Psalms 55:9 — Word Study
WLCבַּלַּ֣ע אֲ֭דֹנָי פַּלַּ֣ג לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם כִּֽי־ רָאִ֨יתִי חָמָ֖ס וְרִ֣יב בָּעִֽיר׃
BSAto hastenchûwsh escapemiphlâṭ△ spiritrûwach to rushçâʻâh△ tempestçaʻar
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בַּלַּ֣ע | confuse | Verb, Piel, imperative second person masculine singular |
| אֲ֭דֹנָי | O Lord | Noun proper |
| פַּלַּ֣ג | divide | Verb, Piel, imperative second person masculine singular |
| לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם | tongue their | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| רָאִ֨יתִי | I have seen | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| חָמָ֖ס | violence | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְרִ֣יב | and strife | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בָּעִֽיר׃ | in the city | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. |
| KJV | Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. |
| ASV | Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city. |
| YLT | Swallow up, O Lord, divide their tongue, For I saw violence and strife in a city. |
| WEB | Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. |
| BBE | Send destruction on them, O Lord, make a division of tongues among them: for I have seen fighting and violent acts in the town. |
Where they part company is פַּלַּ֣ג — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is followed by a reason clause, which provides context for the psalmist's plea.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחוּשׁ
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 55:9
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Plea for Divine Interventiongenerated
Psalms 55:9 expresses a deep concern for the violence and strife occurring within the city. The psalmist calls upon the Lord to intervene by confusing the speech of those who are causing turmoil. This reflects a desire for peace and order amidst chaos, highlighting the need for divine assistance in times of distress.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 11:7–9 | Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 15:31 | Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 17:1–14 | Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. |
| 4 | John 7:45–53 | Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” |
| 5 | Acts 23:6–10 | Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בַּלַּ֣ע, ba.La'generated
The verb בַּלַּע (ba.La') is a Piel imperative, indicating a command directed towards God. It means to swallow up or destroy completely, suggesting total obliteration of the subject, in this case, the speech of those causing conflict.
This word conveys a sense of urgency and desperation. The psalmist is not merely asking for confusion but for a complete engulfing of the negative speech that leads to violence, reflecting the severity of the situation.
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 verse comprises a main clause and several subordinate elements. The finite verb בַּלַּ֣ע, confuse, governs the action, while the phrases describe the speech and the reasons for the plea.
The structure emphasizes the urgency of the psalmist's request, with the verb placed at the forefront, highlighting the need for immediate divine intervention.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates בַּלַּ֣ע as προσεδεξόμην, which suggests an interpretation of receiving or accepting rather than simply swallowing. This choice indicates a potential shift in focus from destruction to the act of receiving or acknowledging the confusion.
This variation may reflect a different understanding of the nature of the psalmist's request, emphasizing God's role in managing human affairs.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 55:9 is a plea to God to confuse the speech of those causing violence and strife in the city. The psalmist sees turmoil and seeks divine help to bring peace by disrupting the harmful communication among the people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist is asking for God to disrupt the communication of those causing chaos, which would prevent them from coordinating their harmful actions.
The city represents a community where violence and strife are present, highlighting the need for divine intervention to restore peace.
This verse connects to themes of divine justice and intervention seen throughout the Psalms, where the faithful seek God's help against oppression and conflict.
The psalmist's plea reflects the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, seeking His guidance and intervention in our lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what situations have I felt the need for God's intervention in conflict?
- How can I apply the psalmist's example of seeking God's help in my own life?
- What does it mean to me to ask God to confuse harmful speech or actions?
- How can I promote peace in my community, reflecting the psalmist's desire for resolution?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo references this verse in his exposition, interpreting it as a plea against those troubling him.
"Sink, O Lord, and divide the tongues of them" [Psalms 55:9]. He is referring to men troubling him and shadowing him, and he has wished this thing not of anger, brethren.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 55 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 55:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDestroy, O Lord,.... Or "swallow up" (s), as Pharaoh and his host were swallowed up in the Red sea; or as Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, were swallowed up in the earth; so all the enemies of Christ and
Read John Gill on Psalms 55 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDestroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Destroy, O Lord - literally, devour, namely, the enemies; not, as the English version, their tongues; cf.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 55 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleDivide their tongues, i.e. destroy them by dividing. Their tongues, i.e. their speech, as thou didst at Babel, Genesis 11; their votes, and opinions, and counsels; which was eminently done among Absalom’ s followers, 2 Samuel 17. I have seen; or, I do see or perceive, by certain and general report. Violence and strife in the city; that injustice, and fraud, and oppression, and contention bear rule there, instead of that public justice and peace which I established and maintained in it. In the city; either, 1. In Keilah, where David thought to abide, 1 Samuel 23, Or, 2. In Gibeah, where Saul had his abode. Or rather, 3. In Jerusalem; which is called the city by way of eminency; and which in…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 55 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 55:9 Destroy, O Lord, [and] divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.Ver. 9. Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues] Heb. Swallow them up, O Lord, and divide their tongues; by an allusion, as some conceive, to those two famous judgments of God upon Dathan and Abiram, first, Numbers 16:31-33, and then, secondly, upon the Babel builders, Genesis 11:6-9, both which were thrown out for examples to all succeeding ages (as St Jude saith of the Sodomites, Judges 1:7), and are to be considered by the saints, as here, in their prayers against their enemies. How God answered this prayer to David, see 2 Samuel 17:1-14, &c. For I have seen violence and strife in…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 55 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) Destroy.—Literally, swallow up. So the LXX., forcibly, “drown in the sea.” The object them must be supplied. This sudden change from plaintive sadness to violent invective is one of the marked features of this poem. Some think there has been a transposition of verses, but in lyric poetry these abrupt transitions of tone are not uncommon nor unpleasing. Divide their tongues—i.e., cause division in their councils. “Divide their voices” would be almost English, being exactly the opposite of Shakespeare’s “a joint and corporate voice.” For I have seen.—With the sense, and see still.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 55 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. Destroy, O lord] Swallow them up-confound them. Divide their tongues] Let his counsellors give opposite advice. Let them never agree, and let their devices be confounded. And the prayer was heard. Hushai and Ahithophel gave opposite counsel. Absalom followed that of Hushai; and Ahithophel, knowing that the steps advised by Hushai would bring Absalom's affairs to ruin, went and hanged himself. See 2 Samuel 15:1-17. Violence and strife in the city.] They have been concerting violent measures; and thus are full of contention.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 55 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9–15. The plaintive pleading of the opening verses suddenly gives way to a fierce outburst of indignation.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 55 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleDestroy, O Lord - The word rendered “destroy,” properly means to “swallow up;” to “devour” with the idea of greediness. Isaiah 28:4; Exodus 7:12; Jonah 1:17; Jeremiah 51:34.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 55 →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
O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.
Confuse them, O Lord! Frustrate their plans! For I see violence and conflict in the city.
Tyndale line
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Destroy, O LORD, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Destroy, O Lord, and deuide their tongues: for I haue seene crueltie and strife in the citie.
Strictly literal
Swallow [them] up, Lord; divide their tongue: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
Swallow up, O Lord, divide their tongue, For I saw violence and strife in a city.
Swallow up, O Lord, divide their tongue, || For I saw violence and strife in a city.
(55:10) Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongue; for I have seen violence and strife in the city;
Devour them, Lord, confuse their language! For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
From the Latin
I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set my tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.
Simplified
Confuse them, Lord! Muddle what they're saying, for I see violence and conflict in the city.
Send destruction on them, O Lord, make a division of tongues among them: for I have seen fighting and violent acts in the town.
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 is consistent in its wording, while the Septuagint shows a partial match with only 2 of the 9 words aligned. This indicates a divergence in translation approach, though the core themes of confusion and conflict remain central.
בַּלַּ֣ע אֲ֭דֹנָי פַּלַּ֣ג לְשׁוֹנָ֑ם כִּֽי־ רָאִ֨יתִי חָמָ֖ס וְרִ֣יב בָּעִֽיר׃
2 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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 55:9
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בָּלַע (bala) is a Hebrew verb meaning to swallow down or engulf. It encompasses various forms, including actions of devouring and being consumed, as well as figurative uses like squandering. The entries indicate that it can be used in different grammatical aspects, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, Pual, and Hithpael, each with slightly different nuances.
בָּלַע vb. swallow down, swallow up, engulf
Qal
swallow down
swallow up, engulf
Niph. swallowed up, i.e. devastated
Pi.
swallow
swallow up, engulf
Pu. be swallowed up
Hithp. their wisdom is all gone, ‘they are at their wit’s end’
base
H1104 בָּלַע swallow down, swallow up, engulf
1104 bala` baw-lah'
a primitive root; to make away with (specifically by
swallowing); generally, to destroy:--cover, destroy, devour,
eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up).
בָּלַע (ba.la) — to swallow up.
1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to swallow down
1a2) to swallow up, engulf
1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to swallow
1c2) to swallow up, engulf
1c3) squandering (fig.)
1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up
1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
HVpv2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singularHVpv2ms
אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.
אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
base
H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'
am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of
God only):--(my) Lord.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.
Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
HNpt — Noun properHNpt
Lord
There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…
[GOD]
This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.
פָּלַג (palag) is a Hebrew verb meaning to split or divide, both literally and figuratively. It has forms in different stems, such as Niphal, indicating a passive action of being divided, and Piel, which involves actively cleaving or dividing. The word appears in contexts like dividing the earth or speech.
[פָּלַג] vb. split, divide
Niph. the earth was divided
Pi.
cleave a channel for rain
divide their speech (their counsels).
base
H6385 פָּלַג split, divide
6385 palag paw-lag'
a primitive root; to split (literally or
figuratively):--divide.
פָּלַג (pa.lag) — to divide.
1) to divide, split
1a) (Niphal) to be split, be divided
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to split, cleave
1b2) to divide
Aramaic equivalent: pe.lag (פְּלַג "to divide" H6386)
HVpv2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singularHVpv2ms
di-vid': It is difficult to decide whether ragha` (Job 26:12; Isa 51:15; Jer 31:35) should be rendered "to stir up" or "to still." The Hebrew has both meanings. Some render "He causes the sea to tremble." the Revised Version (British and American) reads "to stir" in text and "to still" in margin, while the King James Version has "to divide" in all three cases. 2Ch 35:13, "carried them quickly" (the King James Version "divided them speedily"). Since cholaq, may mean either "to distribute" or "to be smooth," Ho 10:2 reads "their heart is divided" in the text, but offers "smooth" in margin (the King James Version…
The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (*lashon*) primarily means 'tongue,' referring to both the organ of speech in humans and animals. It can also denote 'language' and has figurative uses, such as a 'tongue-shaped' wedge or bay. The entries highlight its literal and metaphorical applications, but do not present any significant disagreements among the lexicons.
לָשׁוֹן n.m. and (more oft.) f. tongue
tongue of men
= language
tongue of animals
tongue of fire
= (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
= (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
base
H3956 לָשׁוֹן tongue . tongue of men
. = language
. tongue of animals
. tongue of fire
. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
3956 lashown law-shone'
or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural) feminine lshonah
{lesh-o-naw'}; from 3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used
literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech),
and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of
water):--+ babbler,bay, + evil speaker, language, talker,
tongue, wedge.
see HEBREW for 03960
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue.
: tongue/words
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: language.
: language
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: bar.
: bar/projection/bay
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
HNcbsc/Sp3mp — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp3mp
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
HTc — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
HVqp1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
חָמָס (chamac) refers to concepts of violence and wrongdoing. It encompasses terms like cruelty, injustice, and unjust gain. The word is built from a root that implies violent actions or dealings. The entries consistently highlight its negative connotations without significant disagreement.
חָמָס n.m. violence, wrong
base
H2555 חָמָס violence, wrong
2555 chamac khaw-mawce'
from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust
gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor,
unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing),
wrong.
see HEBREW for 02554
חָמָס (cha.mas) — violence.
violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
רִיב (riyb) refers to strife or dispute, encompassing personal or legal contests. It can denote adversarial situations, chiding, or legal cases. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to conflict, such as quarrels and controversies, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
רִיב 62 n.m. strife, dispute
base
H7379 רִיב strife, dispute
7379 riyb reeb
or rib {reeb}; from 7378; a contest (personal or legal):--+
adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy,
multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing),
suit.
see HEBREW for 07378
רִיב (riv) — strife.
1) strife, controversy, dispute
1a) strife, quarrel
1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
HC/Ncmsa — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
→ General scriptures concerning Ge 13:8; 45:24; De 1:12; Ps 31:20; 55:9; 80:6; Pr 3:20; 6:12-14,16-19; 10:12; 13:10; 15:18; 16:28; 17:1,14,19; 18:6,19; 19:13; 20:3; 21:19; 22:10; 23:29,30; 25:8,24; 26:17,20,21; 27:15; 28:25; 29:22; 30:33; Isa 41:11,12; 58:4; Hab 1:3; Mt 5:25,39-41; 10:34-36; 12:25; 18:15-17; Mr 3:24,25; Lu 11:17; 12:51-53,58,59; Ro 2:8…
The Hebrew word עִיר (*'iyr*) has meanings related to both excitement and city. It can denote excitement, particularly of terror or rage, as well as refer to a city or town, indicating a place that is guarded or inhabited. The entries suggest a broad application, from fortified cities to simple encampments. There is a specific mention of a man named Ir in 1 Chronicles 4:12.
עִיר n.[m.] excitement;—of terror; of rage
base
עִיר 1092 n.f. city, town
city, town, abode of men
of fortress in a city
appar. fortified place, of any size
base
H5892a עִיר excitement;—of terror; of rage H5892b עִיר city, town . city, town, abode of men
. of fortress in a city
. appar. fortified place, of any size
5892 `iyr eer
or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4)
{aw-yar'}; from 5782 a city (a place guarded by waking or a
watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or
post):--Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town.
see HEBREW for 05782
עִיר (ir) — excitement.
1) excitement, anguish
1a) of terror
עִיר (ir) — city.
1) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town (a place of waking, guarded)
1a) city, town
עִיר (ir) — City (of On).
Combined with on (אֹן "On" H0204)
This name means city, town
Another name of on (אֹן "On" H0204)
עִיר (ir) — Ir-.
#A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.12;
son of: Tehinnah (H8468)
HRd/Ncfsa — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
sit'-i (`ir, qiryah; polis):
I. THE CANAANITE CITY
1. Origin
2. Extent
3. Villages
4. Sites
5. External Appearance
6. General
II. THE CITY OF THE JEWISH OCCUPATION
1. Tower or Stronghold
2. High Place
3. Broad Place
4. Streets
5. General Characteristics
III. STORE CITIES
IV. LEVITICAL CITIES
LITERATURE
I. The Canaanite City.
1. Origin:
The development of the Canaanite city has been traced by Macalister in his report on the excavation at Gezer (Palestine Exploration Fund Statement, 1904, 108 ff). It originated on the slopes of a bare rocky spur, in which the Neolithic Troglodytes quarried their habitations out of the solid rock, the stones therefrom being used to form a casing to the earthen ramparts, with which the site was afterwards surrounded and which served as a protection against the intrusion of enemies. Later Semitic intruders occupied the site, stone houses were built, and high stone defense…
City
The earliest mention of city-building is that of Enoch, which was built by Cain (Gen. 4:17). After the confusion of tongues, the descendants of Nimrod founded several cities (10:10-12). Next, we have a record of the cities of the Canaanites, Sidon, Gaza, Sodom, etc. (10:12, 19; 11:3, 9; 36:31-39). The earliest description of a city is that of Sodom (19:1-22). Damascus is said to be the oldest existing city in the world. Before the time of Abraham there were cities in Egypt (Num. 13:22). The Israelites in Egypt were employed in building the “treasure cities” of Pithom and Raamses (Ex. 1:11); but it does not seem that they had any cities of their own in Goshen (Gen.…
The towns and cities of Palestine were commonly built on heights, for better security against robbers or invaders. These heights, surrounded by walls, sometimes formed the entire city. In other cases, the citadel alone crowned the hill, around and at the base of which the town was built; and in time of danger the surrounding population all took refuge in the fortified place. Larger towns and cities were often not only defended by strong outer walls, with towers and gates, but by a citadel or castle within these limits-a last resort when the rest of the city was taken, Jud 9:46,51. The "fenced cities" of the Jews, De 3:5, were of various sizes and degrees of strength; some being surrounded by high and thick stone walls, and others by feebler ramparts, often of clay or sun-dried…
