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Proverbs 18:9 — Word Study

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WLCגַּ֭ם מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ אָ֥ח ה֝֗וּא לְבַ֣עַל מַשְׁחִֽית׃

BSAWhoevergam is slothfulrâphâh [extremely, exceedingly, slack, lazy, remiss] in his workmᵉlâʼkâh [occupation, employment, labor] is brotherʼâch [close relative, friend, companion] to himbaʻal

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 18
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 9 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 (mash.Chit) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 18:9quick helps
In a sentenceA lazy worker is akin to a destroyer.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, providing wisdom on diligence and consequences.
Where we areA proverb contrasting the slothful with the destructive.
The hard wordמִתְרַפֶּ֣ה
Take awayLaziness in work leads to ruin.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectהוּא verbרָפָה 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 — Proverbs 18:9

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 — Wisdom on Work and Diligencegenerated

8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

Proverbs 18:9 presents a stark warning about the consequences of laziness in one's work. The verse emphasizes that being slothful is not just a personal failing but aligns one with those who cause destruction. This theme resonates throughout the book of Proverbs, where diligence is consistently praised and laziness condemned, as seen in Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 24:30-34.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 10:4Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
2Proverbs 23:20–21Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
3Proverbs 24:30–34I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
4Matthew 25:26‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.
5Romans 12:11Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה, mit.ra.Pehgenerated

The word מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה (mitra.Peh) is a Hithpael participle, indicating an active state of being idle or slack. It conveys a sense of relaxation or letting go, suggesting a failure to engage in necessary work.

This term captures the essence of someone who is not just lazy but actively shows idleness in their responsibilities, aligning them closely with destructive behavior.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree on the core message of the verse.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse is structured around a finite verb, מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה, is slothful, which governs the subject and predicate. The subject is implied as 'whoever', and the predicate describes the relationship to destruction.

The syntax highlights the contrast between the slothful worker and the one who destroys, illustrating the consequences of negligence.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה is rendered with a form that conveys a similar meaning of idleness. This choice indicates a consistent understanding of the relationship between laziness and destruction.

The Greek translation maintains the essence of the Hebrew, reinforcing the idea that slothfulness leads to ruin.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 18:9 warns that being lazy in work makes one similar to a destroyer. This verse teaches the importance of diligence and the negative outcomes of neglecting responsibilities.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to be slothful in work?

Being slothful means showing idleness or lack of effort in one's responsibilities, which can lead to negative consequences.

How does laziness relate to destruction?

Laziness can result in neglecting important tasks, which may lead to ruin or failure in various aspects of life.

What can we learn from this proverb?

This proverb teaches the value of hard work and the dangers of being complacent or negligent in our duties.

Are there other verses that discuss laziness?

Yes, verses like Proverbs 10:4 and Proverbs 24:30-34 also address the consequences of laziness.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life am I being slothful, and how can I address that?
  2. How can I encourage others to be diligent in their work?
  3. What are some practical steps I can take to avoid laziness?
  4. How does this proverb challenge my understanding of work and responsibility?

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

Bede comments on this verse, noting that laziness in work reflects the actions of a destroyer, emphasizing the importance of diligence.

BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
He who is lazy and slack in his work, etc. Because he who does not strictly follow through with good beginnings imitates the hand of a destroyer through the laziness of negligence.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 18 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 18:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

He also that is slothful in his work,.... Remiss in it; hangs down his hands, and does not care to make use of them, but neglects his business: is brother to him that is a great waster: a prodigal

Read John Gill on Proverbs 18 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 18 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

They are alike; though they take several paths, yet both come to one end, even to extreme want and poverty.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 18 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.Ver. 9. He also that is slothful in his work.] As he must needs be that goes peddling about with tales, and buzzing evil reports into the ears of those that will hear them. See 1 Timothy 5:3, with the note there. Lata negligentia dolus est, saith the civilian. Is brother to him that is a great waster.] Est frater Domini disperditionis, will as certainly come to poverty as the greatest waster of good. A man dies no less surely, though not so suddenly, of a consumption than of an apoplexy.

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 18 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) He also that is slothful in his work.—Whatsoever it may be that is committed to his care, is “brother to him that is a great waster,” or “destroyer “; neglect of duty causes almost as much mischief in life as active wickedness.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 18 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 9. He also that is slothful] A slothful man neglects his work, and the materials go to ruin: the waster, he destroys the materials. They are both destroyers.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 18 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

9. a great waster] Lit. a master of laying waste, or destroying; a destroyer, R.V. Comp. for a similar sentiment, “He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad,” Matthew 12:30.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 18 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

9. He… is brother — Both courses lead to the same end, poverty; the one does not make what he ought, and the other destroys what is made. Great waster — Literally, master of destruction; destroyer. Comp. Proverbs 28:24.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 18 →

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

Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

RVARevised Version, American1894

He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he [is] to a destroyer.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

He also that is remiss in his work, || He [is] a brother to a destroyer.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Also, one who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys the most.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Laziness and destruction are brothers.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.

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.

clauseclauseגַּ֭םalsoclauseverbמִתְרַפֶּ֣ה[one.who].shows.himself.idleprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִinnoun phraseמְלַאכְתּ֑workוֹhisclausepredicateאָ֥ח[is].a.brothersubjectה֝֗וּאheprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtonoun phraseבַ֣עַלa.masterמַשְׁחִֽיתof.destruction

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 largely agree in their wording, with five of the seven words matched. The Septuagint's phrasing reflects the same concepts, though its word order differs.

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

גַּ֭ם מִתְרַפֶּ֣ה בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹ אָ֥ח ה֝֗וּא לְבַ֣עַל מַשְׁחִֽית׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹαὐτοῦאָ֥חἀδελφόςה֝֗וּאἐστινלְבַ֣עַלλυμαινομένουמַשְׁחִֽית׃ἑαυτόν

5 of the 7 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.

Proverbs 18:9גַּםalsoalsoגַּםרָפָה[one who] s[one who] showsרָפָהמְלָאכָהin work hisin work hisמְלָאכָהאָח[is] a brot[is] a brotherאָחהוּאheheהוּאבַּעַלof a masterof a master ofבַּעַלמַשְׁחִיתdestructiondestructionמַשְׁחִיתבָּעַלrule: to mrule: to marryבָּעַלשָׁחַתto ruinto ruinשָׁחַתרָפָאto healto healרָפָאמַלְאָךְmessengermessengerמַלְאָךְאָבfatherfatherאָבתְּמוֹלyesterdayyesterdayתְּמוֹלשִׁלְשֹׁםthree daysthree days agoשִׁלְשֹׁםעָזַבForsakenForsakenעָזַבחָזַקto strengtto strengthen: חָזַקעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהשָׁבַתto ceaseto ceaseשָׁבַתעֵשָׂו(Mount) Es(Mount) EsauעֵשָׂויוֹסֵףJosephJosephיוֹסֵףטָמֵאuncleanuncleanטָמֵאעֵתtimetimeעֵתמִלּוֹאמִלּוֹאשְׁכֶםShechemShechemשְׁכֶםהַרmountain: mountain: mountהַר
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 Proverbs 18:9

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.

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
גַּ֭םgam also H1571 Adverb
769× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גַּם (gam) is an adverb meaning 'also' or 'moreover,' indicating addition or emphasis. It can express various nuances, such as 'even,' 'indeed,' or 'but.' The term is often used in a correlational manner, as in 'both...and.' It appears in contexts that require clarification or reinforcement of a statement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

גַּם 768 adv. denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1571 גַּם denoting addition, also, moreover, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1571 gam gam

by contraction from an unused root meaning to gather;

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea,

though; often repeated as correl. both...and:--again, alike,

also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and , but, either...or,

even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover,

nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גַּם (gam) — also.

1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea

1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis)

1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative)

1c) even (for stress)

1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax)

1e) also (of correspondence or retribution)

1f) but, yet, though (adversative)

1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)

2) (TWOT) again, alike

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
DirObjM — Adverb
HD
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ol'-so: In the Greek kai, when it is equivalent to "also" or "even," is always placed before the word or phrase which it is intended to emphasize (e.g. Ac 12:3; 1 Joh 4:21). Mt 6:14 should therefore read, "Your heavenly Father will forgive you also"; Lu 6:13, "Whom also he named apostles"; Heb 8:6, "The mediator of a better covenant also"; and 1Th 4:14, `If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also (we believe that) those who are fallen asleep in Jesus, God will bring with Him.'

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
מִתְרַפֶּ֣הmit.ra.Peh [one who] shows himself idle H7503 Verb · Hithpael · participle (active) masculine singular
46× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Amplified meaning
extremely, exceedingly, slack, lazy, remiss
Tyndale gloss
to slacken
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָפָה (raphah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to slacken or relax. It encompasses a range of actions including sinking down, abating, and withdrawing. The word can be used in various forms, such as causing something to drop or refraining from action. It appears in different contexts, indicating both literal and figurative meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָפָה vb. sink, relax

Qal

sink down

sink, drop

sink, relax, abate

relax, withdraw

Niph. idle

Pi. causat.: let wings drop

Hiph. causat.

let drop

let go

refrain

Hithp. hast shewn thyself slack

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7503 רָפָה sink, relax .. sink down

. sink, drop

. sink, relax, abate

. relax, withdraw

. idle

. causat.: let wings drop

. causat. . let drop

. let go

. refrain

. hast shewn thyself slack

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7503 raphah raw-faw'

a primitive root; to slacken (in many applications, literal

or figurative):--abate, cease, consume, draw (toward

evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle,

leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be

slothful, (be) weak(-en). See 7495.

see HEBREW for 07495

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָפָה (ra.phah) — to slacken.

1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to sink down

1a2) to sink, drop

1a3) to sink, relax, abate

1a4) to relax, withdraw

1b) (Niphal) idle (participle)

1c) (Piel) to let drop

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake

1d2) to let go

1d3) to refrain, let alone

1d4) to be quiet

1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hithpael — Verb · Hithpael · participle (active) masculine singular
HVtrmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In Mt 12:36, means empty and fruitless. The "idle word" which Christ condemns, is a word morally useless and evil.

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
בִמְלַאכְתּ֑וֹvim.lakh.To in work his H4399 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
167× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Amplified meaning
occupation, employment, labor
Tyndale gloss
work
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְלָאכָה (mla'kah) refers to work or occupation, encompassing various aspects such as business, craftsmanship, and service. It can denote both the act of working and the products resulting from labor. The term also extends to public and political business. There is a slight variation in emphasis among lexicons, with some highlighting its non-servile nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְלָאכָה 167 n.f. occupation, work

occupation, business

property in which one is occupied

work as something done or made

workmanship

service, use

public business

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4399 מְלָאכָה occupation, work . occupation, business

. property in which one is occupied

. work as something done or made

. workmanship

. service, use

. public business

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4399 mla'kah mel-aw-kaw'

from the same as 4397; properly, deputyship, i.e. ministry;

generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or

concretely); also property (as the result of

labor):--business, + cattle, + industrious, occupation,

(+ -pied), + officer, thing (made), use, (manner of)

work((-man), -manship).

see HEBREW for 04397

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְלָאכָה (me.la.khah) — work.

1) occupation, work, business

1a) occupation, business

1b) property

1c) work (something done or made)

1d) workmanship

1e) service, use

1f) public business

1f1) political

1f2) religious

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
אָ֥ח'ach [is] a brother H251 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
630× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Amplified meaning
close relative, friend, companion
Tyndale gloss
brother: male-sibling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָח 630 n.m. brother

brother, born of same mother (& father)

indef. = relative

fig. of resemblance

in phr. one … another

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H251 אָח brother

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

251 'ach awkh

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

literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance

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

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

see HEBREW for 01

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָח (ach) — brother: male-sibling.

: male-sibling

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: male-relative.

: male-relative

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

אָח (ach) — brother: compatriot.

: compatriot

1) brother

1a) brother of same parents

1b) half-brother (same father)

1c) relative, kinship, same tribe

1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship)

1e) (fig.) of resemblance

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

bruth'-er ('ach; adelphos = kin by birth, from the same parents or parent): Used extensively in both Old Testament and New Testament of other relations and relationships, and expanding under Christ's teaching to include the universal brotherhood of man. Chiefly employed in the natural sense, as of Cain and Abel (Ge 4:8); of Joseph and his brethren (Ge 42:3); of Peter and Andrew, of James and John (Mt 10:2). Of other relationships:

(1) Abram's nephew, Lot, is termed "brother" (Ge 14:14);

(2) Moses' fellow-countrymen are "brethren" (Ex 2:11; Ac 3:22; compare

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Brother

(1.) In the natural and common sense (Matt. 1:2; Luke 3:1, 19).

(2.) A near relation, a cousin (Gen. 13:8; 14:16; Matt. 12:46; John 7:3; Acts 1:14; Gal. 1:19).

(3.) Simply a fellow-countryman (Matt. 5:47; Acts 3:22; Heb. 7:5).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The Hebrew word is used in various senses in the Old Testament, as, Any kinsman, and not a mere brother; e.g. nephew, (Genesis 13:8; 14:16) husband, (Solomon 4:9) One of the same tribe. (2 Samuel 19:13) Of the same people, (Exodus 2:11) or even of a cognate people. (Numbers 20:14) An ally. (Amos 1:9) Any friend, (Job 5:15) One of the same office. (1 Kings 9:13) A fellow man. (Leviticus 19:17) Metaphorically of any similarity, as in (

Signifies in Scripture the son of the same parent or parents, Mt 1:2 Lu 6:14; a cousin or near kinsman, Ge 13:8 14:16 Joh 7:3 Ac 1:14; one of the same stock or country, Mt 5:47 Ac 3:22 Heb 7:5; a fellow-man, and equal, Mt 5:23 7:3; one beloved, 2Sa 1:26; Christians, as sons of God, Ac 9:30 11:29. In

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
ה֝֗וּאHu' he 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
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
לְבַ֣עַלle.Va.'al of a master of H1167 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
84× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Tyndale gloss
master
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּעַל (ba`al) means owner or lord, and can refer to a husband, citizens, or rulers. It is derived from a root meaning 'to own' and is used in various contexts, including relationships and leadership. The term also appears as a divine name, Baal, in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּעַל 166 n.m. owner, lord

owner

husband

citizens, inhabitants

rulers, lords

n. of relation

Esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1167 בַּעַל owner, lord . owner

. husband

. citizens, inhabitants

. rulers, lords

. n. of relation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1167 ba`al bah'-al

from 1166; a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively)

owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this

latter sense):--+ archer, + babbler, + bird, captain, chief

man, + confederate, + have to do, + dreamer, those to whom it

is due, + furious, those that are given to it, great, + hairy,

he that hath it, have, + horseman, husband, lord, man, +

married, master, person, + sworn, they of.

see HEBREW for 01166

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master.

: master/leader

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: husband.

: husband/groom

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: men.

: men/comrades

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: owning.

: owning/having

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: [master of].

: [master_of](DESCRIPTOR)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
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…

also [one who] shows himself idle in work his [is] a brother he of a master of destruction
מַשְׁחִֽית׃mash.Chit destruction H4889 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means destruction or ruin, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. It can also refer to corruption or a trap, emphasizing the negative consequences of sin.
Tyndale gloss
destruction
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַשְׁחִית (mashchiyth) refers to ruin or destruction. It is derived from the root meaning to destroy and can denote both literal destruction and figurative corruption. The entries consistently emphasize its association with destructive outcomes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַשְׁחִית n.[m.] ruin, destruction

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4889 מַשְׁחִית ruin, destruction

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4889 mashchiyth mash-kheeth'

from 7843; destructive, i.e. (as noun) destruction, literally

(specifically a snare) or figuratively

(corruption):--corruption, (to) destroy(-ing), destruction,

trap, X utterly.

see HEBREW for 07843

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַשְׁחִית (mash.chit) — destruction.

ruin, destruction

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

de-struk'-shun: In the King James Version this word translates over 30 Hebrew words in the Old Testament, and 4 words in the New Testament. Of these the most interesting, as having a technical sense, is 'abhaddon (from verb 'abhadh, "to be lost," "to perish"). It is found 6 times in the Wisdom Literature, and nowhere else in the Old Testament; compare Re 9:11. See ABADDON.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Destruction

In Job 26:6, 28:22 (Heb. abaddon) is sheol, the realm of the dead.

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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