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Numbers 19:15 — Word Study

Depth

WLCוְכֹל֙ כְּלִ֣י פָת֔וּחַ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵין־ צָמִ֥יד פָּתִ֖יל עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֖א הֽוּא׃

BSAand anykôl openpâthach [exposed] containerkᵉlîy [vessel, utensil] withoutʼayin a lidtsâmîyd [cover, bracelet] fastenedpâthîyl [bound, tied] on itʻal [upon, above] is uncleanṭâmêʼ [considered, deemed, impure, defiled, spiritually polluted]

Word
Listen & take awayNumbers 19
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Hu') — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Numbers 19:15quick helps
In a sentenceAny open container without a lid is considered unclean.
What is unclean?An open vessel that lacks a cover is deemed impure.
Where we areThis verse is part of the laws regarding purity after death.
The hard wordטָמֵ֖א
Take awayThe absence of a lid renders a vessel spiritually polluted.
5 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Cambridge & more — read them › clause subjectהוּא verbפָּתַח The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Numbers 19:15

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 — Laws of Puritygenerated

14This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days,
15and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean.
16Anyone in the open field who touches someone who has been killed by the sword or has died of natural causes, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days.
17For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them.

Numbers 19:15 is part of a set of instructions regarding what is considered unclean, especially in relation to death and burial. The surrounding verses outline various situations that render individuals or objects impure, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity in the community.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Numbers 31:20And purify every garment and leather good, everything made of goat’s hair, and every article of wood.”
2Leviticus 11:32When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean.
3Leviticus 14:36The priest must order that the house be cleared before he enters it to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean. After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.Numbers 31:20 Leviticus 11:32 Leviticus 14:36

The Key Word טָמֵ֖א, ta.Me'generated

The word טָמֵא (tame') means 'unclean' and is derived from a root that conveys a sense of defilement or pollution, particularly in a religious context. It encompasses ethical, religious, and ritual impurity, affecting people, places, and things.

In this verse, it indicates that an open container is spiritually polluted, which is significant in the context of the laws of purity. The use of this term highlights the need for careful adherence to these laws to maintain communal holiness.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is טָמֵ֖א, is unclean, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a noun phrase identifying the subject, כְּלִ֣י (vessel), and a prepositional phrase that describes the condition of being open and lacking a cover.

The Hebrew word order emphasizes the condition of the vessel first, followed by the defining characteristics that lead to its impurity.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates טָמֵ֖א as ἀκάθαρτά (akatharta), which conveys a similar sense of being unclean or impure. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the term's significance in a ritual context.

The Greek word σκεῦος for כְּלִ֣י emphasizes the functional aspect of the vessel, aligning with the Hebrew meaning while also resonating with Greek audiences familiar with similar concepts.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Numbers 19:15 states that any open container without a lid is considered unclean. This means that if a vessel is exposed and lacks a cover, it is spiritually polluted according to the laws of purity.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean for a container to be unclean?

A container is deemed unclean if it is open and lacks a lid, indicating that it cannot be used for holy purposes until it is purified.

Why is the concept of cleanliness important in this context?

Cleanliness is crucial in the context of the laws given to the Israelites, as it affects their ability to participate in communal worship and rituals.

How does this verse relate to the laws of purity?

This verse outlines specific conditions under which objects become unclean, reinforcing the importance of maintaining purity in daily life and religious practices.

Are there other verses that discuss similar purity laws?

Yes, related purity laws can be found in Numbers 31:20 and Leviticus 11:32, which also address what makes objects or people unclean.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some ways I can ensure I maintain spiritual cleanliness in my life?
  2. How do the laws of purity in the Bible reflect God's desire for holiness among His people?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principles of cleanliness and purity in my daily interactions?
  4. How does understanding the concept of unclean vessels help me appreciate the significance of purity in my faith?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers reference this verse to discuss the importance of discipline and purity, illustrating how external factors can affect one's spiritual state.

Pacian of Barcelona c. 310–391
The cover of a vessel, or a seal, is the control of discipline. Discipline keeps a man from being overwhelmed, as if he were an unclean or polluted vessel that is rejected.
Early Church Fathers on Numbers 19 →
PateriusEXPOSITION OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT, Numbers 15 6th–7th c.
The cover of a vessel, or a seal, is the control of discipline. Discipline keeps a man from being overwhelmed, as if he were an unclean or polluted vessel that is rejected.
Early Church Fathers on Numbers 19 →

Commentators on this verse — 5 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Numbers 19:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

And every open vessel,.... An earthen one, as the Targum of Jonathan; and so Jarchi interprets it; and Maimonides (r) observes, that this is only to be understood of an earthen vessel: which hath no

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

He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. He that toucheth the dead body of any man. This law is noticed here to show the uses to which the water of separation was applied.

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

Every open vessel, because it receives the air of the tent, by which it is ceremonially polluted. Compare ,33.

Read Matthew Poole on Numbers 19 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14–22. A second use of the ‘water of impurity.’ Mere presence under the same roof as the dead, without actual contact, causes defilement.

Read Cambridge on Numbers 19 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

15. Every open vessel — The uncovered vessel is rendered unclean by the subtle effluvia of the corpse diffused in the air. Hence, according to the Hebrew, there must be for such vessel a cover bound by a string.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Numbers 19 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Every open vessel, which has no covering bound on it, is unclean.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean.

NETBNew English Translation2006

And every open container that has no covering fastened on it is unclean.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

And all the vessels that bee open, which haue no couering fastened vpon them, shall be vncleane.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, shall be unclean.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

and every open vessel which hath no covering of thread upon it is unclean.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

and every open vessel which has no covering of thread on it is unclean.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And every open vessel, on which there is not a closely fitting cover, is unclean.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Every open container with no cover becomes unclean.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The vessel that hath no cover, nor binding over it, shall be unclean.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Any open container there that doesn't have a closed lid is unclean.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And every open vessel without a cover fixed on it will be unclean.

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.

וְandclauseclausenoun phraseכֹל֙everynoun phrasenoun phraseכְּלִ֣יvesselפָת֔וּחַopenrelpאֲשֶׁ֛רwhichclausepredicateאֵיןthere.[is].notnoun phrase · subjectצָמִ֥ידa.coverפָּתִ֖ילa.cordprepositional phrase · prepositionalעָלָ֑יonוitclausepredicateטָמֵ֖א[is].uncleansubjectהֽוּאit

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text states, "וְכֹל֙ כְּלִ֣י פָת֔וּחַ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵין־ צָמִ֥יד פָּתִ֖יל עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֖א הֽוּא׃" which translates to, "and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all ten words correspond, though it presents them in a different order and structure. The Samaritan Pentateuch also agrees word for word with the Masoretic Text, confirming the same phrasing and meaning. Thus, both the Septuagint and the Samaritan Pentateuch support the Masoretic Text's rendering of this verse.

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

וְכֹל֙ כְּלִ֣י פָת֔וּחַ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵין־ צָמִ֥יד פָּתִ֖יל עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֖א הֽוּא׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְכֹל֙πᾶνכְּלִ֣יσκεῦοςפָת֔וּחַἀνεῳγμένονאֲשֶׁ֛רὅσαאֵין־οὐξὶצָמִ֥ידδεσμὸνפָּתִ֖ילκαταδέδεταιעָלָ֑יוαὐτῷטָמֵ֖אἀκάθαρτάהֽוּא׃ἐστιν

10 of the 10 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

וכל כלי פתוח אשׁר אין צמיד ופתיל עליו טמא הוא

Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.

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.

Numbers 19:15כֹּלand everyand everyכֹּלכְּלִיvesselvesselכְּלִיפָּתַחopenopenפָּתַחאֲשֶׁרwhichwhichאֲשֶׁראַ֫יִןthere notthere notאַ֫יִןצָמִיד[is] a cove[is] a cover ofצָמִידפָּתִילa corda cordפָּתִילעַלon iton itעַלטָמֵא[is] unclea[is] uncleanטָמֵאהוּאititהוּאכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלכָּלָהto end: fito end: finishכָּלָהצָמַדto jointo joinצָמַדפָּתַלto twistto twistפָּתַלטָמֵאto defileto defileטָמֵאאַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןעַלheightheightעַלעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהזָהָבgoldgoldזָהָבפִּתּוּחַengravingengravingפִּתּוּחַדָּלdoordoorדָּלצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהכְּמוֹlikelikeכְּמוֹנֶ֫זֶםringringנֶ֫זֶםיָדhandhandיָדתְּכֵ֫לֶתblueblueתְּכֵ֫לֶתטַבַּ֫עַתringringטַבַּ֫עַת
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Numbers 19:15

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.

and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
וְכֹל֙ve.Khol and every H3605 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/Ncmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
כְּלִ֣יke.Li vessel H3627 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
325× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Amplified meaning
vessel, utensil
Tyndale gloss
article/utensil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3627 kliy kel-ee'

from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an

implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour

((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,

instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that

which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,

vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.

see HEBREW for 03615

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.

1) article, vessel, implement, utensil

1a) article, object (general)

1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel

1b1) implement (of hunting or war)

1b2) implement (of music)

1b3) implement, tool (of labour)

1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)

1b5) utensils, furniture

1c) vessel, receptacle (general)

1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ves'-el: Is used freely in English Versions of the Bible to translate keli, the Aramaic ma'n, and skeuos, words all meaning "an implement or utensil" of any kind, when the context shows that a hollow utensil is meant. In 1Sa 21:5, however, the translation of the plural of keli by "vessels" is dubious. English Versions of the Bible evidently intended something in the nature of provision wallets, and the "holiness" of such objects finds partial parallels in Nu 19:15; Le 11:32-34, etc. But in 1Sa 21:8, in the immediate context of the verse above, keli certainly means "weapons," and this translation is quite intelligible in 21:5 also. For war among the Hebrews was a holy…

and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
פָת֔וּחַfa.Tu.ach open H6605 Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
144× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Amplified meaning
exposed
Tyndale gloss
to open
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּתַח (pathach) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to open' and can refer to various actions such as opening doors, loosening restraints, or engraving. It has different forms, including Qal (to open), Niphal (to be opened), and Piel (to engrave). The entries highlight its literal and figurative uses, but there is some overlap in meaning regarding its applications in opening and engraving.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּתַח vb. open

Qal open sack

Niph. be opened

Pi. be opened

free, i.e. ungird, camels

loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

open gates, doors

Hithp. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

base

[פָּתַח] vb. Pi. engrave

Pu. stones engraved with the engravings of a signet.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6605a פָּתַח open .open sack

. be opened

. be opened . free, i.e. ungird, camels

. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth

. open gates, doors

. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck

H6605b פָּתַח Pi. engrave

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6605 pathach paw-thakh'

a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively);

specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve:--appear, break

forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-)grave(-n), loose (self),

(be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to open.

1) to open

1a) (Qal) to open

1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to free

1c2) to loosen

1c3) to open, open oneself

1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself

Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to engrave.

1) to carve, engrave

1a) (Piel) to engrave

1b) (Pual) to be engraved

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singular
HVqsmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

o'-p'-n: In the Old Testament represents chiefly pathach, but also other words, as galah, "to uncover"; of the opening of the eyes in vision, etc. (thus Balaam, Nu 22:31; 24:4; compare Job 33:16; 36:10; Ps 119:18; Jer 32:11,14). In the New Testament the usual word is anoigo (of opening of mouth, eyes, heavens, doors, etc.). A peculiar word, trachelizomai (literally, to have the neck bent back, to be laid bare), is used for "laid open" before God in Heb 4:13.

and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
אֲשֶׁ֛ר'a.Sher which H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTr — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
אֵין־'ein- there not H369 Noun common · masculine singular construct
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
צָמִ֥ידtza.Mid [is] a cover of H6781 Noun common · masculine singular construct
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means a cover or lid, like a bracelet or arm-clasp, used to enclose or protect something. It can also refer to a covering for a vessel. The KJV translates it as bracelet or covering.
Amplified meaning
cover, bracelet
Tyndale gloss
bracelet
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צָמִיד (tsamiyd) refers to both a bracelet worn on the wrist and a cover for a vessel. It is derived from a root meaning to bind or clasp. The entries consistently highlight these two meanings, with a specific reference to its use as a cover in Numbers 19:15.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צָמִיד n.m. bracelet (bound on wrist)

base

צָמִיד n.[m.] cover, of vessel, Nu 19:15.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6781a צָמִיד bracelet (bound on wrist) H6781b צָמִיד cover, of vessel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6781 tsamiyd tsaw-meed'

or tsamid {tsaw-meed'}; from 6775; a bracelet or arm-clasp;

generally, a lid:--bracelet, covering.

see HEBREW for 06775

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צָמִיד (tsa.mid) — bracelet.

bracelet

צָמִיד (tsa.mid) — cover.

cover (of vessel)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
פָּתִ֖ילpa.Til a cord H6616 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a cord or thread, like something used for tying. It appears in Exodus 28:28, where it describes the threads used in priestly garments. It is a twisted thread or cord.
Amplified meaning
bound, tied
Tyndale gloss
cord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּתִיל (pathiyl) refers to a cord or thread that is twisted. It encompasses various forms such as lace, wire, and ribbon. The word is derived from a root that suggests twining, and it is used in contexts related to binding or tying.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּתִיל n.m. cord, thread (twisted)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6616 פָּתִיל cord, thread (twisted)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6616 pathiyl paw-theel'

from 6617; twine:--bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribband,

thread, wire.

see HEBREW for 06617

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּתִיל (pa.til) — cord.

cord, thread (twisted)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kord (chebhet, yether, methar, `abhoth; schoinion):

(1) The Arabic chab'l corresponds to the Hebrew chebhel and is still the common name for cord or rope throughout the East. Such ropes or cords are made of goat's or camel's hair, first spun into threads and then twisted or plaited into the larger and stronger form. Chebhel is translated rather inconsistently in the Revised Version (British and American) by "cord" (Jos 2:15; Job 36:8, etc.); by "line" (2Sa 8:2; Mic 2:5; Ps 16:6; 78:55; Am 7:17; Zec 2:1); by "ropes" (

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Cord

Frequently used in its proper sense, for fastening a tent (Ex. 35:18; 39:40), yoking animals to a cart (Isa. 5:18), binding prisoners (Judg. 15:13; Ps. 2:3; 129:4), and measuring ground (2 Sam. 8;2; Ps. 78:55). Figuratively, death is spoken of as the giving way of the tent-cord (Job 4:21. “Is not their tent-cord plucked up?” R.V.). To gird one’s self with a cord was a token of sorrow and humiliation. To stretch a line over a city meant to level it with the ground (Lam. 2:8). The “cords of sin” are the…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The materials of which cord was made varied according to the strength required; the strongest rope was probably made of strips of camel hide, as still used by the Bedouins. The finer sorts were made of flax, (Isaiah 19:9) and probably of reeds and rushes. In the New Testament the term is applied to the whip which our Saviour made, (John 2:15) and to the ropes of a ship. (Acts 27:32)

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Ancient uses of

In casting lots Mic 2:5

Fastening tents Ex 35:18; 39:40; Isa 54:2

Leading or binding animals Ps 118:27; Ho 11:4

Hitching to cart or plough Job 39:10

Binding prisoners Jud 15:13

Measuring ground 2Sa 8:2; Jos 17:14; Ps 78:55; Am 7:17; Zec…

and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
עָלָ֑יו'a.Lav on it H5921 Preposition · suffix
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Amplified meaning
upon, above
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

עַל, עָ֑ל

subst. height

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

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

of clothing, etc., which any one wears

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5921 `al al

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

see HEBREW for 05920

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַל (al) — upon.

prep

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

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

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

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

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

1e) over (of suspension or extension)

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

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

1h) to (as a dative)

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

conj

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
טָמֵ֖אta.Me' [is] unclean H2931 Adj
88× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Amplified meaning
considered, deemed, impure, defiled, spiritually polluted
Tyndale gloss
unclean
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טָמֵא (tame') means 'unclean' and is derived from a root that conveys a sense of defilement or pollution, particularly in a religious context. It covers ethical, religious, and ritual impurity, and can refer to both people and places.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טָמֵא adj. unclean

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2931 טָמֵא unclean

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2931 tame' taw-may'

from 2930; foul in a relig. sense:--defiled, + infamous,

polluted(-tion), unclean.

see HEBREW for 02930

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טָמֵא (ta.me) — unclean.

1) unclean, impure

1a) ethically and religiously

1b) ritually

1c) of places

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

See CLEAN.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ (Ceremonially speaking)

Creatures designated as such Le 11; De 14

→ See UNCLEANNESS

and every vessel open which there not [is] a cover of a cord on it [is] unclean it
הֽוּא׃Hu' it H1931 Pronoun
1,879× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Tyndale gloss
he/she/it
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הוּא (hu) is a third-person singular pronoun meaning he, she, or it, used for emphasis or when no verb is present. It can also refer to oneself or serve as a demonstrative pronoun. The word has various nuances, including resuming the subject with emphasis or expressing it unobtrusively. It can indicate 'that' or 'those' when used with the definite article.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הוּא m. הִיא f., pron. of the 3rd ps. sing. he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it

an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

It resumes the subj. with emph.

Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

As an emph. predicate, of God

In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1931 הוּא, הִיא he, she, used also (in both genders) for the neuter it . an emph. he (she, it, they), sometimes equivalent to himself (herself, itself, themselves), or (esp. with the art.) that (those)

. It resumes the subj. with emph.

. Where, however, the pron. follows the pred., its position gives it the minimum of emphasis, and it expresses (or resumes) the subject as unobtrusively as possible

. It anticipates (as it seems) the subject

. As an emph. predicate, of God

. In a neuter sense, that, it (of an action, occurrence, matte, etc.)

. With the art.: so regularly when joined to a subst. defined itself by the art.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1931 huw' hoo

of which the feminine (beyond the Pentateuch) is hiyw {he}; a

primitive word, the third person pronoun singular, he (she or

it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also

(intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same;

sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally

(instead of copula) as or are:--he, as for her, him(-self),

it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they,

this, those, which (is), who.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הוּא (hu) — he/she/it.

pron 3p s

1) he, she, it

1a) himself (with emphasis)

1b) resuming subj with emphasis

1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate)

1d) (anticipating subj)

1e) (emphasising predicate)

1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron

2) that (with article)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp3ms — Pronoun
HPp3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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