Nehemiah 4:9 — Word Study
WLCוַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל אֶל־ אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַנַּעֲמִ֨יד מִשְׁמָ֧ר עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹמָ֥ם וָלַ֖יְלָה מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
BSAtoʼêl our Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme Protector]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל | and we prayed | Verb, Hithpael, sequential imperfect first person common plural |
| אֶל־ | to | Preposition |
| אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ | God our | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וַנַּעֲמִ֨יד | and we stationed | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect first person common plural |
| מִשְׁמָ֧ר | a guard | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם | on them | Preposition, suffix |
| יוֹמָ֥ם | by day | Adverb |
| וָלַ֖יְלָה | and night | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃ | because of them | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night. |
| KJV | Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. |
| ASV | But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. |
| YLT | And we pray unto our God, and appoint a watch against them, by day and by night, because of them. |
| WEB | But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them. |
| BBE | But we made our prayer to God, and had men on watch against them day and night because of them. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, emphasizing both prayer and vigilance.
The structure of the verse shows a main action followed by several phrases that provide details about the prayer and the guard established.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbהָיָה
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 4:9
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 — Nehemiah's Response to Oppositiongenerated
Nehemiah 4:9 describes a critical moment when the people of Judah faced threats from their enemies while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In response to the conspiracy against them, Nehemiah emphasizes the importance of prayer and vigilance. This verse highlights the dual approach of seeking divine assistance through prayer while also taking practical steps to ensure safety and protection against adversaries.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 4:11 | And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” |
| 2 | Genesis 32:9–12 | Then Jacob declared, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, the LORD who told me, ‘Go back to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper,’ |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:14–19 | So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalm 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 5 | Psalm 55:16–22 | But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל, va.nit.pa.Lelgenerated
The verb וַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל (va.nit.pa.Lel) is in the Hithpael form, indicating a reflexive action, which suggests that the people are actively engaging in prayer, interceding on their own behalf. This form emphasizes the communal aspect of their appeal to God for help and guidance.
The root of this word, פָּלַל (palal), conveys the act of intervening or interposing, particularly in prayer. This reflects the biblical practice where individuals or groups cry out to God in times of distress, seeking His intervention and support.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations on this page agree on the essential meaning of the verse, emphasizing the actions of praying to God and establishing a guard.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two main finite verbs: נִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל (we prayed) and נַּעֲמִ֨יד (we stationed), which govern the actions taken. The structure indicates a sequence of actions taken in response to the threats faced.
The phrases include a prepositional phrase indicating direction towards God, an object indicating what was established (a guard), and adverbial phrases describing the duration of the guard's presence (day and night). This structure emphasizes the dual nature of their response: spiritual and practical.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל as ἐγένετο (egéneto), which means 'it happened' or 'there was.' This choice reflects a more narrative style, focusing on the event rather than the act of praying itself.
This translation choice may suggest a broader interpretation of the events, highlighting the unfolding situation rather than the specific actions of prayer and vigilance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Nehemiah 4:9 tells us that the people prayed to God for help and set up a guard to protect themselves from their enemies both day and night. This shows their reliance on God and their commitment to take action against the threats they faced.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
In this verse, praying to God signifies seeking divine help and guidance in the face of adversity, recognizing Him as the ultimate protector.
Posting a guard is a practical response to the threats they faced, indicating the need for vigilance and protection in addition to spiritual reliance.
The actions of praying together and establishing a guard show a united front in the face of opposition, combining faith with practical measures for safety.
Nehemiah's actions teach us the importance of prayer and vigilance when facing challenges, highlighting the need for both spiritual and practical responses.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I incorporate prayer into my daily routine, especially in times of trouble?
- What practical steps can I take to protect myself and my community while also seeking God's guidance?
- In what situations have I seen the power of prayer in my life or the lives of others?
- How can I encourage others to pray and take action in the face of challenges?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers often referenced Nehemiah's prayer as a model for seeking divine help in times of trouble. Here, a quotation from Bede highlights the importance of prayer as a refuge against adversaries.
And we prayed to our God, etc. This is the only refuge against all the enemies of the Church, namely prayer to God, and the industry of teachers who meditating day and night on his law,Early Church Fathers on Nehemiah 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Nehemiah 4:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God,.... Spread their case before him in prayer, entreating direction and help from him: and set a watch against them day and night, because of them; to give
Read John Gill on Nehemiah 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Nehemiah 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsNehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.Ver. 9. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God] Who is the saints’ sanctuary of safety, their present help in time of trouble. Prayer to him is an anchor in all storms and a salve for all sores; yea, it healeth not only body and soul, but even hard stony walls, Nehemiah 4:7, provided that we judge ourselves in prayer, and commit our cause to God to be judged by him, as the Hebrew word ðçôìì here importeth. Thus did the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, when to fight against the Hagarenes. Thus did Jabiz, and Jehoshaphat, and Constantine, and Theodosius, and that…
Read John Trapp on Nehemiah 4 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) Because of them.—Rather, over against them: opposite to each point of their encampment. The setting watch was accompanied by solemn and united prayer.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Nehemiah 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch] The strongest confidence in the protection and favour of God does not preclude the use of all or any of the means of self-preservation and defence which his providence has put in our power. While God works in us to will and to do, we should proceed to willing, through the power he has given us to will; and we should proceed to action, through the power he has given us to act. We cannot will, but through God's power; we cannot act, but through God's strength. The power, and the use of it, are two distinct things. We may have the power to will, and not will; and we may have the power to do, and not act: therefore, says the apostle…
Read AdamClarke on Nehemiah 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9. Nevertheless] R.V. But. The simple copula in the original introduces the contrast between the plan of the enemy and the defensive measures adopted by the Jews. ‘Nevertheless’ is too strong an adversative. The thought is merely ‘and on our side, we made our prayer.’ On the prominence of prayer in these books see Ezra 8:23; Ezra 9:5; Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 1:4; Nehemiah 2:4. Nehemiah mentions the spiritual source of aid first. and set a watch] i.e. posted sentinels. The human means of defence are not neglected although the confidence rests in a higher protection. day and night] i.e. while the builders were at work on the wall, the city was almost as defenceless against a surprise as in the…
Read Cambridge on Nehemiah 4 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBecause of them - Or, “over against them,” i. e. opposite to the place where they were encamped, probably on the north side of the city.
Read Albert Barnes on Nehemiah 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible9. Made our prayer… and set a watch — Here watching and prayer were strikingly exemplified.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Nehemiah 4 →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
So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.
But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them.
So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.
So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard to protect against them both day and night.
Tyndale line
Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
The we prayed vnto our God, and set watchmen by them, day and night, because of them.
Strictly literal
Then we prayed to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
And we pray unto our God, and appoint a watch against them, by day and by night, because of them.
And we pray to our God, and appoint a watch against them, by day and by night, because of them.
(4:3) But we prayed unto our God, and set a watch over them day and night, because of the others.
But we prayed to our God and set a guard as protection against them day and night because of their threat.
From the Latin
And we prayed to our God, and set watchmen upon the wall day and night against them.
Simplified
So we prayed to our God, and we had guards ready to defend against them day and night.
But we made our prayer to God, and had men on watch against them day and night because of them.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all nine words matched in the Hebrew and Greek versions. This consistency indicates a strong preservation of the text across these traditions.
וַנִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל אֶל־ אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ וַנַּעֲמִ֨יד מִשְׁמָ֧ר עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹמָ֥ם וָלַ֖יְלָה מִפְּנֵיהֶֽם׃
9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Nehemiah 4:9
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.
פָּלַל (palal) is a Hebrew verb that primarily means to intervene or interpose, with a significant focus on the act of praying. It encompasses various forms, including mediation and judgment, particularly in the Piel and Hithpael stems, which emphasize intercession and supplication. The entries suggest a connection to both personal and communal prayer, though no specific Old Testament verses are cited.
[פָּלַל] 84 vb. prob. intervene, interpose
Pi. mediate, judge
Hithp.
specif. intercede
gen. pray
pray
of poetical, liturgical prayer
base
H6419 פָּלַל prob. intervene, interpose
6419 palal paw-lal'
a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by
extension, to intercede, pray:--intreat, judge(-ment), (make)
pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
פָּלַל (pa.lal) — to pray.
1) to intervene, interpose, pray
1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge
1b)(Hithpael)
1b1) to intercede
1b2) to pray
Hc/Vtw1cp — Verb · Hithpael · sequential imperfect first person common pluralHc/Vtw1cp
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Art | N-mp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bp
The Hebrew word עָמַד (amad) means to stand and encompasses a variety of related actions such as remaining, enduring, and taking a stand. It can refer to both literal and figurative stances, including presenting oneself or being appointed. The word appears in various contexts, including standing still, ceasing movement, and even serving. There are different forms of the verb, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, each with specific nuances.
עָמַד 620 take one's stand, stand
Qal 435
take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
stand forth
take a stand against, in opposition to
present oneself before
attend upon, be(come) servant of
stand afar
stand (silent)
stand (appealingly)
stand, subj. רֶגֶל
stand, of water
stand still, stop, cease moving
= be inactive
= be attentive
stop, cease doing a thing
tarry, delay
remain
continue, abide
endure
be steadfast
persist
make a stand, hold one's ground
stand upright
arise, appear, come on the scene
stand forth, appear = come into being
rise up as foe
rare usages
Hiph.
83station, set
cause to stand firm
cause to stand up, set up, erect
present one before king
appoint
other meanings
Hoph. be presented
base
H5975 עָמַד take one's stand, stand .. . take one's stand, and (esp. pt.) stand, be in a standing attitude
. stand forth
. take a stand against, in opposition to
. present oneself before
. attend upon, be(come) servant of
. stand afar
. stand (silent)
. stand (appealingly)
. stand, subj. רֶגֶל
. stand, of water
. . stand still, stop, cease moving
. = be inactive
. = be attentive
. stop, cease doing a thing
. . tarry, delay
. remain
. continue, abide
. endure
. be steadfast
. persist
. make a stand, hold one's ground
. stand upright
. . arise, appear, come on the scene
. stand forth, appear = come into being
. rise up as foe
. rare usages
. . station, set
. cause to stand firm
. cause to stand up, set up, erect
. present one before king
. appoint
. other meanings
. be presented
5975 `amad aw-mad'
a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and
figurative, intransitive and transitive):--abide (behind),
appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed,
endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be)
present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth,
over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-)stand (by,
fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
עָמַד (a.mad) — to stand: stand.
: stand/stop/establish
1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of
1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease
1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast
1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground
1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright
1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against
1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to station, set
1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain
1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect
1b4) to present (one) before (king)
1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish
Hc/Vhw1cp — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect first person common pluralHc/Vhw1cp
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
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
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 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/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3mp
יוֹמָם (yowmam) refers to the concept of daytime or the period of light in a day. It functions both as a noun meaning 'daytime' and as an adverb meaning 'by day.' The word is derived from יוֹם (yom), which means 'day.'
יוֹמָם 51 subst. and adv. daytime, by day
base
H3119 יוֹמָם subst. and adv. daytime, by day
3119 yowmam yo-mawm'
from 3117; daily:--daily, (by, in the) day(-time).
see HEBREW for 03117
יוֹמָם (yo.mam) — by day.
adv
1) by day, in the daytime
subst
2) daytime
HD — AdverbHD
da (yom; hemera): This common word has caused some trouble to plain readers, because they have not noticed that the word is used in several different senses in the English Bible. When the different uses of the word are understood the difficulty of interpretation vanishes. We note several different uses of the word:
(1) It sometimes means the time from daylight till dark. This popular meaning is easily discovered by the context, e. g. Ge 1:5; 8:22, etc. The marked periods of this daytime were morning, noon and night, as with us. See Ps 55:17. The early hours were sometimes called "the cool of the day" (Ge 3:8). After the exile the day. or daytime was divided into twelve hours and the night into twelve (see
Day
The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Lev. 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps. 55:17). “The heat of the day” (1 Sam. 11:11; Neh. 7:3) was at our nine o’clock, and “the cool of the day” just before sunset (Gen. 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (Lam. 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Judg. 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex.…
The variable length of the natural day at different seasons led in the very earliest times to the adoption of the civil day (or one revolution of the sun) as a standard of time. The Hebrews reckoned the day from evening to evening, (Leviticus 23:32) deriving it from (Genesis 1:5) "the evening and the morning were the first day." The Jews are supposed, like the modern Arabs, to have adopted from an early period minute specifications of the parts of the natural day. Roughly, indeed, they were content to divide it into "morning, evening and noonday," (Psalms 55:17) but when they wished for greater accuracy they pointed to six unequal parts, each of which was again subdivided. These are held to have been -- "the dawn." "Sunrise."…
The day is distinguished into natural, civil, and artificial. The natural day is one revolution of the earth on its axis. The civil day is that, the beginning and the end of which are determined by the custom of any nation. The Hebrews began their day in the evening, Le 23:32; the Babylonians at sunrise; and we begin at midnight. The artificial day is the time of the sun’s continuance above the horizon, which is unequal according to different seasons, on account of the obliquity of the equator. The sacred writers generally divide the day into twelve hours. The sixth hour always ends at noon throughout the year; and the twelfth hour is the last hour before sunset. But in summer, all the hours of the day were longer than in winter, while those of night were shorter. See HOURS, and THREE.
לַ֫יְלָה (layil) means 'night' and is derived from a root that suggests a twist away from light. It encompasses the literal sense of night as opposed to day, as well as figurative uses related to gloom or adversity. The term appears in contexts like Isaiah 21:11.
לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל 242 n.m. night
base
H3915 לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל night
3915 layil lah'-yil
or (Isa. 21:11) leyl {lale}; also laylah {lah'- yel-aw}; from
the same as 3883; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e.
night; figuratively, adversity:--((mid-))night (season).
see HEBREW for 03883
לַ֫יְלָה (lay.lah) — night.
1) night
1a) night (as opposed to day)
1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
HC/Ncmsa — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
nit.
See DAY AND NIGHT for the natural usage and the various terms.
1. In the Old Testament:
Figurative uses: The word "night" (laylah or layil is sometimes used figuratively in the Old Testament. Thus, Moses compares the brevity of time, the lapse of a thousand years, to "a watch in the night" (Ps 90:4). Adversity is depicted by it in such places as Job 35:10; compare Isa 8:20; Jer 15:9. Disappointment and despair are apparently depicted by it in the "burden of Dumah" (Isa 21:11,12); and spiritual blindness, coming upon the false prophets (Mic 3:6); again sudden and…
[DAY]
The ancient Hebrews began their artificial day at evening, and ended it the next evening, so that the night proceeded the day. This usage may probably be traced to the terms employed in describing the creation, Ge 1:5,8,13, etc., "The evening and the morning were the first day." The Hebrews allowed twelve to the day; but these hours were not equal, except at the equinox. At other times, when the hours of the night were long, those of the day were short, as in winter; and when the hours of night were short, as at midsummer, the hours of the day were long in proportion. See HOURS.
The nights are sometimes extremely cold in Syria, when the days are very hot; and travelers in the deserts and among the mountains near Palestine refer to their own sufferings from these opposite extremes, in illustration of Jacob’s words in
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
HR/Ncmpc/Sp3mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp3mp