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Proverbs 24:21 — Word Study

Depth

WLCיְרָֽא־ אֶת־ יְהוָ֣ה בְּנִ֣י וָמֶ֑לֶךְ עִם־ שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים אַל־ תִּתְעָרָֽב׃

BSAMy sonbên [child, descendant] fearyârêʼ [revere, stand in awe of] the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] and the kingmelek [royal person, ruler] and do notʼal [let not be] associateʻârab [mix, pledge yourself] withʻim the rebelliousshânâh [those given to change, sedicious ones]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 24
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 21 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 (tit.'a.Rav) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 24:21quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse instructs a son to fear both the LORD and the king, warning against associating with rebels.
Who is speakingA father addressing his son, offering guidance on respect and caution.
Where we areThis verse is part of a collection of wise sayings in Proverbs, emphasizing moral behavior.
The hard wordיְרָֽא־
Take awayFear and respect for authority are essential for a wise life.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבֵּן 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 24:21

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 and Authoritygenerated

20For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
21My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
22For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?
23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

Proverbs 24:21 emphasizes the importance of fearing the LORD and the king, suggesting that a wise son should respect both divine and earthly authority. This instruction is framed within a broader discourse on the consequences of associating with the rebellious, highlighting the dangers of straying from wisdom. The surrounding verses reinforce the idea that the wicked face dire consequences, while the wise are encouraged to uphold moral standards.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Exodus 14:31When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.
21 Samuel 24:6So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.”
3Ecclesiastes 8:2–5Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God.
4Matthew 22:21“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
5Romans 13:1–7Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

The Key Word יְרָֽא־, ye.ra'-generated

The verb יָרֵא (yare') means to fear or revere, encompassing a range of meanings from respect to terror. In this context, it calls for a deep reverence for God and the king, indicating that such fear is integral to wise living.

This verb is in the imperative form, directed at the son, which emphasizes the urgency and importance of this command. The moral dimensions of fear are highlighted, suggesting that it is not merely about being afraid but about honoring authority.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree on the essential meaning of fearing the LORD and the king.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יְרָֽא־ governs the main clause, with two additional phrases following: the object of fear (the LORD and the king) and the prohibition against associating with the rebellious. This structure underscores the primary command and its implications.

The word order in Hebrew places emphasis on the imperative to fear, followed by the subjects of that fear, which clarifies the hierarchy of authority being established.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יְרָֽא־ as φοβοῦ (phobou), which carries a similar meaning of fear or reverence. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the importance of respect towards both God and rulers.

The use of φοβοῦ indicates a consistent theme of reverence found in the Greek translation, aligning with the Hebrew imperative.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 24:21 instructs a son to fear the LORD and the king, warning him not to associate with those who rebel against authority. This verse highlights the importance of respecting both divine and earthly powers for a wise life.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to fear the LORD?

To fear the LORD means to have a deep respect and reverence for God, acknowledging His power and authority.

Why should one also fear the king?

Fearing the king emphasizes respect for earthly authority, which is important for maintaining order and justice in society.

What are the consequences of associating with the rebellious?

Associating with the rebellious can lead to moral corruption and negative consequences, as they often stray from wise living.

How can this verse apply to modern life?

This verse encourages individuals to respect authority figures and avoid negative influences, promoting a life of wisdom and integrity.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I show respect for authority in my life?
  2. How can I better understand the concept of fearing the LORD?
  3. What are some examples of rebellious behavior that I should avoid?
  4. How can I encourage others to respect authority in a positive way?

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

Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, interpreting it as a call to respect both God and earthly rulers, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct.

John ChrysostomCOMMENTARY ON THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, FRAGMENT 24:21 c. 347–407
“Fear God, my son, and the king,” that is, fear Christ, the true God and king. Or by “king” [Solomon] means the one who, before ruling over others, rules himself.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 24 →
BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
Fear the Lord, my son, and the king. Rightly as he himself said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22).
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 24 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 24:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

My son, fear thou the Lord, and the king,.... First the Lord, and then the king; and such as fear the Lord are generally loyal to their king; the fear of God includes love to him, reverence of him,

Read John Gill on Proverbs 24 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: Fear thou Lord and the king - the Lord first, then the king, in so far as he is representative of God, and

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 24 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Fear thou the Lord and the king; honour and obey both God and the king, and all in authority. He puts God before the king, because God is to be served in the first place, and our obedience is to be giver, to kings only in subordination to God, and not in those things which are contrary to the will and command of God, as is manifest both from plain Scripture, as , and from the judgment and practice of wise and sober heathens. Meddle not with them, Heb. mix not thyself with them, either in their counsels and practices, or in familiar conversation, that are given to change; that love or use changes; that are unstable in their obedience to God or to the king, and are prone to rebellion against…

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 24 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:Ver. 21. My son, fear the Lord and the king.] "Who would not fear thee, O king of nations? for unto thee doth it appertain." God is the prime and proper object of fear. Whence, by an appellative proper, he is called "fear" by the Psalmist. The Greeks call him Yεος quasi Lεος, as some think, from the fear that is due to him. Princes also must be feared and honoured, as those that are invested with God’ s authority, and intrusted with the administration of his kingdom upon earth, by the exercise of vindictive and remunerative justice. And while they be just, ruling in the fear of God…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 24 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) Them that are given to change.—Perhaps rather, those who think differently.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 24 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 21. My son, fear thou the Lord and the king] Pay to each the homage due: to the LORD, Divine honour and adoration; to the king, civil respect, civil honour, and political obedience. Meddle not with them that are given to change] עם שונים אל תתערב im shonim al titharab: "And with the changelings mingle not thyself." The innovators; those who are always for making experiments on modes of government, forms of religion, &c. The most dangerous spirit that can infect the human mind.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 24 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

21. given to change] i.e. are of a revolutionary and subversive spirit, whether in religion or in politics.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 24 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Them that are given to change - Those that seek to set aside the worship of the true God, or the authority of the true king, who represents Him.

Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 24 →

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

My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king, and do not associate with rebels,

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; And company not with them that are given to change:

RVARevised Version, American1894

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

NWBWebster's Bible1833

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

GNVGeneva Bible1599

My sonne feare the Lord, and the King, and meddle not with them that are sedicious.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

My son, fear Jehovah and the king: meddle not with them that are given to change.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Fear Jehovah, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Fear YHWH, my son, and the king, || Do not mix yourself up with changers,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

My son, fear the Lord and the king: with those that are desirous to change do not mingle thyself;

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Fear Yahweh, and fear the king, my son; do not associate with those who rebel against them,

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

My son, fear the Lord and the king: and have nothing to do with detracters.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

My son, honor the Lord and the king, and don't join those who are rebellious,

BBEBible in Basic English1949

My son, go in fear of the Lord and the king: have nothing to do with those who are in high positions:

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.

clauseclausenoun phraseבְּנִ֣my.sonיmyclauseverbיְרָֽאfearnoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseיְהוָ֣הYahwehוָand.[the]מֶ֑לֶךְkingclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalעִםwithשׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים[those.who].changeadverbialאַלdo.notverbתִּתְעָרָֽבget.involved

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 align closely, with eight of the nine words matched. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the core message remains consistent across both texts.

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

יְרָֽא־ אֶת־ יְהוָ֣ה בְּנִ֣י וָמֶ֑לֶךְ עִם־ שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים אַל־ תִּתְעָרָֽב׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יְרָֽא־υἱέיְהוָ֣הφοβοῦבְּנִ֣יθεόνוָמֶ֑לֶךְβασιλέαעִם־καὶשׁ֝וֹנִ֗יםμηθετέρῳאַל־αὐτῶνתִּתְעָרָֽב׃ἀπειθήσῃς

8 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Proverbs 24:21יָרֵאfearfearיָרֵאאֵתthe object the object markאֵתיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהבֵּןO son myO son myבֵּןמֶ֫לֶךְand [the] kand [the] kingמֶ֫לֶךְעִםwithwithעִםשָׁנָה[those who][those who] chaשָׁנָהאַלmay notmay notאַלעָרַבyou get invyou get involveעָרַבאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתהָיָהto beto beהָיָהבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהמָלַךְto reignto reignמָלַךְעָמַםto darkento darkenעָמַםלֹאnotnotלֹאחָתַתto to be dto to be dismayחָתַתאַלnotnotאַלמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןנְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּרNebuchadneNebuchadnezzarנְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּראַשּׁוּרAsshurAsshurאַשּׁוּרשָׁכַבto lie dowto lie down: laשָׁכַבקָבַרto buryto buryקָבַרשִׁלֵּשׁto do threto do threeשִׁלֵּשׁ
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 24:21

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.

fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
יְרָֽא־ye.ra'- fear H3372 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Amplified meaning
revere, stand in awe of
Tyndale gloss
to fear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרֵא vb. fear

Qal

fear, be afraid

stand in awe of

fear, reverence, honour

Niph.

be fearful, dreadful

cause astonishment and awe

inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

Piel. make afraid, terrify

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid

. stand in awe of

. fear, reverence, honour

. . be fearful, dreadful

. cause astonishment and awe

. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

. make afraid, terrify

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3372 yare' yaw-ray'

a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to

frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)

fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,

terrible (act, -ness, thing).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.

: frightening(DANGER)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.

: awesome(god)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
HVqv2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fer (yir'ah, yare'; phobos, phobeo):

Terms, etc.:

"Fear" is the translation of many words in the Old Testament; the chief are: yir'ah, "fear," "terror," "reverence," "awe," most often "the fear of God," "fear of Yahweh" (Ge 20:11; 2Ch 19:9, etc.); also of "fear" generally (Job 22:4; Isa 7:25; Eze 30:13, etc.); yare', "to be afraid," "to fear," "to reverence" (Ge 15:1; Le 19:3,14; De 6:2, etc.); pachadh, "fear," "terror," "dread" (

fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
יְהוָ֣הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
בְּנִ֣יbe.Ni O son my H1121 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Amplified meaning
child, descendant
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
וָמֶ֑לֶךְva.Me.lekh and [the] king H4428 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
2,526× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Amplified meaning
royal person, ruler
Tyndale gloss
King's
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4428 melek meh'-lek

from 4427; a king:--king, royal.

see HEBREW for 04427

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.

1) king

Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)

הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.

'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;

father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";

§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;

father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.

Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)

מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.

King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

King

Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).

This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Called KING OF KINGS Ezr 7:12; Eze 26:7; Da 2:37

→ Divinely authorized De 17:15; 1Sa 9:16,17; 16:12; 1Ch 22:10; 2Ch 2:11,12; Pr 8:15; Da 2:21,37; 4:17; 5:20; Ho 8:4; 13:11

→ How chosen

By divine appointment, Saul 1Sa 10:1

fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
עִם־'i.mo.Sho- with H5973 Preposition
1,052× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Tyndale gloss
with
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עִם prep. with

of fellowship and companionship

of aid

Of actions done jointly with another

If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against

Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another

Of a common lot together with the wicked

Of equality or resemblance generally aid

Of time, as long as

Of a locality, close to, beside

Of persons, עִם is spec.

in the house or family or service of

In possession of

In the custody or care of

Beside = except

With = friendly with

Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

base

מֵעִם 72 from with or beside

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship

. Of a locality, close to, beside

. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of

. In possession of

. In the custody or care of

. Beside = except

. With = friendly with

. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5973 `im eem

from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction

with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;

often with prepositional prefix (and then usually

unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X

long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from

(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,

with(-al).

see HEBREW for 06004

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עִם (im) — with.

1) with

1a) with

1b) against

1c) toward

1d) as long as

מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.

1a) beside, except

1b) in spite of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗יםSho.Nim [those who] change H8138 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Amplified meaning
those given to change, sedicious ones
Tyndale gloss
to change
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁנָה (shanah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to change or to repeat. It encompasses a range of meanings including altering, duplicating, and disguising oneself. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, such as Qal (to change), Piel (to alter), and Hithpael (to disguise). Notably, it can refer to both literal and figurative changes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁנָה] vb. change

Qal I do not change

Pi. transit., change, alter

Pu. usu. is changed, mollified

Hithp. arise, pray, and disguise thyself.

base

שָׁנָה vb. repeat, do again

Qal do again

Niph. concerning the dream’s being repeated

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8138a שָׁנָה change H8138b שָׁנָה repeat, do again

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8138 shanah shaw-naw'

a primitive root; to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or

figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or

intransitive):--do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be

given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer,

repeat, return, do the second time.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁנָה (sha.nah) — to change.

1) change, alter

1a) (Qal) to change

1b) (Piel) to change, alter

1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified

1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself

שָׁנָה (sha.nah) — to repeat.

1) to repeat, do again

1a) (Qal) to do again

1b) (Niphal) to be repeated

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural
HVqrmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

chanj: A word which seeks to express the many shades of meaning contained in 13 variations of 9 Hebrew words and 5 Greek. These signify, in turn, "to change" "to exchange," "to turn," "to put or place," "to make other" i.e. "alter," "to disguise oneself." chalaph, and its derivatives, occuring often, indicates "to pass away," hence, alter, renew, e.g.:

(1) "changes of raiment" (Ge 45:22; Jud 14:12,13,19);

(2) "changed my wages ten times" (Ge 31:7,41);

(3) heavens changed "as a vesture" (Ps 102:26);

(4) "changes and warfare" (Job 10:17), i.e. relays of soldiers as illustrated in

fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
אַל־'al- may not H408 Particle
724× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Amplified meaning
let not be
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

408 'al al

a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified

negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,

nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing

(worth), rather than.

see HEBREW for 03808

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַל (al) — not.

1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)

1a) do not, let not (with a verb)

1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)

1c) not, no (with substantive)

1d) nothing (as substantive)

Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
fear the object marker Yahweh O son my and [the] king with [those who] change may not you get involved
תִּתְעָרָֽב׃tit.'a.Rav you get involved H6148 Verb · Hithpael · jussive second person masculine singular
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Amplified meaning
mix, pledge yourself
Tyndale gloss
to pledge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עָרַב (arab) is a primitive root that encompasses meanings related to pledging, exchanging, and engaging in trade. It can refer to taking on a pledge, giving a pledge, or exchanging items, as well as having fellowship or sharing. The entries indicate various usages, including going surety for someone or making a bargain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָרַב vb. take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange

Qal

c. acc. pers. take on pledge, i.e. go surety for

give in pledge

exchange (in trade)

Hithp.

recipr. exchange pledges (make a bargain) with my lord

have fellowship with

share in

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6148 עָרַב take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange .. c. acc. pers. take on pledge, i.e. go surety for

. give in pledge

. exchange (in trade)

. . recipr. exchange pledges (make a bargain) with my lord

. . have fellowship with

. share in

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6148 `arab aw-rab'

a primitive root; to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to

traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a

kind of exchange):--engage, (inter-)meddle (with), mingle

(self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in)

surety, undertake.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָרַב (a.rav) — to pledge.

1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for

1a2) to give in pledge

1a3) to exchange

1a4) to pledge

1b) (Hithpael)

1b1) to exchange pledges

1b2) to have fellowship with, share

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms — Verb · Hithpael · jussive second person masculine singular
HVtj2ms
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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