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Proverbs 23:28 — Word Study

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WLCאַף־ הִ֭יא כְּחֶ֣תֶף תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב וּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗ים בְּאָדָ֥ם תּוֹסִֽף׃

BSALike a robberchetheph [one who takes by force] shehûwʼ lies in waitʼârab [as for a prey, secretly] and multipliesyâçaph [increases, adds to] the faithlessbâgad [unfaithful, treacherous, acting deceitfully] among menʼâdâm [humanity, the people of Adam]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 23
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 28 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 (to.Sif) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 23:28quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse compares a treacherous woman to a robber who ambushes and increases the number of unfaithful people.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, warning against the dangers of infidelity.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger warning about the consequences of engaging with immoral women.
The hard wordתֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב
Take awayThe treacherous woman acts deceitfully, leading many to unfaithfulness.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbאָרַב The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 7 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

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 23:28

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 — Warnings Against Immoralitygenerated

27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
28Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.

Proverbs 23:28 warns about the dangers of a treacherous woman, likening her to a robber who lies in wait to ambush. This verse is part of a larger discourse that cautions against the seductive nature of immoral individuals, emphasizing the consequences of such relationships, as seen in surrounding verses like Proverbs 23:27 and Proverbs 23:29.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 2:16–19It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words
2Proverbs 7:12–22Now in the street, now in the squares, she lurks at every corner.
3Proverbs 9:18But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
4Proverbs 22:14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.
5Judges 16:4–22Some time later, Samson fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב, te.'e.Rogenerated

The verb תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב (te'ērov) is in the imperfect tense, indicating an ongoing action of lying in wait or ambushing. It describes a deliberate act of deception, often associated with hostility or treachery.

This word conveys a sense of danger, as it suggests a hidden threat that can catch someone off guard. The imagery of ambush is strong, highlighting the predatory nature of the treacherous woman.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב (te'ērov), she lies in wait, governs the structure of the verse. It is supported by a noun phrase הִ֭יא (hi') as the subject and a prepositional phrase בְּאָדָ֥ם (be'adam) indicating where the action takes place.

The Hebrew word order emphasizes the action of ambushing first, followed by the description of the subject and the context, creating a vivid image of the treacherous woman's behavior.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב as ἀπολεῖται (apoleitai), which means 'to be lost' or 'to perish.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the consequences of deceitful actions, suggesting that those who engage in treachery ultimately face ruin.

This rendering indicates a shift from the specific act of ambush to the final outcome of such behavior, emphasizing the destructive nature of treachery.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 23:28 compares a treacherous woman to a robber who lies in wait and increases the number of unfaithful people. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of engaging with immoral individuals, highlighting the potential consequences of such relationships.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that she lies in wait like a robber?

This phrase indicates that the treacherous woman is deceptive and predatory, seeking to ambush and ensnare those who are unsuspecting.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding verses?

The surrounding verses provide context for the warning against immorality, emphasizing the dangers of engaging with such individuals and the consequences of their actions.

What is the significance of the word 'multiplies'?

The word 'multiplies' suggests that the treacherous woman not only deceives individuals but also increases the number of unfaithful people, leading to a broader impact on society.

Why is the imagery of a robber used?

The imagery of a robber conveys the idea of stealth and danger, highlighting the treacherous woman's ability to deceive and harm others without warning.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I guard against being deceived by treachery in my own life?
  2. How can I be more aware of the influences around me that may lead me away from faithfulness?
  3. What steps can I take to strengthen my relationships and avoid the pitfalls described in this verse?
  4. How does understanding the nature of treachery help me in my interactions with others?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 23:28 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey,.... At the door of her house, in the corner of the streets, in the dark of the night; laying her snares, and spreading her nets, for unwary persons, to make a

Read John Gill on Proverbs 23 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 23 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Lieth in wait as for a prey; watching all opportunities of insnaring young men to their destruction. Increaseth the transgressors among men; she is the cause of innumerable sins against God, and against the marriage-bed, against the soul and body too, and by her wicked example and arts involveth many persons in the guilt of her sins.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 23 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 23:28 She also lieth in wait as [for] a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.Ver. 28. She also lieth in wait.] Terence calls harlots Cruces crumenimulgas, sordida poscinummia, &c., base beg pennies, pick purses, &c. See the notes upon Proverbs 7:1-27. &c And increaseth the transgressors among men.] Nothing hath ever so enriched hell as the whorish woman. See above.

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 23 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(28) Increaseth the transgressors (faithless) among men.—This vice being the fruitful source of faithlessness both towards man and God.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 23 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 28. Increaseth the transgressors among men.] More iniquity springs from this one source of evil, than from any other cause in the whole system of sin. Women and strong drink cause many millions to transgress.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 23 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

28. as for a prey] Better, with A.V. marg., R.V. text, as a robber. transgressors] Better, treacherous. Those whom she seduces become in their turn seducers and untrustworthy in similar relations. The Evils of Drunkenness, Proverbs 23:29-35.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 23 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

27, 28. A strange woman — A lewd woman. Proverbs 23:27 very forcibly represents the helpless and all but inextricable condition of him who falls a prey to the wiles of a bad woman. As for a prey — Like a robber.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 23 →

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

Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Indeed, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber, And increaseth the treacherous among men.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Yea, she lieth in wait as a robber, and increaseth the treacherous among men.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Also she lyeth in wait as for a praye, and she increaseth the transgressers among men.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

She also lieth in wait as a robber, and increaseth the treacherous among men.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

She also, as catching prey, lieth in wait, And the treacherous among men she increaseth.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

She also, as catching prey, lies in wait, || And she increases the treacherous among men.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

She also lieth in wait like a robber, and she increaseth the treacherous among men.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

She lies in wait like a robber and she increases the number of the treacherous among humanity.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

She lieth in wait in the way as a robber, and him whom she shall see unwary, she will kill.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Like a robber, she lies in wait ready to ambush men and make more of them unfaithful to their wives.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Yes, she is waiting secretly like a beast for its food, and deceit by her is increased among men.

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.

clausenoun phrase · subjectאַףalsoהִ֭יאsheprepositional phrase · prepositionalכְּlikeחֶ֣תֶףa.robberverbתֶּֽאֱרֹ֑בshe.lies.in.waitוּ֝andclauseobjectבוֹגְדִ֗ים[those.who].act.treacherouslyprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּamongאָדָ֥םhumankindverbתּוֹסִֽףshe.increases

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 content, although the Septuagint's word order and articles differ. Both texts convey the same warning about the treacherous woman's deceitful nature and its impact on humanity.

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

אַף־ הִ֭יא כְּחֶ֣תֶף תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑ב וּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗ים בְּאָדָ֥ם תּוֹסִֽף׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הִ֭יאοὗτοςכְּחֶ֣תֶףσυντόμωςתֶּֽאֱרֹ֑בἀπολεῖταιוּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗יםκαὶתּוֹסִֽף׃ἀναλωθήσεται

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 23:28אַףalsoalsoאַףהוּאshesheהוּאחֶ֫תֶףlike a robblike a robberחֶ֫תֶףאָרַבshe lies inshe lies in waiאָרַבבָּגַדand treacheand treacherousבָּגַדאָדָםamong humanamong humankindאָדָםיָסַףshe increasshe increasesיָסַףחָתַףto seizeto seizeחָתַףאָדֹםto reddento reddenאָדֹםבַּלnotnotבַּלטָמֵאuncleanuncleanטָמֵאעֵתtimetimeעֵתמִסְתָּרhidinghidingמִסְתָּרצָפַןto treasurto treasureצָפַןרָזִיwastingwastingרָזִידְּמוּתlikenesslikenessדְּמוּתבְּהֵמָהanimalanimalבְּהֵמָהחֲמִישִׁיfifthfifthחֲמִישִׁיעֹלyokeyokeעֹל
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 23:28

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 she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
אַף־'af- also H637 Particle
134× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Tyndale gloss
also
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַף (aph) is a conjunction that indicates addition, often implying something greater. It can mean 'also,' 'yea,' or 'though,' and is used to connect ideas in a sentence. The entries highlight its use as both an adverb and conjunction, with a focus on its additive nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H637 אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

637 'aph af

a primitive particle; meaning accession (used as an adverb or

conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though:--also, +

although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, + how much less

(more, rather than), moreover, with, yea.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַף (aph) — also.

conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater)

1) also, yea, though, so much the more

adv

2) furthermore, indeed

Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTj — Particle
HTj
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 she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
הִ֭יאhi' she 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
Pron — Pronoun
HPp3fs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
also she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
כְּחֶ֣תֶףke.Che.tef like a robber H2863 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A robber or prey describes someone who takes things by force, often referring to a robber or someone who seizes property or goods from others.
Amplified meaning
one who takes by force
Tyndale gloss
robber
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶ֫תֶף (chetheph) refers to 'prey' or 'robber.' It is derived from a root meaning 'rapine' or 'robbery.' The term appears only in Proverbs 23:28, where it signifies the act of taking advantage of others.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫תֶף n.[m.] prey—only Pr 23:28

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2863 חֶ֫תֶף

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2863 chetheph kheh'-thef

from 2862; properly, rapine; figuratively, robbery:--prey.

see HEBREW for 02862

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫תֶף (che.teph) — robber.

1) prey

2) (CLBL) robber

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
also she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
תֶּֽאֱרֹ֑בte.'e.Ro she lies in wait H693 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
41× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to lie in wait or ambush someone, often used to describe a surprise attack. It is used in the Bible to talk about people who are hiding and waiting to attack. The word can also mean to lay a trap for someone.
Amplified meaning
as for a prey, secretly
Tyndale gloss
to ambush
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָרַב (arab) is a primitive root meaning to lie in wait or ambush. It covers actions like lurking or setting an ambush, with forms in Qal, Piel, and Hiphil that indicate different nuances of waiting or attacking. The entries consistently emphasize its hostile connotation.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָרַב vb. lie in wait

Qal lie in wait (with hostile purpose)

Pi. Pt. pl. liers-in-wait

Hiph. Impf. but txt. dub.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H693 אָרַב lie in wait

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

693 'arab aw-rab'

a primitive root; to lurk:--(lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie

in) wait.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָרַב (a.rav) — to ambush.

1) to lie in wait, ambush, lurk

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lie in wait

1a2) ambush (participle as subst)

1b) (Piel) ambushers, liers-in-wait (pl. participle)

1c) (Hiphil) to lay an ambush

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVqi3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wat:

1. The Substantive:

The word is used in the Old Testament both as a substantive add as a verb. In the New Testament it appears as a verb only. 'erebh, ma'arabh, mean a concealed hiding-place for purposes of sudden attack, an ambuscade.

(1) "Lie in wait": "Abimelech rose up .... from lying in wait" (Jud 9:35 the King James Version); "When they .... abide in the covert to lie in wait" (Job 38:40).

(2) "Lay wait": "They compassed him in, and laid wait for him" (Jud 16:2).

2. The Verb:

(1) sharath, "to serve," "to minister," to act in the capacity of servant or attendant: "These waited on the king" (2Ch 17:19). Used especially in this sense with regard to the ceremonial service…

also she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
וּ֝בוֹגְדִ֗יםu.Vog.Dim and treacherous [people] H898 Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Amplified meaning
unfaithful, treacherous, acting deceitfully
Tyndale gloss
to act treacherously
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּגַד (bagad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to act treacherously or deceitfully. It is derived from a root that suggests covering or acting covertly, and it encompasses actions such as offending or being unfaithful. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting themes of betrayal and unfaithfulness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּגַד] vb. act or deal treacherously

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H898 בָּגַד act or deal treacherously

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

898 bagad baw-gad'

a primitive root; to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to

act covertly; by implication, to pillage:--deal deceitfully

(treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or),

(depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly,

man), X very.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּגַד (ba.gad) — to act treacherously.

1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously

1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal — Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural
HC/Vqrmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

also she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
בְּאָדָ֥םbe.'a.Dam among humankind H120 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
551× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Amplified meaning
humanity, the people of Adam
Tyndale gloss
the man (Adam)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind

a man = human being

coll. man, mankind

n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)

n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being

. coll. man, mankind

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

120 'adam aw-dawm'

from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the

species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common

sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

see HEBREW for 0119

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָדָם (a.dam) — man.

1) man, mankind

1a) man, human being

1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)

1c) Adam, first man

1d) city in Jordan valley

אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).

The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;

married to Eve (H2332);

father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;

Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)

man, human being

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
also she like a robber she lies in wait and treacherous [people] among humankind she increases
תּוֹסִֽף׃to.Sif she increases H3254 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person feminine singular
212× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Amplified meaning
increases, adds to
Tyndale gloss
to add
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָסַף (yacaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to add or increase. It can denote actions like joining oneself to something or continuing to do a task. The entries indicate its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, with nuances of doing something again or augmenting an amount.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָסַף 214 vb. add

Qal add

Niph.

join (intr.), join oneself to

be joined, added to

Hiph.

add

sq. inf. add to do = do again or more

sq. Impf.

sq. Impf. asynd.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3254 יָסַף add . add

. . join (intr.), join oneself to

. be joined, added to

. . add

. . sq. inf. add to do = do again or more

. sq. Impf.

. sq. Impf. asynd.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3254 yacaph yaw-saf'

a primitive root; to add or augment (often adverbial, to

continue to do a thing):--add, X again, X any more, X cease, X

come more, + conceive again, continue, exceed, X further, X

gather together, get more, give more-over, X henceforth,

increase (more and more), join, X longer (bring, do, make,

much, put), X (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed

(further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, X yet, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָסַף (ya.saph) — to add: again.

: again/continue/more[instances]

1) to add, increase, do again

1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to join, join oneself to

1b2) to be joined, be added to

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to add, increase

1c2) to do more, do again

יָסַף (ya.saph) — to add.

: add/more[amount]

1) to add, increase, do again

1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to join, join oneself to

1b2) to be joined, be added to

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to cause to add, increase

1c2) to do more, do again

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVhi3fs
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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