, lifting, and rooting out, with different nuances in its grammatical forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hophal. The entries indicate that it can refer to both active and passive forms of tearing or drawing away.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָתַק] vb. pull, draw, tear away, apart, off

Qal

draw away

draw or pull off

pull, tear away

Niph.

be drawn away

be torn apart, or in two, snapped

be separated

Pi.

tear apart, snap

tear out, up

Hiph.

draw away

drag them away

Hoph. they were drawn away from the city

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5423 נָתַק pull, draw, tear away, apart, off

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5423 nathaq naw-thak'

a primitive root; to tear off:--break (off), burst, draw

(away), lift up, pluck (away, off), pull (out), root out.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַק (na.taq) — to tear.

1) to pull or tear or draw off or away or apart, draw out, pluck up, break, lift, root out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to draw away

1a2) to draw or pull off

1a3) to pull or tear away

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be drawn away, be drawn out

1b2) to be torn apart or in two, be snapped

1b3) to be separated

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to tear apart, snap

1c2) to tear out, tear up, tear away

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to draw away

1d2) to drag away

1e) (Hophal) to be drawn away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect second person masculine plural
HVpi2mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-part' (badh, "separation," i.e. alone, by oneself; niddah, "uncleanness" i.e. something put away: "an abomination"): In Zec 12:12-14 the former word is used eleven times with powerful effect to indicate the separation of families and the isolation of wives through excessive grief in Jerusalem on account of the slain Messiah. The latter word signifies removal from ceremonial uncleanness (Le 15:19; 18:19; Eze 22:10). In Greek, kat' idian, "by themselves," of marked significance as expressing Christ's desire for privacy in prayer, alone or with His disciples; either in a desert (Mt 14:13); a mountain (Mt 14:23); or a…

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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