Psalms 40:7 — Word Study
WLCאָ֣ז אָ֭מַרְתִּי הִנֵּה־ בָ֑אתִי בִּמְגִלַּת־ סֵ֝֗פֶר כָּת֥וּב עָלָֽי׃
BSAsacrificezebach offeringminchâh notlôʼ to delight inchâphêts earʼôzen to digkârâh burnt offeringʻôlâh sinchăṭâʼâh notlôʼ to askshâʼal
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֣ז | then | Adverb |
| אָ֭מַרְתִּי | I said | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| הִנֵּה־ | here! | Particle |
| בָ֑אתִי | I have come | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| בִּמְגִלַּת־ | in [the] scroll of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| סֵ֝֗פֶר | [the] book | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| כָּת֥וּב | [it is] written | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine singular |
| עָלָֽי׃ | on me | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll: |
| KJV | Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, |
| ASV | Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me: |
| YLT | Then said I, 'Lo, I have come,' In the roll of the book it is written of me, |
| WEB | Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll. |
| BBE | Then I said, See, I come; it is recorded of me in the roll of the book, |
Where they part company is in the interpretation of כָּת֥וּב — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around the speaker's declaration, with additional phrases providing context about the scroll and the writing.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbוְ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 40:7
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 — A Reflection on True Worshipgenerated
Psalms 40:7 is a declaration of the speaker's commitment to fulfill God's will as outlined in the sacred writings. This verse emphasizes that God desires obedience rather than mere ritual sacrifices, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of worship in the context of the psalm. The surrounding verses highlight the contrast between traditional offerings and the heartfelt desire to follow God's commands, as seen in Psalms 40:6 and Psalms 40:8.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:7–9 | Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” |
| 2 | Genesis 3:15 | And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. ” |
| 3 | Luke 24:27–44 | And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. |
| 4 | John 5:39 | You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, |
| 5 | Acts 10:43 | All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — כָּת֥וּב, ka.Tuvgenerated
The word כָּתַב (katav) means 'to write' and is used to indicate that something has been inscribed or recorded. It is a Qal participle in the passive form, suggesting that the writing is not just an act but a state of being recorded.
In this context, it conveys that the speaker's life and purpose are documented in the scroll, emphasizing the significance of the written word in relation to divine will.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the meaning of כָּת֥וּב, using terms like written or it is written to convey the same idea.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around a series of clauses, with the main action being the speaker's declaration of their commitment, introduced by אָמַרְתִּי (amar-ti, 'I said'). This is followed by a participial phrase indicating the speaker's presence and purpose.
The syntax emphasizes the speaker's readiness and the importance of the written word, with the prepositional phrases detailing the context of this commitment.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates כָּת֥וּב as κατηρτίσω, which means 'to arrange' or 'to prepare.' This choice suggests a broader interpretation of the writing as not only a record but also a preparation for the fulfillment of God's will.
This indicates a nuanced understanding of the text, where the act of writing is seen as part of a divine plan rather than merely a historical record.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 40:7 shows the speaker saying they are ready to fulfill God's will as it is written in the scroll. This highlights the importance of obeying God's commands rather than just performing sacrifices. The surrounding verses emphasize a heartfelt desire to follow God's ways.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that the speaker's life and mission are documented in sacred texts, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's will.
The scroll represents the written word of God, which contains His laws and instructions for living.
It contrasts the ritual of sacrifices with the necessity of obedience, suggesting that true worship involves following God's commands.
We learn the importance of being willing to act on God's will and the significance of the written word in guiding our lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I ensure that my actions align with God's written word?
- How do I understand the relationship between ritual and genuine worship in my life?
- What steps can I take to deepen my commitment to following God's will?
- How can I share the importance of God's word with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers reference this verse to discuss the nature of true worship and the significance of obedience to God's will, as seen in quotations from Didymus the Blind, Augustine, and Theodoret.
He calls the “roll of the book” every divinely inspired Scripture, both the legal and the prophetic. In these Scriptures things are written concerning the memory of the Savior among us.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 40 →
"Burnt-offerings also for sin have You not required." "Then said I, Lo, I come!" [Psalms 40:7].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 40 →
The apostolic exhortation sings a similar note to this, “I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, the worship according to reason.” In place of the rites of the Law,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 40 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 40:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen said I,.... As in the council and covenant of peace, when and where he declared his willingness to come into the world, and make satisfaction for the sins of his people; so when the fulness of
Read John Gill on Psalms 40 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, Then ( 'aaz (H227)) - when sacrifices and offerings, such as the Mosaic law prescribed, were proved not to be what God desired
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 40 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThen, when I understood and considered thy mind and will therein, expressed . Said I; either within myself, by a firm purpose; or unto thee by way of promise or engagement. Lo, I come. He may seem to speak like a servant, answering to the call of his master, and signifying his readiness to obey him; in which sense it may be accommodated to David. But the servant’ s answer is usually expressed in Scripture by another phrase, Here am I, and never to my remembrance in these words. Besides, this phrase in that sense seems not to be proper in this place, but rather, Lo, I hear, which best suits with the foregoing words, mine ears hast thou opened. But these words do most literally and truly…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 40 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me,Ver. 7. Then said I, Lo, I come] Christ became obedient even to the death, yea, that of the cross, Philippians 2:8. Christ’ s people also are a willing people, Psalms 110:3, their obedience is prompt and present, ready and speedy, without delays and consults, Psalms 119:60, without capitulation and security, Isaiah 56:6. In the volume of the book] In libro plicatili, in thy law, which was anciently (and is still this day among the Jews) written in paper or parchment rolled up; because it will last longer rolled than folded. It is written of me] Of Christ, in many places; for he is both author, object…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 40 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) Then said I.—This rendering, which follows the LXX. and Vulg., and is adopted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, must be abandoned. The Hebrew means, Lo! I come, bringing the book written for me, which no doubt refers to the Law, which in the person of the poet, Israel here produces as warrant for its conduct. Some see a particular allusion to the discovery of the Book of Deuteronomy in Josiah’s reign. But if the conjecture of Grätz be accepted (see preceding Note), the reference will be rather to the Levitical regulation of sacrifice. “Shouldest thou require burnt-offering and sin-offering, then I say, Lo! I bring the book in which all is prescribed me,” i.e., I have duly performed all the…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 40 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. In the volume of the book] במגלת ספר bimegillath sepher, "in the roll of the book." Anciently, books were written on skins, and rolled up. Among the Romans, these were called volumina, from volvo, I roll; and the Pentateuch in the Jewish synagogues is still written in this way. There are two wooden rollers; on one they roll on, on the other they roll off, as they proceed in reading. One now lying before me, written on vellum, is two feet two inches in breadth and one hundred and two feet long. To roll and unroll such a MS. was no easy task, and to be managed must lie flat on a table. This contains the Pentateuch only, and is without points, or any other Masoretic distinction. The…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 40 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7. Then said I] This was his answer when he became aware of God’s requirements. Lo, I come] Rather as R.V., Lo, I am come: (LXX. ἰ ?äïὺἥ ?êù) the servant’s response to his master’s summons (Numbers 22:38; 2 Samuel 19:20): like ‘Behold me,’ or, ‘Here I am’ (Isaiah 6:9). The object of the coming is not expressed, but is clear from the context. in the volume of the book it is written of me] Better, in a roll of a book is it prescribed to me: though the rendering of A.V., which is that of the LXX, is possible. The exact phrase ‘roll of a book’ occurs only in Jeremiah 36:2; Jeremiah 36:4; Ezekiel 2:9; ‘roll’ only in Jeremiah 36; Ezekiel 3:1-3; Zechariah 5:1-2; Ezra 6:2[16]. Cp. however Isaiah…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 40 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThen said I - In Hebrews 10:7, the apostle applies this to the Messiah. See the notes at that verse. This is the most simple and satisfactory interpretation of the passage.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 40 →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
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll:
Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll:
Then I say, “Look! I come! What is written in the scroll pertains to me.
Tyndale line
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me:
Then said I, Lo, I am come; in the roll of the book it is written of me:
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Then said I, Lo, I come: for in the rolle of the booke it is written of me,
Strictly literal
Then said I, Behold, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me —
Then said I, 'Lo, I have come,' In the roll of the book it is written of me,
Then I said, “Behold, I have come, || In the roll of the scroll it is written of me,
(40:8) Then said I, Lo, I come: in the roll of the book it is written down for me;
Then said I, “See, I have come; it is written about me in the scroll of the document.
From the Latin
And if he came in to see me, he spoke vain things: his heart gathered together iniquity to itself. He went out and spoke to the same purpose.
Simplified
Then I said, “Look! Here I am! I've come to do what is written about me in the scroll of the Book.
Then I said, See, I come; it is recorded of me in the roll of the book,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for this verse, with seven of the eight words matching. The Septuagint's translation reflects its own syntax and emphasis, but the essential message remains consistent with the Hebrew text.
אָ֣ז אָ֭מַרְתִּי הִנֵּה־ בָ֑אתִי בִּמְגִלַּת־ סֵ֝֗פֶר כָּת֥וּב עָלָֽי׃
7 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 40:7
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.
אָז (az) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'at that time' or 'then,' used for both temporal and logical expressions. It can refer to past events or indicate a condition for future actions. The related form מֵאָז (me.az) means 'from that time' or 'since.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts without significant disagreement.
אָז adv. at that time, then whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).
strictly temporal
expressing logical sequence strictly
base
מֵאָז lit. from that time
base
H227a אָז at that time, then H227b מֵאָז, once
227 'az awz
a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a
conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now,
of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.
אָז (az) — then.
1) then, at that time
1a) temporal expressions
1a1) then (past)
1a2) then, if...then (future)
1a3) earlier
1b) logical expressions
1b1) in that case
1b2) that (being so)
מֵאָז (me.az) — the past.
1) in time past, of old
2)from time of, since
HD — AdverbHD
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
HVqp1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
הִנֵּה (hinneh) is a Hebrew word meaning 'behold' or 'lo!' It serves as a demonstrative particle used to draw attention, appearing in contexts such as Genesis 19:2. The word is derived from a prolongation of another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide further details on its usage beyond this.
הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּה־ Gn 19:2, demonstr.part. lo!, behold!
base
H2009 הִנֵּה, הִנֶּה־ lo!, behold!
2009 hinneh hin-nay'
prolongation for 2005; lo!:--behold, lo, see.
see HEBREW for 02005
הִנֵּה (hin.neh) — behold.
behold, lo, see, if
HTj — ParticleHTj
her, in composition:
בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.
בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go
Qal
come in
come (approach, arrive)
go, i.e. walk, associate with
go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
Hiph.
cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
Hoph.
be brought in (of pers. and things)
be brought
be introduced, put
base
H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in
. come (approach, arrive)
. go, i.e. walk, associate with
. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
. . be brought in (of pers. and things)
. be brought
. be introduced, put
935 bow' bo
a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of
applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +
besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X
certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,
upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,
(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be
fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),
grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,
pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken
(in age), X surely, take (in), way.
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.
: come/go_in
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
1a5) to go
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lead in
1b2) to carry in
1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
1b4) to bring to pass
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought, brought in
1c2) to be introduced, be put
לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).
This name means to go in, enter
Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.
: towards/entrance
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
HVqp1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
kum: The translation of many Hebrew and Greek words. In the phrase "The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon him" (Jud 14:6,19; 15:14; 1Sa 10:10; 11:6; 16:13), the word is tsaleah; Jud 14:6; 15:14 "came mightily," which is the uniform translation of the Revised Version (British and American) (compare Jud 13:25 "to move," i.e. to disturb or stir up). In Jud 6:34; 1Ch 12:18; 2Ch 24:20, it is labhesh, "to clothe"; the Revised Version, margin "The Spirit .... clothed itself with Gideon" and .... "with Zechariah,"…
מְגִלָּה (megillah) refers to a roll or scroll, often used for writing or books. It is derived from the root meaning 'to roll' and is noted in various contexts, including its Aramaic equivalent. The term is associated with late writings.
מְגִלָּה n.f. roll (writing, book; late)
base
H4039 מְגִלָּה
4039 mgillah meg-il-law'
from 1556; a roll:--roll, volume.
see HEBREW for 01556
מְגִלָּה (me.gil.lah) — scroll.
roll, book, writing
Aramaic equivalent: me.gil.lah (מְגִלָּה "scroll" H4040)
HR/Ncfsc — Preposition · noun common feminine singular constructHR/Ncfsc
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.
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…
סֵ֫פֶר (cepher) refers to a writing or document, encompassing meanings such as book, scroll, and missive. It can denote various types of texts, including legal documents, genealogical records, and scripture. The feminine form, סִפְרָה (siphrah), also signifies a book. Notably, it appears in contexts related to preservation and communication.
סֵ֫פֶר 185 n.m. missive, document, writing, book
missive
legal document
book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
base
[סִפְרָה] n.f. book;—sf. ψ 56:9
ref
H5612a סֵ֫פֶר missive, document, writing, book . missive
. legal document
. book or scroll, in which something is written to preserve it for future use
H5612b סִפְרָה book
5612 cepher say'-fer
or (feminine) ciphrah (Psa. 56:8 (9)) {sif-raw'}; from 5608;
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a
book:--bill, book, evidence, X learn(-ed) (-ing), letter,
register, scroll.
see HEBREW for 09
see HEBREW for 05608
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: document.
: document
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
1c5) book (of kings)
1c6) books of the canon, scripture
1c7) record book (of God)
1d) book-learning, writing
1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
סִפְרָה (siph.rah) — scroll.
book
סֵ֫פֶר (se.pher) — scroll: book.
: book
1) missive, document, writing, book
1a) missive
1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree
1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign
1c) book, scroll
1c1) book of prophecies
1c2) genealogical register
1c3) law-book
1c4) book (of poems)
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
book (cepher; he biblos):
1. Definition
2. Inward Books
3. Publication
(1) Mechanical Copies
(2) Personal Copies
4. Oral Transmission
5. Manuscripts
(1) Epigraphy
(2) Sphragistics
(3) Numismatics
(4) Diplomatics
(5) Paleography
6. Printed Books
7. Variations
8. Textual Criticism
9. Higher Criticism
10. Literary Criticism
11. Origin of New Forms
12. Survival
13. Book Collections
14. Early History of Books in Bible Lands
LITERATURE
A book is any record of thought in words. It consists of a fixed form of words embodied in some kind of substance.
1. Definition:
The form of words is the main factor, but it has no existence without the record. The kind of record is indifferent; it may be carved on stone, stamped on clay, written or printed on vellum, papyrus or paper, or only stamped on the mind of author or hearer, if so be it keeps the words in fixed form. Looked on as a form of words the book is called a work, and…
Book
This word has a comprehensive meaning in Scripture. In the Old Testament it is the rendering of the Hebrew word sepher, which properly means a “writing,” and then a “volume” (Ex. 17:14; Deut. 28:58; 29:20; Job 19:23) or “roll of a book” (Jer. 36:2, 4).
Books were originally written on skins, on linen or cotton cloth, and on Egyptian papyrus, whence our word “paper.” The leaves of the book were generally written in columns, designated by a Hebrew word properly meaning “doors” and “valves” (Jer. 36:23, R.V., marg. “columns”).
[WRITING]
Several sorts of materials were anciently used in making books. Plates of lead or copper, the bark of trees, brick, stone, and wood, were originally employed to engrave such things and documents upon as men desired to transmit to posterity, De 27:2,3 Job 19:23,24. God’s laws were written on stone tablets. Inscriptions were also made on tiles and bricks, which were afterwards hardened by fire. Many of these are found in the ruins of Babylon. Tablets of wood, box, and ivory were common among the ancients: when they were of wood only, they were oftentimes coated over with wax, which received the writing inscribed on them with the point of a style, or iron pen, Jer 17:13; and what was written might be effaced by the broad end of…
The Hebrew word כָּתַב (*kathab*) means 'to write' and encompasses various forms of writing, including recording, enrolling, and decreeing. It can also refer to something being written or recorded. The entries indicate that it is a primitive root with frequent usage in different contexts.
כָּתַב 223 vb. write
Qal
write
= write down, describe in writing
= register, enroll
= decree
Niph.
be written
= be written down, recorded
Pi. frequent.
base
H3789 כָּתַב write .. write
. = write down, describe in writing
. = register, enroll
. = decree
. . be written
. = be written down, recorded
. frequent.
3789 kathab kaw-thab'
a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write
(describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe):--describe, record,
prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).
כָּתַב (ka.tav) — to write.
1) to write, record, enrol
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on
1a2) to write down, describe in writing
1a3) to register, enrol, record
1a4) to decree
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be written
1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled
1c) (Piel) to continue writing
Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
HVqsmsa — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singularHVqsmsa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
HR/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs