Judges 9:9 — Word Study
WLCוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַזַּ֔יִת הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־ דִּשְׁנִ֔י אֲשֶׁר־ בִּ֛י יְכַבְּד֥וּ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־ הָעֵצִֽים׃
BSABut the olive treezayith [an olive berry] repliedʼâmar▸ Should I stop givingchâdal■ my oildeshen [richness, abundance] thatʼăsher honorskâbad▸ [glorifies, shows respect to] both Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme Being] to holdhâlak swaynûwaʻ [rule, have authority] overʻal the treesʻêts [other leaders, creations]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּ֤אמֶר | and it said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לָהֶם֙ | to them | Preposition, suffix |
| הַזַּ֔יִת | the olive tree | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ | ¿ will I cease | Particle, verb qal perfect first person common singular |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| דִּשְׁנִ֔י | fatness my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אֲשֶׁר־ | which | Particle |
| בִּ֛י | by me | Preposition, suffix |
| יְכַבְּד֥וּ | people honor | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| אֱלֹהִ֖ים | gods | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים | and men | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י | and will I go | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect first person common singular |
| לָנ֖וּעַ | to sway | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| עַל־ | over | Preposition |
| הָעֵצִֽים׃ | the trees | Particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ |
| KJV | But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? |
| ASV | But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees? |
| YLT | And the olive saith to them, Have I ceased from my fatness, by which they honour gods and men, that I have gone to stagger over the trees? |
| WEB | “But the olive tree said to them, ‘Should I stop producing my oil, with which they honor God and man by me, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’ |
| BBE | But the olive-tree said to them, Am I to give up my wealth of oil, by which men give honour to God, and go waving over the trees? |
Where they part company is in the phrase לָנ֖וּעַ — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by a subordinate clause that elaborates on the olive tree's response, emphasizing its internal conflict.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 9:9
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 Trees Seek a Kinggenerated
Judges 9:9 presents a parable where trees seek a king, approaching various trees to reign over them. The olive tree, known for its oil, is asked to rule but considers its important role in providing oil that honors both God and humanity. This reflects a deeper theme of valuing one's contributions over the pursuit of power, similar to the lessons found in other biblical narratives about leadership and service.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 29:2–7 | along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour, |
| 2 | Exodus 35:14 | the lampstand for light with its accessories and lamps and oil for the light; |
| 3 | Leviticus 2:1 | “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, |
| 4 | 1 Kings 19:15–16 | Then the LORD said to him, “Go back by the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. |
| 5 | Psalm 89:20 | I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַזַּ֔יִת, ha.Za.yitgenerated
The word זַיִת (zayith) refers specifically to the olive tree or its fruit, which is significant in biblical texts for its oil, a symbol of richness and blessing. The olive tree is often associated with peace and prosperity, as seen in its use in various rituals and references throughout the Scriptures.
In this verse, the olive tree is personified, indicating a self-awareness of its role and contributions. It emphasizes the importance of its oil, which is used to honor both God and man, highlighting a dual significance in its existence.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is וַיֹּ֤אמֶר, and it said, which governs the entire statement made by the olive tree. The structure includes a subordinate clause detailing what the olive tree is questioning, followed by a series of phrases that clarify its contributions and the implications of ceasing those contributions.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the olive tree's response, indicating its importance in the overall narrative of the trees seeking a king. This structure highlights the olive tree's self-reflection and its value in the context of leadership.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הַזַּ֔יִת as ἐλαία, which directly corresponds to the olive tree, maintaining the original meaning. This choice reflects the cultural significance of the olive tree in both Hebrew and Greek contexts, emphasizing its value.
The Greek word for חָדַל is rendered as ἀπολείψασα, suggesting a nuance of leaving behind or forsaking, which may indicate a stronger emphasis on the act of ceasing than the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Judges 9:9 tells us that the olive tree was asked by the other trees to rule over them. However, the olive tree responded by questioning whether it should stop providing its valuable oil, which honors both God and people, just to take on the role of king.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The olive tree's oil symbolizes richness and abundance, which is used in worship and signifies its important role in the community.
The trees are looking for leadership and authority, wanting to establish a ruler among them to guide their actions.
The refusal highlights the olive tree's commitment to its purpose and contributions rather than pursuing power, illustrating a theme of valuing service over authority.
This verse reflects broader biblical themes of leadership, service, and the importance of fulfilling one's role in the community, paralleling other narratives about kingship and authority.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can serve my community without seeking power or recognition?
- How do I balance my responsibilities with my personal ambitions?
- In what areas of my life do I feel called to contribute, and how can I honor that calling?
- What lessons can I learn from the olive tree about valuing my contributions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early commentary on this verse highlights the dual use of oil in worship, emphasizing the olive tree's significance in both divine and human contexts.
Both gods and men make use of: The olive tree is introduced, speaking in this manner, because oil was used both in the worship of the true God, and in that of the false gods, whom the Sichemites served.Early Church Fathers on Judges 9 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Judges 9:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut the olive tree said unto them,.... In reply to the request of the trees: should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man; by "fatness" oil is meant, pressed out of the fruit of
Read John Gill on Judges 9 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Judges 9 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn the worship and service of God oil was used for divers things; as, about the lamps, , and offerings, ,7, and for the anointing of sacred persons and things. Oil was also used in the constitution of kings, and priests, and prophets, and for a present to great persons, and to anoint the head and face, &c. To be promoted, Heb. to move hither and thither, to wander to and fro, to exchange my sweet tranquillity for incessant cares and travels for the good of others, as a king ought to do.
Read Matthew Poole on Judges 9 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJudges 9:9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?Ver. 9. But the olive-tree said unto them.] The bramble thought it a great matter to reign over the rest; not so the olive. Animo mayno nihil magnum. The violent obtain heaven; but for earth, they look upon it as a magnum nihil. Should I leave my fatness?] That is, My fitness to serve God and men in my place and station. It is hard and happy not to be worse for outward honour and greatness. Vespasian is said to be the only one of all the emperors, qui accepto imperio melior factus est, who was made a better man by that preferment. And go to…
Read John Trapp on Judges 9 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) Wherewith by me they honour God and man.—The words may also mean, which gods and men honour in me (Vulg., quâ et dii utuntur et homines; Luther, meine Fettigheit, die beide Götter und menschen an mir preisen; and so some MSS. of the LXX.). In either case the mention of gods or God (Elohim) refers to the use of oil in sacrifices, offerings, consecrations, &c. (Genesis 28:18; Exodus 30:24; Leviticus 3:1-16). Oil is used in the East as one of the greatest luxuries, and also as possessing valuable medicinal properties (James 5:15; Luke 10:34). Go to be promoted over the trees.—The English Version here follows the Vulg. (ut inter ligna promovear); but the verb in the original is much finer…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Judges 9 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. Wherewith - they honour God and man] I believe the word אלהים elohim here should be translated gods, for the parable seems to be accommodated to the idolatrous state of the Shechemites. Thus it was understood by the Vulgate, Arabic, and others. It is true that olive oil was often used in the service of God: the priests were anointed with it; the lamps in the tabernacle lighted with it; almost all the offerings of fine flour, cakes prepared in the pan, c., had oil mingled with them therefore Jotham might say that with it they honour God; and as priests, prophets, and kings were anointed, and their office was the most honourable, he might with propriety say, therewith they honour…
Read AdamClarke on Judges 9 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9. my fatness] i.e. the oil from the crushed berry, almost a necessity of life in Palestine, where it takes the place of butter. wherewith by me they honour] For by me read by it (LXX. cod. B, Vulgate, Targ.) i.e. whereby they honour gods and men, parallel to cheereth gods and men in Judges 9:13; they honour has the force of a passive, are honoured. Probably to avoid this sense the text was altered to mean ‘which God and man honour in me,’ RVm., LXX. cod. A, Peshitto A staple article of man’s daily food, oil was offered as sacrificial food to the gods, and among the Hebrews to Jehovah. But oil was not an article of food by itself; accordingly in Hebr. ritual it was not poured out as a…
Read Cambridge on Judges 9 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible9. My fatness — A reference to the olive oil, which was manufactured and used in great quantities among the ancients. The fatness of the olive, and its chief value, was its oil.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Judges 9 →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
But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’
“But the olive tree said to them, ‘Should I stop producing my oil, with which they honor God and man by me, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?’
But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’
But the olive tree said to them, ‘I am not going to stop producing my oil, which is used to honor gods and men, just to sway above the other trees!’
Tyndale line
But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?
But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?
But the olive-tree said to them, Should I leave my fatness, with which by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
But the oliue tree said vnto them, Should I leaue my fatnes, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to aduance me aboue ye trees?
Strictly literal
And the olive-tree said to them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to wave over the trees?
And the olive saith to them, Have I ceased from my fatness, by which they honour gods and men, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?
And the olive says to them, Have I ceased from my fatness, by which they honor gods and men, that I have gone to stagger over the trees?
But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I give up my fatness, wherewith through me they honor God and men, and shall I go to be promoted over the trees!
But the olive tree said to them, 'Should I give up my oil, which is used to honor gods and mankind, so I may go return, just to sway over the other trees?'
From the Latin
And it answered: Can I leave my fatness, which both gods and men make use of, to come to be promoted among the trees?
Simplified
But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my rich oil that benefits both gods and men just to go and sway to and fro over the trees?’
But the olive-tree said to them, Am I to give up my wealth of oil, by which men give honour to God, and go waving over the trees?
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 differences lie primarily in the word order and grammatical structure, reflecting the translators' interpretive choices rather than substantive variations in meaning.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַזַּ֔יִת הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־ דִּשְׁנִ֔י אֲשֶׁר־ בִּ֛י יְכַבְּד֥וּ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־ הָעֵצִֽים׃
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 9:9
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
הֶם (hem) — them.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural
HRd/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3mp
זַ֫יִת (zayith) refers to an olive or olive tree, including its fruit. It is associated with illuminating oil and appears in place names like the Mount of Olives. The entries suggest it encompasses both the tree and its produce, with some lexicons noting its connection to specific locations.
זַ֫יִת n.m. olive-tree, olive
olive-tree
of fruit of olive-tree, olives
in designations of place
base
H2132 זַ֫יִת olive-tree, olive
2132 zayith zay'-yith
probably from an unused root (akin to 2099); an olive (as
yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the
berry:--olive (tree, -yard), Olivet.
see HEBREW for 02099
זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — (Mount of) Olives.
This name means olive, olive tree
Also named: elaiōn (ἐλαιών "Olivet" G1638)
זַ֫יִת (za.yit) — olive.
1) olive, olive tree
1a) olive tree
1b) olives
2) mountain facing Jerusalem on the east side
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
Olive-tree
Is frequently mentioned in Scripture. The dove from the ark brought an olive-branch to Noah (Gen. 8:11). It is mentioned among the most notable trees of Palestine, where it was cultivated long before the time of the Hebrews (Deut. 6:11; 8:8). It is mentioned in the first Old Testament parable, that of Jotham (Judg. 9:9), and is named among the blessings of the “good land,” and is at the present day the one characteristic tree of Palestine. The oldest olive-trees in the country are those which are enclosed in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is referred to as an emblem of prosperity and beauty and religious privilege (Ps. 52:8;
חָדַל (chadal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cease or come to an end. It conveys the idea of stopping, leaving off, or forgoing something. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including the Qal stem, which indicates simple action. There is a specific note in the Hophil form suggesting a passive sense of being made to leave.
חָדַל vb. cease
Qal
cease, come to an end
cease, leave off
Hoph. should I be made to leave
base
H2308 חָדַל cease .. cease, come to an end
. cease, leave off
. should I be made to leave
2308 chadal khaw-dal'
a primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. (by
implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or
idle:--cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let
alone, rest, be unoccupied, want.
חָדַל (cha.dal) — to cease.
1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cease, come to an end
1a2) to cease, leave off
Part | V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Particle · verb qal perfect first person common singularHTi/Vqp1cs
ses: A remarkable array of 20 Hebrew and 6 Greek words is so translated. In the King James Version 15 of the former and 3 of the latter are used only once with this rendering. The originals most frequently in use are chadhal, "to leave off"; shabhath "to rest from" (labor); pauomai, "to make to cease." Few words illustrate better the fertility of the Hebrew in expressing limitless shades of meaning, impoverished by the use of one English word. This extensive variety is, however, well expressed by "cease": i.e. stop, come to an end, e.g. ceasing of tears (Jer 14:17); work (Ezr 4:24); grinders (Ec 12:3); thunder (Ex 9:29); the wicked (
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HTo — ParticleHTo
דֶּ֫שֶׁן (deshen) refers to fatness or abundance, often in a figurative sense, and specifically to the fatty ashes of sacrifices. It encompasses meanings related to fertility and blessing, as well as the ashes mixed with fat from victims. The word is derived from a root that emphasizes the concept of fat.
דֶּ֫שֶׁן n.m. fatness, fat ashes
fatness, abundance, luxuriance, oil
fat ashes; i.e. ashes of victims, mixed with fat
base
H1880 דֶּ֫שֶׁן fatness, fat ashes . fatness, abundance, luxuriance, oil
. fat ashes; i.e. ashes of victims, mixed with fat
1880 deshen deh'-shen
from 1878; the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e. (figuratively)
abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices:--
ashes, fatness.
see HEBREW for 01878
דֶּ֫שֶׁן (de.shen) — ashes.
1) fat ashes, fatness
1a) fatness
1a1) of fertility
1a2) of blessing (fig.)
1b) fat ashes (ashes of victims, mixed with the fat)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
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
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (kabad) is built from a primitive root meaning 'to be heavy.' It covers a range of meanings, including being burdensome, weighty, or honorable. The word can describe both a negative sense of heaviness or dullness and a positive sense of honor or glory. It appears in various forms, such as making oneself heavy or being made honorable.
כָּבֵד vb. be heavy, weighty, burdensome, honoured
Qal
be heavy, in weight
heavy, insensible, dull
be honoured
Niph.
pass.
be made heavy fr. abundance
be honoured, enjoy honour, of man
medial, get oneself glory (or honour), of God
Pi.
make heavy, insensible
make honourable, honour, glorify, usu. c. human subj.
Pu. be made honourable, honoured
Hiph.
make heavy
make heavy, dull, unresponsive, the ears
cause to be honoured
Hithp.
make oneself heavy, dense, numerous
honour oneself
base
H3513 כָּבֵד be heavy, weighty, burdensome, honoured .. be heavy, in weight
. heavy, insensible, dull
. be honoured
. . pass. . be made heavy fr. abundance
. be honoured, enjoy honour, of man
. medial, get oneself glory (or honour), of God
. . make heavy, insensible
. make honourable, honour, glorify, usu. c. human subj.
. be made honourable, honoured
. . make heavy
. make heavy, dull, unresponsive, the ears
. cause to be honoured
. . make oneself heavy, dense, numerous
. honour oneself
3513 kabad kaw-bad'
or kabed {kaw-bade'}; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. in
a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense
(numerous, rich, honorable; causatively, to make weighty (in
the same two senses):--abounding with, more grievously
afflict, boast, be chargeable, X be dim, glorify, be (make)
glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden,
be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to,
do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man),
lade, X more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote
(to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop.
כָּבֵד (ka.vad) — to honor: honour.
: honour/glory
1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be heavy
1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull
1a3) to be honoured
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant
1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible
1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify
1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to make heavy
1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive
1e3) to cause to be honoured
1f) (Hithpael)
1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous
1f2) to honour oneself
כָּבֵד (ka.vad) — to honor: heavy.
: heavy/severe
1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVpi3mp
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
('elohim; theoi):
I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Superhuman Beings (God and Angels)
2. Judges, Rulers
3. Gods of the Nations
4. Superiority of Yahweh to Other Gods
5. Regulations Regarding the Gods of the Nations
6. Israel's Tendency to Idolatry
II. IN THE APOCRYPHA
III. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Hebrew plural 'elohim is generally known as the plural of "majesty" and is the ordinary name for God. The meaning of the plural seems to be "plenitude of powers." It denotes the fullness of those attributes of power which belonged to the Divine Being. Thus it is usually translated in the singular, "God," when referring to the God of Israel. When reference is made to the gods of the other nations the word is translated in the plural, "gods." The heathen nations usually had a plurality of gods. Among the Semites it was customary for one nation or tribe to have its own particular god. Often there were many…
The words god and gods, Hebrew ELOHIM, are several times used in Scripture to express the power, office, or excellence of some created beings, as angels, magistrates, Ex 22:20,28 Ps 86:8 97:12; often also for the false gods of the heathen. These were exceedingly numerous, and are denoted by various terms, signifying vanity, falsehood, etc. Among the first objects to be deified were the sun, the moon, and the chief powers of nature. Innumerable animals, deceased men, all ages, passions, and conditions of man, and every thing which fear, lust, malice, pride, or caprice could suggest, were made objects of worship. The gods of modern India are numbered by millions.
→ See IDOL
→ See IDOLATRY
→ See IMAGE
אֱנוֹשׁ (enowsh) refers to man or mankind, often used in a poetic context. It denotes a mortal individual, distinguishing humans from more dignified terms for man. The word encompasses both singular and collective meanings, indicating people or persons in general. Its Aramaic equivalent is אֱנָשׁ (e.nash), also meaning 'man'.
אֱנוֹשׁ n.m. man, mankind, mostly poet.
of individ.
coll. men
man, mankind
base
H582 אֱנוֹשׁ man, mankind, mostly poet.
582 'enowsh en-oshe'
from 605; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the
more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or
collectively):--another, X (blood-)thirsty, certain,
chap(-man); divers, fellow, X in the flower of their age,
husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some
( X of them), + stranger, those, + their trade. It is often
unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in
apposition with another word . Compare 376.
see HEBREW for 0605
see HEBREW for 0120
see HEBREW for 0376
אֱנוֹשׁ (e.nosh) — human.
1) man, mortal man, person, mankind
1a) of an individual
1b) men (collective)
1c) man, mankind
Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
HC/Ncmpa — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.
הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk
Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך
lit.
of persons
Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
in like manner of inanimate things
The inf. abs. is often used
as in other vbs., quite independently
to intensify meaning of finite form
most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.
with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance
twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
quite by itself
13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
In combination with other verbal forms
Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:
pass away, die
H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons
. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
. in like manner of inanimate things
. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently
. to intensify meaning of finite form
. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance
. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
. quite by itself
. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
. In combination with other verbal forms
1980 halak haw-lak'
akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety
of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,
apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,
depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,
forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,
out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,
march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),
be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,
still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,
on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,
(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.
see HEBREW for 03212
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.
: went/go[away]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.
: come[nearer]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.
: walk/move
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
Conj | V-Qal-1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect first person common singularHc/Vqq1cs
(halakh, yalakh, bo', yatsa'; ago, hupago, anabaino, erchomi, aperchomai, poreuomai): "Go" ("went," etc.) occurs very frequently in the English Bible, and is the translation of a great many different Hebrew and Greek terms. As the word implies movement of all kinds, physical and mental, it has naturally many applications.
1. In the Old Testament:
In the Old Testament halakh and yalakh are among the commonest words, meaning "to go" in its original sense of "to walk," but also in the most varied senses, according to the verbal conjugations, etc., the preposition attached, and the words in connection with which the terms stand; halakh and yalakh are often used figuratively (translated "to walk," etc.) for to live, to pursue a way of life, e.g. "to walk ever in his ways" (De 19:9; compare
נוּעַ (nuwa`) is a primitive root meaning to shake or waver, encompassing a wide range of actions such as quivering, trembling, and moving. It can describe both literal and figurative movements, including being tossed about or causing someone to wander. The entries highlight its various applications, but do not present significant disagreement among lexicons.
נוּעַ vb. quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter
Qal
wave
totter, go tottering
Niph. be tossed about
Hiph.
toss about
shake, cause to totter
(shake), disturb
cause to wander
base
H5128 נוּעַ quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter
5128 nuwa` noo'-ah
a primitive root; to waver, in a great variety of
applications, literally and figuratively (as
subjoined):--continually, fugitive, X make, to (go) up and
down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel,
remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be
vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down).
נוּעַ (nu.a) — to shake.
1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable
1a2) to totter, go tottering
1a2a) vagabond (participle)
1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to toss about
1c2) to shake, cause to totter
1c3) to shake, disturb
1c4) to cause to wander
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
עֵץ (ets) refers to a tree or wood, encompassing various forms such as timber, sticks, and planks. It can denote both singular and plural trees, as well as specific uses like gallows and firewood. The word is derived from a root meaning firmness, indicating its solid nature.
עֵץ 329 n.m. tree, trees, wood
(c. 150 t.)
a standing tree
coll. trees
(c. 175 t.; c. 120 t. pl., to denote pieces [or articles] of wood)
base
H6086 עֵץ tree, trees, wood . (c. 150 t.) . a standing tree
. coll. trees
. (c. 175 t.; c. 120 t. pl., to denote pieces [or articles] of wood)
6086 `ets ates
from 6095; a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural
sticks):--+ carpenter, gallows, helve, + pine, plank, staff,
stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.
see HEBREW for 06095
עֵץ (ets) — tree: wood.
: wood
1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
1a) tree, trees
1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
עֵץ (ets) — tree.
: tree
1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
1a) tree, trees
1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
עֵץ (ets) — tree: stick.
: stick/log
1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
1a) tree, trees
1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
עֵץ (ets) — tree: stake.
: stake/shaft
1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
1a) tree, trees
1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
עֵץ (ets) — tree: carpenter.
: carpenter/wood(worker)
1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
1a) tree, trees
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ncmpa
Were frequently used as types of kings, or men of wealth and power, Ps 37:35 Isa 2:13 Da 4:10-26 Zec 11:1,2. The "tree of knowledge of good and evil" bore the forbidden fruit, by eating of which Adam fatally increased his knowledge—of good by its loss, of sin and woe by actual experience, Ge 2:9,17. The "tree of life" may have been both an assurance and a means of imparting life, a seal of eternal holiness and bliss, if man had not sinned. Compare Re 22:2.