Menu

Leviticus 19:17 — Word Study

Depth

WLCלֹֽא־ תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־ אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־ עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא־ תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא׃

BSAYou must notlôʼ harbor hatredsânêʼ [hold or nurse, intense dislike or hostility] against your brotherʼâch [close relative, friend] in your heartlêbâb [the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions] Directly rebukeyâkach [openly, plainly, correct or argue with] your neighborʻâmîyth [companion, fellow worker, or close associate] so that you will notlôʼ incurnâsâʼ [bear or suffer] guiltchêṭᵉʼ [sin, offense, or crime] on account of himʻal [because of his actions or your failure to act]

Word
Listen & take awayLeviticus 19
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 17 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Chet') — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Leviticus 19:17quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse instructs against harboring hatred and emphasizes the importance of direct rebuke.
Who is speakingThe LORD, giving commands to the Israelites.
Where we arePart of a larger section on ethical behavior and community relations.
The hard wordתִשְׂנָ֥א
Take awayHatred must be confronted directly to avoid guilt.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbשָׂנֵא The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 — Leviticus 19:17

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 — Ethical Instructions in Leviticusgenerated

16You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.
17You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.
18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
19You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed two different kinds of livestock; you shall not sow your fields with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material.

Leviticus 19:17 is part of a series of laws that govern the behavior of the Israelites, focusing on how they should treat one another. This section emphasizes community ethics, urging individuals to maintain a harmonious relationship with their neighbors and to act justly. The surrounding verses also address slander, revenge, and the importance of love among community members, highlighting the holistic approach to living in accordance with God's commandments.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 27:41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
2Proverbs 26:24–26A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.
31 John 2:9–11If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness.
41 John 3:12–15Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
5Psalm 141:5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

The Key Word תִשְׂנָ֥א, tis.Na'generated

The verb שָׂנֵא (sane') means 'to hate' and is used here in the second person masculine singular form, indicating a direct command. It implies a strong emotional response, suggesting that harboring hatred is a serious moral failing.

This command is not just about the absence of hate but actively addressing conflicts. The imperative nature of the verb indicates that the listener is expected to take action, reinforcing the idea that emotions must be managed responsibly within the community.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb תִשְׂנָ֥א governs the structure of the verse, with two clauses following it: a prepositional phrase describing where the hatred occurs, and a second clause that instructs on the action to take towards a neighbor. The Hebrew word order emphasizes the command to hate, placing it at the forefront of the sentence.

The sentence structure highlights a direct relationship between the command to not harbor hatred and the subsequent instruction to rebuke, suggesting that addressing interpersonal issues is essential for maintaining community integrity.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates תִשְׂנָ֥א as μισήσεις, which also means 'you will hate.' This choice retains the emotional intensity of the original Hebrew while making it accessible to a Greek-speaking audience.

This translation choice reflects a consistent understanding of the moral implications of hatred, emphasizing that such feelings must be confronted within the community.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Leviticus 19:17 teaches that we should not hate our brothers in our hearts. Instead, we should openly correct our neighbors to avoid bringing guilt upon ourselves. This verse is part of God's instructions on how to live in community with love and respect.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to harbor hatred?

To harbor hatred means to hold onto feelings of intense dislike or hostility towards someone, which can lead to negative actions and consequences.

Why is direct rebuke important?

Direct rebuke is important because it allows for open communication and resolution of conflicts, preventing misunderstandings and guilt.

How does this verse relate to loving your neighbor?

This verse emphasizes that true love for one's neighbor involves addressing issues directly rather than allowing resentment to grow.

What are the consequences of harboring hatred?

Harboring hatred can lead to guilt and further conflict, damaging relationships and community harmony.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I ensure that I do not harbor negative feelings towards others?
  2. How can I practice direct rebuke in a loving and constructive manner?
  3. What steps can I take to resolve conflicts with my neighbors?
  4. How does this verse challenge my understanding of love and community?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Leviticus 19:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart,.... Although no hatred may be expressed either by words or deeds, yet being in the heart is a breach of the sixth command, see Matthew 5:21; and of

Read John Gill on Leviticus 19 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour.

Read Robert Jamieson on Leviticus 19 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

To prevent murder, last spoken of, he forbids hatred, which is the common cause, and a degree of murder, . Thy brother; the same with neighbour, as it follows, i.e. every man, ; for it is manifest that God’ s law commanded them to love strangers no less than Israelites. If thy brother hath done thee or others any injury, thou shalt neither divulge it to others as a tale-bearer, nor hate him, and smother that hatred by sullen silence, as , nor justify and flatter and encourage him therein; but shalt freely, and in love, not with hatred, tell him of his fault. And not suffer sin upon him, i.e. not suffer him to lie under the guilt of any sin, which thou by rebuking of him, and thereby…

Read Matthew Poole on Leviticus 19 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.Ver. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother.] Most unkindnesses that fall out among friends grow upon mistakes and misunderstandings. Now, a friendly reasoning the case, or, if need be, a godly reproof, cures both the reprover and the reproved; whereas the neglect of this duty breeds dwelling suspicions; suspicions breed a very habit of misinterpretation; this breeds a loathness to come to the light, to show the reasons af our dislike; this loathness begets a very separation in heart, which at length turns to downright hatred in heart. All which might have…

Read John Trapp on Leviticus 19 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(17) Shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart.—From the outward acts denounced in the preceding verse, the legislator now passes to inward feelings. Whatever wrong our neighbour has inflicted upon us, we are not to harbour hatred against him. Thou shalt in any wise rebuke.—Better, thou shalt by all means, or thou shalt freely rebuke him. If he has done wrong he is to be reproved, and the wrong is to be brought home to him by expostulation. In illustration of this precept the Jewish canonists remark, “when any man sinneth against another he must not inwardly hate him and keep silence, as it is said of the wicked, ‘And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom…

Read Charles John Ellicott on Leviticus 19 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother] Thou shalt not only not do him any kind of evil, but thou shalt harbour no hatred in thy heart towards him. On the contrary, thou shalt love him as thyself, Leviticus 19:18. Many persons suppose, from misunderstanding our Lord's words, John 13:34, A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another, c., that loving our neighbour as ourselves was first instituted under the Gospel. This verse shows the opinion to be unfounded: but to love another as Christ has loved us, i. e., to lay down our lives for each other, is certainly a new commandment we have it simply on the authority of Jesus Christ alone. And not suffer sin upon him.] If thou see…

Read AdamClarke on Leviticus 19 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17, 18. Against hatred and vengeance; instead of cherishing hatred, rebuke thy neighbour (i.e. point out his fault), and persist in so doing (thou shalt surely), e.g. as in the case mentioned in Matthew 18:15 f.; in so doing thou wilt not ‘bear sin because of him.’ The command to love thy neighbour as thyself is quoted in the N.T., Matthew 19:19; as the second great commandment, Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; also Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; the royal law, James 2:8. These commands here, however, are confined in thought to fellow-Israelites. Even Leviticus 19:34 extends only to the ‘stranger’ who worshipped Israel’s God. The universal application of the word ‘neighbour’ came first…

Read Cambridge on Leviticus 19 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Not suffer sin upon him - Rather, not hear sin on his account; that is, either by bearing secret ill-will Ephesians 4:26, or by encouraging him to sin in withholding due rebuke Romans 1:32.

Read Albert Barnes on Leviticus 19 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

“‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You must not hate your brother in your heart. You must surely reprove your fellow citizen so that you do not incur sin on account of him.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbour, and not bear sin because of him.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart, but thou shalt plainely rebuke thy neighbour, and suffer him not to sinne.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart; thou shalt earnestly rebuke thy neighbour, lest thou bear sin on account of him.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

'Thou dost not hate thy brother in thy heart; thou dost certainly reprove thy fellow, and not suffer sin on him.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

You do not hate your brother in your heart; you certainly reprove your fellow, and do not permit sin on him.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt indeed rebuke thy neighbor, and not bear sin on account of him.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Do not hate your brother in your heart. You must honestly rebuke your neighbor so as not to share in sin because of him.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart, but reprove him openly, lest thou incur sin through him.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Don't hold onto hateful feelings towards others. Talk honestly with your neighbors, so that you don't sin because of them.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Let there be no hate in your heart for your brother; but you may make a protest to your neighbour, so that he may be stopped from doing evil.

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.

clauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbתִשְׂנָ֥אyou.will.hatenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseאָחִ֖יbrotherךָyourprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִּinnoun phraseלְבָבֶ֑heartךָyourclauseadverbialהוֹכֵ֤חַsurely.(rebuke)verbתּוֹכִ֨יחַ֙you.will.rebukenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseעֲמִיתֶ֔citizenךָyour.fellowוְandclauseadverbialלֹאnotverbתִשָּׂ֥אyou.will.bearprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלָ֖יonוhimobjectחֵֽטְאsin

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 Samaritan Pentateuch agree on most words, with the Samaritan Pentateuch differing only in the use of הוֹכֵ֤חַ (reprove) instead of the Hebrew תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ (you will rebuke). This slight variation does not change the overall meaning of the verse.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

לֹֽא־ תִשְׂנָ֥א אֶת־ אָחִ֖יךָ בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָ הוֹכֵ֤חַ תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ אֶת־ עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ וְלֹא־ תִשָּׂ֥א עָלָ֖יו חֵֽטְא׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
לֹֽא־οὐתִשְׂנָ֥אμισήσειςאָחִ֖יךָσουבִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָσουהוֹכֵ֤חַἐλεγμῷתּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙ἐλέγχειςעֲמִיתֶ֔ךָσουוְלֹא־οὐתִשָּׂ֥אλήμψῃעָלָ֖יוαὐτὸνחֵֽטְא׃ἁμαρτίαν

11 of the 13 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

לא תשׂנא את אחיך בלבבך הוכיח תוכיח את עמיתך ולא תשׂא עליו חטא

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: הוכיח (reprove)

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.

Leviticus 19:17לֹאnotnotלֹאשָׂנֵאyou will hayou will hateשָׂנֵאאֵתthe object the object markאֵתאָחbrother youbrother yourאָחלֵבָבin heart yoin heart yourלֵבָביָכַחcertainlycertainlyיָכַחיָכַחyou will reyou will rebukeיָכַחאֵתthe object the object markאֵתעָמִיתfellow citifellow citizen עָמִיתלֹאand notand notלֹאנָשָׂאyou will beyou will bearנָשָׂאעַלon himon himעַלחֵטְאsinsinחֵטְאאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתלבבto encourato encourageלבבחָטָאto sinto sinחָטָאאָבfatherfatherאָבאֵבfruitfruitאֵבאָבַדto perishto perishאָבַדעַלheightheightעַליָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁלִיץto mockto mockלִיץאָהֵבto love: lto love: loverאָהֵבשֶׁ֫קֶרdeceptiondeceptionשֶׁ֫קֶרעֵשָׂו(Mount) Es(Mount) EsauעֵשָׂויוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףשָׁלֵםcompletecompleteשָׁלֵםדָּרַשׁto seekto seekדָּרַשׁיָנָהto oppressto oppressיָנָה
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Leviticus 19:17

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.

not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
לֹֽא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
תִשְׂנָ֥אtis.Na' you will hate H8130 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
146× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Amplified meaning
hold or nurse, intense dislike or hostility
Tyndale gloss
to hate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂנֵא (sane') is a primitive root meaning 'to hate.' It covers various forms of hatred, including personal animosity and enmity, and can refer to both humans and God. The word appears in different grammatical forms, with uses in Qal, Niphal, and Piel, indicating actions of hating or being hated. Its Aramaic equivalent is שְׂנָא.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂנֵא 145 vb. hate

Qal 128 hate

Niph. is hated

Pi. enemy

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8130 שָׂנֵא hate

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8130 sane' saw-nay'

a primitive root; to hate (personally):--enemy, foe, (be)

hate(-ful, -r), odious, X utterly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂנֵא (sa.ne) — to hate.

1) to hate, be hateful

1a) (Qal) to hate

1a1) of man

1a2) of God

1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst)

1b) (Niphal) to be hated

1c) (Piel) hater (participle)

1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom

Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVqi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Often denotes in Scripture only a less degree of love, Ge 29:30,31 De 21:15 Pr 13:24 Mal 1:2,3 Lu 14:26 Ro 9:13. God has a just and perfect abhorrence of sin and sinners, Ps 5:5. But hatred in general is a malevolent passion, Ga 5:20, and no one who is not perfect in love, can hate without sin.

not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
אָחִ֖יךָ'a.Chi.kha brother your H251 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
close relative, friend
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָח (ach) means 'brother' and encompasses a broad range of relationships, including literal siblings, half-brothers, and metaphorical kinship. It can refer to any male relative or compatriot, and it may also imply resemblance or reciprocal relationships. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting both familial and figurative connections.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

(like 1)):--another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other.

Compare also the proper names beginning with "Ah-" or "Ahi-".

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
בִּלְבָבֶ֑ךָbil.va.Ve.kha in heart your H3824 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
252× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Amplified meaning
the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the seas

usu. of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific ref. to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

spec. ref. to moral character

= the man himself

spec. as seat of appetites

spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas

. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific ref. to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. spec. ref. to moral character

. = the man himself

. spec. as seat of appetites

. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

. seat of courage

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3824 lebab lay-bawb'

from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also

like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,

courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X

unawares, understanding.

see HEBREW for 03823

see HEBREW for 03820

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
הוֹכֵ֤חַho.Khe.ach certainly H3198 Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
59× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Amplified meaning
openly, plainly, correct or argue with
Tyndale gloss
to rebuke
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Ptc — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive absolute
HVhaa
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
תּוֹכִ֙יחַ֙to.Khi.ach you will rebuke H3198 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person masculine singular
59× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Tyndale gloss
to rebuke
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhi2ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVhi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

re-buk': As a verb "rebuke" is in the Old Testament the translation of ga`ar and yakhach; another word, ribh, in Ne 5:7, is in the Revised Version (British and American) translated "contended with." "Rebuke" (noun) is most frequently the translation of ge`arah; also in the King James Version of cherpah (Isa 25:8; Jer 15:15, the Revised Version (British and American) "reproach"), and of a few other words signifying reproach, etc. "Rebuker" (mucar, literally, "correction," "chastisement") in Ho 5:2 has the Revised Version margin "Hebrew `rebuke.'" In the New Testament "to rebuke" is most often the translation of epitimao (Mt…

not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
עֲמִיתֶ֔ךָ'a.mi.Te.kha fellow citizen your H5997 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a neighbor or companion, referring to someone you have a close relationship with, like a fellow worker or friend, as seen in the KJV translation of the Bible.
Amplified meaning
companion, fellow worker, or close associate
Tyndale gloss
neighbor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָמִית (`amiyth) refers to an associate or fellow, emphasizing companionship and kinship. It is derived from a root meaning to associate, and is used to denote a neighbor or kindred person. The entries consistently highlight its relational aspect, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עָמִית] n.m. associate, fellow, relation (perh. orig. f. abstr. association)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5997 עָמִית

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5997 `amiyth aw-meeth'

from a primitive root meaning to associate; companionship;

hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man:--another,

fellow, neighbour.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָמִית (a.mit) — neighbor.

relation, neighbour, associate, fellow

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
וְלֹא־ve.lo'- and not H3808 Conjunction · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
תִשָּׂ֥אti.Sa' you will bear H5375 Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
656× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Amplified meaning
bear or suffer
Tyndale gloss
to lift: raise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָשָׂא (nasa') means to lift, carry, or take, encompassing a wide range of applications both literal and figurative. It can refer to actions like bearing burdens, taking away, or being exalted. The entries indicate various forms and uses, including the ability to lift oneself up or cause others to bear iniquity. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָשָׂא 656 vb. lift, carry, take

Qal

lift, lift up

Bear, carry

Take, take away

Niph.

be lifted up

refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment

be borne, carried

be taken away, carried off

Pi.

lift up = exalt

fig. = desire, long

carry, bear continuously

take, take away

Hithp. lift oneself up

Hiph.

cause one to bear iniquity

appar. cause to bring, have brought

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5375 נָשָׂא lift, carry, take .. lift, lift up

. Bear, carry

. Take, take away

. . be lifted up

. refl. lift oneself up = rise up, of י׳, to display power in judgment

. be borne, carried

. be taken away, carried off

. . lift up = exalt

. fig. = desire, long

. carry, bear continuously

. take, take away

. lift oneself up

. . cause one to bear iniquity

. appar. cause to bring, have brought

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5375 nasa' naw-saw'

or nacah (Psalm 4 : 6 (7)) {naw-saw'}; a primitive root; to

lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and

figurative, absol. and rel. (as follows):--accept, advance,

arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring

(forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease,

exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further,

give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable (+ man), lade,

lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, X needs, obtain,

pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare,

stir up, + swear, take (away, up), X utterly, wear, yield.

see HEBREW for 04

see HEBREW for 06

see HEBREW for 07

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: raise.

: raise/take_up

1) to lift, bear up, carry, take

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lift, lift up

1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure

1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted

1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up

1b3) to be borne, be carried

1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist

1c2) to desire, long (fig.)

1c3) to carry, bear continuously

1c4) to take, take away

1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity)

1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

נָשָׂא (na.sa) — to lift: bear.

: look/lift(eyes)

1) to lift, bear up, carry, take

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lift, lift up

1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure

1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singular
HVqi2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

bar (dobh; compare Arabic dubb): In 1Sa 17:34-37, David tells Saul how as a shepherd boy he had overcome a lion and a bear. In 2Ki 2:24 it is related that two she bears came out of the wood and tore forty-two of the children who had been mocking Elisha. All the other references to bears are figurative; compare 2Sa 17:8; Pr 17:12; 28:15; Isa 11:7; 59:11; La 3:10; Da 7:5; Ho 13:8; Am 5:19;

Bear

A native of the mountain regions of Western Asia, frequently mentioned in Scripture. David defended his flocks against the attacks of a bear (1 Sam. 17:34-37). Bears came out of the wood and destroyed the children who mocked the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 2:24). Their habits are referred to in Isa. 59:11; Prov. 28:15; Lam. 3:10. The fury of the female bear when robbed of her young is spoken of (2 Sam. 17:8; Prov. 17:12; Hos. 13:8). In Daniel’s vision of the…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(1 Samuel 17:34; 2 Samuel 17:8) The Syrian bear, Ursus syriacus, which is without doubt the animal mentioned in the Bible, is still found on the higher mountains of Palestine. During the summer months these bears keep to the snowy parts of Lebanon, but descend in winter to the villages and Gardens. It is probable also that at this period in former days they extended their visits to other parts of Palestine.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

That bears were common in Palestine appears from several passages in the Old Testament, 1Sa 17:34,36,37; 2Sa 17:8; 2Ki 2:24. The species known in Syria resembles the common brown bear; it is sill met in the recesses of Lebanon. To a sullen and ferocious disposition, the bear joins immense strength, considerable sagacity, and the power of climbing trees. Her ferocity, especially when her young are injured, is proverbial. See 2Sa 17:8; Pr 17:12; Isa 11:7; Ho 13:8.

not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
עָלָ֖יו'a.Lav on him H5921 Preposition · suffix
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Amplified meaning
because of his actions or your failure to act
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears

. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it

. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him

. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him

. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him

. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the

singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a

particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always

in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great

variety of applications (as follow):--above, according

to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because

of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both

and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in

(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,

through(-out), to, touching, X with.

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against

1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards

1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)

1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)

1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)

1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)

1h) to (as a dative)

[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not you will hate the object marker brother your in heart your certainly you will rebuke the object marker fellow citizen your and not you will bear on him sin
חֵֽטְא׃Chet' sin H2399 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
33× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Amplified meaning
sin, offense, or crime
Tyndale gloss
sin
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵטְא (chet) refers to sin, encompassing the concepts of guilt associated with sin and the punishment that follows. It is derived from a root meaning 'to miss' or 'to err.' The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting both the act of sinning and its consequences.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵטְא n.m. sin

sin

guilt of sin

punishment for sin

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2399 חֵטְא sin . sin

. guilt of sin

. punishment for sin

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2399 chet' khate

from 2398; a crime or its penalty:--fault, X grievously,

offence, (punishment of) sin.

see HEBREW for 02398

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵטְא (chet) — sin.

1) sin

1a) sin

1b) guilt for sin

1c) punishment for sin

Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Sin

Is “any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God” (1 John 3:4; Rom. 4:15), in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether by omission or commission (Rom. 6:12-17; 7:5-24). It is “not a mere violation of the law of our constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offence against a personal lawgiver and moral governor who vindicates his law with penalties. The soul that sins is always conscious that his sin is (1) intrinsically vile and polluting, and (2) that it justly deserves punishment, and calls down the righteous wrath of God. Hence sin carries with it two inalienable characters, (1) ill-desert, guilt (reatus); and (2) pollution (macula).”, Hodge’s…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

a city of Egypt, mentioned only by Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 30:15,16) The name is Hebrew, or at least Semitic, perhaps signifying clay . It is identified in the Vulgate with Pelusium, "the clayey or muddy" town. Its antiquity may perhaps be inferred from the mention of "the wilderness of Sin" in the journeys of the Israelites. (Exodus 16:1; Numbers 33:11) Ezekiel speaks of Sin as "Sin the strongholds of Egypt." (Ezekiel 30:15) This place was held by Egypt from that time until the period of the Romans. Herodotus relates that Sennacherib advanced against Pelusium, and that near Pelusium Cambyses defeated Psammenitus. In like manner the decisive battle in which Ochus defeated the…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

1. Any thought, word, desire, action, or omission of action, contrary to the law of God, or defective when compared with it.

The origin of sin is a subject which baffles all investigation; and our inquiries are much better directed when we seek through Christ a release from its penalty and power, for ourselves and the world. Its entrance into the world, and infection of the whole human race, its nature, forms, and effects, and its fatal possession of every unregenerate soul, are fully described in the Bible, Ge 6:5 Ps 51:5 Mt 15:19 Ro 5:12 Jas 1:14,15.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

bush

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate