Judges 16:7 — Word Study
WLCוַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן אִם־ יַאַסְרֻ֗נִי בְּשִׁבְעָ֛ה יְתָרִ֥ים לַחִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־ חֹרָ֑בוּ וְחָלִ֥יתִי וְהָיִ֖יתִי כְּאַחַ֥ד הָאָדָֽם׃
BSASamsonShimshôwn told herʼâmar▸ Ifʼim they tie me upʼâçar▸ [bind or restrain] with sevenshebaʻ freshlach [new, moist, or green] bowstringsyether [cords or ropes] thatʼăsher have notlôʼ been driedchârab■ [desiccated or withered] I will become as weakchâlâh■ [be made or rendered, feeble, frail, or powerless] as anyʼechâd other manʼâdâm [a human being, a person like others]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּ֤אמֶר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ | to her | Preposition, suffix |
| שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן | Samson | Noun proper masculine |
| אִם־ | if | Particle |
| יַאַסְרֻ֗נִי | people will bind me | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| בְּשִׁבְעָ֛ה | with seven | Preposition, noun common both singular absolute |
| יְתָרִ֥ים | cords | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| לַחִ֖ים | fresh | Adj |
| אֲשֶׁ֣ר | which | Particle |
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| חֹרָ֑בוּ | they have been dried | Verb, Pual, perfect third person common plural |
| וְחָלִ֥יתִי | and I will be weak | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect first person common singular |
| וְהָיִ֖יתִי | and I will be | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect first person common singular |
| כְּאַחַ֥ד | like one of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| הָאָדָֽם׃ | humankind | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Samson 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.” |
| KJV | And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. |
| ASV | And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man. |
| YLT | And Samson saith unto her, 'If they bind me with seven green withs which have not been dried, then I have been weak, and have been as one of the human race.' |
| WEB | Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.” |
| BBE | And Samson said to her, If seven new bow-cords which have never been made dry are knotted round me, I will become feeble and will be like any other man. |
Where they part company is לַחִ֖ים — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by a conditional clause and a resulting clause, clearly outlining Samson's statement and its implications.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשִׁמְשׁוֹן
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Judges 16:7
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 and Delilahgenerated
Judges 16:7 captures a pivotal moment where Samson reveals to Delilah the secret of his strength. This interaction occurs within the larger narrative of his conflicts with the Philistines, showcasing both his vulnerability and the treachery of Delilah. The context sets the stage for the ensuing betrayal and the consequences of revealing such a secret.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 16:10 | Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 19:17 | And Saul said to Michal, “Why did you deceive me like this? You sent my enemy away and he has escaped!” Michal replied, “He said to me, ‘Help me get away, or I will kill you!’” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 21:2–3 | “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission or charge. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 27:10 | who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:19 | Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָלִ֥יתִי, cha.Li.tigenerated
The verb חָלָה (chalah) is a Qal perfect form meaning 'to be weak' or 'to become ill.' It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of being worn or rubbed down, indicating a state of weakness or frailty.
In this verse, Samson uses it to express that if he is bound as he describes, he will become weak, emphasizing his reliance on the conditions of his strength. The use of this verb highlights the contrast between his usual might and the potential for vulnerability.
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. The BSB has weak, and so do the KJV and the ASV, maintaining the straightforward meaning of חָלִ֥יתִי.
Where others part company with the BSB, they do so over the rendering of חָלִ֥יתִי. The KJV and ASV choose become weak, while the YLT uses become feeble, which emphasizes frailty.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is וַיֹּ֤אמֶר, and he said, which introduces Samson's statement. This is followed by a conditional clause introduced by אִם, if, setting up the conditions for his weakness.
The structure clearly delineates Samson's conditions and his resulting state, with the verb phrases indicating actions that lead to his declaration of becoming weak.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָלִ֥יתִי as ἀσθενήσω, which means 'I will be weak.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning but also carries a nuance of illness or frailty, suggesting a broader interpretation of weakness.
This translation indicates an understanding of Samson's condition not just as a loss of physical strength but as a state of vulnerability.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Judges 16:7 shows Samson telling Delilah that if he is tied with seven fresh bowstrings that have not dried, he will become weak like any other man. This reveals his secret to her, setting the stage for future events.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Samson indicates that if he is bound with the specified materials, he will lose his extraordinary strength and become as weak as an ordinary person.
The number seven often signifies completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that Samson is emphasizing the seriousness of the conditions he describes.
Fresh bowstrings are strong and flexible, indicating that they would be effective in binding him, further highlighting the conditions under which he would lose his strength.
This moment is crucial as it leads to Samson's eventual betrayal and capture, illustrating themes of vulnerability and the consequences of revealing one's secrets.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can guard my own vulnerabilities in relationships?
- How do I understand the concept of strength and weakness in my own life?
- In what situations have I felt pressured to reveal my own secrets?
- How can I apply the lessons from Samson's story to my own decisions?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Judges 16:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Samson said unto her,.... In answer to her pressing solicitations: if they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried; the word is sometimes used for nerves, and cords or ropes; but
Read John Gill on Judges 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. Bind me with seven green withs.
Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 16 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSamson is guilty both of the sin of lying, though he dress up the lie in such circumstances as might make it most probable; and of great folly, in encouraging her inquiries, which he should at first have checked: but as he had forsaken God, so God had now forsaken him, and deprived him of common prudence; otherwise the frequent repetition and vehement urging of this question might easily have raised suspicion in him.
Read Matthew Poole on Judges 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJudges 16:7 And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.Ver. 7. And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs.] This he said for a put off, or as intending to make himself sport with her. But he should have remembered that God’ s children will not lie.
Read John Trapp on Judges 16 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) Green withs.—The meaning of the words is uncertain. Probably the LXX. and the Vulg. are right in taking them to mean moist, i.e., fresh sinews (Psalms 11:2) (LAX., Neurais hugrais; Vulg., Nerviceis funibus necdum siccis et adhuc humentibus). Josephus says “vine shoots,” but fresh vine shoots would be ridiculously inadequate. The number seven is used as the sacred number implying perfectness; and it is one of the signs that even thus early Samson is playing about on the confines of his secret. As another man.—Literally, as one man, i.e., as an ordinary man.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Judges 16 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. Seven green withs] That is, any kind of pliant, tough wood, twisted in the form of a cord or rope. Such are used in many countries formed out of osiers, hazel, c. And in Ireland, very long and strong ropes are made of the fibres of bog-wood, or the larger roots of the fir, which is often dug up in the bogs or mosses of that country. But the Septuagint, by translating the Hebrew יתרים לחים yetharim lachim by νευραιςὑγραις, and the Vulgate by nerviceis funibus, understand these bonds to be cords made of the nerves of cattle, or perhaps rather out of raw hides, these also making an exceedingly strong cord. In some countries they take the skin of the horse, cut it lengthwise from the…
Read AdamClarke on Judges 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7. seven green withes] Follow marg.; similarly LXX and Vulgate The cords (cf. Psalms 11:2; Psalms 21:12) were to be made of fresh or moist gut. Elsewhere the adjective is applied to trees or fruit, hence the rendering of EV; withes = flexible twigs, esp. of willow; Josephus thinks of vine stalks. There may have been a magic charm in the number seven here and in Judges 16:13.
Read Cambridge on Judges 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible7. Seven green withs — Or, seven moist cords. The rendering withs comes from Josephus’s statement that these cords were twisted of a vine, and the well-known fact that strings were often made of
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
Samson 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.”
Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.”
Samson 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.”
Samson said to her, “If they tie me up with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be just like any other man.”
Tyndale line
And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withs that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.
And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another man.
And Samson said to her, If they bind me with seven green withs, that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man.
Samson then answered vnto her, If they binde mee with seuen greene cordes, that were neuer dryed, then shall I bee weake, and be as an other man.
Strictly literal
And Samson said to her, If they should bind me with seven fresh cords which have not been dried, then should I be weak, and be as another man.
And Samson saith unto her, 'If they bind me with seven green withs which have not been dried, then I have been weak, and have been as one of the human race.'
And Samson says to her, “If they bind me with seven green cords which have not been dried, then I have been weak, and have been as one of mankind.”
And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven moist cords which have not yet been dried, then shall I become weak, and be like any other of mankind.
Samson said to her, “If they tie me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, then I will become weak and be like any other man.”
From the Latin
And Samson answered her: If I shall be bound with seven cords made of sinews not yet dry, but still moist, I shall be weak like other men.
Simplified
“If I'm tied up with seven supple bowstrings that haven't dried out, I'll become just as weak,” Samson told her.
And Samson said to her, If seven new bow-cords which have never been made dry are knotted round me, I will become feeble and will be like any other man.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with 14 of the 15 words matched. The Septuagint's word order differs, reflecting its own syntactical choices.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלֶ֙יהָ֙ שִׁמְשׁ֔וֹן אִם־ יַאַסְרֻ֗נִי בְּשִׁבְעָ֛ה יְתָרִ֥ים לַחִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא־ חֹרָ֑בוּ וְחָלִ֥יתִי וְהָיִ֖יתִי כְּאַחַ֥ד הָאָדָֽם׃
14 of the 15 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Judges 16:7
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
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.
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
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
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).
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)
HRd/Sp3fs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3fs
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.
שִׁמְשׁוֹן 38 n.pr.m. Samson
base
H8123 שִׁמְשׁוֹן
8123 Shimshown shim-shone'
from 8121; sunlight; Shimshon, an Israelite:--Samson.
see HEBREW for 08121
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
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…
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…
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,
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.
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
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
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.
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
Conj — ParticleHTc
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.
[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
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
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.
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
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHVqi3mp/Sp1bs
שֶׁ֫בַע (sheba`) means 'seven' and is a cardinal number. It can also imply 'seven times' or refer to a week. The term appears in various contexts, including combinations like 17 or 700. Its Aramaic equivalent is שִׁבְעָה (shiv.ah), also meaning 'seven'.
שֶׁ֫בַע, שִׁבְעָה 394 n.m. et f. seven
base
H7651 שֶׁ֫בַע, שִׁבְעָה seven
7651 sheba` sheh'-bah
or (masculine) shibrah {shib-aw'}; from 7650; a primitive
cardinal number; seven (as the sacred full one); also
(adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by
extension, an indefinite number:--(+ by) seven(-fold),-s,
(-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare 7658.
see HEBREW for 07650
see HEBREW for 07658
שֶׁ֫בַע (she.va) — seven.
1) seven (cardinal number)
1a) as ordinal number
1b) in combination-17, 700 etc
Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Prep | Adj — Preposition · noun common both singular absoluteHR/Ncbsa
sev'-'-n (shebha`; hepta).
See NUMBER.
Seven
This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Gen. 2:2, 3). The division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. This number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. “Jacob’s seven years’ service to Laban; Pharaoh’s seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days’ siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number” (see Lev. 25:4;
The frequent recurrence of certain numbers in the sacred literature of the Hebrews is obvious to the most superficial reader, but seven so far surpasses the rest, both in the frequency with which it recurs and in the importance of the objects with which it is associated, that it may fairly be termed the representative symbolic number. The influence of the number seven was not restricted to the Hebrews; it prevailed among the Persians, ancient Indians, Greeks and Romans. The peculiarity of the Hebrew view consists in the special dignity of the seventh, and not simply in that of seen. The Sabbath being the seventh day suggested the adoption of seven as the coefficient, so to say, for their appointment of all sacred periods; and we thus find the 7th month ushered in by the Feast of Trumpets, and signalized by the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Great Day of Atonement; 7…
As from the beginning this was the number of days in the week, so it often has in Scripture a sort of emphasis attached to it, and is very generally used as a round or perfect number. Clean beasts were taken into the ark by sevens, Ge 7:1-24. The years of plenty and famine in Egypt were marked by sevens, Ge 41:1-57. With the Jews, not only was there a seventh day Sabbath, but every seventh year was a Sabbath, and after every seven times seven years came a jubilee. Their great feasts of unleavened bread and of tabernacles were observed for seven days; the number of animals in many of their sacrifices was limited to seven. The golden candlestick had seven branches. Seven priests with seven trumpets went around the walls of Jericho seven days, and seven times on the seventh day. In…
The Hebrew word יֶ֫תֶר (*yether*) encompasses meanings related to remainder, excess, and excellence, as well as a small cord. It is derived from a root meaning 'to remain' and can refer to both a surplus or remnant and a physical string. The entries consistently highlight its dual meanings without significant disagreement.
יֶ֫תֶר 94 n.m. remainder, excellence, excess
base
יֶ֫תֶר n.m. cord (prop. as hanging over or down)
base
H3499a יֶ֫תֶר remainder, excellence, excess H3499b יֶ֫תֶר cord
3499 yether yeh'-ther
from 3498; properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an
excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging
free):--+ abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what
they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue,
rest, string, with.
see HEBREW for 03498
יֶ֫תֶר (ye.ter) — remainder.
1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence
1a) remainder, remnant
1b) remainder, rest, other part
1c) excess
1d) abundantly (adv)
1e) abundance, affluence
1f) superiority, excellency
יֶ֫תֶר (ye.ter) — cord.
cord
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
לַח (lach) means moist, fresh, or new. It is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of being unused or undried, often describing plants or materials like cords and sinews. The entries consistently highlight its association with freshness and moisture.
לַח adj. moist, fresh, new
base
H3892 לַח moist, fresh, new
3892 lach lakh
from an unused root meaning to be new; fresh, i.e. unused or
undried:--green, moist.
לַח (lach) — fresh.
1) moist, fresh, new
1a) moist, fresh (of plants)
1b) new (of cords, sinews)
Adj — AdjHAampa
Adj.:
The translation of hadhash, "new," "fresh" (Job 29:20, "My glory is fresh in me"); of leshadh, "sap," "moisture" (Nu 11:8, of the manna, "as the taste of fresh oil," the Revised Version, margin "cakes baked with oil"); of ra`anan, "to be fresh and green" (Ps 92:10, "fresh oil"); of glukus, "sweet" (Jas 3:12, "salt water and fresh," the Revised Version (British and American) "sweet"). Fresher is the translation of rutaphash, "to become fresh" (Job 33:25; "His flesh shall be fresher than a child's").
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Rel — ParticleHTr
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.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
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.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
חָרֵב (charab) is a Hebrew verb with meanings related to dryness and destruction. It can refer to being dry or dried up, as well as to making something waste or desolate. Additionally, it can mean to attack or slay. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical desiccation to metaphorical desolation, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.
[חָרֵב] vb. be dry, dried up
Qal be dry, dried up
Pu. of fresh bow-strings
Hiph. of י׳ drying up rivers
base
[חָרֵב] be waste, desolate
Qal be waste, desolate
Niph. as adj., desolate city
Hiph. lay waste, make desolate
Hoph. she is laid waste
base
[חָרַב] vb. (Aram. and rare) attack, smite down
Qal attack
Niph. the kings have attacked one another, fought together
Hoph. 2 K 3:23
base
H2717a חָרֵב be dry, dried up H2717b חָרֵב be waste, desolate H2717c חָרַב attack, smite down
2717 charab khaw-rab'
or chareb {khaw-rabe'}; a primitive root; to parch (through
drought) i.e. (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill:--
decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, X
surely, (lay, lie, make) waste.
חָרֵב (cha.rev) — to dry.
1) to be dry, be dried up
1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up
1b) (Pual) to be dried
1c) (Hiphil) to dry up
1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
חָרֵב (cha.rev) — to destroy.
1) to be waste, lay waste, make desolate, be desolate, be in ruins
1a) (Qal) to be waste, be desolate
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made desolate
1b2) desolate (participle)
1c) (Hiphil) to lay waste, make desolate
1d) (Hophal) to be laid waste
Aramaic equivalent: cha.rav (חֲרַב "be wasted" H2718)
חָרַב (cha.rav) — to slay.
to attack, smite down, slay, fight
V-Pual-Perf-3cp — Verb · Pual · perfect third person common pluralHVPp3cp
The Hebrew word חָלָה (*chalah*) is built from a primitive root meaning to be rubbed or worn, covering a range of meanings related to weakness, sickness, and grief. It can refer to becoming weak or ill, making oneself sick, or even entreating favor. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, which express different nuances of these concepts.
חָלָה vb. be weak, sick
Qal
be or become weak
become sick, ill
Niph.
make oneself sick, fig. for strain oneself
be made sick
Pi. make sick
Pu. be made weak
Hithp. make oneself sick
Hiph.
make (sick, i.e.) sore thy smiting
make sick
shew (signs of) sickness, become sick
Hoph. make sick = wounded
base
[חָלָה] vb. only Pi. mollify, appease, entreat the favour of
base
H2470a חָלָה be weak, sick .. be or become weak
. become sick, ill
. . make oneself sick, fig. for strain oneself
. be made sick
. make sick
. be made weak
. make oneself sick
. . make (sick, i.e.) sore thy smiting
. make sick
. shew (signs of) sickness, become sick
. make sick = wounded
H2470b חָלָה only Pi. mollify, appease, entreat the favour of
2470 chalah khaw-law'
a primitive root (compare 2342, 2470, 2490); properly, to be
rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick,
afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick; also to
stroke (in flattering), entreat:--beseech, (be) diseased, (put
to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay
to, put to pain, X pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick,
sore, be sorry, make suit (X supplication), woman in travail,
be (become) weak, be wounded.
see HEBREW for 02342
see HEBREW for 02470
see HEBREW for 02490
חָלָה (cha.lah) — be weak: weak.
: weak/disabled
1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry
1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak
1b2) to become sick, become ill
1c) (Niphal)
1c1) to make oneself sick
1c2) to be made sick
1c3) to be tired
1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak
1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick
1f) (Hiphil)
1f1) to make sore
1f2) to make sick
1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick
1f4) to grieve
1g) (Hophal)
1g1) to be made sick
1g2) to be wounded
חָלָה (cha.lah) — to beg.
1) (Piel)
1a) (CLBL) to mollify, entreat, pray, beg
חָלָה (cha.lah) — be weak: ill.
: ill/injured
1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry
1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect first person common singularHc/Vqq1cs
The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be
Qal
Fall out, happen
occur, take place, come about, come to pass
esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass
וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
Come into being, become
abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
sq. prep.
become
sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
sq. pred. adj.
become like
sq. pred. לְ pers.
sq. לְ pred.
oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.
with עַל and לְ
sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)
exist, be in existence
abide, remain, continue
with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie
as copula, joining subj. & pred.
H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen
. occur, take place, come about, come to pass
. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)
. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה
. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)
. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come
. sq. prep.
. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)
. sq. pred. adj.
. become like
. sq. pred. + לְ pers.
. sq. לְ pred.
. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.
. with עַל and לְ
. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of
. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence
. abide, remain, continue
1961 hayah haw-yaw
a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,
come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or
auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,
committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,
fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit
(one-)self, require, X use.
see HEBREW for 01933
הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.
1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) ---
1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass
1a1b) to come about, come to pass
1a2) to come into being, become
1a2a) to arise, appear, come
1a2b) to become
1a2b1) to become
1a2b2) to become like
1a2b3) to be instituted, be established
1a3) to be
1a3a) to exist, be in existence
1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)
1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)
1a3d) to accompany, be with
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about
1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Hc/Vqq1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect first person common singularHc/Vqq1cs
אֶחָד (echad) means 'one' and is derived from a numeral. It encompasses meanings such as each, every, a certain, and can serve as an indefinite article. It is also used as an ordinal to denote 'first' and appears in various combinations, including eleven. The entries consistently emphasize its numerical and qualitative aspects.
אֶחָד 972 adj.num. one
one
= each, every
= a certain
= indef. art.
only, & (fem.) once
one … another, one … the other
as ordinal first
in combin.
base
H259 אֶחָד one . one
. = each, every
. = a certain
. = indef. art.
. only, & (fem.) once
. one … another, one … the other
. as ordinal first
. in combin.
259 'echad ekh-awd'
a numeral from 258; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an
ordinal) first:--a, alike, alone, altogether, and,
any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-)ly, each (one), +
eleven, every, few, first, + highway, a man, once, one, only,
other, some, together,
see HEBREW for 0258
אֶחָד (e.chad) — one.
1) one (number)
1a) one (number)
1b) each, every
1c) a certain
1d) an (indefinite article)
1e) only, once, once for all
1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one
1g) first
1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Prep | Adj — Preposition · noun common feminine singular constructHR/Ncfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind
a man = human being
coll. man, mankind
n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)
n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)
base
H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being
. coll. man, mankind
120 'adam aw-dawm'
from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the
species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common
sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
see HEBREW for 0119
אָדָם (a.dam) — man.
1) man, mankind
1a) man, human being
1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)
1c) Adam, first man
1d) city in Jordan valley
אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).
The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;
married to Eve (H2332);
father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;
Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)
man, human being
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
