Genesis 15

^I “things” = dabar. From dabar (to speak, declare, discuss). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
^II “word” = dabar. Same as “things” in v1. See note I above.
^III “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “came” in v1. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note IV below). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
^IV “came” = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.
^V “Abram” = Abram. From the same as Abiram (exalted father, a high father – lofty) {from ab (father literal or figurative) + rum (rise, bring up, being high, extol, exalt, haughty; to raise in a literal or figurative sense)}. This is Abram, exalted father.
^VI “vision” = machazeh. 4x in OT. From chazah ((to gaze at – to see or behold; perceiving as a mental process or looking at something with pleasure; seeing a vision). This is a vision.

^VII “be afraid” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
^VIII “shield” = magen. From ganan (to surround, cover, defend, protect). This is a shield, defense, or figuratively a protector. It can also be used for a crocodile’s hide.
^IX “reward” = sakar. From sakar (to hire, reward, earn). This is wages, payment, service, salary, worth, reward, or benefit.
^X “great” = rabah. This is increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.

^XI “Lord” = Adonai. From adon (lord, master, owner); root means to rule or be sovereign. This is the actual Hebrew word for Lord used (in a different form) of humans and (in the present form) of God. It means someone who is in control.
^XII “God” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^XIII “continue” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
^XIV “childless” = ariri. 4x in OT. From arar (to bare, strip, be razed, break). This is stripped or bare in the sense of lacking children.

^XV “heir” = ben + mesheq. Ben is from banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense. Mesheq is 1x in OT. Its root may mean to hold. It is a possession or an heir. It can also refer to one’s steward.
^XVI “house” = bayit. Related to “heir” in v2. Probably from banah (see note XV above). This is house, court, family, palace, temple.
^XVII “Eliezer” = Eliezer. 14x in OT. From el (God, a god) + ezer (help, aid, helper); {from azar (to help, protect, support, ally; properly, to surround so as to provide aid)}. This is Eliezer, meaning “God is help” or “God of help.” It is the name of several people.
^XVIII “Damascus” = Dammeseq. From Old Aramaic dammasq (Damascus); perhaps related to d-r (dwelling) OR in Syriac darsuq (“a well-watered land”). This is Damascus. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus.

^XIX {untranslated} = hen. This is a remark of surprise or excitement: lo! Behold! It can also mean if or though.
^XX “offspring” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
^XXI “so” = hinneh. Related to {untranslated} in v3. From hen (see note XIX above). From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
^XXII “slave” = ben. Same as “heir” in v2. See note XV above.
^XXIII “is to be…heir” = yarash. This is inheriting or dispossessing. It refers to occupying or colonizing – taking territory by driving out the previous inhabitants and living there instead of them. By implication, it can mean to seize or rob, to expel, ruin, or impoverish.

^XXIV {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as “so” in v3. See note XXI above.
^XXV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^XXVI “own” = meeh. This is inward parts, belly, heart, womb, intestines, vastness. It can also be figurative for sympathy.
^XXVII “issue” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.

^XXVIII “brought” = yatsa. Same as “issue” in v4. See note XXVII above.
^XXIX “outside” = chuts. Root may mean to sever. So, this is something that is separated by a wall – the outside, the street, a field, highway, or abroad.
^XXX “look” = nabat. This is to behold, look at intently, consider, or scan. It can mean to have respect or regard someone favorably.
^XXXI {untranslated} = na. This particle is used for requests or for urging. It can be we pray, now, I ask you, oh. This is the same “na” in “hosanna.”

^XXXII “heaven” = shamayim. Root may mean being lofty. This is sky, the air, or heaven. It is in a dual noun form so this might refer to the part of the sky where the clouds move on the one hand and the part beyond that where the sun, moon, and stars are on the other hand.
^XXXIII “count” = saphar. From sepher (writing, document, book, evidence). This is properly to tally or record something. It can be enumerate, recount, number, celebrate, or declare.
^XXXIV “stars” = kokab. Perhaps from the same as kavah (to prick, blister, burn, scorch). This is a star as shining, stargaze. Figuratively, can mean prince.
^XXXV “are able” = yakol. This is to be able, endure, overcome, prevail.
^XXXVI “descendants” = zera. Same as “offspring” in v3. See note XX above.

^XXXVII “believed” = aman. This is to believe, endure, fulfill, confirm, support, be faithful. It is to put one’s trust in, be steadfast. Figuratively, this is to be firm, steadfast, or faithful, trusting, believing, being permanent, morally solid. This is where the word “amen” comes from.
^XXXVIII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^XXXIX “reckoned” = chashab. This is properly to braid or interpenetrate. Literally it is to create or to wear. Figuratively, it can mean plotting – generally in a negative sense. More broadly, this can also mean think, consider, or make account of.
^XL “righteousness” = tsedaqah. From the same as tsedeq (rightness, righteousness, vindication. It is everything that is just or ethical. That which is right in a natural, moral, or legal sense. It also includes just weights (i.e. true weights). Figuratively, this is justice, righteousness, equity – even prosperity). This is righteousness, justice, righteous acts, and moral virtue.

^XLI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^XLII “Ur” = Ur. From the same a uwr (fire, light, the east); from or (to be or become light, shine). This is Ur in Babylon as well as a personal name. It may mean “flame” or “light.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Ur.html
^XLIII “Chaldeans” = Kasdi. From Kesesd (Kesed, one of Nahor’s sons). This is Chaldean – part of southern Babylon and the people who lived there. They were famous for their astrologers. The name meaning is uncertain.
^XLIV “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
^XLV “possess” = yarash. Same as “is to be…heir” in v3. See note XXIII above.

^XLVI “Lord” = Adonai. Same as “Lord” in v2. See note XI above.
^XLVII “God” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^XLVIII “know” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.

^XLIX “heifer” = eglah. 14x in OT. From egel (male calf as one that frisks about; often one that is almost grown up); may be from the same as agol (round, circular – root meaning revolve). This is a female calf, a heifer or cow that is nearly mature.
^L “three years old” = shalash. 9x in OT. From shalosh (three, fork, three times). This is to intensify, separate into three sections, do a third, triplicate.
^LI “female goat” = ez. Perhaps from azaz (to be strong in a literal or figurative sense, overcome, be impudent). This is a female goat, but can refer to male goats when plural.
^LII “ram” = ayil. From the same as ul (mighty, strength, body, belly; root may mean to twist and that implies strength and power). This is strength so it is used to indicate things that are strong or powerful: political chiefs, rams, posts, trees, oaks.
^LIII “turtledove” = tor. 14x in OT. This is a literal dove – it can also be a romantic term of affection.
^LIV “young pigeon” = gozal. 2x in OT. Perhaps from gazal (to snatch, take violently, seize, tear away; to flay or rob). This is a young bird or nestling. It is derived from the root because young birds often have spotty feathers.

^LV “cut…in two” = bathar. 2x in OT. This is to divide, chop, cut in two.
^LVI “each” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
^LVII “half” = bether. Related to “cut…in two” in v10. 4x in OT. From bathar (see note LV above). This is piece, portion, or half.
^LVIII “over” = qirah. From the same as qara (to happen, meet, bring about). This is any kind of encounter, whether peaceful, hostile, or incidental. It can also mean help or seek.
^LIX “other” = rea. From raah (to associate with). This is the same as neighbor in Leviticus 19:18 “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is friend, companion, fellow, neighbor. It is someone with whom you associate, whether more or less close.
^LX “birds” = tsippor. From tsaphar (to skip about, maybe to depart). This is a little bird like a sparrow – a little bird as one that hops about.

^LXI “birds of prey” = ayit. 8x in OT. From it (to fly, shriek; to swoop down on in a literal or figurative sense). This is a bird of prey like a hawk. It can also mean predatory.
^LXII “came down” = yarad. This is to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense. It can be going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy.
^LXIII “carcasses” = peger. From pagar (to be exhausted, relax). This is a carcass or remains, whether a person or animal. Figuratively, it can also refer to an idol.
^LXIV “drove…away” = nashab. 3x in OT. This is to blow or disperse.

^LXV “sun” = shemesh. This is sun or toward the east. Its root may mean being brilliant. Figuratively, this could be a ray or an arch.
^LXVI “going” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.
^LXVII “deep sleep” = tardemah. 7x in OT. From radam (asleep or sleeper; a heavy sleep – being stupefied either of sleep or death). This is a deep sleep, lethargy, or trance. It is the word used for the deep sleep God put Adam under in Genesis 2:21 as Eve was being formed.
^LXVIII “fell” = naphal. This is to fall, whether by accident, to fall prostrate, or to fall in violent death. Figuratively, it can refer to personal ruin or calamity, a city falling, an attack or a falling away. It can also be a deep sleep or wasting away.

^LXIX {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as “so” in v3. See note XXI above.
^LXX “deep” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
^LXXI “terrifying” = emah. 17x in OT. From the same as ayom (dreadful, frightful, awesome). This is terror, fright, horror, fearsome, idol.
^LXXII “darkness” = chashekah. 5x in OT. From chashak (to be or become dark). This is darkness or, figuratively, misery.
^LXXIII “descended” = naphal. Same as “fell” in v12. See note LXVIII above.

^LXXIV “know…for certain” = yada + yada. Same as “know” in v8. See note XLVIII above. The word is repeated twice – the first time as an Infinitive Absolute. The Infinitive Absolute serves to emphasize the sentiment of the word. It is rather like Foghorn Leghorn’s speech pattern, “I said, I said.”
^LXXV “aliens” = ger. From gur (to abide or sojourn; to leave the road to lodge or for any other reason). This is sojourner, guest, stranger, foreigner.
^LXXVI “be slaves” = abad. This is to work, serve, or compel. It can describe any kind of work or service (including religious devotion).  Also, till or cultivate. Used causatively, it can mean to enslave or keep in bondage.
^LXXVII “be oppressed” = anah. This is to be bowed down. It can refer to a sense of humility or to a sense of being browbeaten, oppressed, afflicted, or depressed. This can be literal or figurative – depressed in mood or circumstance.
^LXXVIII “four” = arba. From raba (to make square or be four-sided). This is four.

^LXXIX “bring judgment” = din. This is to judge, defend, dispute, govern, quarrel, plead.
^LXXX “nation” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
^LXXXI “serve” = abad. Same as “be slaves” in v13. See note LXXVI above.
^LXXXII “come out” = yatsa. Same as “issue” in v4. See note XXVII above.
^LXXXIII “great” = gadol. Same as “deep” in v12. See note LXX above.
^LXXXIV “possessions” = rekush. From rakash (to get, acquire property, collect). This is property, riches, possessions.

^LXXXV “ancestors” = ab. Related to “Abram” in v1. See note V above.
^LXXXVI “peace” = shalom. From shalam (to be complete or sound; to have safety mentally, physically, or extending to one’s estate; so, if these things are safe and complete, the implication is that one would be friendly; and, if being friendly, one would make amends and that friendship would be reciprocated). This is completeness, soundness, welfare, favor, friend, good health. It is to be safe and figuratively well, happy, at peace, friendly. Abstractly, it includes the ideas of welfare and prosperity (not in excessive wealth, but in having enough).
^LXXXVII “good” = tob. From tob (to be pleasing, to be good). This is good, beautiful, pleasant, agreeable, bountiful, at ease. This word is used for goodness as a concept, a good thing, a good person. This can refer to prosperity and welfare as well as joy, kindness, sweetness, and graciousness. So, this is ethically good, but also enjoyably good.
^LXXXVIII “old age” = sebah. 19x in OT. From sib (to have gray hair, become old). This is being gray or old.

^LXXXIX “come back” = shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.”
^XC “here” = hennah. Related to {untranslated} and “so” in v3. Perhaps from hen (see note XIX above). This is here in a location or here in a time, i.e. now.
^XCI “fourth” = rebii. Related to “four” in v13. From arba (see note LXXVIII above). This is fourth, square, one-fourth.
^XCII “generation” = dor. From dur (to move in a circle, which implies living somewhere or remaining there; it can also be the sense of piling or heaping up). This is a revolution of time, which is to say, an age or generation. It can also be a dwelling or one’s posterity.

^XCIII “iniquity” = avon. Perhaps related to avah (to bend, twist, be amiss). This is sin, mischief, guilt, fault, punishment for iniquity, or moral evil.
^XCIV “Amorites” = Emori. From amar (to speak, say, answer, command, promise, report). This is Amorite or Emori, perhaps meaning talkers.
^XCV {untranslated} = hennah. Same as “here” in v16. See note XC above.
^XCVI “complete” = shalem. Related to “peace” in v15. From shalam (see note LXXXVI above). This is complete, at peace, perfect, whole, friendly, blameless, safe.

^XCVII “dark” = alatah. 4x in OT. This is darkness, twilight. Its root may mean to cover.
^XCVIII {untranslated} = hinneh. Same as “so” in v3. See note XXI above.
^XCIX “smoking” = ashan. From ashan (to smoke or burn in a literal or figurative sense; to be angry). This is smoke, vapor, dust, or anger.
^C “fire pot” = tannur. 15x in OT. From the same as tenuk (ear lobe, pinnacle, extremity); perhaps from the same as anak (plumb line, hook; root may mean to be narrow) OR from ner (properly, to glisten; a lamp, light, burner, candle; light literal or figurative). This is a portable stove, oven, or furnace.

^CI “flaming” = esh. This is fire, burning, flaming, hot. It is fire in a literal or figurative sense.
^CII “torch” = lappid. 14x in OT. Root may mean to shine. This is torch, lamp, or flash of lightning.
^CIII “passed” = abar. This is to pass over or cross over. It is used for transitions, whether literal or figurative. It can also mean to escape, alienate, or fail. This is the root verb from which “Hebrew” is drawn.
^CIV “pieces” = gezer. 2x in OT. From gazar (to cut or cut down; figuratively, to divide, exclude, decree, or destroy). This is piece, part, portion.

^CV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v1. See note III above.
^CVI “made” = karat. This is to cut down, cut off, or make a covenant (idiom for making a covenant is “to cut a covenant”). It can also mean to destroy, fail, or consume.
^CVII “covenant” = berit. Perhaps from barah (to eat, choose, make clear); perhaps from bar (grain, wheat); from bara (to select, purify, cleanse, test, brighten, polish). This is a compact, covenant, alliance, treaty, or league.
^CVIII “river” = nahar. From nahar (to flow, sparkle, be cheerful). This is a stream, river, or flood. Particularly used for the Nile or Euphrates. Figuratively, this can mean prosperity.
^CIX “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
^CX “Euphrates” = Perath. 19x in OT. From Old Persian ufratush (Euphrates); from Akkadian Purattu (Euphrates); borrowed from Sumerian Buranun (Euphrates). In English, we follow the Greek version of the river name Euphrates (Euphrates, perhaps to be understood as “good fruitful one”); adapted from eu (good, well, well, done) + phrazo (to announce) OR Greek adapted from eu (see above) + Hebrew Parat (Perath); {from para (to be fruitful)}. This is Euphrates or Perath – perhaps meaning “to break forth” or “rushing” or “good fruitful one.” See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Euphrates & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphrates & https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Euphrates.html

^CXI “Kenites” = Qeni. 13x in OT.  From Qayin (Cain, the name or Kenite – the people or their territory; meaning “spear,” “smith,” “acquisition,” or “political leader.”); from the same as qayin (spear); from qun (to chant a lament, to play a musical note). This is Kenite. It may mean “nestling,” “people of the spear,” or “senatorial.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Cain.html & https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kenite.html
^CXII “Kenizzites” = Qenizzi. 4x in OT. From Qenaz (Kenaz; the name of several people). Root may mean to hunt. This is the Kenizzites, perhaps meaning “hunter” or “trapper.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kenizzite.html  
^CXIII “Kadmonites” = Qadmoni. 1x in OT. From the same as qedem (front, formerly, before, east, eternal, everlasting, antiquity). This is Kadmonite, perhaps meaning “ancient,” “easterner,” or “primitive.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Kadmonite.html

^CXIV “Hittites” = Chitti. From cheth (Heth or Cheth; one of Canaan’s sons from whom perhaps the Hittites descend) OR from hatat (terror, lacking strength or courage); perhaps from hata (to seize; often used of coals from a fire). This is Hittite – perhaps meaning terrors or terrible. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hittite.html#.XyMgpp5KhPY
^CXV “Perizzites” = Perizzi. Perhaps from perazi (rural area, unwalled land); from the same as perazah (rural, village without walls, open country); from the same as paraz (root may mean to separate; perhaps warriors, chieftan, or throng). This is Perizzite, perhaps meaning rural or wild one.
^CXVI “Rephaim” = Rapha. From raphah (to slacken in a literal or figurative sense. So, it could be to hang, be feeble, fail, drop, be helpless, relax, slink, subside, or wait) OR from rapha (properly, to repair by stitching – figuratively to heal or cure; to make whole). This is Rapha or Rephaim. It is someone who lived east of Jordan, a giant. It may mean “faded ones,” “healed ones,” or “what we’ve been healed from.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Rephaim.html

^CXVII “Canaanites” = Kanaaniy. From Kanaan (Canaan, his descendants, and the land where they settled; perhaps meaning lowlands, describing their land or subjugated in reference to being conquered by Egypt); from kana (to be humble, subdue; properly, bend the knee). This is Canaanite, which in some instances would imply a peddler or sometimes used in place of Ishmaelite. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan
^CXVIII “Girgashites” = Girgashi. 7x in OT. Perhaps from Chaldean (clay, clod) OR related to an Arabic word (black mud) OR related to Hebrew garar (to drag out or dray away). This is Girgashite – those who live in a place that has clay soil or black mud. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Girgashite.html#.X1Ztw8hKhPY
^CXIX “Jebusites” = Yebusi. From yebus (threshing place; one of the former names of Jerusalem); from bus (to trample down, tread in a literal or figurative sense; to loathe, pollute, squirm). This is Jebusite, meaning treaders or threshers.