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Psalms 59:15 — Word Study

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WLCהֵ֭מָּה יְנִיע֣וּן לֶאֱכֹ֑ל אִם־ לֹ֥א יִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּ וַיָּלִֽינוּ׃

BSAto returnshûwb eveningʻereb to roarhâmâh dogkeleb to turnçâbab excitementʻîyr

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 59
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 15 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 (vai.ya.Li.nu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 59:15quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse portrays a pack of dogs scavenging for food, expressing their dissatisfaction through growling.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on the behavior of the wicked.
Where we areIn the context of a lament, the psalmist contrasts the wicked's actions with his own trust in God.
The hard wordיְנִיע֣וּן
Take awayThe dogs' hunger drives them to scavenge and complain.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectוְ verbוְ 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 — Psalms 59:15

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 — The Behavior of the Wickedgenerated

14They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
15They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
16But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
17To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

Psalm 59:15 describes the actions of the wicked who, like hungry dogs, scavenge for food and express their discontent through growling. This imagery highlights their insatiable greed and dissatisfaction, contrasting with the psalmist's faith in God as a refuge, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 109:10May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes.
2Job 15:23He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
3Job 30:1–7“But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to entrust with my sheep dogs.
4Isaiah 8:21They will roam the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged; and looking upward, they will curse their king and their God.
5Deuteronomy 28:48–53you will serve your enemies the LORD will send against you in famine, thirst, nakedness, and destitution. He will place an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.

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


The Key Word יְנִיע֣וּן, ye.ni.'Ungenerated

The verb יְנִיע֣וּן (ye.ni.'Un) is a hiphil imperfect form, indicating a causative action: 'they make wander about.' It conveys the idea of movement or instability, suggesting that the dogs are not just searching but are restless in their pursuit of food.

This word emphasizes the frantic nature of their scavenging, as they shake or wander about in search of sustenance. The hiphil form indicates that they are causing themselves to wander, reflecting their desperation and dissatisfaction.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

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


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יְנִיע֣וּן governs the main action of the verse, with a prepositional phrase indicating what they are searching for, followed by a conditional clause that describes their reaction if they do not find satisfaction. The structure emphasizes the dogs' relentless pursuit and their resulting growling.

The word order places emphasis on the subject הֵ֭מָּה (they), highlighting the group of dogs as the main focus of the action, while the subsequent clauses detail their behavior and emotional state.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew verb יְנִיע֣וּן is rendered as λιμώχουσιν (limōchousin), which means 'to hunger' or 'to crave.' This choice narrows the focus from merely wandering for food to a deeper sense of desire and need.

The translation indicates an interpretation that emphasizes not just the action of scavenging but the underlying hunger driving that behavior, suggesting a more intense emotional state.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 59:15 describes how wicked people, likened to hungry dogs, scavenge for food and growl when they are not satisfied. This verse illustrates their greed and discontent, contrasting with the psalmist's trust in God.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the verse say about the wicked?

The verse illustrates that the wicked are like hungry dogs, constantly searching for food and expressing dissatisfaction when they do not find enough.

How does this verse connect to the psalmist's faith?

While the wicked are portrayed as restless and unsatisfied, the psalmist contrasts this with his own trust in God as a refuge and source of strength.

What imagery is used in this verse?

The imagery of scavenging dogs effectively conveys the desperation and greed of the wicked, highlighting their insatiable hunger.

How does this verse reflect on human nature?

This verse reflects a common human tendency to be dissatisfied and restless, especially when driven by greed or desire for more.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I see dissatisfaction manifesting in my own life?
  2. How can I cultivate contentment rather than restlessness?
  3. What are some practical steps I can take to trust in God as my refuge during times of need?
  4. How does the imagery of scavenging dogs resonate with my understanding of human behavior?

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

Early interpretations of this verse, such as those by Augustine of Hippo, argue from its imagery to illustrate the nature of the wicked.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 59 354–430
"They shall be scattered abroad in order that they may eat" [Psalms 59:15]; that is, in order that they may gain others, in order that into their Body they may change believers.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 59 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 59:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Let them wander up and down for meat,.... Like hungry dogs; and grudge if they be not satisfied; or murmur and howl as dogs when hungry, and can find nothing to eat; or "when they shall not be

Read John Gill on Psalms 59 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. -Second part of the second division.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 59 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Wander up and down for meat, to get a livelihood. And grudge if they be not satisfied: when their bodies are hungry, let their minds be discontented. Or, as others render the words, and lodge, or be forced to lodge, all night, when they are not satisfied. Let them go to their rest with an empty stomach.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 59 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 59:15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.Ver. 15. Let them wander up and down for meat] Sicut mendici de ostio ad ostium faciunt, as beggars do from door to door, saith Kimchi. And grudge if they be not satisfied] Murmur against God and men, howling against heaven, as hungry wolves, Isaiah 8:21. Others understand it thus, Let them run to and fro for meat, that is, to devour me, as Psalms 27:2; but surely they shall not be satisfied, but miss their design, though they tarry all night, watching for me.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 59 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15) Let them wander.—This verse is variously understood. The margin gives the rendering of most modern scholars; but what does it mean by “They will pass the night”? To say they will not go away unsatisfied seems poor. Ewald’s conjecture, “They will satisfy themselves forsooth, and remain,” i.e., die, seems strained. The slightest change in the vowel-points gives the interpretation adopted by the LXX., Vulg., Jerome, Luther, &c: “If not satisfied they will growl,” which admirably suits the context.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 59 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14–17. The Psalmist contrasts the baffled rage of his persecutors with his own calm trust in God.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 59 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Let them wander up and down for meat - Let them be like dogs that wander about for food, and find none. The idea is, that they would not find him, and would be then as dogs that had sought in vain for food.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 59 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

15. Let them wander—Or, they shall wander. The metaphor of hungry dogs prowling about the city for some offal to alleviate their hunger, but finding nothing, is here carried out to illustrate that

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 59 →

The verse in English, compared — 16 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

They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

They shall wander up and down for food, and wait all night if they aren’t satisfied.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

NETBNew English Translation2006

They wander around looking for something to eat; they refuse to sleep until they are full.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

They shall wander up and down for food, And tarry all night if they be not satisfied.

RVARevised Version, American1894

They shall wander up and down for meat and tarry all night if they be not satisfied.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Let them wander up and down for food, and grudge if they are not satisfied.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

They shall runne here and there for meate: and surely they shall not be satisfied, though they tary all night.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

They shall wander about for meat, and stay all night if they be not satisfied.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

They — they wander for food, If they are not satisfied — then they murmur.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

They wander for food, || If they are not satisfied—then they murmur.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(59:16) They will indeed roam about after something to eat, if they be not satisfied, so that they can be at rest.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

They wander about looking for food and they growl like a dog if they are not satisfied.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

They wander around, looking for things to eat, and howl when they're not satisfied.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Let them go wandering up and down in search of food, and be there all night if they have not enough.

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.

clausesubjectהֵ֭מָּהtheyverb phrase · verbיְנִיע֣וּtheyןmake.wander.aboutprepositional phrase · prepositionalלֶtoclauseverbאֱכֹ֑לeatclauseclauseאִםifclauseadverbialלֹ֥אnotverbיִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּthey.are.satisfiedוַandclauseverbיָּלִֽינוּthey.passed.the.night

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as הֵ֭מָּה יְנִיע֣וּן לֶאֱכֹ֑ל אִם־ לֹ֥א יִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּ וַיָּלִֽינוּ׃, while the Septuagint closely matches it, with six of the seven words corresponding directly. This agreement shows consistency in the depiction of the dogs' behavior.

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

הֵ֭מָּה יְנִיע֣וּן לֶאֱכֹ֑ל אִם־ לֹ֥א יִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּ וַיָּלִֽינוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יְנִיע֣וּןεἰςלֶאֱכֹ֑לκαὶאִם־λιμώχουσινלֹ֥אὡςיִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּκύωνוַיָּלִֽינוּ׃πόλιν

6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Psalms 59:15הֵ֫מָּהtheytheyהֵ֫מָּהנוּעַthey make wthey make wandeנוּעַאָכַלto eatto eatאָכַלאִםififאִםלֹאnotnotלֹאשָׂבֵעַthey are sathey are satisfשָׂבֵעַלוּןand they paand they passedלוּןהֲלַךְto goto goהֲלַךְלֶ֫חֶםfoodfoodלֶ֫חֶםמְרִיrebellionrebellionמְרִיסֵ֫פֶרscroll: doscroll: documenסֵ֫פֶרשִׁכֹּרdrunkendrunkenשִׁכֹּרנוּדto wanderto wanderנוּדשָׁתָהto drinkto drinkשָׁתָהחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדפֶּן־lestlestפֶּן־לַ֫יְלָהnightnightלַ֫יְלָהעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָה
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 Psalms 59:15

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.

they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
הֵ֭מָּהHe.mah they H1992 Pronoun
553× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Tyndale gloss
they(masc.)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵ֫מָּה (hemmah) is a masculine plural pronoun meaning 'they.' The entries indicate that it can also mean 'these,' 'the same,' or refer to people in an emphatic context. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its usage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) pron. 3 pl. masc. they

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1992 הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) they

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1992 hem haym

or (prolonged) hemmah {haym'-maw}; masculine plural from

1981; they (only used when emphatic):--it, like, X (how, so)

many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, X so, X such,

their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.

see HEBREW for 01981

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵ֫מָּה (hem.mah) — they(masc.).

they, these, the same, who

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp3mp — Pronoun
HPp3mp
they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
יְנִיע֣וּןye.ni.'Un they make wander about ! H5128 Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
40× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Tyndale gloss
to shake
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נוּעַ (nuwa`) is a primitive root meaning to shake or waver, encompassing a wide range of actions such as quivering, trembling, and moving. It can describe both literal and figurative movements, including being tossed about or causing someone to wander. The entries highlight its various applications, but do not present significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נוּעַ vb. quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter

Qal

wave

totter, go tottering

Niph. be tossed about

Hiph.

toss about

shake, cause to totter

(shake), disturb

cause to wander

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5128 נוּעַ quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5128 nuwa` noo'-ah

a primitive root; to waver, in a great variety of

applications, literally and figuratively (as

subjoined):--continually, fugitive, X make, to (go) up and

down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel,

remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be

vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נוּעַ (nu.a) — to shake.

1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable

1a2) to totter, go tottering

1a2a) vagabond (participle)

1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to toss about

1c2) to shake, cause to totter

1c3) to shake, disturb

1c4) to cause to wander

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVhi3mp/Sn — Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
HVhi3mp/Sn
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-bout': The use of this word as a preposition, in the sense of "around," is confined to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, generally an adverb, for Greek hos or "hosei." The Revised Version (British and American) adopts it in several idiomatic translations of mello, referring to what is about to be, i.e. on the point of occurring, or immediately impending, amending the King James Version, in Ac 5:35; 27:2; Re 12:4, etc.

they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
לֶאֱכֹ֑לle.'e.Khol to eat H398 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
810× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Tyndale gloss
to eat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָכַל (akal) means 'to eat' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including literal consumption by humans and animals, as well as figurative uses like devouring by fire or destruction. It can describe actions such as feeding or causing to eat, and it also appears in contexts of oppression and destruction. The verb has various forms, indicating different subjects and nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָכַל 806 vb. eat

Qal

eat, human subject

of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

fig. of fire, devour, consume

of sword, devour, slay

in genl., devour, consume, destroy

fig. of oppression, devour the poor

Niph.

be eaten by man

be devoured by fire, consumed

be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

Pu. be consumed

Hiph.

cause to eat, feed with

cause to devoure, obj. sword

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H398 אָכַל eat .. eat, human subject

. of beasts, birds, etc., eat, devour

. fig. of fire, devour, consume

. of sword, devour, slay

. in genl., devour, consume, destroy

. fig. of oppression, devour the poor

. . be eaten by man

. be devoured by fire, consumed

. be wasted, destroyed, of flesh

. be consumed

. . cause to eat, feed with

. cause to devoure, obj. sword

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

398 'akal aw-kal'

a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):--X at

all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up),

feed (with), food, X freely, X in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay)

meat, X quite.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָכַל (a.khal) — to eat.

1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to eat (human subject)

1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds)

1a3) to devour, consume (of fire)

1a4) to devour, slay (of sword)

1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought)

1a6) to devour (of oppression)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be eaten (by men)

1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire)

1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh)

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to cause to eat, feed with

1c2) to cause to devour

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to feed

1d2) to cause to eat

1e) (Piel)

1e1) consume

Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Vqcc — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
אִם־'im- if H518 Particle
1,070× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִם conj.

hypoth. part. if

Interrog. part.

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if

. Interrog. part.

H518b 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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

518 'im eem

a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;

interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh

that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,

doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +

more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,

+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,

none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,

whereas, whether, while, + yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִם (im) — if.

: if/whether_or/though

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

אִם (im) — if: surely no.

: surely_no

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: surely yes.

: surely_yes

1) if

1a) conditional clauses

1a1) of possible situations

1a2) of impossible situations

1b) oath contexts

1b1) no, not

1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or

1d) when, whenever

1e) since

1f) interrogative particle

1g) but rather

אִם (im) — if: until.

: until/except

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTc — Particle
HTc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
לֹ֥אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTn — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
יִ֝שְׂבְּע֗וּyis.be.'U they are satisfied H7646 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
97× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Tyndale gloss
to satisfy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂבֵעַ (saba`) means to be sated or satisfied, particularly in relation to food. It can also imply having one's desires fulfilled or being surfeited with excess. The verb has various forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, which cover meanings from simply being full to enriching or satisfying others. The entries indicate a focus on both literal and figurative senses of satisfaction.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׂבֵעַ], שָׂבַע 96 vb. be sated, satisfied, surfeited

Qal 79

be sated (with food), esp. human subj.

more gen., be sated, have desire satisfied

have in excess, be surfeited with

Niph. Pt. sated

Pi. satisfy

Hiph.

satisfy (esp. with material blessings), subj. י׳

c. acc. of food pers., י׳ subj.

י׳ subj.

י׳ subj., c. acc. of beasts

enrich

sate, glut (with the undesired)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7646 שָׂבֵעַ, שָׂבַע be sated, satisfied, surfeited .. be sated (with food), esp. human subj.

. more gen., be sated, have desire satisfied

. have in excess, be surfeited with

. Pt. sated

. satisfy

. . . satisfy (esp. with material blessings), subj. י׳

. c. acc. of food + pers., י׳ subj.

. י׳ subj.

. י׳ subj., c. acc. of beasts

. enrich

. sate, glut (with the undesired)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7646 saba` saw-bah'

or sabeay {saw-bay'-ah}; a primitive root; to sate, i.e. fill

to satisfaction (literally or figuratively):--have enough,

fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty

of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂבֵעַ (sa.va) — to satisfy.

1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be sated (with food)

1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied)

1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with

1a3a) to be weary of (fig)

1b) (Piel) to satisfy

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to satisfy

1c2) to enrich

1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
they they make wander about ! to eat if not they are satisfied and they passed [the] night
וַיָּלִֽינוּ׃vai.ya.Li.nu and they passed [the] night H3885 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
84× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Tyndale gloss
to lodge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לוּן (luwn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lodge or pass the night, and it can also imply abiding or remaining. It has a negative connotation when referring to murmuring or complaining. The word can be used in various forms, including Qal, Hiphil, and Hithpalpel, indicating different nuances of lodging and grumbling.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לוּן, לִין vb. lodge, pass the night, fig. abide

Qal

lodge, pass the night

fig. abide, remain

Hiph. cause to rest, lodge

Hithpalp. dwell, abide, of eagle

base

[לוּן] vb. murmur

Niph. murmur against

Hiph. murmur; cause to murmur

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3885a לוּן, לִין lodge, pass the night, fig. abide H3885b לוּן murmur

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3885 luwn loon

or liyn {leen}; a primitive root; to stop (usually over

night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad

sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to

complain):--abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure,

grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night,

in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all

night, that night).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לוּן (lun) — to lodge.

1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to lodge, pass the night

1a2) to abide, remain (fig.)

1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge

1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide

לוּן (lun) — to grumble.

1) to grumble, complain, murmur

1a) (Niphal) to grumble, murmur

1b) (Hiphil) to complain, cause to grumble

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vqw3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

nit.

See DAY AND NIGHT for the natural usage and the various terms.

1. In the Old Testament:

Figurative uses: The word "night" (laylah or layil is sometimes used figuratively in the Old Testament. Thus, Moses compares the brevity of time, the lapse of a thousand years, to "a watch in the night" (Ps 90:4). Adversity is depicted by it in such places as Job 35:10; compare Isa 8:20; Jer 15:9. Disappointment and despair are apparently depicted by it in the "burden of Dumah" (Isa 21:11,12); and spiritual blindness, coming upon the false prophets (Mic 3:6); again sudden and…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[DAY]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The ancient Hebrews began their artificial day at evening, and ended it the next evening, so that the night proceeded the day. This usage may probably be traced to the terms employed in describing the creation, Ge 1:5,8,13, etc., "The evening and the morning were the first day." The Hebrews allowed twelve to the day; but these hours were not equal, except at the equinox. At other times, when the hours of the night were long, those of the day were short, as in winter; and when the hours of night were short, as at midsummer, the hours of the day were long in proportion. See HOURS.

The nights are sometimes extremely cold in Syria, when the days are very hot; and travelers in the deserts and among the mountains near Palestine refer to their own sufferings from these opposite extremes, in illustration of Jacob’s words in

→ General scriptures concerning Ge 1:5,16,18

→ Meditations in Ps 19:2; 77:6; 119:148; 139:11

→ Worship in Ps 134:1

→ Jesus prays all night Lu 6:12

→ No night in heaven Re 21:25; 22:5

→ Divided into watches Ex 14:24; Jud 7:19; 1Sa 11:11; Ne 12:9; Ps 63:6; 119:148; La 2:19;

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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