Nehemiah 4:18 — Word Study
WLCוְהַ֨בּוֹנִ֔ים אִ֥ישׁ חַרְבּ֛וֹ אֲסוּרִ֥ים עַל־ מָתְנָ֖יו וּבוֹנִ֑ים וְהַתּוֹקֵ֥עַ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֖ר אֶצְלִֽי׃
BSAand the buildersve.Ha.bo.Nim ◂each one'ish sword hischar.Bo [were] girded'a.su.Rim on'al- hips hisma.te.Nav and [were] buildingu.vo.Nim and the [one who] gave a blastve.ha.to.Ke.a' on the ram's hornba.sho.Far [was] beside me'etz.Li
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְהַ֨בּוֹנִ֔ים | and the builders | Conjunction, particle, verb qal participle (active) masculine plural |
| אִ֥ישׁ | each one | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| חַרְבּ֛וֹ | sword his | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| אֲסוּרִ֥ים | [were] girded | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine plural |
| עַל־ | on | Preposition |
| מָתְנָ֖יו | hips his | Noun common masculine dual construct, suffix |
| וּבוֹנִ֑ים | and [were] building | Conjunction, verb qal participle (active) masculine plural |
| וְהַתּוֹקֵ֥עַ | and the [one who] gave a blast | Conjunction, particle, verb qal participle (active) masculine singular |
| בַּשּׁוֹפָ֖ר | on the ram's horn | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אֶצְלִֽי׃ | [was] beside me | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me. |
| KJV | For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. |
| ASV | and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. |
| YLT | And the builders [are] each with his sword, girded on his loins, and building, and he who is blowing with a trumpet [is] beside me. |
| WEB | Among the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me. |
| BBE | Every builder was working with his sword at his side. And by my side was a man for sounding the horn. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of אִ֥ישׁ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence structure includes a main clause followed by a prepositional phrase and another main clause, clearly delineating the actions of the builders and the trumpeter.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbH631
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 — Nehemiah 4:18
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 — Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalemgenerated
Nehemiah 4:18 describes the determined efforts of the builders who worked on the wall of Jerusalem while being prepared for potential conflict. Each builder had a sword at his side, demonstrating their commitment to both construction and protection. This verse highlights the dual focus of the people as they rebuilt their city amidst threats, emphasizing their resilience and unity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 10:9 | When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 13:12–17 | Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 2 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חַרְבּוֹ, char.Bogenerated
The Hebrew word חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and refers to a weapon used for cutting or striking. In this context, it signifies the builders' readiness to defend themselves while engaged in their work. The parsing indicates that it is a feminine singular noun in the construct state, showing possession: 'his sword.'
This word is used frequently in the Bible to denote various types of weapons, highlighting its importance in both warfare and protection. The builders' swords symbolize their vigilance and readiness to defend against any adversaries while they worked.
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 finite verbs govern the verse: וּבוֹנִ֑ים, and were building and תּוֹקֵ֥עַ, the one who gave a blast. The structure shows a main clause followed by participial phrases that describe the actions of the builders and the trumpeter.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the builders' actions first, followed by the role of the trumpeter, indicating the importance of both construction and readiness.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) is translated in the Septuagint as μάχαιρα (machaira), which also means 'sword' but can imply a broader range of cutting instruments. This choice reflects a focus on the weapon's function in battle.
The use of μάχαιρα suggests an emphasis on the builders' readiness for combat, aligning with the context of the verse.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 4:18 describes how each builder worked on the wall with a sword at his side, showing their readiness to defend against any threats. The trumpeter stayed close to Nehemiah, ready to sound the alarm if needed. This illustrates the builders' commitment to their task while being prepared for battle.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that they were prepared for potential attacks while they rebuilt the wall, showing their determination and vigilance.
The trumpeter's role was crucial for signaling the need for defense, emphasizing the organized approach to both construction and protection.
It highlights the constant threat of opposition they faced while working on the wall, necessitating readiness for conflict.
Their example teaches us about the importance of being diligent in our tasks while also being prepared for challenges that may arise.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to be both diligent and prepared for challenges?
- How can I support others who are working hard while facing difficulties?
- What does it mean for me to be ready to defend my beliefs while engaging in my daily tasks?
- How can I find balance between work and being alert to potential challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The commentary from Bede discusses the commitment of the builders and their readiness for battle, emphasizing the dual nature of their task.
And it happened from that day on, that half of the young men did the work, etc. It is to be noted that not only half of the young men did the work and the other half were prepared for war, but even those who did the work, the youths,Early Church Fathers on Nehemiah 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 4:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor the builders had everyone his sword girded by his side, and so builded,.... Thus accoutred he wrought, and was prepared for either service: and he that sounded the trumpet was by me; to give the
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryTherefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo call the people together, when and where it was fit and necessary.
Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 4:18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.Ver. 18. For the builders every one had his sword girded by his side] Heb. on his loins; that is the place for the sword to hang on: Psalms 45:3, "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty." And Revelation 19:16, Christ’ s name is written upon his vesture, that all may see it, and upon his thigh, where his sword hangs, to show that he won it by his valour. Among the Turks at this day, as the right hand is held uppermost for a scholar, so the left for a soldier; because it gives a man possession of his companion’ s sword; though the Turks seldom bear…
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. For the builders] R.V. And the builders. Not, as A.V., a fresh explanatory sentence, but a continuation of the foregoing, a description of the other class of those engaged in the work. his sword girded by his side] Both hands were occupied in the work of laying the stones, which would be done chiefly by skilful mechanism with pulleys and rollers. The free action of both hands would be requisite. But though thus fully occupied, they were to be armed against a surprise attack. The mention of the ‘sword’ here accounts for its absence in Nehemiah 4:16. And he that &c.] This is a distinct parenthetical sentence introducing the personal reminiscence. The men were scattered over a large area…
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible18. Every one had his sword girded by his side — This was probably literally the case. Swords are not mentioned in Nehemiah 4:16 as among the arms held in readiness by the half of the people that watched while the others worked.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Nehemiah 4 →The verse in English, compared — 8 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
And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.
Among the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me.
Tyndale line
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
For euery one of the buylders had his sworde girded on his loynes, and so buylded: and he that blewe the trumpet, was beside me.
Simplified
Every builder was working with his sword at his side. And by my side was a man for sounding the horn.
All the builders carried a sword strapped to their side, and the trumpeter stood beside me.
Strictly literal
And the builders [are] each with his sword, girded on his loins, and building, and he who is blowing with a trumpet [is] beside me.
T4T (Translation for Translators) is not shown above. It restates the passage rather than the verse, so there is no line of English to set beside the others — which is a fact about that translation, not a fault in it.
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
וְהַ֨בּוֹנִ֔ים אִ֥ישׁ חַרְבּ֛וֹ אֲסוּרִ֥ים עַל־ מָתְנָ֖יו וּבוֹנִ֑ים וְהַתּוֹקֵ֥עַ בַּשּׁוֹפָ֖ר אֶצְלִֽי׃
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 Nehemiah 4:18
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.
The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.
בָּנָה 373 vb. build
Qal build
Niph.
be built
be rebuilt
(fig.) of restored exiles, = established
established, made permanent
base
H1129 בָּנָה build .build
.. . be built
. be rebuilt
. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established
. established, made permanent
1129 banah baw-naw'
a primitive root; to build (literally and
figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,
repair, set (up), X surely.
בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.
1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to build, rebuild
1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be built
1b2) to be rebuilt
1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)
1b4) established (made permanent)
1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
HC/Td/Vqrmpa — Conjunction · particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine pluralHC/Td/Vqrmpa
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
wun.
See NUMBER.
חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons.
חֶ֫רֶב 411 n.f. sword (as weapon)
base
H2719 חֶ֫רֶב sword (as weapon)
2719 chereb kheh'-reb
from 2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its
destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp
implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.
see HEBREW for 02717
חֶ֫רֶב (che.rev) — sword.
1) sword, knife
1a) sword
1b) knife
1c) tools for cutting stone
HNcfsc/Sp3ms — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms
אָסַר (asar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to tie or bind, with a range of applications including imprisonment and the figurative sense of obligation, such as oaths. It can also refer to preparing for battle or being taken prisoner. The entries indicate that it can be used in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Pual, each with slightly different nuances.
[אָסַר] vb. tie, bind, imprison
Qal
tie, bind, for security
tie, harness
bind, with cords
gird (rare & late)
begin the battle, make the attack
fig. of obligation of oath or vow
Niph. be bound, imprisoned
Pu. be taken prisoner
base
H631 [אָסַר] tie, bind, imprison .. tie, bind, for security
. tie, harness
. bind, with cords
. gird (rare & late)
. begin the battle, make the attack
. fig. of obligation of oath or vow
. be bound, imprisoned
. be taken prisoner
631 'acar aw-sar'
a primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in
any sense, to join battle:--bind, fast, gird, harness, hold,
keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds,
set in array, tie.
אָסַר (a.sar) — to bind.
1) to tie, bind, imprison
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to tie, bind
1a2) to tie, harness
1a3) to bind (with cords)
1a4) to gird (rare and late)
1a5) to begin the battle, make the attack
1a6) of obligation of oath (figurative)
1b) (Niphal) to be imprisoned, bound
1c) (Pual) to be taken prisoner
HVqsmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine pluralHVqsmpa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
HR — PrepositionHR
On
Light; the sun, (Gen. 41:45, 50), the great seat of sun-worship, called also Bethshemesh (Jer. 43:13) and Aven (Ezek. 30:17), stood on the east bank of the Nile, a few miles north of Memphis, and near Cairo, in the north-east. The Vulgate and the LXX. Versions have “Heliopolis” (“city of the sun”) instead of On in Genesis and of Aven in Ezekiel. The “city of destruction” Isaiah speaks of (19:18, marg. “of Heres;” Heb. ‘Ir-ha-heres, which some MSS. read Ir-ha-heres, i.e., “city of the sun”) may be the name given to On, the prophecy being that the time will come when that city which was known as the “city of the sun-god” shall become the “city of destruction” of the sun-god, i.e., when idolatry shall cease, and the worship…
(abode or city of the sun), a town of lower Egypt, called BETH-SHEMESH in (Jeremiah 43:13) On is better known under its Greek name Heliopolis. It was situated on the east side of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, just below the point of the Delta, and about twenty miles northeast of Memphis. The chief object of worship at Heliopolis was the sun, whose temple, described by Strabo, is now only represented by the single beautiful obelisk, of red granite so feet 2 inches high above the pedestal which has stood for more than 4000 years, having been erected by Usirtesen, the second king of the twelfth dynasty. Heliopolis was anciently famous for its learning, and Eudoxus and Plato studied under its priests. The first mention of this place in the Bible is in the history of Joseph, to whom we read Pharaoh gave "to wife Asenath the daughter…
See HELIOPOLIS.
pain; force; iniquity
מַתְנַ֫יִם (matanim) refers to the loins or hips, derived from a root meaning to be slender. It appears in the plural form and is associated with the term for a greyhound in Proverbs 30:31. The word captures the anatomical region of the waist or small of the back.
מַתְנַ֫יִם n.m.du. loins
base
H4975 מַתְנַ֫יִם loins
4975 mothen mo'-then
from an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the
waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins:--+
greyhound, loins, side.
מׇתְנַ֫יִם (mo.ten) — loin.
1) loins, hips
1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
HNcmdc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine dual construct · suffixHNcmdc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word בָּנָה (banah) means "to build" and encompasses various forms such as rebuilding, establishing, and making permanent. It can refer to physical construction, like building a house or family, as well as metaphorical uses, such as the establishment of restored exiles. The entries indicate that it can also imply being built up, particularly in the context of a childless wife becoming a mother.
בָּנָה 373 vb. build
Qal build
Niph.
be built
be rebuilt
(fig.) of restored exiles, = established
established, made permanent
base
H1129 בָּנָה build .build
.. . be built
. be rebuilt
. . (fig.) of restored exiles, = established
. established, made permanent
1129 banah baw-naw'
a primitive root; to build (literally and
figuratively):--(begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make,
repair, set (up), X surely.
בָּנָה (ba.nah) — to build.
1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to build, rebuild
1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be built
1b2) to be rebuilt
1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.)
1b4) established (made permanent)
1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine)
Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
HC/Vqrmpa — Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine pluralHC/Vqrmpa
Building
Among the Jews was suited to the climate and conditions of the country. They probably adopted the kind of architecture for their dwellings which they found already existing when they entered Canaan (Deut. 6:10; Num. 13:19). Phoenician artists (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 5:6, 18) assisted at the erection of the royal palace and the temple at Jerusalem. Foreigners also assisted at the restoration of the temple after the Exile (Ezra 3:7).
In Gen. 11:3, 9, we have the first recorded instance of the erection of buildings. The cities of the plain of Shinar were founded by…
→ FIGURATIVE 2Co 5:1
תָּקַע (taqa) is a Hebrew verb meaning to thrust, clap, or give a blow, with a range of uses including striking, blowing a trumpet, or pledging oneself. It appears in various forms, such as Qal and Niphal, indicating actions like driving a weapon or the sound of a blast. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.
תָּקַע 67 vb. thrust, clap, give a blow, blast
Qal
thrust, drive
give a blast, blow
strike, clap hands
Niph.
if a horn shall be blown
who is there that will strike himself (i.e. pledge himself) into my hand?
base
H8628 תָּקַע thrust, clap, give a blow, blast
8628 taqa` taw-kah'
a primitive root; to clatter, i.e. slap (the hands together),
clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or
tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become bondsman by
handclasping):--blow ((a trumpet)), cast, clap, fasten, pitch
(tent), smite, sound, strike, X suretiship, thrust.
תָּקַע (ta.qa) — to blow.
1) to blow, clap, strike, sound, thrust, give a blow, blast
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to thrust, drive (of weapon)
1a2) to give a blast, give a blow
1a3) to strike or clap hands
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be blown, blast (of horn)
1b2) to strike or pledge oneself
HC/Td/Vqrmsa — Conjunction · particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine singularHC/Td/Vqrmsa
(neshamah, ruach):
(1) The blowing of the breath of Yahweh, expressive of the manifestation of God's power in Nature and Providence. "With the blast of thy nostrils the waters were piled up" (Ex 15:8), referring to the east wind (Ex 14:21; compare 2Sa 22:16 and Ps 18:15). "I will send a blast upon him" (2Ki 19:7 the King James Version; the Revised Version (British and American) "put a spirit in him," i.e. "an impulse of fear" (Dummelow in the place cited.); compare Isa 37:7). "By the blast of his anger are they consumed" (
שֹׁפָר (sho-far) refers to a horn or trumpet, specifically one used for blowing. It is derived from a root meaning to incise and is associated with producing a clear sound. The term encompasses both a cornet and a ram's horn, as noted in various lexicons.
שֹׁפָר, שׁוֹפָר 72 n.m. horn, for blowing
base
H7782 שֹׁפָר, שׁוֹפָר horn, for blowing
7782 showphar sho-far'
or shophar {sho-far'}; from 8231 in the original sense of
incising; a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved
horn:--cornet, trumpet.
see HEBREW for 08231
שֹׁפָר (sho.phar) — trumpet.
horn, ram's horn
HRd/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
horn (Hebrew and Aramaic qeren; keras; for the "ram's horn" (yobhel) of Jos 6 see MUSIC, and for the "inkhorn" of Eze 9 (qeceth) see separate article):
(1) Qeren and keras represent the English "horn" exactly, whether on the animal (Ge 22:13), or used for musical purposes (Jos 6:5; 1Ch 25:5), or for containing a liquid (1Sa 16:1,13; 1Ki 1:39), but in Eze 27:15 the horns of ivory are of course tusks and the "horns" of ebony are small (pointed?) logs. Consequently most of the usages require no explanation.
Horn
Trumpets were at first horns perforated at the tip, used for various purposes (Josh. 6:4,5).
Flasks or vessels were made of horn (1 Sam. 16:1, 13; 1 Kings 1:39).
But the word is used also metaphorically to denote the projecting corners of the altar of burnt offerings (Ex. 27:2) and of incense (30:2). The horns of the altar of burnt offerings were to be smeared with the blood of the slain bullock (29:12; Lev. 4:7-18). The criminal, when his crime was accidental, found an asylum by laying hold of the horns of the altar (1 Kings 1:50; 2:28).
The word "horn" is often used metaphorically to signify strength and honor, because horns are the chief weapons and ornaments of the animals which possess them; hence they are also used as a type of victory. Of strength the horn of the unicorn was the most frequent representative, (33:17) etc., but not always; comp. (1 Kings 22:11) where probably horns of iron, worn defiantly and symbolically on the head, are intended. Among the Druses upon Mount Lebanon the married women wear silver horns on their heads. In the sense of honor, the word horn stands for the abstract "my horn," (Job 16:16) "all the horn of Israel," (1 Samuel 2:3) and so for the supreme authority. It also stands for the concrete , whence it comes to mean king…
Of animals were used as drinking vessels, and to hold ointments, perfumes, etc., 1Sa 16:1 1Ki 1:39. The "horns of the altar" were its four corners and elevation on them, Ex 27:2 30:2. See ALTAR.
The principal defense and ornament of many beasts are in their horns; and hence the horn is often a symbol of strength, honor, and dominion. The Lord exalted the horn of David, and of his people; he breaketh the horn of salvation, and of defiling the horn in the dust, De 33:17 1Sa 2:1,10 Job 16:15 Ps 75:10
אֵ֫צֶל ('etsel) is a conjunction that denotes proximity or nearness. It can mean 'beside,' 'by,' or 'near,' and is derived from a root that implies joining. The entries indicate its use in contexts relating to physical closeness or adjacency, but do not provide specific verse references.
אֵ֫צֶל 81 subst. conjunction, proximity
base
H681 אֵ֫צֶל conjunction, proximity
681 'etsel ay'-tsel
from 680 (in the sense of joining); a side; (as a
preposition) near:--at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near
(unto), toward, with. See also 1018.
see HEBREW for 0680
see HEBREW for 01018
אֵ֫צֶל (e.tsel) — beside.
1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity
subst
2) (BDB)
2a) conjunction, proximity
2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside
HNcbsc/Sp1bs — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp1bs