Judges 1:23 — Word Study
WLCוַיָּתִ֥ירוּ בֵית־ יוֹסֵ֖ף בְּבֵֽית־ אֵ֑ל וְשֵׁם־ הָעִ֥יר לְפָנִ֖ים לֽוּז׃
BSA[They]bayith sent spiestûwr▸ [to spy out, to explore, to descry] to BethelBêyth-ʼÊl [house of God, a significant location] formerlypânîym [beforetime, in earlier times] known asshêm Luz)Lûwz [a place name, meaning almond tree]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ | and they caused to spy out | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| בֵית־ | [the] house of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| יוֹסֵ֖ף | Joseph | Noun proper masculine |
| בְּבֵֽית־ | at Beth- | Preposition, noun proper |
| אֵ֑ל | -el | Noun proper |
| וְשֵׁם־ | and [the] name of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| הָעִ֥יר | the city | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| לְפָנִ֖ים | before | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| לֽוּז׃ | [was] Luz | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz), |
| KJV | And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.) |
| ASV | And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.) |
| YLT | and the house of Joseph cause [men] to spy about Beth-El (and the name of the city formerly is Luz), |
| WEB | The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city before that was Luz.) |
| BBE | So they sent men to make a search round Beth-el. (Now the name of the town in earlier times was Luz.) |
Where they part company is in the emphasis on the historical name Luz, which some translations include while others do not.
The sentence is structured around a main action, with additional details provided through prepositional and parenthetical phrases.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbוְ
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 — Judges 1:23
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 Conquest of Canaangenerated
Judges 1:23 describes the Israelites' military strategy as they sought to conquer the land of Canaan. The house of Joseph, representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, sent spies to Bethel to gather information about the city. This action reflects the careful planning and reconnaissance typical of ancient warfare, as they sought to secure their territory, following God's command to take possession of the land.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 18:2 | So the Danites sent out five men from their clans, men of valor from Zorah and Eshtaol, to spy out the land and explore it. “Go and explore the land,” they told them. The men entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. |
| 2 | Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. |
| 3 | Joshua 7:2 | Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. |
| 4 | Genesis 28:19 | and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz. |
| 5 | Genesis 35:6 | So Jacob and everyone with him arrived in Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ, vai.ya.Ti.rugenerated
The verb וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ (vai.ya.Ti.ru) is a Hiphil form of the root תּוּר (tuwr), which means to spy out or explore. This form indicates an action that is causative, meaning they caused others to spy out the land. It implies a deliberate and strategic effort to gather intelligence.
In this context, the action of sending spies is crucial for understanding the military tactics employed by the Israelites. The word encompasses not just the act of spying, but also the broader implications of exploration and reconnaissance, which were essential for their success in the conquest.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible as 'They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),' which is consistent across other translations like the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the sentence is וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ, they caused to spy out, which governs the entire clause. The structure follows a subject-verb-object pattern, with the subject being 'they' (the house of Joseph) and the object being 'spies' sent to 'Bethel.'
The prepositional phrase 'to Bethel' specifies the destination of the spies, while the additional information about Luz is presented in parentheses, providing historical context without disrupting the flow of the main action.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the word used for 'and they sent' is καὶ (kai), indicating a straightforward translation of the action. The choice of this conjunction reflects the continuity of the narrative rather than introducing new elements.
The LXX does not provide a detailed equivalent for the name Luz, which may suggest a different emphasis or understanding of the location in the Greek-speaking context.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Judges 1:23 tells us that the house of Joseph sent spies to Bethel, which was previously called Luz. This shows their strategic planning as they sought to conquer the land of Canaan.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This indicates that Bethel had an earlier name, Luz, which is significant in the biblical narrative, as it connects the city's history to earlier events.
They sent spies to gather intelligence about the city of Bethel, which was a strategic location for their conquest of Canaan.
Bethel, meaning 'house of God,' is an important location in the Bible, known for its association with Jacob's vision and as a site of worship.
This verse illustrates the tactical approach of the Israelites as they sought to take possession of the land promised to them by God.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from the way the Israelites planned their conquest of Canaan?
- How does understanding the history of a place enhance our reading of biblical narratives?
- In what ways can we apply strategic thinking in our own lives, similar to the spies sent to Bethel?
- What significance does the name 'Bethel' hold for our understanding of God's presence?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Judges 1:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel,.... To reconnoitre the place, to observe its passes and avenues, which were most accessible, and to examine the walls of it, where they were weakest and
Read John Gill on Judges 1 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.) No JFB commentary on this verse.
Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 1 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Ver. 23. Out of the fire] viz. of hell; as the angel pulled Lot out of Sodom, as ye would save a drowning man, though ye pulled off some of his hair to save him. Hic est depingendus Satan et Tartarus, et career atrocissimus et luctuoaus, in quo vere sit strider dentium et fletus, saith Aretins. Those that are obstinate, and receive not reproofs, are to be terrified and told of the horror of hell, those seas of vengeance, that worm that never dieth, torments without end and past imagination. Even the garment spotted] As Nero’ s was, when he rode in the same horse litter with his own…
Read John Trapp on Judges 1 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) To descry Beth-el.—The word perhaps implies a regular siege, and it is so understood by the LXX. (Cod. Alex.) and the Vulgate. Luz.—We are also told that this was the original name of the city in Genesis 28:19; but there seems to be in that verse a distinction between the city and the place of Jacob’s dream. (Comp. Joshua 16:2.) The name means either “hazel,” or “sinking,” i.e., a valley depression.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Judges 1 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. Beth-el - the name of the city before was Luz.] Concerning this city and its names, See Clarke on Genesis 28:19.
Read AdamClarke on Judges 1 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. sent to spy out Beth-el] lit. made a reconnaissance at B. Perhaps we should read ‘encamped against B.,’ as LXX and Vulgate imply. Now the name … Luz] A gloss, as in Genesis 28:19; cf. ib. Genesis 35:6, Genesis 48:3, Joshua 18:13 P. In Joshua 16:2 JE the two places are distinguished, ‘from Beth-el to Luz’; but the text is uncertain, and in the LXX the two are usually identified. Luz is supposed to mean ‘almond-tree’; more suggestively Winckler proposes ‘asylum,’ from the Arab lâdha ‘to seek a refuge’ (Gesch. Isr. 2:65 f.). If the latter is right, Luz may have been a sanctuary before it became famous under the name of Beth-el. According to JE the place was called Beth-el because Jacob set…
Read Cambridge on Judges 1 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible23. Sent to descry — Or, they reconnoitred. They set a secret watch against Beth-el, to obtain such information as would enable them most easily to capture the city.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Judges 1 →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
They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),
The house of Joseph sent to spy out Bethel. (The name of the city before that was Luz.)
They sent spies to Bethel (formerly known as Luz),
When the men of Joseph spied out Bethel (it used to be called Luz),
Tyndale line
And the house of Joseph sent to descry Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)
And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)
And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el. (Now the name of the city beforetime was Luz.)
And the house of Joseph sent to explore Beth-el. Now the name of the city before was Luz.
And the house of Ioseph caused to viewe Beth-el (and the name of the citie beforetime was Luz)
Strictly literal
And the house of Joseph sent to search out Bethel; now the name of the city before was Luz.
and the house of Joseph cause [men] to spy about Beth-El (and the name of the city formerly is Luz),
and the house of Joseph causes [men] to spy out Beth-El (and the name of the city [was] formerly Luz),
And the house of Joseph sent to spy out Beth-el: now the name of the city formerly was Luz.
They sent out men to spy on Bethel (the city that was formerly called Luz).
From the Latin
For when they were besieging the city, which before was called Luza,
Simplified
They sent spies to investigate Bethel, which was previously known as Luz.
So they sent men to make a search round Beth-el. (Now the name of the town in earlier times was Luz.)
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 Septuagint show some agreement in the overall structure of the verse, with the main action of sending spies being present in both. However, the Septuagint's word order and specific articles differ, indicating a variation in translation approach while retaining the core meaning.
וַיָּתִ֥ירוּ בֵית־ יוֹסֵ֖ף בְּבֵֽית־ אֵ֑ל וְשֵׁם־ הָעִ֥יר לְפָנִ֖ים לֽוּז׃
5 of the 9 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.
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 Judges 1:23
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.
תּוּר (tuwr) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek out, spy out, or explore. It encompasses actions like searching, selecting, and going about, with uses in both Qal and Hiphil forms. The word can refer to explorers or merchants, indicating a range of activities from reconnaissance to trade.
תּוּר vb. seek out, spy out, explore
Qal
seek out, select
spy out, explore
go about
Hiph. they made a reconnaissance at Bethel
base
H8446 תּוּר seek out, spy out, explore
8446 tuwr toor
a primitive root; to meander (causatively, guide) about,
especially for trade or reconnoitring:--chap(-man), sent to
descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek,
(e-)spy (out).
תּוּר (tur) — to spy.
1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something
1a2) to spy out, explore
1a2a) explorers, spies (participle)
1a3) to go about
1a3a) merchant, trader (participle)
1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vhw3mp
The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between
base
בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house
house
place
receptacle
of house as containing a family
household, family (592 t.)
house, including household affairs
lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards
מִבַּיִת
adv. on the inside
prep. within
base
H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house
1004 bayith bah'-yith
probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest
variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,
daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as
would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),
inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,
temple, web, + within(-out).
see HEBREW for 01129
בֵּית (bet) — place.
nm
place, origin, between
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.
: home/temple/building
nm
1) house
1a) house, dwelling habitation
1b) shelter or abode of animals
1c) human bodies (fig.)
1d) of Sheol
1e) of abode of light and darkness
1f) of land of Ephraim
2) place
3) receptacle
4) home, house as containing a family
5) household, family
5a) those belonging to the same household
5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body
6) household affairs
7) inwards (metaph.)
8) (TWOT) temple
adv
9) on the inside
prep
10) within
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)
בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).
nm
This name is used for a house, habitation
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יוֹסֵף (Yowceph) means 'he adds' or 'increases' and refers primarily to Joseph, the eldest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name appears in various contexts, including other individuals named Joseph, such as a man of Issachar, a son of Asaph, and a priest. The entries highlight his familial relationships and roles during different periods, including the Exile and Return.
יוֹסֵף 212 and יְהוֹסֵף n.pr.m. (he adds, increases)
elder son of Jacob and Rachael
a man of Issachar
a son of Asaph
one of those who took strange wives
a priest
base
H3130 יוֹסֵף and יְהוֹסֵף (he adds, increases) . elder son of Jacob and Rachael
. a man of Issachar
. a son of Asaph
. one of those who took strange wives
. a priest
3130 Yowceph yo-safe'
future of 3254; let him add (or perhaps simply active
participle adding); Joseph, the name of seven
Israelites:--Joseph. Compare 3084.
see HEBREW for 03254
see HEBREW for 03084
יוֹסֵף (yo.seph) — Joseph.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.24;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);
brother of: Benjamin (H1144);
half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); married to Asenath (H0621);
father of: Manasseh (H4519) and Ephraim (H0669); also called Zaphenath-paneah at Gen.41.45;
§ Joseph = "Jehovah has added"
1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel
2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies
3) a son of Asaph
4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
יוֹסֵף (yo.seph) — Joseph.
A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.13.7;
father of: Igal (H3008)
HNpm — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Joseph
Remover or increaser. (1.) The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel (Gen. 30:23, 24), who, on the occasion of his birth, said, “God hath taken away [Heb. ‘asaph] my reproach.” “The Lord shall add [Heb. yoseph] to me another son” (Gen. 30:24). He was a child of probably six years of age when his father returned from Haran to Canaan and took up his residence in the old patriarchal town of Hebron. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age,” and he “made him a long garment with sleeves” (Gen. 37:3, R.V. marg.), i.e., a garment long and full, such as was worn by the children of nobles. This seems to be the correct rendering of the words. The phrase, however, may also be…
(increase). The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. He was born in Padan-aram (Mesopotamia), probably about B.C. 1746. He is first mentioned when a youth, seventeen years old. Joseph brought the evil report of his brethren to his father, and they hated him because his father loved him more than he did them, and had shown his preference by making a dress which appears to have been a long tunic with sleeves, worn by youths and maidens of the richer class. (Genesis 37:2) He dreamed a dream foreshadowing his future power, which increased the hatred of his brethren. (Genesis 37:5-7) He was sent by his father to visit his brothers, who were tending flocks in the fields of Dothan. They resolved to kill him, but he was saved by Reuben, who persuaded the brothers to cast Joseph into…
1. The son of Jacob and his beloved Rachel, born in Mesopotamia, Ge 30:22-24, B. C. 1747. He is memorable for the wonderful providence of God, which raised him from a prison to be the grandvizier of Egypt, and made him the honored means of saving countless human lives. His history is one of the most pleasing and instructive in the Bible; and is related in language inimitably natural, simple, and touching. It is too beautiful for abridgment, and too familiar to need rehearsal. It throws much light on the superintending providence of God, as embracing all things, great and small in the perpetual unfolding of his universal plan. No narrative in the Bible more strikingly illustrates the protective and elevating power of the fear of God, and its especial value for the young. To behold this lovely image of filial piety and unwavering…
increase; addition
בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)
place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag
base
H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel
1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'
from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in
Palestine:--Beth-el.
see HEBREW for 01004
see HEBREW for 0410
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
a place in south country of Judah
N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npl
Beth
Occurs frequently as the appellation for a house, or dwelling-place, in such compounds as the words immediately following:
the most general word for a house or habitation. It has the special meaning of a temple or house of worship Beth is more frequently employed in compound names of places than any other word.
House, forms a part of many compounds names of places, and sometimes means the place or dwelling; and at others the temple. This word becomes Beit in modern Arabic.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל (Bethel) means 'house of God' and refers to a significant ancient location in Palestine, identified with Luz. It is described as a seat of worship situated in Ephraim on the border of Benjamin, as well as a place in the southern region of Judah.
בֵּֽיתְאֵל 71 n.pr.loc. Bethel
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identif. with Luz (former name)
place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba & Ziklag
base
H1008 בֵּֽיתְאֵל Bethel
1008 Beyth-'El bayth-ale'
from 1004 and 410; house of God; Beth-El, a place in
Palestine:--Beth-el.
see HEBREW for 01004
see HEBREW for 0410
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)
בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל (bet-el) — Bethel.
§ Bethel = "house of God"
a place in south country of Judah
HNpl — Noun properHNpl
See GOD, NAMES OF.
Strength, one of the names of God, especially in poetry,
Ge 33:18-20. It is very often found in proper names, as Bethel, Daniel, Elijah, etc. Eloi, like Eli, means, My God.
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word עִיר (*'iyr*) has meanings related to both excitement and city. It can denote excitement, particularly of terror or rage, as well as refer to a city or town, indicating a place that is guarded or inhabited. The entries suggest a broad application, from fortified cities to simple encampments. There is a specific mention of a man named Ir in 1 Chronicles 4:12.
עִיר n.[m.] excitement;—of terror; of rage
base
עִיר 1092 n.f. city, town
city, town, abode of men
of fortress in a city
appar. fortified place, of any size
base
H5892a עִיר excitement;—of terror; of rage H5892b עִיר city, town . city, town, abode of men
. of fortress in a city
. appar. fortified place, of any size
5892 `iyr eer
or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4)
{aw-yar'}; from 5782 a city (a place guarded by waking or a
watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or
post):--Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
see HEBREW for 05782
עִיר (ir) — excitement.
1) excitement, anguish
1a) of terror
עִיר (ir) — city.
1) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town
עִיר (ir) — City (of On).
Combined with on (אֹן "On" H0204)
This name means city, town
Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
עִיר (ir) — Ir-.
#A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.12;
son of: Tehinnah (H8468)
HTd/Ncfsa — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
sit'-i (`ir, qiryah; polis):
I. THE CANAANITE CITY
1. Origin
2. Extent
3. Villages
4. Sites
5. External Appearance
6. General
II. THE CITY OF THE JEWISH OCCUPATION
1. Tower or Stronghold
2. High Place
3. Broad Place
4. Streets
5. General Characteristics
III. STORE CITIES
IV. LEVITICAL CITIES
LITERATURE
I. The Canaanite City.
1. Origin:
The development of the Canaanite city has been traced by Macalister in his report on the excavation at Gezer (Palestine Exploration Fund Statement, 1904, 108 ff). It originated on the slopes of a bare rocky spur, in which the Neolithic Troglodytes quarried their habitations out of the solid rock, the stones therefrom being used to form a casing to the earthen ramparts, with which the site was afterwards surrounded and which served as a protection against the intrusion of enemies. Later Semitic intruders occupied the site, stone houses were built, and high stone defense…
City
The earliest mention of city-building is that of Enoch, which was built by Cain (Gen. 4:17). After the confusion of tongues, the descendants of Nimrod founded several cities (10:10-12). Next, we have a record of the cities of the Canaanites, Sidon, Gaza, Sodom, etc. (10:12, 19; 11:3, 9; 36:31-39). The earliest description of a city is that of Sodom (19:1-22). Damascus is said to be the oldest existing city in the world. Before the time of Abraham there were cities in Egypt (Num. 13:22). The Israelites in Egypt were employed in building the “treasure cities” of Pithom and Raamses (Ex. 1:11); but it does not seem that they had any cities of their own in Goshen (Gen.…
The towns and cities of Palestine were commonly built on heights, for better security against robbers or invaders. These heights, surrounded by walls, sometimes formed the entire city. In other cases, the citadel alone crowned the hill, around and at the base of which the town was built; and in time of danger the surrounding population all took refuge in the fortified place. Larger towns and cities were often not only defended by strong outer walls, with towers and gates, but by a citadel or castle within these limits-a last resort when the rest of the city was taken, Jud 9:46,51. The "fenced cities" of the Jews, De 3:5, were of various sizes and degrees of strength; some being surrounded by high and thick stone walls, and others by feebler ramparts, often of clay or sun-dried…
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHR/Ncmpa
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
לוּז (luz) refers to a place name, specifically the former name of Bethel and a city associated with the Hittites. The name is linked to the almond tree, suggesting a possible connection to local flora. The entries indicate that there are two locations named Luz in Palestine, but they do not provide significant disagreement on these points.
לוּז n.pr.loc.
former name of Bethel
city in hands of Hittites
base
H3870 לוּז . former name of Bethel
. city in hands of Hittites
3870 Luwz looz
probably from 3869 (as growing there); Luz, the name of two
places in Palestine:--Luz.
see HEBREW for 03869
לוּז (luz) — Luz.
§ Luz = "almond tree"
the name of a town in the land of the Hittites
לוּז (luz) — Luz.
Luz = "almond tree"
the early name of Bethel and probably the name of the town in close proximity to the actual location of the altar and pillar of Jacob
Another name of bet-el (בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל "Bethel" H1008G)
N-proper — Noun properHNpl
(luz):The Hebrew word means "almond tree" or "almond wood" (OHL, under the word). It may also mean "bone," particularly a bone of the spine, and might be applied to a rocky height supposed to resemble a backbone (Lagarde, Uebersicht., 157 f). Winckler explains it by Aramaic laudh, "asylum," which might be suitably applied to a sanctuary (Geschichte Israels). Cheyne (EB, under the word) would derive it by corruption from chalutsah, "strong (city)."
(1) This was the ancient name of Bethel (Ge 28:19; Jud 1:23; compare Ge 35:6; 48:3; Jos 16:2; 18:13). It has been thought that Jos 16:2 contradicts this, and that the two places…
Luz
A nut-bearing tree, the almond. (1.) The ancient name of a royal Canaanitish city near the site of Bethel (Gen. 28:19; 35:6), on the border of Benjamin (Josh. 18:13). Here Jacob halted, and had a prophetic vision. (See BETHEL.)
(2.) A place in the land of the Hittites, founded (Judg. 1:26) by “a man who came forth out of the city of Luz.” It is identified with Luweiziyeh, 4 miles north-west of Banias.
(almond tree). It seems impossible to discover with precision whether Luz and Bethel represent one and the same town--the former the Canannite, the latter the Hebrew, name--or whether they were distinct places, though in close proximity. The most probable conclusion is that the two places were, during the times preceding the conquest, distinct, Luz being the city and Bethel the pillar and altar of Jacob that after the destruction of Luz by the tribe of Ephraim the town of Bethel arose. When the original Luz was destroyed, through the treachery of one of its inhabitants, the man who had introduced the Israelites into the town went into the "land of the Hittites" and built a city which he named after the former one. (Judges 1:28) Its situation, as well as that of the land of the Hittites," has never been discovered, and is one of the…