Jeremiah 23:22 — Word Study
WLCוְאִֽם־ עָמְד֖וּ בְּסוֹדִ֑י וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ דְבָרַי֙ אֶת־ עַמִּ֔י וִֽישִׁבוּם֙ מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם הָרָ֔ע וּמֵרֹ֖עַ מַֽעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ ס
BSABut ifʼim they had stoodʻâmad■ [attended, been present in] in My councilçôwd they would have proclaimedshâmaʻ▸ [declared, caused to hear] My wordsdâbâr [messages, instructions] to My peopleʻam [nation, community] and turned them backshûwb▸ [caused to return, turned away] from their evilraʻ [bad, wicked] waysderek [path, manner of life] andrôaʻ deedsmaʻălâl [actions, practices]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאִֽם־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| עָמְד֖וּ | they had stood | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| בְּסוֹדִ֑י | in council my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ | so they may cause to hear | Conjunction, verb hiphil third person masculine plural |
| דְבָרַי֙ | words my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אֶת־ | the object marker | Particle |
| עַמִּ֔י | people my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וִֽישִׁבוּם֙ | and they will turn back them | Conjunction, verb hiphil third person masculine plural, suffix |
| מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם | from way their | Preposition, noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| הָרָ֔ע | wicked | Particle |
| וּמֵרֹ֖עַ | and from [the] wickedness of | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| מַֽעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ ס | deeds their | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.” |
| KJV | But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. |
| ASV | But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. |
| YLT | But — if they stood in My counsel, Then they cause My people to hear My words, And they turn them back from their evil way, And from the evil of their doings. |
| WEB | But if they had stood in my council, then they would have caused my people to hear my words, and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. |
| BBE | But if they had been in my secret, then they would have made my people give ear to my words, turning them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. |
Where they part company is וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence begins with a conditional clause, followed by two consequence clauses that detail the expected actions of the prophets.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbעָמַד
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 — Jeremiah 23:22
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 — God's Disappointment with False Prophetsgenerated
Jeremiah 23:22 reveals God's frustration with prophets who do not genuinely stand in His counsel. He emphasizes that had they truly listened to Him, they would have conveyed His messages to the people, guiding them away from their wickedness. This theme of divine communication and the responsibility of prophets is echoed throughout the book of Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in proclaiming God's word.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:18 | But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? |
| 2 | Ezekiel 2:7 | But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 3:17 | “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. |
| 4 | Acts 20:27 | For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 25:5 | The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עָמְד֖וּ, 'a.me.Dugenerated
The verb עָמַד (amad) means 'to stand' and implies a strong presence or commitment. In this context, it indicates the prophets' failure to truly stand in God's presence and listen to His counsel.
This verb is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action in the past. The prophets did not merely fail to stand; they did so in a way that suggests a lack of ongoing relationship with God, which is critical for their role as messengers.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase they would have proclaimed.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb עָמְד֖וּ governs the sentence, indicating the action of standing. It is followed by a prepositional phrase בְּסוֹדִ֑י, which specifies where they should have stood — in God's council.
The structure of the verse includes multiple clauses: the conditional 'if' introduces the main action, followed by what the prophets would have done had they truly stood in God's presence, culminating in the consequences of their actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עָמְד֖וּ as ἔστησαν (they stood), indicating a direct correspondence with the Hebrew meaning. This choice reinforces the idea of a physical and metaphorical standing before God.
The use of εἰσήκουσαν for וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ suggests an emphasis on the act of hearing and responding, which aligns with the Hebrew's implication of causing the message to be heard.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Jeremiah 23:22 shows God expressing disappointment that the prophets did not truly listen to Him. If they had stood in His council, they would have proclaimed His words to the people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To stand in God's council means to be present and attentive to His guidance, receiving His wisdom and instruction.
Proclaiming God's words is crucial for guiding the people away from sin and towards righteousness, fulfilling their role as messengers of God.
Not listening to God can lead to continued wickedness and separation from Him, as seen in the actions of the false prophets.
This verse encapsulates the theme of Jeremiah, which is the call for true prophets to listen to God and faithfully convey His messages to the people.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I ensure I am truly listening to God's guidance in my life?
- How can I be a faithful messenger of God's words to those around me?
- What practices can help me discern between true and false teachings?
- How does understanding God's council impact my relationship with Him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers reference this verse to highlight the importance of true prophecy and divine counsel, arguing from its implications in their writings.
What if these formulas also are scriptural, and of these two formulas, one is used with such clearness that one knows it has not been invented by me but has already been authorized by sacred Scripture? David,Early Church Fathers on Jeremiah 23 →
This enables us to see that the Council of Nicaea breathes the spirit of Scripture. God says in Exodus, “I am that I am,” and through Jeremiah, “Who is in his substance and has seen his word?” and just below,Early Church Fathers on Jeremiah 23 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Jeremiah 23:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut if they had stood in my counsel,.... As they boasted they did; or, as they reproached the true prophets, and charged them with vanity and arrogance, in talking as if they had; had this been truly
Read John Gill on Jeremiah 23 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. If they had stood in my counsel - (Jeremiah 23:18).
Read Robert Jamieson on Jeremiah 23 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThese false prophets did not prophesy without the approbation of the rulers of the ecclesiastical state amongst the Jews in their corrupt state, but so they might, and yet not be sent of God. The judgment of a Divine mission for the revelation of God’ s mind unto people must not be merely from their external mission, (which yet they ought to have in a church that is in order,) but from the faithful discharge of their ministry. Those whom God sends, and who are truly acquainted with his counsels, will cause his people to hear, not their own conceits and inventions, but the word of the Lord. God sendeth none upon any other errand but to reveal his will and tell his mind unto people. Then…
Read Matthew Poole on Jeremiah 23 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJeremiah 23:22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.Ver. 22. But if they had stood in my counsel, &c.] As they vainly vaunt they do, and that they know more of my mind than any others. And had caused my people to hear my words.] And not their own fancies or cunningly devised fables. Then they should have turned them from the evil of their way.] Not but that a goodly preacher may want success; And, on the contrary, a bad minister may be a means of good to others, as the dull whetstone edgeth iron, and the lifeless heaven enliveneth other creatures. The head of a…
Read John Trapp on Jeremiah 23 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(22) If they had stood in my counsel.—Better, as before, council. The test of the true mission is seen in results. Are the people better or worse for the prophet’s work? What are the fruits of his teaching? (Comp. Matthew 7:20.) The question meets us, Is this always a test? Was Jeremiah’s own work successful in this sense? Must not the true teacher speak “whether they [men] will hear, or whether they will forbear?” (Ezekiel 2:5.) The answer is found (1) in the fact that true teaching seldom fails altogether of its work; (2) that where it seems to fail it satisfies the other test, and at least stirs and rouses men from lethargy, even if it stirs them to antagonism. It is never satisfied with…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Jeremiah 23 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThey should have turned them ... - The work of the true prophet, which is to turn men from evil unto good.
Read Albert Barnes on Jeremiah 23 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible21, 22. These false prophets ran as if with a message from the Almighty. They hurried with indecent levity to assume those grave responsibilities.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Jeremiah 23 →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 if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”
But if they had stood in my council, then they would have caused my people to hear my words, and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”
But if they had stood in my inner circle, they would have proclaimed my message to my people. They would have caused my people to turn from their wicked ways and stop doing the evil things they are doing.
Tyndale line
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stande in my counsell, and had declared my words to my people, then they should haue turned them from their euill way, and from the wickednesse of their inuentions.
Strictly literal
But if they had stood in my council, and had caused my people to hear my words, then would they have turned them from their evil way and from the wickedness of their doings.
But — if they stood in My counsel, Then they cause My people to hear My words, And they turn them back from their evil way, And from the evil of their doings.
But if they stood in My counsel, || Then they cause My people to hear My words, || And they turn them back from their evil way, || And from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood in my secret counsel, they should have announced my words to my people, and have caused them to turn back from their evil way, and from the wrongfulness of their doings.
For if they had stood in my council meeting, they would have caused my people to hear my word; they would have caused them to turn from their wicked words and corrupt practices.
From the Latin
If they stood in my counsel, and had made my words known to my people, I should have turned them from their evil way and from their wicked doings.
Simplified
Now if they had attended my council, they would have delivered my instructions to my people and brought them back from their evil way of life, from their evil actions.
But if they had been in my secret, then they would have made my people give ear to my words, turning them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
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 content, with 9 of the 12 words matched. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the essential message remains consistent across both texts.
וְאִֽם־ עָמְד֖וּ בְּסוֹדִ֑י וְיַשְׁמִ֤עוּ דְבָרַי֙ אֶת־ עַמִּ֔י וִֽישִׁבוּם֙ מִדַּרְכָּ֣ם הָרָ֔ע וּמֵרֹ֖עַ מַֽעַלְלֵיהֶֽם׃ ס
9 of the 12 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 Jeremiah 23:22
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.
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 | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.
עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand
Qal 435
take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
stand forth
take a stand against, in opposition to
present oneself before
attend upon, be(come) servant of
stand afar
stand (silent)
stand (appealingly)
stand, subj. רֶגֶל
stand, of water
stand still, stop, cease moving
= be inactive
= be attentive
stop, cease doing a thing
tarry, delay
remain
continue, abide
endure
be steadfast
persist
make a stand, hold one's ground
stand upright
arise, appear, come on the scene
stand forth, appear = come into being
rise up as foe
rare usages
Hiph.
83station, set
cause to stand firm
cause to stand up, set up, erect
present one before king
appoint
other meanings
Hoph. be presented
base
H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
. stand forth
. take a stand against, in opposition to
. present oneself before
. attend upon, be(come) servant of
. stand afar
. stand (silent)
. stand (appealingly)
. stand, subj. רֶגֶל
. stand, of water
. . stand still, stop, cease moving
. = be inactive
. = be attentive
. stop, cease doing a thing
. . tarry, delay
. remain
. continue, abide
. endure
. be steadfast
. persist
. make a stand, hold one's ground
. stand upright
. . arise, appear, come on the scene
. stand forth, appear = come into being
. rise up as foe
. rare usages
. . station, set
. cause to stand firm
. cause to stand up, set up, erect
. present one before king
. appoint
. other meanings
. be presented
5975 `amad aw-mad'
a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and
figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),
appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,
endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)
present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,
over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,
fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.
: stand/stop/establish
1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground
1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to station, set
1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain
1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
1b4) to present (one) before (king)
1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
סוֹד (sod) refers to a council or assembly, often implying intimacy and close deliberation among its members. It encompasses meanings such as secret counsel and familiar conversation, particularly in the context of discussions among friends or with God. The term is derived from a root meaning 'to consult' and highlights the importance of shared deliberation.
סוֹד n.[m.] council, counsel
base
H5475 סוֹד council, counsel
5475 cowd sode
from 3245; a session, i.e. company of persons (in close
deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a
secret:--assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel).
see HEBREW for 03245
סוֹד (sod) — counsel.
1) council, counsel, assembly
1a) council (of familiar conversation)
1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends)
1a2) assembly, company
1b) counsel
1b1) counsel (itself)
1b2) secret counsel
1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: hear
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to
1a5) to understand (language)
1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)
1a7) to listen, give heed
1a7a) to consent, agree
1a7b) to grant request
1a8) to listen to, yield to
1a9) to obey, be obedient
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)
1b2) to be heard of
1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed
1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound
1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)
1d3) to make proclamation, summon
1d4) to cause to be heard
n m
2) sound
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
v
1) to hear, listen to, obey
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)
1a2) to hear of or concerning
1a3) to hear (have power to hear)
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Conjunction · verb hiphil third person masculine pluralHC/Vhu3mp
דָּבָר (dabar) means 'word' or 'speech' and encompasses a range of meanings including discourse, saying, and matter. It can refer to anything spoken or a topic of discussion, extending to concepts like business or affairs. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
דָּבָר 1439 n.m. speech, word
sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
sg. a word, words
sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
base
H1697 דָּבָר speech, word . sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
. sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
. sg. a word, words
. sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
1697 dabar daw-baw'
from 1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or
thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X
any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case,
cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X
commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, +
dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, +
eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt,
+ iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter,
message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, +
please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose,
question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said,
sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),
somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that,
X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings,
what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.
see HEBREW for 01696
דָּבָר (da.var) — word.
: word/speech/command
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: speaking.
: speaking
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: thing.
: thing/matter
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: promised.
: promised/duty
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: deed.
: deed
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
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
עַם (am) primarily means 'people' or 'nation,' referring to a collective group, often in the context of tribes such as those of Israel. It can also denote kinsmen or compatriots. The term appears in various contexts, including military and familial references. There is a mention of a specific individual named Ammi in Song of Solomon 6:12.
עַם, עָם 1810 n.m. people
a people, nation
= smaller units
= common people
people in gen., persons
phrases
base
[עַם] n.[m.] kinsman (on father's side)
base
H5971a עַם, עָם people H5971b עַם kinsman (on father's side)
5971 `am am
from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a
tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or
attendants; figuratively, a flock:--folk, men, nation,
people.
see HEBREW for 06004
עַם (am) — people.
: people/nation
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — kinsman.
kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Ammi.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — People's (Gate).
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — (Ibleam)-am.
Combined with yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
§ kinsman, kindred
עַם (am) — Amaw.
This name means nation, people
עַם (am) — people: soldiers.
: soldiers/army
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
עַם (am) — people: creatures.
: creatures
1) nation, people
1a) people, nation
1b) persons, members of one's people, compatriots, country-men
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.
שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return
Qal 683;—turn back, return:
turn back
return, come or go back
esp. return unto
of dying
of revival from death
fig. of human relations:
return to leader, king
= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
turn, i.e. resort to
return to a physical condition
abs. = change course of action
fig., specif. of spiritual relations:
turn back from God = apostatize
of י׳, turn away
turn back to God (= seek penitently)
abs. repent
turn back from evil
of י׳
of י׳, return (to shew favour)
of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
denoting repetition, etc.
trans.
Pō‛l.
bring back
fig. restore, refresh
restore, repair
lead away (enticingly)
shew turning = apostatize
Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back
bring back into bondage
put back
= draw back
= give back, restore
= relinguish
= give in payment, requital
bring one back (from dead)
bring back heart
= refresh
H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back
. return, come or go back
. esp. return unto
. . of dying
. of revival from death
. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king
. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)
. turn, i.e. resort to
. return to a physical condition
. abs. = change course of action
. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize
. of י׳, turn away
. turn back to God (= seek penitently)
. abs. repent
. turn back from evil
. of י׳
. of י׳, return (to shew favour)
. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):
. denoting repetition, etc.
. trans.
. . bring back
. . fig. restore, refresh
. restore, repair
. lead away (enticingly)
. shew turning = apostatize
. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage
. put back
. = draw back
. = give back, restore
. = relinguish
. = give in payment, requital
7725 shuwb shoob
a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or
intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily
with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to
retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,
dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,
make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer
(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring
(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),
cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +
continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,
fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give
(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)
more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put
(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,
relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,
שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.
: return
1) to return, turn back
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn back, return
1a1a) to turn back
1a1b) to return, come or go back
1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back
1a1d) of dying
1a1e) of human relations (fig)
1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)
1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise
1a1f2) to turn away (of God)
1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent
1a1f4) turn back (from evil)
1a1g) of inanimate things
1a1h) in repetition
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to bring back
1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)
1b3) to lead away (enticingly)
1b4) to show turning, apostatise
1c) (Pual) restored (participle)
1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back
1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment
1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore
1d3) to bring back, report to, answer
1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Conjunction · verb hiphil third person masculine plural · suffixHC/Vhu3mp/Sp3mp
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common both singular construct · suffixHR/Ncbsc/Sp3mp
רַע (ra) is a Hebrew word meaning bad or evil, encompassing a range of negative qualities such as distress, misery, and ethical wrongdoing. It can describe unpleasantness, harm, or low value, and is used in various contexts, including emotional states and moral judgments. The entries also note its comparative form, indicating worse than or worst. The word has feminine forms, such as רָעָה (ra.ah), which similarly convey concepts of evil and distress.
רַע 228 adj. bad, evil
bad, disagreeable, malignant
bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
evil, displeasing
bad of its kind
bad, , i.e. of low value
מִן comp., worse than
sad, unhappy
devise evil (hurtful) device
bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
ethically bad, evil, wicked
base
רַע 126 n.m. evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
evil, distress, adversity
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
רָעָה 310 n.f. evil, misery, distress, injury
evil, misery, distress
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
H7451a רַע bad, evil . bad, disagreeable, malignant
. bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
. evil, displeasing
. bad of its kind
. bad, , i.e. of low value
. + מִן comp., worse than
. sad, unhappy
. devise evil (hurtful) device
. bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
. ethically bad, evil, wicked
H7451b רַע evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity . evil, distress, adversity
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
H7451c רָעָה evil, misery, distress, injury . evil, misery, distress
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
7451 ra` rah
from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):--
adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure),
distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X
great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured),
+ mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not
please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex,
wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong.
(Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
see HEBREW for 07489
רַע (ra) — bad: harmful.
: harmful
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc)
1e) bad (of value)
1f) worse than, worst (comparison)
1g) sad, unhappy
1h) evil (hurtful)
1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts
1j2) deeds, actions
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
1) evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
1a) evil, distress, adversity
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — distress: harm.
: harm
1) evil, misery, distress, injury
1a) evil, misery, distress
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
: evil
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aamsa
רֹעַ (roa`) refers to badness or evil, covering both moral and physical aspects. It can denote qualities like wilfulness and sadness, as well as the badness of cattle. The entries consistently emphasize its ethical implications, with no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
רֹעַ n.[m.] badness, evil
badness, bad quality, of cattle
wilfulness
ethical, evil, badness
sadness
base
H7455 רֹעַ badness, evil . badness, bad quality, of cattle
. wilfulness
. ethical, evil, badness
. sadness
7455 roa` ro'-ah
from 7489; badness (as marring), physically or morally:--X
be so bad, badness, (X be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness,
sorrow, wickedness.
see HEBREW for 07489
רֹעַ (ro.a) — evil.
1) badness, evil
1a) badness, bad quality
1b) wilfulness
1c) evil, badness (ethical)
1d) sadness
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHC/R/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מַעֲלָל (ma`alal) refers to a deed or practice, often with a negative connotation. It encompasses actions or works, whether good or bad, and is derived from a root meaning to act. The entries consistently highlight its focus on deeds and practices.
[מַעֲלָל] 41 n.m. deed, practice
base
H4611 מַעֲלָל deed, practice
4611 ma`alal mah-al-awl'
from 5953; an act (good or bad):--doing, endeavour,
invention, work.
see HEBREW for 05953
מַעֲלָל (ma.a.lal) — deed.
1) deed, practice
1a) practice (usually bad)
1b) deeds
1c) acts
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3mp
