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Psalms 89:10 — Word Study

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WLCאַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃

BSAYouʼattâh [as the all-powerful One]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 89
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 10 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 ('oy.Vei.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 89:10quick helps
In a sentenceGod demonstrates His power by defeating Rahab and scattering His enemies.
Who is speakingThe psalmist addresses God directly.
Where we areThis verse is part of a psalm celebrating God's sovereignty over creation.
The hard wordרָ֑הַב
Take awayGod's might is evident in His ability to conquer and scatter.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאַתָּה verbמָשַׁל 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 89:10

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 — God's Sovereignty Over Creationgenerated

9You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them.
10You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
11The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.
12North and south You created; Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.

Psalm 89:10 reflects on God's authority over chaotic forces, symbolized by Rahab, a mythical sea creature. The psalmist emphasizes God's power to crush adversaries and protect His people, contrasting divine strength with human vulnerability. This theme resonates throughout the psalm, illustrating God's role as a protector and ruler over both nature and nations.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 78:43–72when He performed His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the fields of Zoan.
2Psalm 105:27–45They performed His miraculous signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.
3Exodus 7:1–15The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.
4Psalm 59:11Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.
5Psalm 68:30Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word דִכִּ֣אתָ, di.Ki.tagenerated

The verb דִכָּא (daka') means 'to crush' and is used here in the Piel stem, indicating an intensive action. It conveys a sense of overwhelming force, emphasizing the total defeat of the subject, Rahab.

This action is not merely physical; it symbolizes God's authority over chaos and opposition. The choice of this verb highlights God's ability to decisively eliminate threats, reinforcing His power and sovereignty.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses crushed and scattered.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb דִכִּ֣אתָ (you crushed) governs the first part of the verse, with a noun phrase רָ֑הַב (Rahab) as its object. This structure emphasizes the action of God against Rahab as a direct and powerful act.

The second part of the verse introduces another finite verb פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ (you scattered), with its object אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ (your enemies), further illustrating God's might in dealing with adversaries.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, דִכִּ֣אתָ is rendered as δεσπόζεις, which conveys authority and control, suggesting a broader interpretation of God's dominion over chaos.

This choice reflects a theological interpretation that emphasizes God's lordship rather than merely a physical act of crushing.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 89:10 shows God defeating Rahab, a symbol of chaos, and scattering His enemies. This verse highlights God's power and authority, demonstrating His ability to control and protect.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Rahab represent in this verse?

Rahab symbolizes chaos and opposition, often associated with Egypt's power, illustrating God's sovereignty over such forces.

Why does the psalmist use the imagery of crushing?

Crushing conveys total defeat and emphasizes God's overwhelming power against His adversaries.

What does the term 'enemies' refer to?

Enemies refer to those who oppose God's will, whether they are nations or individuals acting against His purposes.

How does this verse relate to God's might?

The verse illustrates God's might through His actions against chaos and opposition, reinforcing His role as a protector and ruler.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I seen God's power at work in my life?
  2. How can I trust in God's ability to overcome chaos and opposition?
  3. What does it mean for me to acknowledge God as the one who scatters my enemies?
  4. How can I reflect God's strength in my own actions and decisions?

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

Early interpretations of this verse highlight God's power over chaos, as seen in the writings of early church fathers.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 89 354–430
Lastly, what have You done in the sea itself, to pacify its rage, and to weaken it? "You have humbled the proud as one that is wounded" [Psalms 89:10].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 89 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 89:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain,.... Or Egypt, as in Psalms 87:4 or the Egyptians, and particularly Pharaoh their king; so the Targum explains it, "Rahab or the proud one, this

Read John Gill on Psalms 89 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 89 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Rahab; Egypt, as . As one that is slain; thou didst wound them not slightly, but unto death. See .

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 89 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 89:10 Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.Ver. 10. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces] i.e. Egypt, which is called Rahab for its strength and pride. As one that is slain] Or, as one deadly wounded; as such a one is soon despatched, so here, Vox Halal vulneratum lethaliter designat. Thou hast scattered, &c.] See Isaiah 25:11,

Read John Trapp on Psalms 89 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) Rahab.—See Note, Psalms 87:4. The mention of the sea has carried the poet’s thoughts to the Red Sea and the deliverance from Egypt, which is represented as some huge monster conquered and crushed.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 89 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 10. Thou hast broken Rahab] Thou hast destroyed the power of Egypt, having overthrown the king and its people when they endeavoured to prevent thy people from regaining their liberty. As one that is slain] The whole clause in the original is, אתה דכאת כחלל רהב attah dikkitha kechalal Rahab, "Thou, like a hero, hast broken down Egypt." Dr. Kennicott has largely proved that חלל chalal, which we render wounded, slain, c., means a soldier, warrior, hero and it is certain that this sense agrees better with it than the other in a great number of places. Mr. Berlin translates, Tu contrivisti ut cadaver AEgyptum; "Thou hast bruised down Egypt like a dead carcass." The whole strength of Egypt…

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 89 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

5–18. The adoring recital of God’s attributes which follows here has a twofold purpose in relation to the subject of the Psalm. It is a plea with God, and it is an encouragement to Israel. His omnipotence guarantees His ability, His faithfulness is the pledge of His will, to perform His promises to David.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 89 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces - Margin, “Egypt.” See the notes at Psalms 87:4. The reference is to the exodus of the Hebrew people, when he destroyed the power of Egypt.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 89 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

You have broken Rahab in pieces, like one of the slain. You have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

You crushed Rahab like a carcass; You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You crushed the Proud One and killed it; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; Thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thy enemies with thy strong arm.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Thou hast beaten downe Rahab as a man slaine: thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy mightie arme.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Thou hast crushed Rahab as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with the arm of thy strength.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Thou hast bruised Rahab, as one wounded. With the arm of Thy strength Thou hast scattered Thine enemies.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

You have bruised Rahab, as one wounded. You have scattered Your enemies with the arm of Your strength.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(89:11) Thou didst crush Rahab as one that is slain: with thy strong arm didst thou scatter thy enemies.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

You crushed Rahab as one who is killed. You scattered your enemies with your strong arm.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The days of our years in them are threescore and ten years. But if in the strong they be fourscore years: and what is more of them is labour and sorrow. For mildness is come upon us: and we shall be corrected.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

You crushed Rahab the sea-monster to death; by your power you scattered your enemies.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Rahab was crushed by you like one wounded to death; with your strong arm you put to flight all your haters.

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.

clausesubjectאַתָּ֤הyouverbדִכִּ֣אתָyou.crushedprepositional phrase · prepositionalכֶlike.(the)noun phrase[one]חָלָ֣לslainobjectרָ֑הַבRahabclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבִּwithnoun phraseזְר֥וֹעַthe.armnoun phraseעֻ֝זְּyour.strengthךָ֗yourverbפִּזַּ֥רְתָּyou.scatterednoun phrase · objectאוֹיְבֶֽיenemiesךָyour

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 it is known today. The Septuagint aligns closely with the Hebrew, with seven out of eight words matched, indicating a strong consistency in the core message across these ancient texts.

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

אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אַתָּ֤הσὺדִכִּ֣אתָδεσπόζειςכֶחָלָ֣לκράτουςרָ֑הַבτῆςבִּזְר֥וֹעַθαλάσσηςעֻ֝זְּךָ֗κυμάτωνאוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃σὺ

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.

Psalms 89:10אַתָּ֫הyouyouאַתָּ֫הדָּכָאyou crushedyou crushedדָּכָאחָלָלlike [one] like [one] slaiחָלָלרַ֫הַבRahabRahabרַ֫הַבזְרוֹעַwith [the] with [the] arm זְרוֹעַעֹזstrength yostrength yourעֹזפָּזַרyou scatteryou scatteredפָּזַראָיַבenemies youenemies yourאָיַבחָלַלto boreto boreחָלַלזָרַעto sowto sowזָרַעעָזַזbe strongbe strongעָזַזדָּכָהto crushto crushדָּכָהרַ֫הַבRahabRahabרַ֫הַבאָיַבbe hostilebe hostileאָיַביָרַשׁto possessto possess: posיָרַשׁעָנִיafflictedafflictedעָנִיזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַחֶ֫רֶבswordswordחֶ֫רֶבאַתָּ֫הyou(m.s.)you(m.s.)אַתָּ֫החָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָטָהto stretchto stretchנָטָהמַחְסֶּהrefugerefugeמַחְסֶּהגָּאוֹןprideprideגָּאוֹןעֶ֫צֶםboneboneעֶ֫צֶםיֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁצַרnarrownarrowצַר
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 89:10

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.

you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
אַתָּ֤ה'a.Tah you H859 Pronoun
1,094× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Amplified meaning
as the all-powerful One
Tyndale gloss
you(m.s.)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַתָּ֫ה (attah) is a second-person pronoun in Hebrew, used to address someone directly. It has masculine and feminine forms: אַתָּה for singular masculine, אַתְּ for singular feminine, אַתֶּם for plural masculine, and אַתֵּן for plural feminine. The entries indicate variations in form and usage, reflecting the pronoun's grammatical complexity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou

base

אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.)

base

אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.)

base

אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.)

base

אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H859a אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou H859b אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.) H859c אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.) H859d אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.) H859e אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

859 'attah at-taw'

or (shortened); aatta {at-taw'}; or wath {ath}; feminine

(irregular) sometimes nattiy {at-tee'}; plural masculine attem

{at- tem'}; feminine atten {at-ten'}; or oattenah

{at-tay'naw}; or fattennah {at-tane'-naw}; a primitive pronoun

of the second person; thou and thee, or (plural) ye and

you:--thee, thou, ye, you.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — you(m.s.).

you (second pers. sing. masc.)

אתִּי (ti) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתְּ (at.te) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתֶּם (at.tem) — you(m.p.).

you (second pers. pl. masc.)

Aramaic equivalent: an.tun (אַנְתּוּן "you" H0608)

אַתֵּן (at.ten) — you(f.p.).

you (second pers. pl. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
דִכִּ֣אתָdi.Ki.ta you crushed H1792 Verb · Piel · perfect second person masculine singular
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to crush or bruise something, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often translated as 'crush', 'bruise', or 'oppress' in English Bibles.
Tyndale gloss
to crush
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָּכָא (daka') is a Hebrew verb meaning to crush or be crushed. It encompasses various forms, indicating actions like bruising, breaking, and being contrite. The entries highlight its use in different grammatical aspects, such as the Niphal (to be crushed) and Piel (to crush). The word conveys both literal and figurative senses of destruction and humility.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[דָּכָא] vb. crush, poet.

not in Qal;Niph. crushed, fig. = contrite ones

Pi. crush

Pu. crushed, broken in pieces, shattered

Hithp. crushed

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1792 דָּכָא crush poet. . crushed, fig. = contrite ones

. crush

. crushed, broken in pieces, shattered

. crushed

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1792 daka' daw-kaw'

a primitive root (compare 1794); to crumble; transitively, to

bruise (literally or figuratively):--beat to pieces, break (in

pieces), bruise, contrite, crush, destroy, humble, oppress,

smite.

see HEBREW for 01794

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָּכָא (da.kah) — to crush.

1) to crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to be crushed

1a2) to be contrite (fig.)

1b) (Piel) to crush

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to be crushed, be shattered

1c2) to be made contrite

1d) (Hithpael) to allow oneself to be crushed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpp2ms — Verb · Piel · perfect second person masculine singular
HVpp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
כֶחָלָ֣לkhe.cha.Lal like [one] slain H2491 Preposition
94× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Tyndale gloss
slain: killed
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָלָל (chalal) primarily means 'pierced' or 'slain,' often in a context of fatal wounding. It can also refer to something that is 'profaned' or 'defiled.' The word is built from the root associated with piercing and carries both literal and figurative meanings related to death and pollution.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָלָל 90 n.m. pierced

pierced, fatally wounded

slain

base

חָלָל adj. profaned

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2491a חָלָל pierced H2491b חָלָל profaned

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2491 chalal khaw-lawl'

from 2490; pierced (especially to death); figuratively,

polluted:--kill, profane, slain (man), X slew, (deadly)

wounded.

see HEBREW for 02490

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָלָל (cha.lal) — slain: killed.

: killed

1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced

1a) pierced, fatally wounded

1b) slain

Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)

חָלָל (cha.lal) — profaned.

adj

1) (CLBL) profaned

1a) defiled, profaned (by divorce)

חָלָל (cha.lal) — slain: wounded.

: wounded

1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced

1a) pierced, fatally wounded

1b) slain

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Aamsa — Preposition
HRd/Aamsa
you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
רָ֑הַבRa.hav Rahab H7294 Noun proper
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, Rahab refers to a mythical sea monster that represents Egypt's power, as mentioned in Isaiah 51:9. It symbolizes the idea of a powerful and arrogant nation. The name Rahab means breadth or storm.
Tyndale gloss
Rahab monster
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רַ֫הַב (Rahab) refers to a mythical sea monster, literally meaning 'storm' or 'arrogance.' It is also used as an emblematic name for Egypt. The word is built from the concept of boasting and is associated with the idea of breadth.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רַ֫הַב n.[m.] lit. storm, arrogance, but only as names, v. infr.;

mythical sea monster

emblemat. name of Egypt

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7294 רַ֫הַב lit. storm, arrogance . mythical sea monster

. emblemat. name of Egypt

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7294 Rahab rah'-hab

the same as 7293; Rahab (i.e. boaster), an epithet of

Egypt:--Rahab.

see HEBREW for 07293

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רַ֫הַב (ra.hav) — Rahab monster.

Rahab = "breadth"

mythical sea monster, lit. "storm", "arrogance", but only as names

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNpt — Noun proper
HNpt
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ra'-hab:

(1) (rachabh, "broad"; in Josephus, Ant, V, i, 2, 7, Rhachab; Heb 11:31 and Jas 2:25, Rhaab): A zonah, that is either a "harlot," or, according to some, an "innkeeper" in Jericho; the Septuagint porne, "harlot"). The two spies sent by Joshua from Shittim came into her house and lodged there (Jos 2:1). She refused to betray them to the king of Jericho, and when he demanded them, she hid them on the roof of her house with stalks of flax that she had laid in order to dry. She pretended that they had escaped before the shutting of the gate, and threw their pursuers off their track. She then told the spies of the fear that the coming of the Israelites had caused in the minds of the Canaanites--"Our hearts did melt .... for…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Rahab

Insolence; pride, a poetical name applied to Egypt in Ps. 87:4; 89:10; Isa. 51:9, as “the proud one.”

Rahab, (Heb. Rahab; i.e., “broad,” “large”). When the Hebrews were encamped at Shittim, in the “Arabah” or Jordan valley opposite Jericho, ready to cross the river, Joshua, as a final preparation, sent out two spies to “spy the land.” After five days they returned, having swum across the river, which at this season, the month Abib, overflowed its banks from the melting of the snow on Lebanon. The spies reported how it had fared with them (Josh. 2:1-7). They had been exposed to danger in Jericho, and had been saved by the fidelity of Rahab the harlot, to whose house they had gone for protection. When the city of Jericho…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

a poetical name of Egypt, (Psalms 89:10; Isaiah 51:9) signifying "fierceness, insolence, pride." Rahab, as a name of Egypt, occurs once only without reference to the exodus: this is in (Psalms 87:4) In (Isaiah 30:7) the name is alluded to.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The English word Rahab represents two different Hebrew words:

1. RAHAB, a Canaanite woman of Jericho, who gave shelter to the two spies sent in thither by Joshua; and in return was spared, with all her kindred, when the city was taken and destroyed, Jos 2:1-21 6:17-25. Her faith, in doing this, is commended in Heb 11:31 Jas 2:25. The Jews and many Christians endeavor to show that Rahab was only an honest innkeeper; but more probably the designation of "harlot" given to her in our Bible is correct. If she had at some time led a dissolute life, she had evidently repented; and she afterwards became a worshipper of Jehovah, and the wife of Salmon, a prince of the tribe of Judah, Ru…

you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
בִּזְר֥וֹעַbiz.Ro.a' with [the] arm of H2220 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
91× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Tyndale gloss
arm
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זְרוֹעַ (z'roa) refers to an arm or shoulder, often symbolizing strength. It can denote the physical arm, the shoulder of a sacrificed animal, or military and political forces. The word is derived from a root meaning to stretch out, indicating both physical and metaphorical strength.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ n.f. and (rare) m. arm, shoulder, strength

arm

arm, as symbol of strength

Pl. forces, political and military

Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2220 זְרוֹעַ, זְרֹעַ arm, shoulder, strength . arm

. arm, as symbol of strength

. Pl. forces, political and military

. Shoulder of animal sacrificed, belonging to priest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2220 zrowa` zer-o'-ah

or (shortened) zroao {zer-o'-ah}; and (feminine) zrowpah

{zer-o-aw'}; or zrowah {zer-o-aw'}; from 2232; the arm (as

stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively,

force:--arm, + help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength.

see HEBREW for 02232

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זְרוֹעַ (ze.ro.a) — arm.

1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength

1a) arm

1b) arm (as symbol of strength)

1c) forces (political and military)

1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncfsc — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
HR/Ncfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
עֻ֝זְּךָ֗'u.ze.kha strength your H5797 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
92× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Tyndale gloss
strength
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֹז (oz) refers to strength or might, encompassing material, physical, personal, social, and political dimensions. It can denote boldness or impudence and is associated with the might of God. The word is built from the root related to strength and power, with various applications noted in the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז n.m. strength, might

material and physical

personal, social, and political

might of י׳

= boldness, impudence

= stronghold

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5797 עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז strength, might . material and physical

. personal, social, and political

. might of י׳

. = boldness, impudence

. = stronghold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5797 `oz oze

or (fully) rowz {oze}; from 5810; strength in various

applications (force, security, majesty, praise):--boldness,

loud, might, power, strength, strong.

see HEBREW for 05810

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֹז (oz) — strength.

1) might, strength

1a) material or physical

1b) personal or social or political

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
פִּזַּ֥רְתָּpi.Zar.ta you scattered H6340 Verb · Piel · perfect second person masculine singular
10× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to scatter or disperse, like throwing seeds in all directions. It can be used to describe either spreading something out in a positive way or forcing people to flee in fear.
Tyndale gloss
to scatter
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּזַר (pazar) means to scatter or disperse, whether in a context of enmity or generosity. It has various forms, including Qal (to scatter), Niphal (to be scattered), Piel (to scatter), and Pual (to be scattered). The word is used in contexts like Israel being compared to scattered sheep and bones being scattered.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּזַר] vb. scatter

Qal a scattered sheep is Israel (i.e. driven off, isolated).

Niph. our bones are scattered

Pi. scatter

Pu. scattered

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6340 [פָּזַר] scatter

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6340 pazar paw-zar'

a primitive root; to scatter, whether in enmity or

bounty:--disperse, scatter (abroad).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּזַר (pa.zar) — to scatter.

1) to scatter, disperse

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to scatter

1a2) scattered (participle)

1b) (Niphal) to be scattered

1c) (Piel) to scatter

1d) (Pual) to be scattered

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpp2ms — Verb · Piel · perfect second person masculine singular
HVpp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
you you crushed like [one] slain Rahab with [the] arm of strength your you scattered enemies your
אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃'oy.Vei.kha enemies your H341 Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffix
283× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
enemy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֹיֵב (oyeb) means 'enemy' or 'foe,' indicating hostility. It can refer to personal or national adversaries. The word is derived from the active participle of another root, אָיַב (ayab), which also conveys the sense of being hostile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָיַב] 283 vb. be hostile to (enemy = אֹיֵב)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H341 אָיַב be hostile to (enemy = אֹיֵב)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

341 'oyeb o-yabe'

or (fully) owyeb {o-yabe'}; active participle of 340;

hating; an adversary:--enemy, foe.

see HEBREW for 0340

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹיֵב (o.yev) — enemy.

1) (Qal) enemy

1a) personal

1b) national

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqrmpc/Sp2ms — Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffix
HVqrmpc/Sp2ms
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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