Job 13:15 — Word Study
WLCהֵ֣ן יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי ל֣וֹ אֲיַחֵ֑ל אַךְ־ דְּ֝רָכַ֗י אֶל־ פָּנָ֥יו אוֹכִֽיחַ׃
BSAThoughhên He slay meqâṭal▸ [lo, behold, kill, put to death] I will hope in Himyâchal▸ [wait, trust, with confidence, as my Savior] I will stillʼak [nevertheless, yet] defendyâkach▸ [maintain, argue for] my waysderek [path, journey] toʼêl [toward, before] His facepânîym [presence, sight]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֵ֣ן | there! | Particle |
| יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי | he will kill me | Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| ל֣וֹ | to him | Preposition, suffix |
| אֲיַחֵ֑ל | I will hope | Verb, Piel, imperfect first person common singular |
| אַךְ־ | nevertheless | Adverb |
| דְּ֝רָכַ֗י | ways my | Noun common both plural construct, suffix |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| פָּנָ֥יו | face his | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אוֹכִֽיחַ׃ | I will argue | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect first person common singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face. |
| KJV | Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. |
| ASV | Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him. |
| YLT | Lo, He doth slay me — I wait not! Only, my ways unto His face I argue. |
| WEB | Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. |
| BBE | Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him; |
Where they part company is in the interpretation of יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by two independent clauses, emphasizing Job's hope and his intent to defend himself.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָחַל
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 — Job 13:15
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 — Job's Defense of His Integritygenerated
Job 13:15 reveals Job's determination to maintain hope in God despite the dire circumstances he faces. He asserts that even if God were to take his life, he would still trust in Him and defend his actions. This moment is pivotal as Job grapples with his suffering and seeks to justify his ways before God, emphasizing the depth of his faith amidst trials.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:18 | Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated. |
| 2 | Job 19:25–28 | But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. |
| 3 | Job 23:10 | Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. |
| 4 | Psalm 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. |
| 5 | Proverbs 14:32 | The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי, Yik.te.le.nigenerated
The verb קָטַל (qatal) means to slay or kill, indicating a definitive act of violence. Job uses this term to express the extreme situation of facing death, yet he pairs it with his unwavering hope.
The construction of the verb in the imperfect tense suggests an ongoing or future action, which in this case reflects Job's anticipation of potential death at God's hands. His declaration of hope signifies a profound trust in God's ultimate justice and care.
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 verse contains two main clauses: the first expresses Job's hope despite the threat of death, while the second clause asserts his intention to defend his ways. This structure emphasizes the contrast between despair and faith.
The finite verb יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי governs the first clause, while the phrases that follow elaborate on Job's relationship with God and his commitment to his own integrity.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי is rendered as με (me), indicating a direct and personal address to God. This choice emphasizes Job's intimate relationship with God even in his suffering.
The Greek translation captures the essence of Job's plight while also reflecting the nuances of his hope and defense.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 13:15 shows Job's determination to trust in God even if it leads to his death. He states he will still defend his actions before God, demonstrating his unwavering faith despite his suffering.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job expresses that even if God were to take his life, he would still maintain his hope and trust in Him.
Job seeks to justify his actions and integrity in the face of accusations from his friends and his own suffering.
Job's hope signifies his deep trust in God's character and justice, despite his dire circumstances.
Job's declaration shows a complex relationship where he feels free to express his anguish while still holding onto faith.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced hope in difficult situations?
- How can I maintain my integrity when facing challenges or accusations?
- What does it mean to trust God in the face of uncertainty or fear?
- How do I reconcile my struggles with my faith in God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators reference Job's declaration to illustrate themes of faith and integrity in suffering, providing insights into the human condition.
These words mean, “Even if he kills me, I will support myself with my hope and faith in him.” O admirable man, who, being destined to be killed, praises his killer and looks at him.Early Church Fathers on Job 13 →
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. But I will rebuke mine own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation. There is no room for the virtue of patience in prosperous circumstances.Early Church Fathers on Job 13 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 13:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThough he slay me, yet will I trust in him,.... There is a double reading of these words; the "Keri", or marginal reading, is לו, "in him", which we follow; the "Cetib", or textual reading, is לא,
Read John Gill on Job 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThough he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. In him - so the margin, or Qeri', reads [ low (H3807a)].
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThough God should yet more and more increase my torments, so that I could bear them no longer, but should perceive myself to be at the point of death, and without all hopes of recovery in this world. Yet will I trust in him; or, shall I not trust in him? Should I despair? No, I will not. I know he is a just, and a faithful, and merciful God, and he knows that my heart is upright before him, and that I am no hypocrite. But though I will trust in him, yet I will humbly expostulate the matter with him; I will argue, or prove, or demonstrate my ways, i.e. I will make a full free confession of the whole course of my life, and I will boldly, though submissively, assert mine own integrity, which…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.Ver. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him] Though he should multiply my miseries, and lay stroke after stroke upon me, till he had dashed the very breath out of my body, yet he shall not be so rid of me, for I will hang on still; and if I must needs die, I will die at his feet, and in the midst of death expect a better life from him. Dam expiro spero, shall be my motto. "The righteous hath hope in his death," Proverbs 14:32; yea, his hope is most lively when himself lieth a dying, superest sperare salutem. "My flesh and my heart faileth," saith he; "but God is the strength of my…
Read John Trapp on Job 13 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(15) Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.—This rendering is almost proverbial; but, to say the least, its accuracy is very doubtful, for the better reading does not warrant it, but runs thus: Behold He will slay me. I have no hope; yet will I maintain my ways before Him. It is true we thus lose a very beautiful and familiar resolve; but the expression of living trust is not less vivid. For though there is, as there can be, no gleam of hope for victory in this conflict, yet, notwithstanding, Job will not forego his conviction of integrity; for the voice of conscience is the voice of God, and if he knows himself to be innocent, he would belie and dishonour God as well as himself in…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 15. Though he slay me] I have no dependence but God; I trust in him alone. Should he even destroy my life by this affliction, yet will I hope that when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. In the common printed Hebrew text we have לא איחל lo ayachel, I will NOT hope; but the Vulgate, Syriac, Arabic, and Chaldee have read לו lo, HIM, instead of לא lo NOT; with twenty-nine of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., and the Complutensian and Antwerp Polyglots. Our translators have followed the best reading. Coverdale renders the verse thus: Lo, there is nether comforte ner hope for me, yf he wil slaye me. But I will maintain mine own ways] I am so conscious of my innocence, that I fear…
Read AdamClarke on Job 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15. The general meaning of Job 13:14 must be the same however the verse is construed, though it may be expressed in two ways, viz. either, Why should I painfully strive to preserve my life? or, I am ready to risk my life (or in both ways). Job 13:15 reads most naturally, Behold he will slay me: I will not wait: Yet will I defend my ways to his face. The words “he will slay me” refer to what Job anticipates may be the result of his daring to maintain the rectitude of his life to God’s face, as the second clause intimates. These two clauses are in close connexion, and the words “I will not wait” are almost parenthetical—behold he will slay me (I will not wait for a more distant death)…
Read Cambridge on Job 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThough he slay me - “God may so multiply my sorrows and pains that I cannot survive them. I see that I may be exposed to increased calamities, yet I am willing to meet them.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 13 →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
Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.
Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.
Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways to His face.
Even if he slays me, I will hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face!
Tyndale line
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Behold, he will slay me; I have no hope: Nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.
Though he slay me, yet will I wait for him: nevertheless I will maintain my ways before him.
Though he shall slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before him.
Loe, though he slay me, yet will I trust in him, and I will reprooue my wayes in his sight.
Strictly literal
Behold, if he slay me, yet would I trust in him; but I will defend mine own ways before him.
Lo, He doth slay me — I wait not! Only, my ways unto His face I argue.
Behold, He slays me—I do not wait! Only, I argue my ways to His face.
Lo, though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: only I will argue my own ways before him.
See, if he kills me, I will have no hope left; nevertheless, I will defend my ways before him.
From the Latin
Although he should bill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.
Simplified
Even though he kills me, I will hope in him. I am still going to defend my ways before him.
Truly, he will put an end to me; I have no hope; but I will not give way in argument before him;
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 show significant agreement in meaning, although the Septuagint's phrasing differs. The key concepts of hope and defense remain intact, reflecting Job's steadfast faith.
הֵ֣ן יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי ל֣וֹ אֲיַחֵ֑ל אַךְ־ דְּ֝רָכַ֗י אֶל־ פָּנָ֥יו אוֹכִֽיחַ׃
5 of the 9 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 Job 13:15
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.
הֵן (hen) is a demonstrative adverb or interjection meaning 'lo!' or 'behold!'. It is primarily used to draw attention to a fact that prompts action or leads to a conclusion. The word can also express surprise and is less common than its counterpart הִנֵּה (hinneh). Additionally, it can function hypothetically as 'if'.
הֵן 100 demonstr.adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
base
H2005 הֵן demonstr. adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
2005 hen hane
a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise)
if:--behold, if, lo, though.
הֵן (hen) — look!.
interj
1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part
2) if
Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Part — ParticleHTj
קָטַל (qatal) is a primitive root meaning to cut off, specifically to put to death, or to slay. It is used in a poetic and late context, with its Aramaic equivalent being קְטַל (qe.tal). The entries consistently emphasize the act of killing.
[קָטַל] vb. slay (poet. and late)
base
H6991 קָטַל
6991 qatal kaw-tal'
a primitive root; properly, to cut off, i.e. (figuratively)
put to death:--kill, slay.
קָטַל (qa.tal) — to slay.
(Qal) to slay, kill
Aramaic equivalent: qe.tal (קְטַל "to slay" H6992)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVqi3ms/Sp1bs
וֹ (o) — him.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine singular
HR/Sp3ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3ms
יָחַל (yachal) is a Hebrew verb that means to wait, with implications of hope and patience. It has various forms: in the Niphal it means to wait, while in the Piel and Hiphil it conveys waiting for or hoping for something. The entries indicate a range of meanings related to expectation and trust.
[יָחַל] vb. Niph. wait; Pi. await
Niph. wait
Pi.
wait, tarry for
wait for = hope for
Hiph. wait, tarry
base
H3176 יָחַל Niph. wait; Pi. await
3176 yachal yaw-chal'
a primitive root; to wait; by implication, to be patient,
hope:--(cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry,
trust, wait.
יָחַל (ya.chal) — to wait: wait.
: wait[for_time]
1) to wait, hope, expect
1a) (Niphal) to wait
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to wait, await, tarry
1b2) to wait for, hope for
1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for
Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
יָחַל (ya.chal) — to wait: hope.
: hope/trust
1) to wait, hope, expect
1a) (Niphal) to wait
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to wait, await, tarry
1b2) to wait for, hope for
1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singularHVpi1cs
hop:
1. In the Old Testament:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the New Testament "hope" represents the noun elpis (52 t), and the verb elpizo (31 t). King James Version, however, renders the noun in Heb 10:23 by "faith," and for the verb gives "trust" in 18 cases (apparently without much system, e.g. in Php 2 compare 2:19 and 23; see TRUST), while in Lu 6:35 it translates apelpizo, by "hoping for nothing again" (the Revised Version (British and American) "never despairing"). But in the Old Testament there is no Hebrew word that has the exact force of "expectation of some good thing," so that in the King James Version "hope" (noun and vb.) stands for some 15 Hebrew words, nearly all of which in other places are given other translation (e.g. mibhTach, is rendered "hope"…
Hope
One of the three main elements of Christian character (1 Cor. 13:13). It is joined to faith and love, and is opposed to seeing or possessing (Rom. 8:24; 1 John 3:2). “Hope is an essential and fundamental element of Christian life, so essential indeed, that, like faith and love, it can itself designate the essence of Christianity (1 Pet. 3:15; Heb. 10:23). In it the whole glory of the Christian vocation is centred (Eph. 1:18; 4:4).” Unbelievers are without this hope (Eph. 2:12;
→ General scriptures concerning Ps 9:18; 16:9; 31:24; 33:18,22; 38:15; 39:7; 43:5; 71:5,14; 78:5-7; 119:74,81,116,166; 130:7; 146:5; Pr 10:28; 13:12; 14:32; 23:18; 24:14; Isa 38:18; Jer 17:7; La 3:21,24,26; Ho 2:15; Joe 3:16; Zec 9:12; Ac 23:6; 24:14,15; 26:7,8; 28:20; Ro 4:18; 5:2-5; 8:24,25; 12:12; 15:4,13;
אַךְ (ak) is an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'indeed,' often used to emphasize what follows. It can also carry a restrictive sense, translating to 'only' or 'but.' The entries indicate its use in various contexts, but do not provide specific verse references.
אַךְ 159 adv. 1. surely. 2. with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows
base
H389 אַךְ 1. surely. 2. with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows
389 'ak ak
akin to 403; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by
limitation) only:--also, in any wise, at least, but,
certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only,
save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, + wherefore, yet
(but).
see HEBREW for 0403
אַךְ (akh) — surely.
1) indeed, surely (emphatic)
2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
DirObjM — AdverbHD
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
N-cp | Suff — Noun common both plural construct · suffixHNcbpc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
N-cp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word יָכַח (yakach) is a primitive root that encompasses a range of meanings related to judgment and correction, including to decide, prove, and rebuke. It appears in various forms, such as Hiphil for active judgment and Niphal for reasoning together. Notably, it conveys ideas of justification and argumentation, with some entries referencing the concept of being chastened.
[יָכַח] vb. Hiph. decide, adjudge, prove
Hiph.
decide, judge
adjudge, appoint
shew to be right, prove
convince, convict
reprove, chide
correct, rebuke
Hoph. he is chastened also with pain
Niph. come now and let us reason together; there an upright man might reason with him; and thou art set right, righted, justified
Hithp. with Israel he will argue
base
H3198 יָכַח Hiph. decide, adjudge, prove . . decide, judge
. adjudge, appoint
. shew to be right, prove
. convince, convict
. reprove, chide
. correct, rebuke
. he is chastened also with pain
. come now and let us reason together; there an upright man might reason with him; and thou art set right, righted, justified
. with Israel he will argue
3198 yakach yaw-kahh'
a primitive root; to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to
argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict:--appoint,
argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute,
judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke,
reprove(-r), surely, in any wise.
יָכַח (ya.khach) — to rebuke.
1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right
1a) (Hiphil)
1a1) to decide, judge
1a2) to adjudge, appoint
1a3) to show to be right, prove
1a4) to convince, convict
1a5) to reprove, chide
1a6) to correct, rebuke
1b) (Hophal) to be chastened
1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together
1d) (Hithp) to argue
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singularHVhi1cs
ar'-gu: Only in the Revised Version (British and American) in Job 40:2. yakhach, which it translates, literally means "to be right," and in the causative form "reason with," "answer back," and is found in the King James Version rendered "reproach."
