Job 23:12 — Word Study
WLCמִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָיו וְלֹ֣א אָמִ֑ישׁ מֵ֝חֻקִּ֗י צָפַ֥נְתִּי אִמְרֵי־ פִֽיו׃
BSAI have notlôʼ [in any way] departedmûwsh▸ from the commandmitsvâh [divine instruction] of His lipssâphâh [language, spoken words] I have treasuredtsâphan■ [hidden, stored up] the wordsʼêmer [spoken promises] of His mouthpeh [the source of speech] more than my daily breadchôq [necessary, allotted, food, sustenance]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מִצְוַ֣ת | [the] commandment of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| שְׂ֭פָתָיו | lips his | Noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| וְלֹ֣א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| אָמִ֑ישׁ | I have ceased | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect first person common singular |
| מֵ֝חֻקִּ֗י | more than portion my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| צָפַ֥נְתִּי | I have treasured up | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| אִמְרֵי־ | [the] words of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| פִֽיו׃ | mouth his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. |
| KJV | Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. |
| ASV | I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. |
| YLT | The command of His lips, and I depart not. Above my allotted portion I have laid up The sayings of His mouth. |
| WEB | I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. |
| BBE | I have never gone against the orders of his lips; the words of his mouth have been stored up in my heart. |
The translations agree on the meaning of Job's commitment to God's commandments and the value he places on His words.
The sentence structure is straightforward, with a main clause followed by an adverbial clause and a subordinate verb clause, emphasizing Job's commitment and valuation of God's words.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbמוּשׁ
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 23:12
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 Affirmation of Faithgenerated
Job 23:12 reveals Job's steadfastness in adhering to God's commandments, despite his suffering. He emphasizes the importance of divine instruction and treasures God's words, indicating that they hold greater significance than his daily sustenance. This reflects a deep commitment to faith and obedience, even in times of distress, and aligns with themes found throughout the book of Job, where faith is tested.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 6:66–69 | From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. |
| 2 | John 8:31 | So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. |
| 3 | Acts 14:22 | strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. |
| 4 | Hebrews 10:38–39 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” |
| 5 | 1 John 2:19 | They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מִצְוַ֣ת, mitz.Vatgenerated
The word מִצְוָה (mitzvah) translates to 'commandment' and signifies a divine instruction or law. It encompasses directives from both God and humans, guiding moral and religious behavior. The parsing as a feminine singular construct indicates it functions as a specific commandment within the context of Job's statement.
This concept is vital in understanding Job's relationship with God, as he asserts that he has not deviated from these commandments, highlighting their importance in his life.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations of this verse are consistent in conveying the meaning of Job's commitment to God's commandments.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two main clauses connected by the conjunction וְלֹ֣א (and not), with the first clause stating Job's faithfulness to God's commandments and the second expressing his valuation of God's words. The structure emphasizes Job's unwavering commitment and the priority he places on divine instruction.
The finite verbs אָמִ֑ישׁ (I have ceased) and צָפַ֥נְתִּי (I have treasured up) anchor the clauses, illustrating Job's actions in relation to God's commandments and words.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מִצְוַ֣ת as αὐτοῦ (his), indicating a direct connection to God's commandments. This choice reflects a focus on the personal nature of the divine instruction Job refers to.
The LXX captures the essence of Job's declaration, emphasizing the authority of God's words in his life, aligning with the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 23:12 shows Job's strong dedication to following God's commandments. He states that he has not strayed from what God has said and values God's words more than his necessary food. This highlights how important God's guidance is to him, even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job refers to the divine instructions and commandments that God has given, which he is committed to following.
For Job, God's words provide spiritual sustenance and guidance, which he values more than physical food.
This verse illustrates Job's unwavering faithfulness and dedication to God, even amidst his suffering.
Job's attitude teaches us the importance of prioritizing divine guidance and instruction in our lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I prioritize God's words in my daily life?
- How can I treasure and apply God's commandments more effectively?
- What challenges do I face in adhering to divine instruction?
- How does understanding the value of God's words change my perspective on life's difficulties?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
An early commentary on Job's statement comes from Gregory the Dialogist, who reflects on Job's commitment to God's commandments and the significance of treasuring His words.
Neither have I gone back from the commandments of His lips. I have hid the words of His mouth in my breast. As servants that serve well are ever intent upon their masters' countenances, that the things they may bid they may hear readily,Early Church Fathers on Job 23 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 23:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNeither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips,.... From any of the commandments his lips had uttered; meaning not the ten commandments given to Israel, which perhaps as yet were not
Read John Gill on Job 23 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryNeither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 23 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNeither have I gone back, i.e. not turned aside to any crooked or sinful path or course of life, human infirmity excepted. I have esteemed, Heb. I have hid, or laid it up, as men do their best treasures, or what they most love and value. The phrase notes a high estimation of it, a hearty affection to it, and a diligent care to preserve it. My necessary food, or my appointed food, or my daily portion, i.e. that food or provision which is necessary for the support of my life, as this word is used, 31:15, which is more prized and desired than all the riches in the world.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 23 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].Ver. 12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips] i.e. Ab ipsissimo Dei verbo, from the very word of God, that sure cynosura, which he that holdeth straitly to may truly say, Lord, if I be deceived, thou and thy word hath deceived me. But of that there is no danger, since the Scripture is the invariable canon or rule of truth, saith Irenaeus, the cubit of the sanctuary, the touchstone of error, the divine beam, and most exact balance, as Austin and Chrysostom style it, Kανωντηςαληθειαςακλινης, yea, the very heart and soul of God, as…
Read John Trapp on Job 23 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.—Comp. John 4:32-34. Or, I have treasured up the words, &c., according to the statute prescribed to me, or from my own law: i.e., “I made it a principle with myself to treasure up the words of His mouth.” The LXX. and the Vulg. have a differing reading, and render in my bosom.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 23 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. The commandment of his lips] The written law that proceeded from his own mouth. I have esteemed the words of his mouth] Mr. Good has given a better version of the original: In my bosom have I stored up the words of his mouth. The Asiatics carry every thing precious or valuable in their bosom, their handkerchiefs, jewels, purses, &c. Job, therefore, intimates that the words of God's mouth were to him a most precious treasure.
Read AdamClarke on Job 23 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. more than my necessary food] Lit. more than (or, above) my own law; i. e. perhaps, more than the law of my own mind or inclination. The words recall the exhortation of Eliphaz, ch. Job 22:22. Any reference to food seems out of place.
Read Cambridge on Job 23 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleNeither have I gone back - I have not put away or rejected. The commandment of his lips - That which he has spoken, or which has proceeded out of his mouth.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 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
I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion.
Tyndale line
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food .
Neyther haue I departed from the commandement of his lippes, and I haue esteemed the words of his mouth more then mine appointed foode.
Strictly literal
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart.
The command of His lips, and I depart not. Above my allotted portion I have laid up The sayings of His mouth.
The command of His lips, and I do not depart. I have laid up above my allotted portion || The sayings of His mouth.
From the commandment of his lips have I also not moved away: as a fixed statute for me have I treasured up the sayings of his mouth.
I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
From the Latin
I have not departed from the commandments of his lips, and the words of his mouth I have hid in my bosom.
Simplified
I have not neglected his commands, for I value what he has told me to do more than the food I eat every day.
I have never gone against the orders of his lips; the words of his mouth have been stored up in my heart.
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 seven out of eight words matched. The Septuagint's translation reflects the same core message as the Hebrew text, affirming Job's commitment to God's commandments.
מִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָיו וְלֹ֣א אָמִ֑ישׁ מֵ֝חֻקִּ֗י צָפַ֥נְתִּי אִמְרֵי־ פִֽיו׃
7 of the 8 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 23:12
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.
מִצְוָה (mitsvah) means 'commandment' and can refer to commands from both humans and God. It encompasses laws, ordinances, and precepts, indicating a range of directives within religious and moral contexts. The term is derived from a root meaning to command, linking it to the broader framework of divine law.
מִצְוָה 181 n.f. commandment
base
H4687 מִצְוָה commandment
4687 mitsvah mits-vaw'
from 6680; a command, whether human or divine (collectively,
the Law):--(which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance,
precept.
see HEBREW for 06680
מִצְוָה (mits.vah) — commandment.
1) commandment
1a) commandment (of man)
1b) the commandment (of God)
1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
The Hebrew word שָׂפָה (*saphah*) encompasses meanings related to 'lip,' 'speech,' and 'edge.' It is derived from concepts of termination, suggesting boundaries like the edge of a vessel or the bank of a river. The word can refer to physical lips, language, or the edges of various objects, including shores.
שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge
lip
language
edge: shore of sea; bank of river
base
H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip
. language
. edge: shore of sea; bank of river
8193 saphah saw-faw'
or (in dual and plural) sepheth {sef-eth'}; probably from
5595 or 8192 through the idea of termination (compare 5490);
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by
analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.):--band,
bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip,
prating, ((sea-))shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.
see HEBREW for 05595
see HEBREW for 08192
see HEBREW for 05490
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lips.
: lips/mouth
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: words.
: words/language
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: edge.
: edge/border/opening
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: shore.
: shore/bank(of_sea/river)
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
N-fd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHNcfdc/Sp3ms
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
מוּשׁ (muwsh) is a Hebrew verb meaning to depart or remove, primarily used for inanimate objects. It can denote both literal and figurative withdrawal, appearing in forms such as Qal (to depart) and Hiphil (to remove). The entries suggest a focus on the act of removal or cessation, but do not specify particular verses.
[מוּשׁ, מִישׁ] vb. depart, remove
Qal;—depart, mostly of inanimate things (= be removed)
Hiph.; remove, take away
base
H4185 מוּשׁ, מִישׁ depart, remove .—depart, mostly of inanimate things (= be removed)
.; remove, take away
4185 muwsh moosh
a primitive root (perhaps rather the same as 4184 through the
idea of receding by contact); to withdraw (both literally and
figuratively, whether intransitive or transitive):--cease,
depart, go back, remove, take away.
see HEBREW for 04184
מוּשׁ (mush) — to remove.
1) to depart, remove
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to depart
1a2) to remove
1a3) to be removed (of inanimate objects)
1b) (Hiphil) to remove, depart
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singularHVhi1cs
חֹק (choq) refers to something prescribed, such as a statute, ordinance, or limit. It encompasses a range of meanings, including prescribed tasks, portions, and decrees, whether from God or man. The plural form, חֻקִּים, denotes multiple enactments or statutes. The entries consistently emphasize its legal and prescriptive nature.
חֹק 127 n.m. something prescribed, a statute or due
prescribed task
prescribed-portion or allowance of food
action prescribed for oneself, resolve
prescribed due of the priest from offerings
prescribed limit, boundary
enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man
pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law
base
H2706 חֹק something prescribed, a statute or due . prescribed task
. prescribed-portion or allowance of food
. action prescribed for oneself, resolve
. prescribed due of the priest from offerings
. prescribed limit, boundary
. enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man
. pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law
2706 choq khoke
from 2710; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time,
space, quantity, labor or usage):--appointed, bound,
commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law,
measure, X necessary, ordinance(- nary), portion, set time,
statute, task.
see HEBREW for 02710
חֹק (choq) — statute: decree.
: decree
1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due
1a) prescribed task
1b) prescribed portion
1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve
1d) prescribed due
1e) prescribed limit, boundary
1f) enactment, decree, ordinance
1f1) specific decree
1f2) law in general
1g) enactments, statutes
1g1) conditions
1g2) enactments
1g3) decrees
1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
חֹק (choq) — statute: portion.
: portion
1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due
1a) prescribed task
1b) prescribed portion
1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve
1d) prescribed due
1e) prescribed limit, boundary
1f) enactment, decree, ordinance
1f1) specific decree
1f2) law in general
1g) enactments, statutes
1g1) conditions
1g2) enactments
1g3) decrees
1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
חֹק (choq) — statute: allotment.
: allotment/boundary
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
צָפַן (tsaphan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to hide or treasure up. It can refer to hiding something by covering it, storing it, or keeping it secret. The word has various forms, including Qal (to hide), Niphal (to be hidden), and Hiphil (to hide from discovery). It conveys both protective and secretive connotations.
צָפַן vb. hide, treasure up
Qal
trans. hide
intrans. lie hid, lurk
Niph. be hidden from before
Hiph. hide
base
H6845 צָפַן hide, treasure up
6845 tsaphan tsaw-fan'
a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); by implication,
to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically
(favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk:--esteem,
hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep)
secret(-ly, place).
צָפַן (tsa.phan) — to treasure.
1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up
1a)(Qal)
1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up
1a2) to lie hidden, lurk
1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up
1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
The Hebrew word אֹמֶר (*'omer*) refers to an utterance, speech, or word, often used in a poetic or exalted context. It is derived from the root meaning 'to say' and encompasses meanings like saying, promise, and command. The entries collectively emphasize its use in elevated language.
אֹמֶר n.m. utterance, speech, word, only poet., & exalted style
base
H561 אֹמֶר utterance, speech, word, only poet., & exalted style
561 'emer ay'-mer
from 559; something said:--answer, X appointed unto him,
saying, speech, word.
see HEBREW for 0559
אֵמֶר (e.mer) — word.
utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
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…
The Hebrew word פֶּה (*peh*) means 'mouth' and encompasses various meanings, including the mouth of a person or animal, as well as openings or orifices. It can also refer to speech, edges, and portions. Additionally, it denotes a weight equal to one third of a shekel, found in 1 Samuel 13:21.
פֶּה 485 n.m. mouth
mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
external organ
much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
as laughing; panting
of God
of idols
of musical instr. = sound
of animals; hence of edge of sword
mouth = opening, orifice
extremity, end
= portion
with preps.
base
H6310 פֶּה mouth . . mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
. external organ
. . much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
. as laughing; panting
. of God
. of idols
. of musical instr. = sound
. of animals
. mouth = opening, orifice
. . extremity, end
. = portion
. with preps.
6310 peh peh
from 6284; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether
literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically
edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition)
according to:--accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment,
assent, collar, command(-ment), X eat, edge, end, entry, +
file, hole, X in, mind, mouth, part, portion, X (should)
say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, X spoken, talk,
tenor, X to, + two-edged, wish, word.
see HEBREW for 06284
פֶּה (peh) — lip.
: lip/mouth
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: edge.
: edge
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: word.
: word/command
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms