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Judges 16:10 — Word Study

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WLCוַתֹּ֤אמֶר דְּלִילָה֙ אֶל־ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן הִנֵּה֙ הֵתַ֣לְתָּ בִּ֔י וַתְּדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י כְּזָבִ֑ים עַתָּה֙ הַגִּֽידָה־ נָּ֣א לִ֔י בַּמֶּ֖ה תֵּאָסֵֽר׃

BSAThen DelilahDᵉlîylâh [the Philistine woman] saidʼâmar toʼêl SamsonShimshôwn You have mockedhâthal [deceived] and lied to medâbar [spoken falsely, told lies] Nowʻattâh [at this time] pleasenâʼ tellnâgad howmâh you can be tied upʼâçar [bound, secured, with what you might be bound]

Word
Listen & take awayJudges 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 10 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (te.'a.Ser) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Judges 16:10quick helps
In a sentenceDelilah confronts Samson about his deception and demands to know how he can be bound.
Who is speakingDelilah, a Philistine woman, addressing Samson.
Where we areIn the midst of a tense exchange between Delilah and Samson.
The hard wordהֵתַ֣לְתָּ, he.Tal.ta
Take awayDelilah feels mocked and seeks the truth from Samson.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them › clause subjectדְּלִילָה verbאָמַר 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 16:10

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 Betrayal of Samsongenerated

9While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown.
10Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”
11He replied, “If they tie me up with new ropes that have never been used, I will become as weak as any other man.”
12So Delilah took new ropes, tied him up with them, and called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But while the men were hidden in her room, he snapped the ropes off his arms like they were threads.

Judges 16:10 records a moment of confrontation where Delilah accuses Samson of mocking her and lying. This passage illustrates the tension in their relationship as Delilah seeks to uncover the secret of Samson's strength, leading to his eventual betrayal. This scene is part of a larger narrative that explores themes of deception and betrayal, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Judges 16:7–13Samson told her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become as weak as any other man.”
2Proverbs 23:7–8for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
3Proverbs 24:28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
4Ezekiel 33:31So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
5Luke 22:48But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word הֵתַ֣לְתָּ, he.Tal.tagenerated

The verb הָתַל (hathal) means to deceive or mock, indicating a sense of betrayal. In this context, Delilah uses it to express her feelings of being tricked by Samson, highlighting the emotional stakes of their interaction.

This verb is in the Hiphil form, which often denotes causative action. Here, it suggests that Samson's actions have caused Delilah to feel mocked, emphasizing the relational dynamics at play.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which captures the essence of Delilah's accusation.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is תֹּ֤אמֶר, she said, which governs the entire sentence. It is followed by a direct address to Samson, and then by two clauses detailing Delilah's accusations and her plea for information.

The structure emphasizes Delilah's direct confrontation with Samson, showcasing her emotional state and the tension in their dialogue.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew הֵתַ֣לְתָּ is rendered as ἐπλάνησάς, which carries the meaning of having deceived. This choice indicates a focus on the act of deception rather than the emotional aspect of mocking, suggesting a slight shift in emphasis from the Hebrew text.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Judges 16:10 shows Delilah accusing Samson of mocking and lying to her. She asks him to reveal how he can be tied up. This moment highlights the tension in their relationship and sets the stage for the betrayal that follows.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Delilah mean by accusing Samson of mocking her?

Delilah feels deceived by Samson's previous answers and is expressing her frustration at being misled about the secret of his strength.

Why does Delilah want to know how Samson can be tied up?

Delilah is seeking to uncover Samson's secret to his strength, which she intends to use against him.

What is the significance of the word 'deceived' in this context?

The word highlights the emotional betrayal Delilah feels, as she perceives that Samson has not been truthful with her.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Samson?

This verse is pivotal as it sets the stage for Samson's eventual downfall, illustrating the themes of betrayal and the consequences of deception.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How do feelings of betrayal affect relationships in my life?
  2. What can I learn from Delilah's approach to seeking the truth?
  3. In what ways do I communicate openly and honestly with others?
  4. How can I guard against deception in my own life?

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

The early Church Fathers, like Ambrose of Milan, reflect on this passage, discussing themes of deception and the spiritual implications of Samson's story.

Ambrose of MilanLetter 19 c. 339–397
This having failed, Delilah, as if she had been mocked began with complaints to renew her arts and to require a pledge of his love.
Early Church Fathers on Judges 16 →
Ambrose of MilanThe Prayer of Job and David 2.3.8 c. 339–397
He was faced with a third battle: he had lost everything he had, that is, his inheritance with his sons; his flesh was enduring wounds; he remained to conquer the temptations of words. No ordinary battle.
Early Church Fathers on Judges 16 →
Ambrose of MilanOn the Holy Spirit 2, Introduction 13-16 c. 339–397
Is that, then, Samson who broke ropes twisted with thongs, and new cords like weak threads? Is that Samson who did not feel the bonds of his hair fastened to the beam, so long as he had the grace of the Spirit? He, I say,
Early Church Fathers on Judges 16 →

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Judges 16:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And Delilah said unto Samson,.... Not on the same day, but some time after, as Kimchi observes, when an opportunity offered, and he was in like circumstances as before; for had she immediately

Read John Gill on Judges 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. And Delilah said.

Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Judges 16:10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.Ver. 10. And told me lies.] Delilah may give Samson the lie: she may say anything, do anything to him: as Omphale or Jole might clap Hercules on the cheeks, or beat him about the head with her slipper: whereas, if another had done half so much, it would not have been borne with more patience than Robert Earl of Essex took a cuff on the ear from Queen Elizabeth. He laid his hand upon his sword, saith Mr Camden, and swore a great oath that he neither could nor would swallow so great an indignity, nor would he have borne it at King Henry VIII’ s…

Read John Trapp on Judges 16 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) Now tell me, I pray thee.—Delilah would, of course, tell Samson that the scene had been merely playful jest, and that she had said “Philistines upon thee, Samson!” only to be delighted with one fresh exhibition of his great strength, if he really had not revealed the secret. She would represent her desire to know as due only to loving curiosity.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Judges 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

10. Told me lies — This charge would have little effect coming on one from the lips of a harlot. My moral character, Samson might have said, will compare well with yours.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Judges 16 →

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

Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Delilah said to Samson, “Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies. Now please tell me how you might be bound.”

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”

NETBNew English Translation2006

Delilah said to Samson, “Look, you deceived me and told me lies! Now tell me how you can be subdued.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Delilah said to Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, with what thou mayest be bound.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

After Delilah saide vnto Samson, See, thou hast mocked mee and tolde mee lies. I pray thee nowe, tell me wherewith thou mightest be bound.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Delilah said to Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me and told me lies. Now tell me, I pray thee, with what thou mightest be bound.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Delilah saith unto Samson, 'Lo, thou hast played upon me, and speakest unto me lies; now, declare, I pray thee, to me, wherewith thou art bound.'

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Delilah says to Samson, “Behold, you have played on me, and speak lies to me; now, please declare to me with what you are bound.”

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast deceived me, and told me lies; now do tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou canst be bound.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Then Delilah said to Samson, “This is how you have deceived me and told me lies. Please, tell me how you can be overpowered.”

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Dalila said to him: Behold thou hast mocked me, and hast told me a false thing: but now at least tell me wherewith thou mayest be bound.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Later Delilah said to Samson, “You've made me look stupid, telling me these lies! So now please tell me what can be used to tie you up.”

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Then Delilah said to Samson, See, you have been making sport of me with false words; now, say truly how may you be put in bands?

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.

וַandclauseverbתֹּ֤אמֶרshe.saidsubjectדְּלִילָה֙Delilahprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtoשִׁמְשׁ֔וֹןSamsonclauseclauseהִנֵּה֙here!clauseclauseverbהֵתַ֣לְתָּyou.have.deceivedprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִּ֔(in)יmeוַandclauseverbתְּדַבֵּ֥רyou.have.spokenprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלַ֖toיmeobjectכְּזָבִ֑יםliesclauseadverbialעַתָּה֙nowverb phrase · verbהַגִּֽידָtellהadverbialנָּ֣אpleaseprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִ֔toיmeclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּwithמֶּ֖הhow?verbתֵּאָסֵֽרwill.you.be.bound

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 15 of the 16 words matching. This close correspondence indicates a consistent transmission of the text, although the Septuagint's word order may differ.

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

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר דְּלִילָה֙ אֶל־ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן הִנֵּה֙ הֵתַ֣לְתָּ בִּ֔י וַתְּדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י כְּזָבִ֑ים עַתָּה֙ הַגִּֽידָה־ נָּ֣א לִ֔י בַּמֶּ֖ה תֵּאָסֵֽר׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרεἶπενדְּלִילָה֙δαλιδαאֶל־πρὸςשִׁמְשׁ֔וֹןσαμψωνהִנֵּה֙ἰδοὺהֵתַ֣לְתָּἐπλάνησάςבִּ֔יμεוַתְּדַבֵּ֥רἐλάλησαςאֵלַ֖יμεכְּזָבִ֑יםψευδῆעַתָּה֙νῦνהַגִּֽידָה־ἀνάγγειλόνלִ֔יμοιבַּמֶּ֖הτίνιתֵּאָסֵֽר׃δεθήσῃ

15 of the 16 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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 16:10אָמַרand she saiand she saidאָמַרדְּלִילָהDelilahDelilahדְּלִילָהאֶלtotoאֶלשִׁמְשׁוֹןSamsonSamsonשִׁמְשׁוֹןהִנֵּהhere!here!הִנֵּההָתַלyou have deyou have deceivהָתַלנִיmemeנִידָבַרand you havand you have spדָבַראֶלto meto meאֶלכָּזָבliesliesכָּזָבעַתָּ֫הnownowעַתָּ֫הנָגַדtell !tell !נָגַדנָאpleasepleaseנָאנִיto meto meנִימָהhow?how?מָהאָסַרwill you bewill you be bouאָסַרדָּלַלto languisto languishדָּלַלשֶׁ֫מֶשׁsunsunשֶׁ֫מֶשׁכָּזַבto lieto lieכָּזַבעֵתtimetimeעֵתהֵןlook!look!הֵןפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/GodיהוהשִׁמְשׁוֹןSamsonSamsonשִׁמְשׁוֹןנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדדְּלִילָהDelilahDelilahדְּלִילָהיָקַץto awaketo awakeיָקַץנֶ֫גַעplagueplagueנֶ֫גַעחֲלוֹםdreamdreamחֲלוֹםכָּזָבlielieכָּזָבמֹשֶׁהMosesMosesמֹשֶׁהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹן
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 16:10

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 she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרva.To.mer and she said H559 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
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-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
דְּלִילָה֙de.li.Lah Delilah H1807 Noun proper feminine
6× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Delilah was a Philistine woman who famously betrayed Samson's secret, cutting his hair and delivering him to the Philistines. Her name means feeble. Delilah is first mentioned in Judges 16:4.
Amplified meaning
the Philistine woman
Tyndale gloss
Delilah
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דְּלִילָה (Dliylah) refers to Delilah, a Philistine woman known for her relationship with Samson. The name is derived from a root meaning 'languishing' or 'feeble.' Delilah is primarily noted for betraying Samson by revealing the secret of his strength, leading to his capture by the Philistines, as mentioned in Judges 16:4.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דְּלִילָה n.pr.f. Delila, a Philistine woman, mistress of Samson

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1807 דְּלִילָה, דִּלִילָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1807 Dliylah del-ee-law'

from 1809; languishing:--Delilah, a Philistine

woman:--Delilah.

see HEBREW for 01809

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דְּלִילָה (de.li.lah) — Delilah.

A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.16.4; married to Samson (H8123)

§ Delilah = "feeble"

the Philistine mistress of Samson who betrayed the secret of his great strength, and by cutting his hair, enfeebled him and delivered him to the Philistines

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper feminine
HNpf
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

de-li'-la (delilah, "dainty one," perhaps; Septuagint Daleida, Dalida): The woman who betrayed Samson to the Philistines (Jud 16). She was presumably a Philistine, though that is not expressly stated. She is not spoken of as Samson's wife, though many have understood the account in that way. The Philistines paid her a tremendously high price for her services. The account indicates that for beauty, personal charm, mental ability, self-command, nerve, she was quite a wonderful woman, a woman to be admired for some qualities which she exhibits, even while she is to be utterly disapproved. See SAMSON.

Willis J. Beecher

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Delilah

Languishing, a Philistine woman who dwelt in the valley of Sorek (Judg. 16:4-20). She was bribed by the “lords of the Philistines” to obtain from Samson the secret of his strength and the means of overcoming it (Judg. 16:4-18). She tried on three occasions to obtain from him this secret in vain. On the fourth occasion she wrung it from him. She made him sleep upon her knees, and then called the man who was waiting to help her; who “cut off the seven locks of his head,” and so his “strength went from him.” (See SAMSON.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A Philistine woman, whom Samson loved, and who betrayed him to the enemies of Israel, Jud 16:1-31.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

poor; small; head of hair

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹןshim.Shon Samson H8123 Noun proper masculine
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Samson, meaning like the sun, was a Danite and a judge of Israel for 20 years. He was a Nazarite for life, and his story is first mentioned in Judges 13:24, where he is described as the son of Manoah.
Tyndale gloss
Samson
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshown) refers to Samson, a significant figure in the Old Testament known as a judge of Israel. The name is derived from the Hebrew word for sunlight, suggesting a meaning of 'like the sun.' Samson, a Danite and Nazarite, is first mentioned in Judges 13:24 and is noted for his strength and tumultuous life.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שִׁמְשׁוֹן 38 n.pr.m. Samson

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8123 שִׁמְשׁוֹן

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8123 Shimshown shim-shone'

from 8121; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite:--Samson.

see HEBREW for 08121

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שִׁמְשׁוֹן (shim.shon) — Samson.

A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.13.24;

son of: Manoah (H4495); married to Delilah (H1807)

Also named: Sampsōn (Σαμψών "Samson" G4546)

§ Samson = "like the sun"

a Danite, son of Manoah, a Nazarite for life, and a judge of Israel for 20 years

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sam'-sun (shimshon.

1. Name:

Derived probably from shemesh, "sun" with the diminutive ending -on, meaning "little sun" or "sunny," or perhaps "sun-man"; Sampson; Latin and English, Samson): His home was near Bethshemesh, which means "house of the sun." Compare the similar formation shimshay (Ezr 4:8,9,17,23).

2. Character:

Samson was a judge, perhaps the last before Samuel. He was a Nazirite of the tribe of Da (Jud 13:5); a man of prodigious strength, a giant and a gymnast--the Hebrew Hercules, a strange champion for Yahweh! He intensely hated the Philistines who had oppressed Israel some 40 years (Jud 13:1), and was willing to fight them alone. He seems to have been actuated by little less than personal vengeance, yet in the New…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Samson

Of the sun, the son of Manoah, born at Zorah. The narrative of his life is given in Judg. 13-16. He was a “Nazarite unto God” from his birth, the first Nazarite mentioned in Scripture (Judg. 13:3-5; comp. Num. 6:1-21). The first recorded event of his life was his marriage with a Philistine woman of Timnath (Judg. 14:1-5). Such a marriage was not forbidden by the law of Moses, as the Philistines did not form one of the seven doomed Canaanite nations (Ex. 34:11-16; Deut. 7:1-4). It was, however, an ill-assorted and unblessed marriage. His wife was soon taken from him and given “to his companion” (

(like the sun), son of Manoah, a man of the town of Zorah in the tribe of Dan, on the border of Judah. (Joshua 15:33; 19:41) (B.C. 1161). The miraculous circumstances of his birth are recorded in Judges 13; and the three following chapters are devoted to the history of his life and exploits. Samson takes his place in Scripture, (1) as a judge --an office which he filled for twenty years, (Judges 15:20; 16:31) (2) as a Nazarite, (Judges 13:5; 16:17) and (3) as one endowed with supernatural power by the Spirit of the Lord. (Judges 13:25; 14:6,19; 15:14) As a judge his authority seems to have been limited to the district bordering upon the country of the Philistines. The…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The son of Manoah, of the tribe of Dan, a deliverer and judge of the southern tribes of the Hebrews for twenty years, Jud 13:1; 16:31. His birth was miraculously foretold; he was a Nazarite from infancy and the strongest of men; and was equally celebrated for his fearless and wonderful exploits, for his moral infirmities, and for his tragical end. His exploits were not wrought without special divine aid; "the Spirit of God came mightily upon him," Jud 13:25 14:6,19 15:14 16:20,28. The providence of God was signally displayed in overruling for good the hasty passions of Samson, the cowardice of his friends, and the malice of his enemies. The sins of Samson brought him in great disgrace and misery; but grace and faith triumphed in the end,

and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
הִנֵּה֙hi.Neh here! H2009 Particle
843× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
behold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2009 hinneh hin-nay'

prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.

see HEBREW for 02005

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.

behold, lo, see, if

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTj — Particle
HTj
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

her, in composition:

and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
הֵתַ֣לְתָּhe.Tal.ta you have deceived H2048 Verb · Hiphil · perfect second person masculine singular
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
deceived
Tyndale gloss
to mock
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָתַל (hathal) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning to deceive or mock, found in the Piel form. It is closely related to תָּלַל (talal), which also means to deceive. The entries indicate that both forms share a common theme of deception, with הָתַל specifically noted in 1 Kings 18:27.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[הָתַל] vb. only Pi. deceive, mock, 1 K 18:27

ref

[תָּלַל] vb.

Hiph mock, deceive

Hoph a heart (which) is deceived

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2048a הָתַל only Pi. deceive, mock H2048b תָּלַל .mock, deceive

.a heart (which) is deceived

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2048 hathal haw-thal'

a primitive root; to deride; by implication, to cheat:--deal

deceitfully, deceive, mock.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָתַל (ha.tal) — to mock.

(Piel) to mock

תָּלַל (ta.lal) — to deceive.

1) (Hiph) to deceive

2) (Hoph) be deceived

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms — Verb · Hiphil · perfect second person masculine singular
HVhp2ms
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
בִּ֔יBi 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 she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
וַתְּדַבֵּ֥רva.te.da.Ber and you have spoken H1696 Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect second person masculine singular
1,142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Amplified meaning
spoken falsely, told lies
Tyndale gloss
to speak: speak
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)

Qal speak

Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk

Pi. speak

Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for

Hithp. speaking this word

Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1696 dabar daw-bar'

a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used

figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive

sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,

declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,

say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,

use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.

: speak/tell/command

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.

: subdue

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.

: promise/declare

1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing

1a) (Qal) to speak

1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to speak

1c2) to promise

1d) (Pual) to be spoken

1e) (Hithpael) to speak

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect second person masculine singular
Hc/Vpw2ms
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
אֵלַ֖י'e.Lai to me H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
כְּזָבִ֑יםke.za.Vim lies H3577 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
31× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Tyndale gloss
lie
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּזָב (kazab) refers to a lie or falsehood, encompassing meanings like deceit and untruth. It is derived from a root that suggests the concept of deception. The entries consistently describe it as a term for falsehood without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּזָב n.m. lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3577 כָּזָב lie, falsehood, deceptive thing

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3577 kazab kaw-zawb'

from 3576; falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively

(idol):--deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying.

see HEBREW for 03576

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּזָב (ka.zav) — lie.

a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
עַתָּה֙'a.Tah now H6258 Adverb
433× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
at this time
Tyndale gloss
now
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַתָּ֫ה (attah) is an adverb of time meaning 'now.' It can also function as a conjunction or expletive, indicating immediacy or a current moment. The word is derived from a related term, עַת (att), and is used in various contexts to denote the present time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַתָּ֫ה 435, עָ֑֫תָּה, adv. of time, now

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6258 עַתָּ֫ה, עָ֑֫תָּה of time, now

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6258 `attah at-taw'

from 6256; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or

expletive:--henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas.

see HEBREW for 06256

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — now.

1) now

1a) now

1b) in phrases

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adv — Adverb
HD
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
הַגִּֽידָה־ha.gi.dah- tell ! H5046 Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
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
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
HVhv2ms/Sh
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See TALE.

and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
נָּ֣אna' please H4994 Particle
404× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Tyndale gloss
please
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָא (na') is a Hebrew particle used primarily for entreaty or exhortation, meaning 'I pray,' 'now,' or 'please.' It often appears attached to verbs in the imperative or future forms, and can also modify interjections, adverbs, or conjunctions. The entries consistently emphasize its role in expressing a plea or request.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָא part. of entreaty or exhortation, I (we) pray, now (enclitic)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4994 נָא I (we) pray, now (enclitic)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4994 na' naw

a primitive particle of incitement and entreaty, which may

usually be rendered: "I pray," "now," or "then"; added mostly

to verbs (in the Imperative or Future), or to interjections,

occasionally to an adverb or conjunction:--I beseech (pray)

thee (you), go to, now, oh.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָא (na) — please.

1) I (we) pray, now, please

1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTj
and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
לִ֔יLi 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 she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
בַּמֶּ֖הba.Meh how? H4100 Preposition · pronoun
753× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Tyndale gloss
what?
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught

interrog. what?

Used adverbially

Indef. pron.

With preps.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַה‍ּ, מֶה, מַ‍ּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?

. Used adverbially

. Indef. pron.

. With preps.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4100 mah maw

or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a

primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including

how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including

how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even

relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various

adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-

soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),

whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָה (mah) — what?.

interr pron

1) what, how, of what kind

1a) (interrogative)

1a1) what?

1a2) of what kind

1a3) what? (rhetorical)

1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what

1b) (adverb)

1b1) how, how now

1b2) why

1b3) how! (exclamation)

1c) (with prep)

1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?

1c2) because of what?

1c3) the like of what?

1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?

1c3b) for how long?

1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?

1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?

indef pron

2) anything, aught, what may

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Part — Preposition · pronoun
HR/Pi
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Represents various Hebrew and Greek words, interrogative, interjectional and relative. Its different uses refer to

(1) the manner or way, e.g. Ge 44:34, "How shall I go up to my father?" ('ekh); Mt 6:28, "how they grow" (pos); 1Co 15:35, "How are the dead raised?";

(2) degree, extent, frequently, "how great" (Da 4:3, mah; Mr 5:19, hosos, "how much"); "how many" (Mt 27:13, posos); "how much" (Ac 9:13, hosos); "how much more" (Mt 7:11, posos;

and she said Delilah to Samson here! you have deceived me and you have spoken to me lies now tell ! please to me how? will you be bound
תֵּאָסֵֽר׃te.'a.Ser will you be bound H631 Verb · Niphal · imperfect second person masculine singular
72× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to bind or tie something, like when God made a covenant with the Israelites. It can also mean to prepare for battle or to be imprisoned. In different contexts, it involves joining or fastening things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
Amplified meaning
bound, secured, with what you might be bound
Tyndale gloss
to bind
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָסַר (asar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to tie or bind, with a range of applications including imprisonment and the figurative sense of obligation, such as oaths. It can also refer to preparing for battle or being taken prisoner. The entries indicate that it can be used in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Pual, each with slightly different nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָסַר] vb. tie, bind, imprison

Qal

tie, bind, for security

tie, harness

bind, with cords

gird (rare & late)

begin the battle, make the attack

fig. of obligation of oath or vow

Niph. be bound, imprisoned

Pu. be taken prisoner

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H631 [אָסַר] tie, bind, imprison .. tie, bind, for security

. tie, harness

. bind, with cords

. gird (rare & late)

. begin the battle, make the attack

. fig. of obligation of oath or vow

. be bound, imprisoned

. be taken prisoner

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

631 'acar aw-sar'

a primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in

any sense, to join battle:--bind, fast, gird, harness, hold,

keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds,

set in array, tie.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָסַר (a.sar) — to bind.

1) to tie, bind, imprison

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to tie, bind

1a2) to tie, harness

1a3) to bind (with cords)

1a4) to gird (rare and late)

1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack

1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative)

1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound

1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVNi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See BIND.

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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