Nehemiah 4:23 — Word Study
WLCוְאֵ֨ין אֲנִ֜י וְאַחַ֣י וּנְעָרַ֗י וְאַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמִּשְׁמָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַחֲרַ֔י אֵין־ אֲנַ֥חְנוּ פֹשְׁטִ֖ים בְּגָדֵ֑ינוּ אִ֖ישׁ שִׁלְח֥וֹ הַמָּֽיִם׃ ס
BSA◂and notve.'Ein I'a.Ni and brothers myve.'a.Chai and servants myu.ne.'a.Rai and [the] men ofve.'an.Shei the guardha.mish.Mar who'a.Sher [were] behind me'a.cha.Rai ◂not'ein- ◂we'a.Nach.nu [were] stripping offfo.she.Tim clothes ourbe.ga.Dei.nu each one'ish weapon hisshil.Cho the waterha.Ma.yim
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאֵ֨ין | and not | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| אֲנִ֜י | I | Pronoun |
| וְאַחַ֣י | and brothers my | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וּנְעָרַ֗י | and servants my | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וְאַנְשֵׁ֤י | and [the] men of | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct |
| הַמִּשְׁמָר֙ | the guard | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אֲשֶׁ֣ר | who | Particle |
| אַחֲרַ֔י | [were] behind me | Suffix |
| אֵין־ | not | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| אֲנַ֥חְנוּ | we | Pronoun |
| פֹשְׁטִ֖ים | [were] stripping off | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| בְּגָדֵ֑ינוּ | clothes our | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| אִ֖ישׁ | each one | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| שִׁלְח֥וֹ | weapon his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| הַמָּֽיִם׃ ס | the water | Particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the guards with me changed out of our clothes; each carried his weapon, even to go for water. |
| KJV | So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing. |
| ASV | So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one went with his weapon to the water. |
| YLT | and there are none — I and my brethren and my servants, the men of the guard who [are] after me — there are none of us putting off our garments, each [hath] his vessel of water. |
| WEB | So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes. Everyone took his weapon to the water. |
| BBE | So not one of us, I or my brothers or my servants or the watchmen who were with me, took off his clothing, everyone went armed to the water. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of אֲנַ֥חְנוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is supported by two phrases that detail their actions, emphasizing their readiness and commitment.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectH587
verbH6584
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 4:23
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 — The Vigilance During Rebuildinggenerated
Nehemiah 4:23 describes how Nehemiah and his companions remained in their clothes without changing, emphasizing their commitment to the task of rebuilding Jerusalem while being prepared for any threats. This reflects the urgency and dedication required during a time of rebuilding amidst opposition, as shown in the preceding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 5:16 | Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 7:2 | Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. |
| 3 | Judges 9:48 | he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. |
| 5 | Judges 5:11 | the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֲנַ֥חְנוּ, 'a.Nach.nugenerated
The word אֲנַ֥חְנוּ ('anachnu) is the first-person plural pronoun meaning 'we' or 'us.' It emphasizes the collective identity of Nehemiah and his companions, highlighting their shared commitment to the task at hand.
This pronoun is used for emphasis, indicating a strong sense of unity among those involved in the rebuilding efforts. It is derived from the singular form אֲנִי (ani), which means 'I,' thus reinforcing the idea of a group working together.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the word we for אֲנַ֥חְנוּ.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb פֹשְׁטִ֖ים (poshtim), meaning 'stripping off,' governs the sentence, with multiple noun phrases acting as subjects and objects. The structure emphasizes the actions of Nehemiah and his companions in a continuous state of readiness.
The sentence's complexity arises from the multiple subjects: Nehemiah, his brothers, his servants, and the guards, all linked by conjunctions, showcasing their collective action and shared experience.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word אֲנַ֥חְנוּ is rendered as ἡμεῖς (hēmeis), which also means 'we.' This translation maintains the sense of community and collective action present in the Hebrew text.
The choice of ἡμεῖς emphasizes the unity of the group, just as the Hebrew does, reinforcing the importance of their shared commitment and vigilance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 4:23 tells us that Nehemiah and those with him did not change their clothes while working on the wall. They were always ready to defend themselves, carrying their weapons even when going for water, showing their commitment to the rebuilding effort.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
They remained in their clothes to stay ready for any threats while working on the wall of Jerusalem.
Carrying weapons signifies their preparedness to defend themselves against potential attacks during the rebuilding process.
The verse illustrates the constant vigilance required during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls amidst opposition and threats.
Nehemiah's leadership shows the importance of commitment, unity, and readiness in the face of challenges.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to remain vigilant and prepared, like Nehemiah and his companions?
- How can I foster a sense of unity and teamwork in my community or group?
- What does it mean to be committed to a task despite challenges or opposition?
- How can I apply Nehemiah's example of leadership in my own life?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 4:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo neither I, nor my brethren,.... The nobles and rulers: nor my servants; his domestic servants that waited upon him: nor the men of the guard which followed me; his bodyguard, which attended him as
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySo neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNone of us put off our clothes; neither by day, nor by night, as the manner is when we go to bed; they constantly kept themselves in a readiness for fighting. Saving that every one put them off for washing; when they were to wash and cleanse themselves from some natural or moral impurity, which might befall them or their garments.
Read Matthew Poole on Nehemiah 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 4:23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.Ver. 23. So neither I] He said not to his men, Ite, but eamus, as Caesar did; Go ye, but go we; and as Abimelech, Judges 9:48, What ye see me do, make haste and do accordingly. Velleius flattered when he said, Tiberius imperio maximus, exemplo maior. Nehemiah was so in very deed. Saving that every one put them off for washing] To keep themselves clean, and from being nasty; or otherwise, to wash themselves from legal pollutions.
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 4 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) Saving that every one put them off for washing.—This rendering is very improbable, as the words are simply: “every man his weapon water.” Some interpret that “each man’s weapon was his water”: evidently too subtle a turn of thought. It is best, on the whole, to supply the ellipsis: “every man went with his weapon to the water.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. None of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.] The Hebrew for all this is only אין אנחנו פשטים בגדינו איש שלחו המים ein anachnu poshetim begadeynu ish shilcho hammayim; which Montanus translates, Non nos exuentes vestes nostras, vir missile suum aquas; "We, not putting off our garments, a man his dart to the waters." Of this latter clause what sense can be made? Let us hear what the ancient versions say. The Vulgate, Unusquisque tantum nudabatur ad baptismum, "Every one stripped himself for the bath." The Septuagint omit the latter part of this clause, And there was none of us who put off his garments. The Syriac, "None of us put off his clothes…
Read AdamClarke on Nehemiah 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. my brethren … servants … men of the guard which followed me] Nehemiah mentions in detail those in whom he had complete confidence and upon whose faithfulness the success of his project depended. These shared their leader’s vigilance and imitated his endurance. Not one of them put off his clothes the whole time that the building went on. They were prepared for an attack at any moment. ‘brethren.’ These would be the relatives of Nehemiah, cf. Nehemiah 1:2. The whole house or clan to which he belonged staunchly supported him throughout the crisis. ‘servants’ … ‘men of the guard which followed me.’ Under these two heads Nehemiah seems to describe those whom he has mentioned in Nehemiah 4:17…
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 4 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSaving ... - The text here is probably unsound. It yields no satisfactory sense. See the margin.
Read Albert Barnes 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
So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the guards with me changed out of our clothes; each carried his weapon, even to go for water.
So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes. Everyone took his weapon to the water.
Tyndale line
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one went with his weapon to the water.
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my seruants, nor the men of the warde, (which followed me) none of vs did put off our clothes, saue euery one put them off for washing.
Simplified
So not one of us, I or my brothers or my servants or the watchmen who were with me, took off his clothing, everyone went armed to the water.
During that time none of us changed our clothes—not me or my brothers or my men or the guards with me. Everyone carried their weapons at all times, even to go for water.
Strictly literal
and there are none — I and my brethren and my servants, the men of the guard who [are] after me — there are none of us putting off our garments, each [hath] his vessel of water.
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
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint in conveying the same message about Nehemiah and his companions. Both texts emphasize their unity and readiness, with no significant variations noted in the translations.
וְאֵ֨ין אֲנִ֜י וְאַחַ֣י וּנְעָרַ֗י וְאַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמִּשְׁמָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַחֲרַ֔י אֵין־ אֲנַ֥חְנוּ פֹשְׁטִ֖ים בְּגָדֵ֑ינוּ אִ֖ישׁ שִׁלְח֥וֹ הַמָּֽיִם׃ ס
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 4:23
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.
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
HC/Ncmsc — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
HPp1bs — PronounHPp1bs
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.
אָח 630 n.m. brother
brother, born of same mother (& father)
indef. = relative
fig. of resemblance
in phr. one … another
base
H251 אָח brother
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
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
HC/Ncmpc/Sp1bs — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp1bs
נַ֫עַר (na`ar) generally refers to a boy, lad, or youth, covering ages from infancy to adolescence. It can also imply a servant or retainer and, in some contexts, may refer to a girl of similar age. The term appears in various forms across different lexicons, with Brown-Driver-Briggs noting its usage as a shaking or scattering.
נַ֫עַר 239 n.m. 1. boy, lad, youth. 2. retainer (not in P)
boy, lad, youth (c. 133 t.)
servant, retainer (c. 105 t.)
base
H5288a נַ֫עַר usu. interpr. as a shaking, scattering H5288b נַ֫עַר, נַ֫עַר . boy, lad, youth
. retainer
5288 na`ar nah'-ar
from 5287; (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of
infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by
interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latitude in age):--babe,
boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young
(man).
see HEBREW for 05287
נַ֫עַר (na.ar) — youth.
1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer
1a) boy, lad, youth
1b) servant, retainer
HC/Ncmpc/Sp1bs — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp1bs
אֱנוֹשׁ (enowsh) refers to man or mankind, often used in a poetic context. It denotes a mortal individual, distinguishing humans from more dignified terms for man. The word encompasses both singular and collective meanings, indicating people or persons in general. Its Aramaic equivalent is אֱנָשׁ (e.nash), also meaning 'man'.
אֱנוֹשׁ n.m. man, mankind, mostly poet.
of individ.
coll. men
man, mankind
base
H582 אֱנוֹשׁ man, mankind, mostly poet.
582 'enowsh en-oshe'
from 605; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the
more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or
collectively):--another, X (blood-)thirsty, certain,
chap(-man); divers, fellow, X in the flower of their age,
husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some
( X of them), + stranger, those, + their trade. It is often
unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in
apposition with another word . Compare 376.
see HEBREW for 0605
see HEBREW for 0120
see HEBREW for 0376
אֱנוֹשׁ (e.nosh) — human.
1) man, mortal man, person, mankind
1a) of an individual
1b) men (collective)
1c) man, mankind
Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
HC/Ncmpc — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural constructHC/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מִשְׁמָר (mishmar) refers to a place of confinement, such as a prison or jail, and also denotes a guard or watch. It can imply both a physical location for custody and the act of guarding or observing. The word is derived from a root meaning to guard, and it encompasses concepts of diligence and observance.
מִשְׁמָר n.[m.] place of confinement, gaol, prison; late, guard, watch, observance
base
H4929 מִשְׁמָר place of confinement, gaol, prison; late, guard, watch, observance
4929 mishmar mish-mawr'
from 8104; a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a
deposit (fig.); also (as observed) a usage (abstr.), or an
example (concr.):--diligence, guard, office, prison, ward,
watch.
see HEBREW for 08104
מִשְׁמָר (mish.mar) — custody.
1) place of confinement, prison, guard, jail, guard post, watch, observance
1a) jail, prison, guard-house
1b) guard, guard post, act of guarding
1c) observances
HTd/Ncmsa — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
gard:
(1) sar ha-Tabbachim, "captain of the guard," literally, "slaughterers" (Ge 37:36; 39:1; 40:3,1; 41:10,12); rabh Tabbachim (2Ki 25:8,11,20; Jer 39:9, etc.); rabh tabbachayyah (Da 2:14); ratsim, "guard," the King James Version "footmen" (1Sa 22:17); sare ha-ratsim, "chief of the guard" the King James Version "captains of the guard" (1Ki 14:27); ta' ha-ratsim, "guard-chamber" (1Ki 14:28; compare Eze 40:21, etc., where "lodges" are "guardrooms"; see A.B.…
Guard
(1.) Heb. tabbah (properly a “cook,” and in a secondary sense “executioner,” because this office fell to the lot of the cook in Eastern countries), the bodyguard of the kings of Egypt (Gen. 37:36) and Babylon (2 Kings 25:8; Jer. 40:1; Dan. 2:14).
(2.) Heb. rats, properly a “courier,” one whose office was to run before the king’s chariot (2 Sam. 15:1; 1 Kings 1:5). The couriers were also military guards (1 Sam. 22:17; 2 Kings 10:25). They were…
→ See WATCHMAN
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
HTr — ParticleHTr
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
HAcmpc/Sp1bs — SuffixHAcmpc/Sp1bs
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
HNcmsc — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ (anachnuw) is the first-person plural pronoun meaning 'we' or 'ourselves.' It is used for emphasis and is derived from another Hebrew word, אֲנִי (ani), meaning 'I.' The entries consistently define it as a pronoun without significant disagreement.
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ, אֲנָ֑חְנוּ pron. 1pl. comm. we
base
H587 אֲנַ֫חְנוּ, אֲנָ֑חְנוּ we
587 'anachnuw an-akh'-noo
apparently from 595; we:--ourselves, us, we.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנַ֫חְנוּ (a.nach.nu) — we.
we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
HPp1bp — PronounHPp1bp
פָּשַׁט (pashat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to strip off or to invade. It encompasses actions like unclothing, plundering, and making a dash, with various forms indicating different nuances such as flaying or putting off garments. The term appears in different contexts, including military actions and personal disrobing.
פָּשַׁט vb. strip off, make a dash, raid
Qal
strip off, put off, one’s garment
put off (one’s shelter), i.e. make a dash (from a sheltered place)
Pi. to strip the slain
Hiph.
strip one of garment
strip off
flay
Hithp. he stripped himself of his garment
base
H6584 פָּשַׁט strip off, make a dash, raid
6584 pashat paw-shat'
a primitive root; to spread out (i.e. deploy in hostile
array); by analogy, to strip (i.e. unclothe, plunder, flay,
etc.):--fall upon, flay, invade, make an invasion, pull off,
put off, make a road, run upon, rush, set, spoil, spread
selves (abroad), strip (off, self).
פָּשַׁט (pa.shat) — to strip.
1) to strip, invade, strip off, make a dash, raid, spread out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to strip off, put off
1a2) to put off (one's shelter), make a dash
1b) (Piel) to strip
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to strip of
1c2) to strip off
1c3) to flay
1d) (Hithpael) to strip oneself of
HVqrmpa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVqrmpa
בֶּ֫גֶד (beged) has meanings related to both clothing and treachery. It can refer to a garment or covering, as well as deceit or betrayal. The word is built from a root that suggests a duality in its usage, appearing in contexts that range from apparel to treacherous actions, notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1.
H899a בֶּ֫גֶד treachery H899b בֶּ֫גֶד garment, covering
899 beged behg'-ed
from 898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or
pillage:--apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag,
raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.
see HEBREW for 0898
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — treachery.
treachery, deceit
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — garment.
(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
HNcmpc/Sp1bp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bp
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.
שֶׁ֫לַח (shelach) refers to a missile or weapon, such as a spear, and can also denote a sprout or shoot. The word is derived from a root meaning to send forth. It encompasses meanings related to both physical weapons and botanical growth.
שֶׁ֫לַח n.[m.] missile, weapon, sprout (late)
base
H7973 שֶׁ֫לַח
7973 shelach sheh'-lakh
from 7971; a missile of attack, i.e. spear; also
(figuratively) a shoot of growth; i.e. branch:--dart, plant,
X put off, sword, weapon.
see HEBREW for 07971
שֶׁ֫לַח (she.lach) — missile.
1) weapon, missile, sprout
1a) missile, weapon
1b) sprout, shoot
HNcmsc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
מַי (mayim) is a Hebrew word meaning 'water' and is used in the plural form. It encompasses various meanings, including literal water, urine, and metaphorical uses related to refreshment or danger. The entries indicate it is derived from a primitive noun and is primarily referenced in contexts involving water.
[מַי] 580 n.m. only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
base
H4325 מַי only pl. מַ֫יִם waters, water
4325 mayim mah'-yim
dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense);
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen:--+
piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)).
מַי (ma.yim) — water.
1) water, waters
1a) water
1b) water of the feet, urine
1c) of danger, violence, transitory things, refreshment (fig.)
מַי (ma.yim) — Water (Gate).
This name means water, refreshment
HTd/Ncmpa — Particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ncmpa
wo'-ter (mayim; hudor):
(1) The Greek philosophers believed water to be the original substance and that all things were made from it. The Koran states, "From water we have made all things." In the story of the creation (Ge 1:2) water plays an elemental part.
(2) Because of the scarcity of water in Palestine it is especially appreciated by the people there. They love to go and sit by a stream of running water. Men long for a taste of the water of their native village (1Ch 11:17). A town or village is known throughout the country for the quality of its water, which is described by many adjectives, such as "light," "heavy," etc.
(3) The rainfall is the only source of supply of water for Palestine. The moisture is carried up from the sea in clouds and falls on the hills as rain or snow.…
See CISTERN and WELLS.
In Isa 35:7, the Hebrew word for "parched ground" that shall become a pool of water, is the same with the Arabic term for the mirage, a peculiar optical illusion by which travelers in hot and dry deserts think they see broad lakes and flowing waters; they seem to discern the very ripple of the waves, and the swaying of tail trees on the margin in the cool breeze; green hills and houses and city ramparts rise before the astonished sight, recede as the traveler advances, and at length melt away in the hot haze. Not so the blessings of the gospel; they are no alluring mockery, but real waters of everlasting life, Isa 55:1 Joh 4:14 Re 22:1. Compare
→ Creation of Ps 148:4,5
→ Covered the whole earth Ge 1:9
→ Daily allowance of Eze 4:11
→ City waterworks 2Ki 20:20
→ Vision of, by Ezekiel Eze 47:1-5
→ Of separation Nu 19:2-22