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Judges 14:13 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְאִם־ לֹ֣א תוּכְלוּ֮ לְהַגִּ֣יד לִי֒ וּנְתַתֶּ֨ם אַתֶּ֥ם לִי֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים סְדִינִ֔ים וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים חֲלִיפ֣וֹת בְּגָדִ֑ים וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ ל֔וֹ ח֥וּדָה חִידָתְךָ֖ וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃

BSABut ifʼim you cannotlôʼ [are unable to, lack the power to] solve itnâgad youʼattâh must givenâthan thirtyshᵉlôwshîym [a multiple of ten and three] linen garmentsçâdîyn [fine, white, or priestly robes] and thirtyshᵉlôwshîym setschălîyphâh of clothesbeged [changes of clothing, or garments for special occasions] Tell uschûwd your riddlechîydâh [propose your puzzle, or pose your question] they repliedʼâmar Let us hear itshâmaʻ [listen to, or pay attention to]

Word
Listen & take awayJudges 14
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 13 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 (ve.nish.ma.'E.nah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Judges 14:13quick helps
In a sentenceSamson challenges his audience to solve a riddle, offering garments as a reward or penalty.
Who is speakingSamson, addressing a group during a feast.
Where we areIn the midst of a riddle challenge, which carries significant stakes.
The hard wordחִידָתְךָ
Take awayThe riddle is a test of wisdom, with tangible consequences.
4 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectאַתֶּם verbיָכֹל 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 — Judges 14:13

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 — Samson's Riddle Challengegenerated

12“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.
13But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”
14So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle.
15So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?”

Judges 14:13 presents a moment where Samson, at a feast, poses a riddle to his guests. If they cannot solve it, they must pay a hefty price of garments. This challenge sets the stage for tension and intrigue, as the guests are eager to prove their wisdom. The narrative continues with the unfolding consequences of their failure to answer correctly, highlighting themes of strength and cunning.


Cross References


The Key Word חִידָתְךָ, chi.da.te.Khagenerated

The word חִידָה (chiydah) refers to a riddle or perplexing question, often used to challenge someone’s wisdom. It implies a level of complexity and requires thoughtful consideration to solve, as seen in various biblical contexts.

The construction of the word indicates a feminine singular form, suggesting a specific riddle posed by Samson. This word encapsulates the essence of the challenge he presents, which is both a test and an invitation to engage intellectually.


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 main action is governed by the verbs: תוּכְלוּ (you will be able) and נְתַתֶּם (you will give), which establish the conditional nature of the challenge. The structure indicates a clear cause-and-effect relationship: if they cannot solve the riddle, they must pay the price.

The sentence is constructed with multiple clauses, creating a complex interplay of conditions and responses, typical of Hebrew narrative style.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint uses the word πρόβλημα to translate חִידָה, indicating a focus on the problem or puzzle aspect of the riddle. This choice highlights the intellectual challenge posed by Samson.

This translation choice suggests a slight widening of the original meaning, emphasizing the riddle's role as a problem to be solved rather than merely a question.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Judges 14:13 shows Samson challenging his guests to solve a riddle. If they fail, they must give him thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. The guests respond eagerly, asking him to tell them the riddle so they can hear it.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What is the significance of Samson's riddle?

Samson's riddle serves as a test of wisdom and cleverness, highlighting the themes of strength and intellect in the story.

Why does Samson offer garments as a reward?

The garments symbolize a tangible prize that raises the stakes of the riddle, making the challenge more enticing.

What happens if they cannot solve the riddle?

If they cannot solve it, they must pay the price of thirty garments, which adds pressure to their attempt.

How does this riddle challenge reflect on Samson's character?

It illustrates his cunning nature and his ability to engage others in a battle of wits, showcasing both his physical strength and mental acuity.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What strategies can I use to approach challenges in my own life, similar to how Samson posed his riddle?
  2. How do I respond to challenges that require both intellect and courage?
  3. In what ways can I be more open to engaging in discussions that require critical thinking?
  4. What can I learn from Samson's approach to problem-solving and competition?

Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Judges 14:13 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But if ye cannot declare it unto me,.... Explain the riddle in the space of time allowed: then shall ye give me thirty sheets, and thirty change of garments; so many shirts and suits of apparel: and

Read John Gill on Judges 14 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 14 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Judges 14:13 But if ye cannot declare [it] me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.Ver. 13. Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.] Et intelligemus illud, that is, by expounding it we will manifest that we understand it: so Junius. Carnal men are too confident of their own abilities: but can no more understand gospel mysteries, than a swain can the profundities of the mathematics: they can judge no better of them than a blind man can do of colours, or a sick man of food.

Read John Trapp on Judges 14 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

13. The loss of the wager would leave the thirty companions practically naked; no wonder they express themselves strongly in Judges 14:15!

Read Cambridge on Judges 14 →

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

But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

but if you can’t tell me the answer, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing.” They said to him, “Tell us your riddle, that we may hear it.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.”

NETBNew English Translation2006

But if you cannot solve it, you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes.” They said to him, “Let us hear your riddle.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

but if ye cannot declare it unto me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.

RVARevised Version, American1894

but if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of raiment. And they said unto him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may hear it.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But if ye cannot declare it to me, then shall ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. And they said to him, propose thy riddle, that we may hear it.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But if you cannot declare it mee, then shall yee giue mee thirty sheetes and thirtie change of garments. And they answered him, Put forth thy riddle, that we may heare it.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

But if ye cannot explain [it] to me, then shall ye give me thirty shirts, and thirty changes of garments. And they said to him, Propound thy riddle, that we may hear it.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and if ye are not able to declare [it] to me, then ye have given to me thirty linen shirts, and thirty changes of garments.' And they say to him, 'Put forth thy riddle, and we hear it!'

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and if you are not able to declare [it] to me, then you have given thirty linen shirts and thirty changes of garments to me.” And they say to him, “Put forth your riddle, and we hear it!”

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

But if ye will not be able to tell it to me, then shall ye give me thirty shirts and thirty changes of garments. And they said unto him, Propound thy riddle, that we may hear it.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

But if you cannot tell me the answer, then you will give me thirty linen robes and thirty sets of clothes.” They said to him, “Tell us your riddle, so we may hear it.”

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But if you shall not be able to declare it, you shall give me thirty shirts and the same number of coats. They answered him: Put forth the riddle that we may hear it.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

But if you can't explain it to me, you'll give me thirty linen cloaks and thirty sets of clothes.” “Fine,” they replied. “Let's hear your riddle!”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

But if you are not able to give me the answer, then you will have to give me thirty linen robes and thirty changes of clothing. And they said to him, Put your hard question and let us see what it is.

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.

וְandclauseclauseאִםifclauseadverbialלֹ֣אnotverbתוּכְלוּ֮you.will.be.ableprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbהַגִּ֣ידtellprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִtoי֒meוּandclauseverbנְתַתֶּ֨םyou.will.givesubjectאַתֶּ֥םyouprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִtoי֙menoun phrase · objectnoun phraseשְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםthirtyסְדִינִ֔יםlinen.garmentsוּandnoun phraseשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםthirtynoun phraseחֲלִיפ֣וֹתchangesבְּגָדִ֑יםof.garmentsוַandclauseverbיֹּ֣אמְרוּthey.saidprepositional phrase · prepositionalל֔toוֹhimclauseclauseverb phrase · verbח֥וּדָaskהthe.riddlenoun phrase · objectחִידָתְriddleךָ֖yourוְsoclauseverbנִשְׁמָעֶֽthatobjectנָּהwe.may.hear.it

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 largely agree in their wording, with 17 of the 18 words matching. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the narrative across these ancient texts.

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

וְאִם־ לֹ֣א תוּכְלוּ֮ לְהַגִּ֣יד לִי֒ וּנְתַתֶּ֨ם אַתֶּ֥ם לִי֙ שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים סְדִינִ֔ים וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים חֲלִיפ֣וֹת בְּגָדִ֑ים וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ ל֔וֹ ח֥וּדָה חִידָתְךָ֖ וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְאִם־ἐὰνלֹ֣אμὴתוּכְלוּ֮δύνησθεלְהַגִּ֣ידἀπαγγεῖλαίלִי֒μοιוּנְתַתֶּ֨םδώσετεאַתֶּ֥םὑμεῖςלִי֙ἐμοὶשְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםτριάκονταסְדִינִ֔יםὀθόνιαוּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםτριάκονταבְּגָדִ֑יםἱματίωνוַיֹּ֣אמְרוּεἶπανל֔וֹαὐτῷח֥וּדָהπροβαλοῦחִידָתְךָ֖πρόβλημαוְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃αὐτό

17 of the 18 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.

Judges 14:13אִםand ifand ifאִםלֹאnotnotלֹאיָכֹלyou will beyou will be ablיָכֹלנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדנִיto meto meנִינָתַןand you wiland you will giנָתַןאַתָּ֫הyouyouאַתָּ֫הנִיto meto meנִישְׁלֹשִׁיםthirtythirtyשְׁלֹשִׁיםסָדִיןlinen garmelinen garmentsסָדִיןשְׁלֹשִׁיםand thirtyand thirtyשְׁלֹשִׁיםחֲלִיפָהchanges ofchanges ofחֲלִיפָהבֶּ֫גֶדgarmentsgarmentsבֶּ֫גֶדאָמַרand they saand they saidאָמַרוֹto himto himוֹחוּדask [the] rask [the] riddlחוּדחִידָהriddle yourriddle yourחִידָהשָׁמַעso we may hso we may hear שָׁמַעחוּדto riddleto riddleחוּדשָׁלֹשׁthreethreeשָׁלֹשׁשָׁלִthirdthirdשָׁלִחָלַףto passto passחָלַףבָּגַדto act treto act treacherבָּגַדמֵאָהhundredhundredמֵאָהשָׁנָהyearyearשָׁנָהשְׁלֹשִׁיםthirtythirtyשְׁלֹשִׁיםחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדפָּתָהto open wito open wideפָּתָהאוּלַיperhapsperhapsאוּלַיקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאנַחֲלָהinheritancinheritanceנַחֲלָהזֶ֫רַעseedseedזֶ֫רַעיָרַשׁto possessto possess: posיָרַשׁ
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 Judges 14:13

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
וְאִם־ve.'im- and if H518 Conjunction · particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: if/whether_or/though

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
לֹ֣אlo' not H3808 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.
Amplified meaning
are unable to, lack the power to
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 — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
תוּכְלוּ֮tu.khe.Lu you will be able H3201 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine plural
194× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
be able
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָכֹל (yakol) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power.' It encompasses a range of abilities, including physical, moral, and constitutional strength, as well as the capacity to endure or prevail. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָכֹל, יָכוֹל 193 vb. be able, have power, prevail, endure

Qal

be able, to do a thing,, whether ability be physical, moral, constitutional, or dependent on external authority

prevail

abs. have ability, strength, only neg.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3201 יָכֹל, יָכוֹל be able, have power, prevail, endure .. be able, to do a thing,, whether ability be physical, moral, constitutional, or dependent on external authority

. prevail

. abs. have ability, strength, only neg.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3201 yakol yaw-kole'

or (fuller) yakowl {yaw-kole'}; a primitive root; to be able,

literally (can, could) or morally (may, might):--be able, any

at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure,

might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָכֹל (ya.khol) — be able.

1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach

1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor

1a3) to have ability, have strength

Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi2mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine plural
HVqi2mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a'-b'-l: The Greek dunamai, "to have power," may refer either to inherent strength, or to the absence of in external obstacles, or to what may be allowable or permitted. The Greek ischuo, as in Lu 13:24; Joh 21:6, refers always to the first of the above meanings. The use of the word as an adjective the King James Version of 2Co 3:6, is misleading, and has been properly changed in the Revised Version (British and American) into "sufficient as ministers," i.e. "hath fitted us to be ministers."

and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
לְהַגִּ֣ידle.ha.Gid to tell H5046 Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common
371× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Tyndale gloss
to tell
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָגַד (nagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to declare or tell, with implications of being conspicuous or manifesting something. It covers a range of meanings including to announce, report, and make known, often through spoken word. The entries indicate that it can also mean to expose or predict, and in the Hophil form, it refers to something being told or reported.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָגַד] 363 vb. be conspicuous

Hiph. declare, tell

Hoph. be told, announced, reported

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5046 נָגַד be conspicuous . declare, tell

. be told, announced, reported

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5046 nagad naw-gad'

a primitive root; properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out

opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest;

figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one

present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain,

praise:--bewray, X certainly, certify, declare(-ing),

denounce, expound, X fully, messenger, plainly, profess,

rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, X surely, tell, utter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָגַד (na.gad) — to tell.

1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known

1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare

1a1) to tell, announce, report

1a2) to declare, make known, expound

1a3) to inform of

1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim

1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess

1a5a) messenger (participle)

1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct common
HR/Vhcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TALE.

and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
לִי֒li to me H9030 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נִי (ni) — me.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
וּנְתַתֶּ֨םu.ne.ta.Tem and you will give H5414 Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine plural
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-2mp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect second person masculine plural
Hc/Vqq2mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(nathan, yahabh, sum; didomi): "Give" is a very common word in the Old Testament. It is most frequently the translation of nathan, "to give" (Ge 1:29; 3:6; Ex 2:9; De 18,20, etc., over 800 instances); nathan is also translated "to give up" (De 23:14; Isa 43:6; Ho 11:8); of yahabh, "to give" (Ge 30:1; 1Ch 16:28 the King James Version). In Ps 55:22 we have the perfect with suffix, "Cast thy burden upon Yahweh," margin "what he hath given thee"; elsewhere it is…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
אַתֶּ֥ם'a.Tem you H859 Pronoun
1,094× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Tyndale gloss
you(m.s.)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַתָּ֫ה (attah) is a second-person pronoun in Hebrew, used to address someone directly. It has masculine and feminine forms: אַתָּה for singular masculine, אַתְּ for singular feminine, אַתֶּם for plural masculine, and אַתֵּן for plural feminine. The entries indicate variations in form and usage, reflecting the pronoun's grammatical complexity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou

base

אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.)

base

אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.)

base

אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.)

base

אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H859a אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou H859b אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.) H859c אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.) H859d אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.) H859e אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

859 'attah at-taw'

or (shortened); aatta {at-taw'}; or wath {ath}; feminine

(irregular) sometimes nattiy {at-tee'}; plural masculine attem

{at- tem'}; feminine atten {at-ten'}; or oattenah

{at-tay'naw}; or fattennah {at-tane'-naw}; a primitive pronoun

of the second person; thou and thee, or (plural) ye and

you:--thee, thou, ye, you.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — you(m.s.).

you (second pers. sing. masc.)

אתִּי (ti) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתְּ (at.te) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתֶּם (at.tem) — you(m.p.).

you (second pers. pl. masc.)

Aramaic equivalent: an.tun (אַנְתּוּן "you" H0608)

אַתֵּן (at.ten) — you(f.p.).

you (second pers. pl. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp2mp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
לִי֙li to me H9030 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נִי (ni) — me.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣יםshe.lo.Shim thirty H7970 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
173× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
a multiple of ten and three
Tyndale gloss
thirty
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁלֹשִׁים (*shlowshiym*) means 'thirty' and can also refer to 'thirtieth' as an ordinal number. It is an indeclinable noun and is derived from the root word for 'three.' The entries indicate that it is used in various contexts, but there are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁלֹשִׁים (very seldom שְׁלוֹשִׁים, שְׁלֹשִׁם) 174 n.indecl. thirty

bef. n. sg.

as ordin.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁים (very seldom שְׁלוֹשִׁים, שְׁלֹשִׁם) n. indecl. thirty . bef. n. sg.

. as ordin.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7970 shlowshiym shel-o-sheem'

or shloshiym {shel-o-sheem'}; multiple of 7969; thirty; or

(ordinal) thirtieth:--thirty, thirtieth. Compare 7991.

see HEBREW for 07969

see HEBREW for 07991

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁלֹשִׁים (she.lo.shim) — thirty.

thirty, thirtieth

Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
סְדִינִ֔יםse.di.Nim linen garments H5466 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes a type of linen garment, often worn as a shirt or outer layer. In the Bible, fine linen is mentioned in the book of Exodus as a material used in priestly garments. It symbolizes purity and elegance.
Amplified meaning
fine, white, or priestly robes
Tyndale gloss
linen
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סָדִין (sadiyn) refers to a linen wrapper, possibly a foreign term. It is described as a rectangular piece of fine linen, used as an outer garment or for sleeping. The word is derived from a root meaning to envelop, indicating its function as a covering.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סָדִין n.[m.] linen wrapper (perh. foreign word)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5466 סָדִין linen wrapper (perh. foreign word)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5466 cadiyn saw-deen'

from an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, i.e.

shirt:--fine linen, sheet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָדִין (sa.din) — linen.

1) linen wrapper

1a) rectangular piece of fine linen worn as outer, or at night, as a sole garment

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The chief garments of the Hebrews were the tunic or inner garment, and the mantle or outer garment. These seem to have constituted a "change of Rainment," Jud 14:13 19:1-30 Ac 9:39. The tunic was of linen, and was worn next to the skin, fitting close to the body; it had armholes, and sometimes wide and open sleeves, and reached below the knees; that worn by females reached to the ankles. The tunic was sometimes woven without seam, like that of Jesus, Joh 19:23. The upper garment or mantle was a piece of cloth nearly square, and two or three yards in length and breadth, which was wrapped round the body, or tied over the shoulders. A man without this robe on was sometimes said to be "naked,"

- Origin of

Ge 3:7,21

- CALLED

. Raiment

Ge 28:20; De 8:4

. Clothes

Pr 6:27; Eze 16:39

. Clothing

Job 22:6; 31:19

. Vesture

Ge 41:42; Re 19:16

- MATERIALS USED FOR

. Wool

Pr 27:26; Eze 34:3

. Silk

Pr 31:22

. Linen

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖יםu.she.lo.Shim and thirty H7970 Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
173× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
thirty
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שְׁלֹשִׁים (*shlowshiym*) means 'thirty' and can also refer to 'thirtieth' as an ordinal number. It is an indeclinable noun and is derived from the root word for 'three.' The entries indicate that it is used in various contexts, but there are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שְׁלֹשִׁים (very seldom שְׁלוֹשִׁים, שְׁלֹשִׁם) 174 n.indecl. thirty

bef. n. sg.

as ordin.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁים (very seldom שְׁלוֹשִׁים, שְׁלֹשִׁם) n. indecl. thirty . bef. n. sg.

. as ordin.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7970 shlowshiym shel-o-sheem'

or shloshiym {shel-o-sheem'}; multiple of 7969; thirty; or

(ordinal) thirtieth:--thirty, thirtieth. Compare 7991.

see HEBREW for 07969

see HEBREW for 07991

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שְׁלֹשִׁים (she.lo.shim) — thirty.

thirty, thirtieth

Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Adj — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absolute
HC/Ncmpa
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
חֲלִיפ֣וֹתcha.li.Fot changes of H2487 Noun common · feminine plural construct
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a change or replacement, like switching clothes or taking turns, and is used in the Bible to describe things like changing courses in life.
Tyndale gloss
change
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֲלִיפָה (chaliyphah) refers to a change or replacement, often associated with garments or life circumstances. It encompasses various meanings, including a change of raiment, relays, and even a figurative sense of relief from death. The term suggests the idea of alternation or substitution, reflecting a broader concept of change in life.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חֲלִיפָה] n.f. a change (from the idea of replacing, changing, substituting)

change of raiment

relays

revival after death, under fig. of relief from milit. service

changing, varying, of course of life

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2487 [חֲלִיפָה] a change (from the idea of replacing, changing, substituting)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2487 chaliyphah khal-ee-faw'

from 2498; alternation:--change, course.

see HEBREW for 02498

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֲלִיפָה (cha.li.phah) — change.

1) a change, change (of garments), replacement

1a) change (of raiment)

1b) relays

1c) relief (from death)

1d) changing, varying (course of life)

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…

and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
בְּגָדִ֑יםbe.ga.Dim garments H899 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
217× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Amplified meaning
changes of clothing, or garments for special occasions
Tyndale gloss
treachery
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֶּ֫גֶד (beged) has meanings related to both clothing and treachery. It can refer to a garment or covering, as well as deceit or betrayal. The word is built from a root that suggests a duality in its usage, appearing in contexts that range from apparel to treacherous actions, notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֶּ֫גֶד n.[m.] treachery Is 24:16 Je 12:1.

done

בֶּ֫גֶד n.m. garment, covering

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H899a בֶּ֫גֶד treachery H899b בֶּ֫גֶד garment, covering

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

899 beged behg'-ed

from 898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or

pillage:--apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag,

raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.

see HEBREW for 0898

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — treachery.

treachery, deceit

בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — garment.

(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The chief garments of the Hebrews were the tunic or inner garment, and the mantle or outer garment. These seem to have constituted a "change of Rainment," Jud 14:13 19:1-30 Ac 9:39. The tunic was of linen, and was worn next to the skin, fitting close to the body; it had armholes, and sometimes wide and open sleeves, and reached below the knees; that worn by females reached to the ankles. The tunic was sometimes woven without seam, like that of Jesus, Joh 19:23. The upper garment or mantle was a piece of cloth nearly square, and two or three yards in length and breadth, which was wrapped round the body, or tied over the shoulders. A man without this robe on was sometimes said to be "naked,"

- Origin of

Ge 3:7,21

- CALLED

. Raiment

Ge 28:20; De 8:4

. Clothes

Pr 6:27; Eze 16:39

. Clothing

Job 22:6; 31:19

. Vesture

Ge 41:42; Re 19:16

- MATERIALS USED FOR

. Wool

Pr 27:26; Eze 34:3

. Silk

Pr 31:22

. Linen

and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּvai.Yo.me.ru and they said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vqw3mp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
ל֔וֹlo to him H9033 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

וֹ (o) — him.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
ח֥וּדָהChu.dah ask [the] riddle ! H2330 Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to propose a riddle or puzzle. It involves tying a knot or creating a problem to solve. The KJV translates it as 'put forth'.
Tyndale gloss
to riddle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חוּד (chuwd) is a verb meaning to propose or propound a riddle. It is derived from the idea of tying a knot, used figuratively in the context of riddles. The lexicons consistently emphasize its connection to the act of presenting a riddle.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[חוּד] vb. denom. propound a riddle

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2330 חוּד vb. denom. propound a riddle

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2330 chuwd khood

a primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e.

(figuratively) to propound a riddle:--put forth.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חוּד (chud) — to riddle.

(Qal) to propose a riddle, propound a riddle

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
HVqv2ms/Sh
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rid'-'-l (chidhah; ainigma).

See GAMES.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Riddle

(Heb. hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judg. 14:12-18). The parabolic prophecy in Ezek. 17:2-18 is there called a “riddle.” It was rather, however, an allegory. The word “darkly” in 1 Cor. 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., “in a riddle.”

Smith's Bible Dictionary

It is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles 9:1) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (Judges 14:14-19)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Used as a test of wit: at Samson' s feast Jud 14:12-18

→ By Agur Pr 30:15,16,18-31

→ See PARABLE

→ See PROVERBS

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
חִידָתְךָ֖chi.da.te.Kha riddle your H2420 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Amplified meaning
propose your puzzle, or pose your question
Tyndale gloss
riddle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חִידָה (chiydah) means 'riddle' or 'perplexing question.' It can refer to enigmatic sayings, dark utterances, or difficult questions, often used in a context of testing someone's wisdom, as seen in the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to puzzle' and can also imply trickery or double-dealing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חִידָה n.f. riddle, enigmatic, perplexing saying or question

riddle = dark, obscure utterance

riddle, enigma, to be guessed

perplexing questions by which queen of Sheba put Sol. to the test

skilled in double-dealing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2420 חִידָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2420 chiydah khee-daw'

from 2330; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious

maxim:--dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question,

proverb, riddle.

see HEBREW for 02330

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חִידָה (chi.dah) — riddle.

1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question

1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance)

1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed)

1c) perplexing questions (difficult)

1d) double dealing (with 'havin')

Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and if not you will be able to tell to me and you will give you to me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments and they said to him ask [the] riddle ! riddle your so we may hear it
וְנִשְׁמָעֶֽנָּה׃ve.nish.ma.'E.nah so we may hear it H8085 Conjunction · verb qal first person common plural · suffix
1,160× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Amplified meaning
listen to, or pay attention to
Tyndale gloss
to hear: hear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear

Qal 1052

subj. pers. hum.

י׳ (God) subj.

Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound

be heard of

be regarded, obeyed

= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.

Pi. he caused the people to hear

Hiph. 63

of man

י׳ subj.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8085 שָׁמַע hear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8085 shama` shaw-mah'

a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with

implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to

tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X

carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,

declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make

to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)

obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,

regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,

understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.

: hear

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon

1d4) to cause to be heard

n m

2) sound

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.

: obey

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal first person common plural · suffix
HC/Vqu1cp/Sp3fs
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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