Topics Bible Verse Studies

Every language has its unique style of linguistics including its vocabulary, syntax (sentence structure) and morphology (word structure). This article will examine each verse from the second chapter of Genesis and breaking down and identifying each word within the verse. This exercise is designed to help those who are learning to Hebrew, but also to provide the novice with some insights into how the Hebrew language of the Bible works.

This base word is the verb כלה (kalah) meaning "to finish" or "complete." The prefix י (y) and the suffix ו identify the verb tense as imperfect - will finish - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - they will finish. The prefix ו (v) means "and" and also reverses the tense of the verb – and they finished. Most verbs ending with the letter ה (h), drop this letter when conjugated. As we have seen in many examples, each verb identifies the tense of the verb (perfect or imperfect) but each verb also identifies its voice (active, passive or reflexive). An example of an active verb would be "they finished." A passive verb would be "they were finished." And a reflexive verb would be "they finished themselves." The "u" in the middle of the word identifies this verb as passive so it should be translated as "they were finished."

This is the word שמים (shamayim) meaning "skies." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" – "the skies."

This is the word ארץ (erets) meaning "land." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" and the prefix ו (ve) means "and" – "and the land."

This is the word כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix ו (ve) means "and" – "and all."

The base word is the noun צבא (tsava) which literally means "army." The suffix מ (m) is the third person masculine pronoun – "them." When combined this word means "armies of them" or "their armies."

The base word is כלה (kalah) meaning "to finish." The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will finish - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will finish. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he finished.

This is the word/name of God – Elohiym, and is the subject of the previous verb.

This is the word יום (yom) meaning "day" with the prefix ב (ba) meaning "in." Combined these mean "in the day."

This is the word שביעי (she-vee-ee) meaning "seventh" with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the." This word and the previous one, are in the construct state and would then be translated as "in the seventh day."

The base word is מלאכה (melakhah) meaning "business. The suffix ו (v) is the third person, masculine, singular, possessive pronoun – "of him." This word means "business of him" or "his business." When a pronoun suffix is added to the end of a noun that ends with the letter ה (h), the ה is replaced by the ת (t).

This word means "which" or "who."

This verb means "to do." This form of the verb does not include any prefixes or suffixes, which always identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular and the tense of the verb as perfect – he did.

The base word is שבת (shavat – the root of the noun shabbat/sabbath) meaning "to cease." The prefix י identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will cease - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will cease. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he ceased.

This is the word יום (yom) meaning "day" with the prefix ב (ba) meaning "in." Combined these mean "in the day."

This is the word שביעי (she-vee-ee) meaning "seventh" with the prefix ה (ha) mean "the." This word and the previous one are in the construct state and would then be translated as "the seventh day."

This base word is כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix מ (mi) means "from." Combined, this word means "from all."

The base word is מלאכה (melakhah) meaning "business. The suffix ו (v) is the third person, masculine, singular, possessive pronoun – "of him." This word means "business of him" or "his business." When a pronoun suffix is added to the end of a noun that ends with the letter ה , the ה is replaced by the ת (t).

This word means "which" or "who."

This verb means "to do." The form of the verb (no prefixes or suffixes) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular and the tense as perfect – he did.

Note: This verse is an example Hebrew poetry where two different words, finished and ceased, are being used to convey one idea.

The base word is the verb ברך (B-R-K). This verb literally means "kneel down to show respect to another." The prefix י identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will respect - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will respect. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he respected.

This word literally means powerful ones (plural) but is often used in a singular sense as a name (usually translated as God). This is the subject (the "he") of the previous verb.

This word precedes the direct object of a verb.

This word means "day."

The base word is the noun שביעי (sheviyiy) meaning seventh. The prefix ה (h) means "the." This word is combined with the previous word to form the phrase "the seventh day" which is the direct object of the previous verb.

The base word is the verb קדש (Q-D-Sh). This verb literally means "set apart for a special purpose." The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will set apart - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will set apart. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he set apart.

The base word is the word את (et) which precedes the direct object of the verb which, in this case is the suffix ו (v) meaning "him."

This word means "for" or "because."

This is the prefix ב (b) meaning "in" and the suffix ו meaning "him." Combined, these mean "in him."

This verb means "cease an activity." Because of the lack of any prefixes or suffixes the subject of the verb is third person, masculine singular, and the tense of the verb as perfect – he ceased.

The base word is כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix מ (m) means "from." Combined, this means "from all."

This is the word מלאכה (me-la-khah) meaning "business." The suffix ו (v) means "of him." Combined, this word means "his business." When a suffix is added to a feminine noun ending with the letter ה (h), the ה (h) is changed to a ת (t).

This word means "which" or "who."

This verb means "fatten up" or "fill up." Because of the lack of any prefixes or suffixes the subject of the verb is third person, masculine singular, and the tense of the verb as perfect – he filled.

This word literally means powerful ones (plural) but is often used in the singular as a name (usually translated as God). This is the subject (the "he") of the previous verb.

The base word is the verb עשה (Ah-S-H) meaning "do." It is written in the infinitive form which simply describes the action without identifying the subject or the tense of the verb. The prefix ל (l) means "to." Combined, this word means "to do."

This word means "these."

The word תולדה (tol-dah) literally means "birthing," the generation that proceeds out of the progenitor. This word is written in the plural, as indicated by the feminine plural suffix ות (ot). Because of the addition of this suffix, the letter ה (h) is dropped.

This is the word שמים (sha-ma-yim), meaning "skies", with the ה (h) prefix meaning "the."

This is the word ארץ (e-rets) meaning "land," with the ה (h) prefix meaning "the" and the ו (v) prefix meaning "and."

The base word is the verb ברא (B-R-A) meaning "to fatten" or "to fill." The ה (hi) prefix identifies the verb as being in the niphal and imperative forms – be filled. The suffix ם (m) identifies the object of the verb as third person, masculine, plural – they were filled. The prefix ב is the preposition meaning "in" or "with" – with their being filled.

This is the word יום (yom) meaning day with the prefix ב (b), the preposition meaning "in."

This is the verb עשה (Ah-S-H) meaning "to do" or "to make" but it is written in the infinitive construct form and would be translated as "making."

This is the name of God.

This word, which includes the masculine plural suffix ים (iym), can literally mean gods, judges or mighty ones, but it is used for "God." (Note: when two nouns are placed together, such as with the names YHWH and Elohiym, they are in the construct state which, in English, would have the word "of" placed between them.

This word means land.

This is the word שמים (sha-ma-yim), meaning "skies", with the ו (v) prefix meaning "and."

This is the word כל (kol) meaning "all" with the prefix ו meaning "and" – and all.

This is a noun meaning shrub.

This is the noun שדה (sadey) meaning "field" with the prefix ה (h) meaning "the" – the field.

This word means "before" or "not yet."

This is the verb היה (H.Y.H) meaning to "exist." The prefix י identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will exist - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will exist.

This is the noun ארץ (erets) meaning "land" with the prefix ב (ba) meaning "in the" – in the land.

This is the word כל (kol) meaning "all" with the prefix ו (v) meaning "and" – and all.

This is a noun meaning herb.

This is the noun שדה (sadey) meaning "field" with the prefix ה (h) meaning "the" – the field.

This word means "before" or "not yet."

This is the verb צמח (Ts.M.Hh) meaning to "sprout." The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will sprout - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will sprout (the "he" being the "field").

This word is a preposition meaning "because," "that," or "so."

This word means "no" and is usually used to negate the proceeding verb.

This is the verb מטר (M.Th.R) meaning to "rain." The structure of the verb also identifies the verb tense as perfect – he rained. The prefix ה (hee) along with the י (ee) infix, identifies the verb as a hiphil (causative) verb – he made rain, or he caused to rain. But, the preceding word לא negates this verb – he did not cause it to rain.

This is the four letter name often pronounced as "Yahweh."

This word, which includes the masculine plural suffix ים (iym), can literally mean gods, judges or mighty ones, but it is used for "God." (Note: when two nouns are placed together, such as with the names YHWH and Elohiym, they are in the construct state which, in English, would have the word "of" placed between them.

This word means "over" or "upon."

This is the noun ארץ (erets) meaning "land." The prefix ה (h) means "the" – the land.

This noun אדם (adam) means "human." The prefix ו (v) means "and" – and a human.

This word means "without."

This is the verb עבד (Ah.B.D) meaning "serve" and is written in the infinitive form. The prefix ל (l) means "to" – to serve.

This word precedes the direct object of a verb.

This is the noun אדמה (adamah) meaning "ground." The prefix ה (h) means "the." Combined, this word means "the ground."

This word אד (eyd, a masculine noun) means a "mist" and the prefix ו (ve) means "and" – and a mist.

The verb עלה (Ah.L.H) means to "go up." The prefix י (ya) identifies the subject of the verb (which is the word אד) as masculine singular (he), and the tense of the verb as imperfect (will) – he will go up.

This word means "from."

This is the word ארץ (erets) meaning land, with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the land.

This is the verb שקה (Sh.Q.H) meaning to "drink." The prefix ה (hi) identifies the verb form as "causative" (to cause or make one drink). The written form of this verb identifies the subject of the verb as masculine singular (he) and the tense of the verb as pefect (did). The prefix ו (ve) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb to imperfect (will) – and he will cause to drink.

This word precedes the direct object (the next three words) of the verb.

This word means "all."

This is the word פנה (paneh) meaning "face," but is always written in the plural form – פנים (paniym). This word is in the construct state (face of...) and a plural noun drops the final mem (ם) when in the construct state.

This is the word אדמה (adamah) meaning ground, with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the ground.

The verb is יצר (Y.Ts.R) meaning to "press" in the sense of forming clay into a shape. The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will press - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will press. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he pressed.

This is the name Yahweh, and is the subject of the previous verb – YHWH pressed.

This is the word frequently translated as "God" but literally means "Powers." While this is a plural word (as identified by the "iym" suffix), it is usually used in a singular context.

This word precedes and identifies the definite object of the previous verb.

This is the word אדם (adam) meaning "human" with the prefix ה (h) meaning "the."

This word means "dust" or "powder."

This word means "from."

This is the word אדמה (adamah) meaning "ground" with the prefix ה (h) meaning "the."

The verb is נפח (N.P.Hh) meaning to "blow." A root beginning with the letter נ (n) drops this letter from the word when it is conjugated. The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will blow - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will blow. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he blew.

This base word is אף (aph) meaning nose, but is written in the plural form – אפים (aphiym), which means "nostrils." The suffix ו (v) means "of him" and because of this word is in the construct state (nostrils OF him) the ם (m) is dropped from the word אפים. The prefix ב (b) means "in." All combined, this word means "in his nostrils."

This is the word נשמה (neshamah) meaning "breath." The word is in the construct state (breath of...) so the ה (H) is changed to ת (T).

This is the word חי (hhai) meaning "living," but in the plural form, which means "life."

The verb is היה (H.Y.H) meaning to "exist." A root ending with the letter ה (H) drops this letter from the word when it is conjugated. The prefix י (y) identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will exist - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will exist. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he existed.

This is the word אדם (adam) meaning "human" with the prefix ה (h) meaning "the."

This is the word נפש (nephesh) meaning "being" (the whole essence of a person), with the prefix ל (l) meaning "to" or "for."

This is again, the word חי (hhai) meaning "living," but here being used as an adjective. The masculine form of this adjective is חי (hhai) while the feminine form is חיה (hhai-yah).

The base word is the verb נטע (N.T.A) meaning "to plant." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will plant, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will plant. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he planted. Also note that the letter נ (nun) is dropped once the verb is conjugated. This happens with any verb beginning with this letter.

This is the Tetragramaton, the four letter name of God.

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (iym) is the masculine plural so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." This name/word is the subject of the verb ויטע (hayah) – and Elohiym planted.

This noun means garden.

The base word is עדן (eyden) meaning "delight" and is the place name Eden. The prefix ב (b) means "in" – in Eden.

The base word is קדם (qedem) meaning "east" (but can also mean "ancient"). The prefix מ (m) means "from" – from [the] east, but means "eastward."

The base word is the verb שים (S.Y.M) meaning "to place." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will place, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will place. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he placed. Also note that the letter י (yud) is dropped once the verb is conjugated, which frequently occurs. The name/word Elohiym is also the subject of this verb.

This word means "there."

This word precedes the definite object of the verb.

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה (h) means "the" – the human. This noun is the definite object of the verb וישם.

This is the relative pronoun which can be translated as which, who or what.

This is the verb יצר (Y.Ts.R) meaning "to press into shape." Because the verb does not contain any prefixes or suffixes it identifies the verb tense as perfect – formed, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he pressed into shape.

The base word is the verb צמח (Ts.M.Hh) meaning "to spring up." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will spring up, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will spring up. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he sprang up. In addition, the verb is written in the hiphil (causative) form so would be translated as "and he caused to spring up."

This is the Tetragramaton, the four letter name of God.

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (iym) is the masculine plural so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." This name/word, as well as the name YHWH, is the subject of the previous verb – and YHWH the Elohiym caused to spring up.

This word means "from."

The base word is אדמה (adamah) meaning "ground." The prefix ה (h) means "the" – the ground.

This word means "all" or "every."

This word is a noun meaning "tree."

The base word is the verb חמד (Hh.M.D) meaning "to crave." This verb is written in the participle form and would be a translated as "craving." The prefix נ (n) also identifies this verb as passive – "be a craving."

The base word is מראה (mar’eh) meaning "appearance." The prefix ל (l) means "to" or "for" – for appearance.

The base word is טוב (tov) meaning "good." The prefix ו (v) means "and" – and good.

The base word is מאכל (ma’a’khol) meaning "food." The prefix ל (l) means "to" or "for" – for food.

The base word is עץ (eyts) meaning "tree." The prefix ו (v) means "and" – and a tree.

The base word is חי (hhai) meaning "living," but the ים (yeem) is the masculine plural suffix, which changes the meaning to "life." The prefix ה (h) means "the." This word, with the previous one, is a compound phrase and would be translated as "the tree of life."

The base word is תוך (tokh) meaning "middle." The prefix ב (b) means "in" – in the middle.

The base word is גן (gan) meaning "garden." The prefix ה (h) means "the" – the garden.

The base word is עץ (eyts) meaning "tree." The prefix ו (v) means "and" – and a tree.

The base word is דעת (da’at) meaning "experience." The prefix ה (h) means "the." This word, with the previous one, is a compound phrase and would be translated as "the tree of experience."

This word means "good."

The base word is רע (ra) meaning "bad." The prefix ו (v) means "and" – and bad.

The word נהר (nahar), meaning a "river." and the prefix ו (ve) meaning "and" – and a river.

This is the verb יצא (Y.Ts.A) meaning "to go out," but is written in the participle form – going out.

This is the noun עדן (eyden) meaning "delight" and is the place name Eden. The prefix מ (m) means "from" – from Eden.

This is the verb שקה (Sh.Q.H) meaning to "drink," but written in the hiphil (causative) form. The prefix ל (l) means "to" – to cause to drink. A root ending with the letter ה (H) drops this letter from the word when it is conjugated.

This word precedes the direct object of the verb.

The noun גן means garden and is preceded by the prefix ה (h) meaning "the" - the garden.

This is the word שם (sham) meaning "there" and is preceded by the prefixes מ (m) meaning "from" and ו (v) meaning "and" - and from there.

The verb פרד (P.R.D) means to "divide." The prefix י (Y) identifies the subject of the verb as masculine singular (he), and the tense of the verb as imperfect – he divides. The construct of this verb also identifies this verb as a niphil (passive) verb - he is divided.

The verb is היה (H.Y.H) meaning to "exist." This verb identifies the verb tense as perfect - existed - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he existed. The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he will exist.

The word is ארבעה (arba'ah) means "four." The prefix ל (l) means "to" – to four.

This is the word ראש (rosh) meaning "head," but includes the ים (iym) masculine plural suffix – heads.

This word means "name."

The base word is אחד (ehhad) meaning "one" with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the one.

The name of the river is pishon.

This is the masculine singular pronoun – "he." Hebrew only has a masculine and feminine pronoun; there is no neuter (it) like there is in English. Therefore the river, a masculine proper name, is referred to as a "he.

The base word is the verb סבב (savav) meaning to go around. This verb is written in the participle form and would be translated as "going around." This verb is prefixed with the letter ה (ha) meaning "the" – the one going around.

This word precedes the definite object of the verb.

This word means "all."

This word means "land."

This is the place name Hhavilah with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the Hhavilah.

This word means "who" or "what."

This word means "there."

The base word is the noun זהב (zahav) meaning "gold." This noun is prefixed with the letter ה (ha) meaning "the" – the gold.

This is the noun זהב (zahav) meaning "gold" and the prefix ו (ve) meaning "and" – and gold.

This is the noun ארץ (erets) meaning "land" and the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the land.

This is the pronoun היא (hi) meaning she (referring to the land, a feminine noun), but is written defectively as הוא. It is prefixed by the letter ה (ha) meaning "the." While this literally translates as "the she," it means "that," as in "that land."

This word is usually translated as "good" but more Hebraicly means "functional."

This word means "there."

This is the noun בדולח (bedolahh), probably meaning "amber," with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the amber.

This is the noun אבן (even) meaning "stone" and the prefix ו (ve) meaning "and" – and a stone.

This is the noun שוהם (shoham), which is an unknown stone, possibly the onyx. It is prefixed with the letter ה (ha) meaning "the" – the shoham. This word and the previous one are joined together to mean "and the shoham stone."

The word שם (shem) means name and is prefixed with the letter ו (ve) meaning "and" – and [the] name.

This is the word נהר (nahar) meaning a "river" and the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the river.

This is the word שני (sheyniy) meaning "second" and the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the second. This word and the previous word are a construct meaning "the second river."

This is the name of the second river.

This word means "he," in reference to the river. There is no "it" in Hebrew, so the masculine pronoun is used to refer to the river, a masculine noun in Hebrew.

The base word is סבב (S-B-B), a verb meaning "to go around." The "o" and "ey" vowels placed inside this verb identify it as a participle – "going around." It is prefixed with the letter ה (ha) meaning "the" – the [one] going around.

This word precedes the definite object (which is the words כל ארץ) of the previous verb.

This word means "all."

This word means "land."

This is the name of the region that the rivers flow around.

The base word is the noun שם (shem), meaning "name," with the prefix ו (ve) meaning "and" – and [the] name.

The base word is the noun נהר (nahar), meaning a "river," with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the river.

The base word is שלישי (sh’liyshiy), meaning "third," with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the third. When two nouns, both with the prefix ה, are placed together, the second word is used as an adjective (Biblical Hebrew vocabulary does not make the distinction between nouns and adjectives). The literal translation of these two words is "the river the third," but would be translated as "the third river."

This is the name of the river.

This is the masculine singular pronoun – "he."

The base word is the verb הלך (halakh) meaning to "walk." It is written in the participle form (holeykh) and means "walking." It is prefixed with the ה (ha) meaning "the" – the [one] walking. Walking is used in Hebrew for anything that "moves," and since rivers cannot walk, it is understood as "moving" or "flowing."

The base word is the noun קדמה (qidmah) meaning "east." Because this noun is written in the construct state (east of…), the ה is changed to a ת.

This is the name of the place where the river is located.

The base word is the noun נהר (nahar), meaning a "river," with the prefix ו (ve) meaning "and" and the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – and the river.

The base word is רביעי (r’viyiy), meaning "fourth," with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the fourth.

This is the masculine singular pronoun – "he."

This is the name of the river.

The base word is the verb לקח (L.Q.Hh) meaning "to take." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will take, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will take. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he took. Also note that the letter ל (lamed) is dropped once the verb is conjugated, but this is the only verb that drops this letter.

This is the Tetragramaton, the four letter name of God.

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (eem) is the masculine plural, so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." This name/word is the subject of the verb ויקח (vai-yi-qahh) – and YHWH Elohiym took.

This word precedes the definite object of the verb.

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human. This noun is the definite object of the verb ויקח (vai-yi-qahh).

The base word is the verb נוח (N.W.Hh) meaning "to rest" or "settle down." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will rest, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will rest. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he rested. This verb is also written in the hiphil (causative) form (identified by the "ee" vowel sound after the letter nun) – and he caused to rest. The suffix הו (hu) identifies the object of the verb as masculine singular – and he caused him to rest.

The word גן (gan) is a garden, meaning a "river," and the prefix ו (ve) means "and" – and a river.

This is the name of the garden (Eden).

The base word is the verb עבד (Ah.B.D) meaning "to serve" and is written in the infinitive – serve. The prefix ל (L) means "to" – to serve. The suffix ה (ah) identifies the object of the verb as feminine – to serve her (the "her" is the garden, a feminine word).

The base word is the verb שמר (Sh.M.R) meaning "to guard" and is written in the infinitive – guard. The prefix ל (L) means "to" – to guard. The prefix ו (u) means "and" – and to guard. The suffix ה (ah) identifies the object of the verb as feminine – and to guard her (again, the "her" is the garden, a feminine word).

The base word is the verb צוה (Ts.V.H) meaning to "direct" or "give direction." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will direct, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will direct. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he directed. Also note that the letter ה (hey) is dropped once the verb is conjugated.

This is the Tetragramaton, the four letter name of God.

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (eem) is the masculine plural, so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." The phrase "YHWH Elohim" is the subject of the previous verb – and YHWH Elohiym directed.

This word means "on" or "upon."

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" – the human.

The base word is the verb אמר (A.M.R) meaning to "say." It is prefixed with the ל (ley) meaning "to" – to say, but is better translated into English as "saying."

The base word is כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix מ (mi) means "from." Combined, this means "from all."

This word is a noun meaning "tree" or "trees."

The word גן (gan) is a garden and is prefixed with the letter ה (ha) meaning "the" – the garden.

This is a verb meaning "eat."

The base word is the verb אכל (A.K.L) meaning to "eat." The prefix ת (to) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will eat, and also identifies the subject of the verb as second person, masculine, singular – you will eat. This verb is a repeat of the previous verb, which is a grammatical tool to provide emphasis; therefore these two verbs would be translated as "you may certainly eat."

The base word is עץ (eyts) meaning a "tree" and is prefixed with the letters ו (u) meaning "and" and מ (m) meaning "from"–and from [the] tree.

The base word is דעת (da’at) meaning "knowledge" and is prefixed with the letter ה (h) meaning "the"–the knowledge.

This word means "function" (though often translated as "good").

The base word is רע (ra) meaning "dysfunction" (though often translated as "bad" or "evil") and is prefixed with the letter ו (va) meaning "and"–and dysfunction.

This word means "not" and often precedes a verb, negating the action of that verb.

The base word is the verb אכל (A.K.L) meaning "to eat." It is prefixed with the letter ת (t), which identifies the tense of the verb as imperfect–will eat, and the subject of the verb as 2nd person, masculine, singular–you will eat. Because of the word לא (lo), which precedes this verb, the action is negated–you will not eat.

The base word is ממ (mim), which means "from" and is suffixed with the letters נו (nu), which can mean "him" or "us," the context will help to determine which meaning is being used. In this case it is "him"–from him.

This word means "for" or "because."

The base word is יום (yom) meaning "day" and is prefixed with the letter ב (b) meaning "in"–in [the] day.

The base word is the verb אכל (A.K.L) meaning "to eat." It is suffixed with the letter ך (ka), which identifies the tense of the verb as perfect–eat or ate, and the subject of the verb as 2nd person, masculine, singular–you eat or you ate.

The base word is ממ (mim), which means "from" and is suffixed with the letters נו (nu), which can mean "him" or "us," the context will help to determine which meaning is being used. In this case it is "him"–from him.

This is an infinitive verb (simple action with no tense or subject) meaning "die."

The base word is the verb מות (M.W.T) meaning "to die." It is prefixed with the letter ת (t), which identifies the tense of the verb as imperfect–will die, and the subject of the verb as 2nd person, masculine, singular–you will die. This verb is used twice, a common means of emphasizing the action of the verb–you will surely die.

This verb root is אמר (A.M.R) meaning "say." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will say. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverse the tense of the verb – and he will say.

This is the name often pronounced as Jehovah and Yahweh, but literally means "he exists."

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (eem) is the masculine plural, so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." The phrase "YHWH Elohim" is the subject of the previous verb – and YHWH Elohiym directed.

This word means "not."

This word means "functional," but is often translated as "good."

This verb root is היה (H.Y.H) and is written in the infinitive form-"exist."

This base word is אדם (adam) meaning "man." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" – the man.

This base word is בד (bad) meaning a "stick." The prefix ל (le) means "to" and the suffix ו (o) means "his." – to his stick. This is an Ancient Hebrew idiom mean "by himself."

This verb root is עשה (Ah.S.H) meaning "do" or "make." The prefix א (e) identifies the subject of the verb as first person singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - I will make.

This is the prefix ל (l) meaning a "to" or "for" and the suffix ו (o) meaning "him" – for him.

This is a word meaning "helper."

This base word is the noun נגד (negad) meaning "face to face," but can be used in a wide sense including, to be in front or to be opposite. The prefix כ (ke) means "like" and the suffix ו (o) means "his" – like his opposite.

This verb root is יצר (Y.Ts.R) meaning "form." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will form. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he formed.

This is the name of God, often pronounced as Jehovah and Yahweh, but literally means "he exists."

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (eem) is the masculine plural, so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." The phrase "YHWH Elohim" is the subject of the previous verb – and YHWH Elohiym formed.

This word means "from."

The base word is אדמה (adamah) meaning "ground" and is prefixed by the ה (ha) meaning "the" - the ground.

This word means "all."

This is the feminine noun חיה (hhai’yah), derived from the masculine noun חי (hhai), both words meaning "living." This word is written in the construct state so the ה (ah) is changed to ת (at).

This is the noun שדה (sadey) meaning "field" with the prefix ה meaning "the" – the field.

This is the word את (eyt) which identifies the definite object of the preceding verb ויצר (vai-yi-tser) and is prefixed with the ו meaning "and."

This word means "all."

This word, derived from the verbal root of the same spelling that means "to fly," is a noun meaning a "flyer." This word is usually used for birds, but is sometimes used for flying insects.

The base word is שמים (shamayim) meaning "sky" with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the"- the sky.

This verb root is בוא (B.O.A) meaning "come." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will come. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he came.

This word means "to."

This base word is אדם (adam) meaning "man." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" – the man.

This verb root is ראה (R.A.H) meaning "see." The ות (ot) suffix identifies this verb as being in the infinitive – see. The prefix ל (l) means "to" – to see.

This word means "what."

This verb root is קרא (Q.R.A) meaning "call." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will call.

This is the prefix ל (l) meaning a "to" or "for" and the suffix ו (o) meaning "him" – for him.

The word כל (khol) means "all." The prefix ו (ve) means "and."

A word meaning "which," "who," or "what."

This verb root is קרא (Q.R.A) meaning "call." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will call.

This is the prefix ל (l) meaning a "to" or "for" and the suffix ו (o) meaning "him" – for him.

This base word is אדם (adam) meaning "man." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" – the man. This word is the subject of the previous verb, the "he" in "he will call."

This is the word נפש (nephesh) meaning "being" (the whole essence of a person).

This is the feminine noun חיה (hhai’yah), derived from the masculine noun חי (hhai), both words meaning "living." However, in the phrase נפש חיה (nephesh hhai’yah) this word is being used as an adjective.

This word means "he," but is also used for "that."

The base word is שם (shem) meaning "name" or "title." It is suffixed with the possessive pronoun ו (o) meaning "his."

*The grammar of the Hebrew identifies the creatures in the masculine singular, hence the use of the masculine singular pronouns he and him. But the context is speaking about many creatures. Therefore, in English the masculine plural pronouns "them" and "their" are used.

This verb root is קרא (Q.R.A) meaning "call out" The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will call. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he called.

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

The base word is the noun שם (shem) meaning "name." The ות (ot) is the feminine plural suffix - "names."

The base word is כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix ל (le) means to - "to all."

The base word is בהמה behemah meaning "livestock." The prefix ה (ha) means "the" - "the livestock."

The base word is עוף (oph) meaning "flyer" (usually a bird). The prefix ל (l) means "to" or "for" - "to/for the flyer." The prefix ו (u) means "and" - "and to/for the flyer."

This is the word שמים (shamayim) meaning "skies." The prefix ה means "the" – "the skies."

The base word is כל (kol) meaning "all." The prefix ל (le) means to - "to all." The prefix ו (u) means and - "and to all."

This is the noun שדה (sadey) meaning "field" with the prefix ה (ha) meaning "the" – the field.

The base word is the noun אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ל (l) means "to" or "for" - "to/for the human." The prefix ו means "and" – "and to/for the human."

This is the Hebrew word meaning "no" or "not." This word is often placed before a verb to place the action of that verb in the negative.

The base word is מצא (M.Ts.A), a verb meaning "to find." The lack of any prefixes or suffixes identifies the tense of the verb as perfect - found and the subject of the verb as masculine singular - "he found." The previous word negates the action of the verb – "he did not find."

This is a word meaning "helper."

The base word is the noun נגד (negad) meaning "face to face," but can be used in a wide sense including, to be in front or to be opposite. The prefix כ (ke) means "like" and the suffix ו (o) means "his" – like his opposite.

The base word is נפל (naphal) meaning "to fall". When a verb begins with the letter נ (n), the נ is dropped from the word when conjugated. The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect-"he fall." The prefix ו (v) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect-"and he fell." The "ey" vowel between the P and L identify the verb as a hiphil (causative) verb-"and he caused to fall."

This is the Tetragramaton, the four letter name of the God of the Hebrews, usually pronounced Yahweh. There are many theories as to the origin and meaning of this name but most likely comes from the verb HWH (hawah) meaning to exist. The yud added to the beginning identifies the object of the verb as first person, masculine, singular, imperfect tense or "he exists".

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (iym) is the masculine plural so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." YHWH Elohiym is the subject of previous verb, the "he" in "he caused to fall."

This is a noun meaning "trance," a state of partly suspended animation or inability to function. A deep sleep or unconsciousness. This is the object (what was caused to be fallen) of the previous verb.

This word means "over" or "upon."

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

The verb is ישן (Y.Sh.N) meaning to "sleep." The prefix י identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will sleep - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular - he will sleep. The prefix ו means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he slept.

The base word is the verb לקח (L.Q.Hh) meaning "to take." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will take, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will take. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he took. Also note that the letter ל (lamed) is dropped once the verb is conjugated, but this is the only verb that drops this letter.

This word is commonly translated as "one" but, the idea of "one" is an individual, single entity. This word actually means "a unit" or "unified", a combined entity. We think of "one tree" as a single entity but, in the Ancient Hebrew mind it is a unit of many parts; roots, trunk, branches and leaves.

The base word is the feminine noun צלעה (tseylah) meaning "rib," or anything "rib" shapped such as a ridge. The prefix מ means "from" – from a rib. This word includes the feminine plural suffix ת (ot)-"from the ribs." The suffix יו (aw) is the third person, singular possessive pronoun-"from his ribs."

The base word is the verb סגר (S.G.R) meaning "shut" or "close." The prefix י (yud) identifies the verb tense as imperfect – will close, and also identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, singular – he will close. The prefix ו (vav) means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb from imperfect to perfect – and he closed.

This feminine noun means "flesh."

The base word is the preposition תחת (tahhat) meaning "under," with the feminine singular possessive suffix נה (nah) meaning "her."

This verb root is בנה (B.N.H) meaning "build." When a verb ending with the letter ה (h) is conjugated, the ה (h) is dropped. The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will build. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he built.

This is the Tetragrammaton, the four letter name of the God of the Hebrews, usually pronounced Yahweh. There are many theories as to the origin and meaning of this name but most likely comes from the verb הוה (hawah) meaning to exist. The yud added to the beginning identifies the object of the verb as first person, masculine, singular, imperfect tense or "he exists".

The base word is אלוה (e-lo-ah), which is commonly translated as "God" or "god," but more literally means "one of power and authority." The suffix ים (iym) is the masculine plural so this word means "gods" or "ones of power and authority." However, this plural noun is often used as a name for YHWH. Because this is being used as a name, it should be transliterated as "Elohiym" rather than translating it with the English word "God." The phrase "Yhwh Elohiym" may be translated as "Yahweh the Elohiym" or "Yahweh of the Elohiym" (Compare this phrase with "Yahweh Tseva'ot" in Psalms 24:10, where it is translated as "Yahweh of hosts"). Yhwh Elohiym is the subject of the previous verb, the one doing the building.

This word precedes the definite object of a verb telling us that the next word is what is receiving the action of the previous verb, the object of the verb. This word is a grammatical tool used in Biblical Hebrew and has no equivalent in English and is therefore never translated.

The base word is צלע (tsela), which is a rib or ribbed shaped object such as the ridge of a hill. The prefix ה means "the" – the rib. This is the object of the previous verb, what was built.

This is a common Hebrew word meaning "which" or "who".

This verb means "to take," and as it is written without any prefixes or suffixes, it identifies the subject of the verb as masculine singular and the tense of the verb as perfect - he took.

This word means "from."

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

The word אשה (ishah) means "woman." The prefix ל (le) means "to" or "for" - to the woman.

This verb root is בוא (B.O.A) meaning "come," but the letter ו (o) is dropped when conjugated. The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as imperfect - he will come. The prefix ו (v) means "and," but also reverses the tense of the verb – and he came. The "i" vowel between the beyt and aleph identifies the form of this verb as hiphil, or causative - and he made come (or "and he brought"). The suffix ה (ah) identifies the object of the verb as third person feminine singular - and he brought her.

This word is a preposition meaning "to" or "toward".

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

This is one of the most common Hebrew words in the Hebrew Bible. The base word is אמר (amar) meaning to speak or say. The prefixes to this verb are identical to the word above. This word means "and he said".

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

This word means "this."

The base word is פעם (pa'am), meaning "time" in the sense of the regular and rythmic beating of time. The prefix ה means "the" – the time.

This word means "bone."

The base word is עצם (etsem), a noun meaning "bone." The prefix מ (m) means "from" - from bone. The suffix י (ai) is the first person possessive - from my bone, but also identifies the noun as plural - from my bones.

The base word is בשר (basar), a noun meaning "flesh." The prefix ו (u) means "and" – and flesh.

The base word is בשר (basar), a noun meaning "flesh." The prefix מ (m) means "from" - from flesh. The suffix י (iy) is the first person possessive - from my flesh.

The base word is זות (zot), meaning "this." The prefix ל (l) means "to" or "for" – for this (in context this could be translated as "because of this).

This verb root is קרא (Q.R.A) meaning "call." The prefix י (y) identifies the subject of the verb as third person, masculine singular and the tense of the verb as passive imperfect - he will be called.

This word means "woman" and is the feminine form of the masculine noun איש (iysh) meaning "man."

This word means "for" or "because" and is used to explain what came previously.

The base word is איש (iysh), meaning "man." The prefix מ (m) means "from" – from man.

This base word is the verb לקח (L.Q.Hh) meaning a "take." The addition of the "u" vowel makes the verb perfect passive tense – was taken. The suffix ה (ah) identifies the subject of the verb as feminine – she was taken.

This word means "this."

A common word meaning "upon", "on" or "above".

The original meaning of this word is a base as a firm support and is used to mean "so" and is the Modern Hebrew word for "yes" in the sense of "it is so" or "it will be firm". When the words על כן are used to together they mean "upon so" or "therefore".

The verb עזב means "to leave". The י prefixed to the verb identifies the verb as masculine, singular, imperfect tense. The perfect tense means completed action and is similar to our past tense. This verb is translated as "he will leave" where the "he" is the subject of the verb.

This word means "man" and is the subject of the verb. In Hebrew the subject of the verb follows the verb rather than precede it as is done in English.

Another word we have looked at before which indicates that a direct object of the verb follows.

The word אב means "father". The suffix יו, pronounced "av", is the pronoun "him". Combined these mean "father of him" or "his father". Normally the suffix ו (v), pronounced "o", is used for the pronoun but do to grammatical reasons the suffix יו is used.

The prefix ו means "and" and again we have the word את.

The word אם means "mother" and the suffix ו means "him". When combined they mean "mother of him" or "his mother".

The verb דבק means "to adhere" and is identified as masculine, singular, imperfect tense. The imperfect tense means incomplete action and is similar to the English present or future tense. When the ו is prefixed to a verb it means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb. Therefore, the word דבק means "he adhered" but, ודבק means "and he will adhere".

The prefix to this word is ב meaning "in" or "with". The suffix to this word is ו (v), the pronoun meaning "him". The root word is אשה, pronounced "iyshah" (but the original spelling of this word is אישה ) and means "woman". This is the same word as the one above, איש meaning "man", but written in the feminine form by adding the ה (h). Wherever a feminine word ending with the ה (h) is used in the construct state, the ה is changed to a ת (t). The full meaning of this word is "in woman of him" or "in his woman". There is no Biblical Hebrew word for "wife" instead it is "his woman", "my woman", etc.

The root word here is היה meaning "to exist" and is commonly translated with the English verb "to be" or one of its conjugations such as is, was, are, etc. The verb היו (hay-u) identifies the verb as masculine, plural, perfect tense and would be translated as "they were". Even though the subject of the verb is "masculine plural" it is referring to the man and his woman. When a plural is of both genders the masculine takes precedence. Because the ו (v) is prefixed, the tense is reversed to imperfect and is therefore translated as "they will be". You may also notice that the last letter, ה (h), from the root היה is missing. When a verb root ending with a ה (h)is conjugated, the ה (h) is dropped.

The prefix ל means "to" or "for" and the word בשר means "flesh" and is idiomatically used for a "person".

This word is commonly translated as "one" but, the idea of "one" is an individual, single entity. This word actually means "a unit" or "unified", a combined entity. We think of "one tree" as a single entity but, in the Ancient Hebrew mind it is a unit of many parts; roots, trunk, branches and leaves.

The verb is היה (H.Y.H) meaning to "exist." A root ending with the letter ה (H) drops this letter from the word when it is conjugated. The prefix י and the suffix ו identifies the verb tense as imperfect - will exist - and the subject of the verb as third person, masculine, plural - they will exist. The prefix ו means "and" but also reverses the tense of the verb – and they existed.

The base word is שנים (sheh-nah-yim) meaning "two." The suffix הם (hem) is the third person plural possessive pronoun "them" (the final ם is dropped from the plural suffix when a pronoun is suffixed to the plural noun). This word means "two of them."

The base word is the word ערום (arum) meaning "naked." As this word is being used an adjective to describe two persons (the man and his woman), the dual plural suffix ים (iym) is added as a suffix.

The base word is אדם (adam) meaning "human." The prefix ה means "the" – the human.

The base word is the noun אשה (ee-shah) meaning "woman." The suffix ו (o) is the masculine possessive pronoun meaning "his" (When a feminine noun, ending with the letter ה (h), is suffixed with a pronoun, the ה (h) is dropped). The prefix ו (ve) means "and." When combined, this word means "and his woman" (There is no Biblical Hebrew word for "wife," instead, "his woman" is used).

The prefix ו (ve) means "and" and the word לא (lo) means "no" or "not."

The base word is the verb בוש (but written as בשש) meaning "to be ashamed." The prefix י and the suffix ו identifies the subject of the verb (the man and his woman) as plural – they were not ashamed. The prefix הת (heet, but the ה (h) is dropped because of the י prefix) identifies the verb form as hitpa'el, the reflexive form of the verb - "they themselves were ashamed." Because this verb is preceded by the negative participle (not) this will be translated as "they themselves were not ashamed."

His Name is One (Book) An examination of the Hebrew words and names used for God and their interpretation from an ancient Hebrew perspective.

Genesis 2:7 | Man and Fire (Article) The Hebrew word for fire is אש (esh). Derived from this two letter parent root is the three letter child root איש (iysh) meaning "man."

Genesis 1:26 | Let Us Make Man (Video) Who is the "us" in Genesis 1:26 which states, "Let us make man in our image."