SILEX Revision Notes
Strong's Concordance was first published in 1890. While it remains an invaluable reference, advances in linguistics, archaeology, and textual studies over the past 130 years have revealed areas where its glosses can be improved. These revision notes document where the Scattered Israelites Lexicon (SILEX) corrects or clarifies Strong's entries based on modern Biblical scholarship.
רַהַב H7294 (Rahav)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, noting that the derivation from the root רָהַב is uncertain rather than established. It also broadens the definition, clarifying that 'Rahab' is not only an epithet for Egypt but also a mythological sea monster, and warns not to confuse this with the personal name from Joshua. The original only reflects the KJV-influenced tradition and a specific interpretation, omitting the mythological usage.
רָזַם H7335 (râzam)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two ways: (1) etymology—the original claims a primitive root, but the revised notes the root is uncertain and that the term likely arose later and may be imitative; (2) definition—the original restricts the meaning to 'mockery,' whereas the revised broadens it to a neutral 'wink or blink' and notes that the connotation (such as mockery or a secret signal) is context-dependent, not inherent.
רֻטֲפַשׁ H7375 (ruṭăphash)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology (noting that the compounded root is speculative and not widely accepted) and the definition (removing the meaning 'to be rejuvenated' and clarifying 'to be fresh' as relating specifically to being moist or damp). It also highlights that the form and meaning are rare and uncertain, which the original gloss does not acknowledge.
אֲרִי H738 (ʼărîy)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology by stating the root connection to אָרָה is debated and lacks strong evidence, contrary to Strong's claim. It also removes the focus on 'violence' and the phrase 'pierce,' clarifying that the word refers simply to the animal, not an action. Thus, the Strong's gloss reflects both etymological error and a definition overreach not supported by modern scholarship.
רֹמַח H7420 (rômach)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, stating the root is uncertain rather than from 'to hurl', and narrows the definition by excluding 'buckler' and 'lancet', which are inaccurate. It also corrects the translation tradition by omitting these terms and clarifies the distinction from similar Hebrew terms.
רָעָה H7462 (Raah)
The SIBI gloss corrects Strong's (1) etymology, stating the derivation is uncertain; (2) definition, by limiting the core meaning to tending/shepherding and noting some extended senses in Strong's (like 'friendship,' 'devour,' 'evil entreat') belong to different roots/homonyms and not this verb; and (3) warns against confusion with homonyms, thus rejecting definitions and idioms in Strong's that are based on different lexical items.
רָעַע H7489 (râʻaʻ)
The revised gloss corrects several issues in the original: (1) etymology—where the original presents it as a 'primitive root' with specific derivation, the revised notes the precise origin is uncertain but is broadly related to the Semitic root; (2) definition—the original includes meanings like 'show self friendly' and 'associate selves,' which the revised identifies as confusion with a different root (רָעָה), thus narrowing the scope of the definition to evil/harm; (3) translation tradition—the original's long list reflects translation traditions rather than strict lexical meaning, lacking the precision of the revised.
רָפַס H7511 (râphaç)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two areas: (1) etymology—the original calls it a 'primitive root', but the revised states the origin is uncertain; (2) definition—the original includes 'humble self' and 'submit self' as meanings, but the revised gloss points out these are not supported by the Hebrew usage and reflect interpretive or theological bias rather than lexical meaning.
אַרְכֻבָה H755 (ʼarkubâh)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two ways: (1) it clarifies that אַרְכֻבָה is not Aramaic but Hebrew, thus correcting a linguistic category error (cultural anachronism); (2) it notes that while a root connection to רָכַב ('to ride') is possible, the etymology is uncertain and the original's root derivation is speculative (etymology).
שְׁאוֹל H7585 (Sheol)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, noting the root is uncertain and that the connection to שָׁאַל is debated, whereas the original asserts this as the derivation. The definition is also materially corrected: the original merges 'grave,' 'hell,' and 'pit,' reflecting English translation tradition and theological bias by mentioning 'hell' ('Hades') and emphasizing a place including 'its accessories and inmates.' The revised gloss clarifies that שְׁאוֹל is the realm of the dead, not necessarily a place of punishment, and should not be conflated with later notions of 'hell' or the 'grave.'
שָׁבַץ H7660 (shâbats)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology and the definition. It rejects the original's identification as a 'primitive root' and questions its relation to weaving or embroidering, clarifying that the verb refers instead to the inlay or setting of stones. Thus, both the semantic range and suggested etymology are materially corrected.
שֵׁד H7700 (shêd)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, stating the derivation from שׁוּד is uncertain and noting possible Akkadian origins; it also corrects theological bias, clarifying that 'שֵׁד' in the Hebrew Bible does not align with later 'devil' or 'demon' concepts but refers to spirits associated with foreign cults.
שִׁדָּה H7705 (shiddâh)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, rejecting the original connection to שָׁדַד as likely incorrect, and also corrects the definition, rejecting 'wife (as mistress of the house)' in favor of 'container, chest, or sedan-chair.' The revised gloss clarifies that the translation as 'wife' is from later interpretation and not linguistically supported, and narrows the possible meanings based on current scholarship.
שֶׂה H7716 (seh)
The revised gloss disputes Strong's etymological derivation ('from שָׁאָה through the idea of pushing out to graze'), stating instead that the etymology is uncertain. It also corrects overextension in the definition: Strong's includes 'cattle' and suggests specificity, whereas the revised gloss notes the term generically refers to sheep or goats (small livestock), and does not cover all small cattle. The revised gloss further rejects the comparison to זֶה as unnecessary. Thus, there are disagreements in etymology, lexical definition, and unwarranted comparison.
שָׁוְא H7723 (shâvᵉʼ)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, stating the root is uncertain and not directly related to שׁוֹא, while the original gives a more specific (but less certain) etymology. It also narrows the definition, removing 'idolatry' as a direct gloss and emphasizes abstract concepts like emptiness and falsehood, rather than moral or destructive 'evil.' Thus, there are corrections both in etymology and definition.
שׁוּחַ H7743 (shûwach)
The revised gloss corrects Strong's by identifying the etymology as uncertain rather than primitive, and by distinguishing physical or emotional descent from theological or moral implications ('humble'). This addresses both etymology and theological bias in the original gloss.
שׁוּף H7779 (shûwph)
The SIBI gloss corrects the etymology by stating the root is uncertain, whereas Strong's presents it as a primitive root with a specific meaning. It also narrows the definition to 'strike' or 'crush,' removing older, broader senses such as 'overwhelm,' 'cover,' and 'bruise,' and notes these are not supported by modern scholarship.
שׁוּר H7788 (shûwr)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymological claim (removing the link to שִׁיר and emphasizing uncertain origin) and challenges the original's association of the verb inherently with harlots or merchants—stating these associations come from context, not definition. Thus, both etymology and definition are materially corrected.
אִבְצָן H78 (Ivetsan)
The revised gloss corrects the original on both the etymology—stating that the connection to the root is unclear and speculative—and the definition, emphasizing that the meaning ('splendid') is not established and that the name is simply a proper noun with uncertain meaning.
שִׁילֹה H7886 (Shiloh)
The SIBI gloss corrects two points: (1) It disputes the Strong's derivation from שָׁלָה as uncertain, correcting the etymology. (2) It removes the dogmatic identification of 'Shiloh' as an epithet of the Messiah, correcting theological bias and reflecting that the meaning in Genesis 49:10 is debated and uncertain.
שָׁכָה H7904 (shâkâh)
The SIBI gloss corrects Strong's on both etymology (states that the root is uncertain, contra Strong's 'primitive root') and definition (rejects 'to roam (through lust)' and clarifies it means 'to lie in wait, to lie in ambush'). It also notes that translations like 'in the morning' are due to manuscript confusion, not lexical meaning.
אֶשֶׁד H793 (ʼeshed)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that (1) the etymology is uncertain and there is no directly attested verbal root (etymology), and (2) the main definition refers to the slope or bank of a streambed rather than the stream or outpouring itself (definition).
שָׁלָה H7952 (shâlâh)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology and the definition found in the original. The original connects the root to the idea of deception and claims likely identity with another root, whereas the revised gloss states the root is uncertain and is better associated with being at ease or complacent, not misleading. Modern scholarship rejects the idea of 'deceive' as a meaning here and emphasizes security or complacency.
שָׁמַיִם H8064 (shâmayim)
The revised gloss corrects Strong's etymology, noting the singular is unattested and the root is uncertain rather than claiming a dual from an unused root. It also refines the definition, clarifying both physical and metaphysical usage, and notes 'astrologer' is rare and not a primary meaning. Thus, the revised gloss corrects etymology, definition, and elements reflecting translation tradition.
שָׁמֵם H8074 (shâmêm)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology by noting the root is uncertain (not a 'primitive root') and definition by clarifying that 'destroy (self)' is not a valid sense, and that the passive/intransitive sense predominates. It also addresses translation tradition by cautioning against using 'destroy (self)' and highlights figurative versus literal contexts more accurately.
שְׂמָמִית H8079 (sᵉmâmîyth)
The revised gloss corrects the original's claim about etymology (the connection to שָׁמֵם is uncertain) and removes interpretive elements tied to later superstitions about toxicity, correcting the definition and eliminating cultural anachronism and folk etymology. It also clarifies that 'spider' is a traditional translation, but scholarship favors a lizard or gecko.
שֹׁמרֹנִי H8118 (Shomroni)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two ways: (1) It removes anachronistic conflation of the term with the later ethnoreligious 'Samaritans,' clarifying that biblical usage refers purely to geographic origin; and (2) it cautions that the etymology of 'Shomron' is uncertain, partially correcting the strong assertion of the original. The original's inclusion of 'Samaritans' as a gloss is both a cultural anachronism and a possible theological bias.
שָׁעָה H8159 (shâʻâh)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology, noting that the root derivation is uncertain and debated, whereas the original asserts it is a 'primitive root.' It also narrows the definition, rejecting secondary meanings in the original gloss such as 'depart, be dim, be dismayed,' which are not supported by modern lexicography. Extended theological or interpretive meanings like 'have respect' are identified as later additions, not the original lexical value.
שֶׁצֶף H8241 (shetseph)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology by noting that the derivation from שָׁטַף is likely but not certain, and states that the alliteration with קֶצֶף is poetic rather than etymological. It also corrects the definition: the original's 'little' is rejected, and the meaning is focused on 'a sudden violent rush or torrent,' not specifically an 'outburst (of anger).' The revised gloss removes the original's overreliance on translation tradition and incorrect lexical association.
שָׁרָב H8273 (shârâb)
The revised gloss materially disagrees with the original in two key areas: (1) etymology: the original asserts a Hebrew root meaning 'to glare,' whereas the revised gloss states the etymology is uncertain and denies any attested Hebrew root, favoring Semitic cognates; (2) definition: the original includes 'expectation' and 'parched ground' as possible meanings, but the revised gloss narrows the sense exclusively to the visual phenomenon of mirage, explicitly excluding 'expectation.'
שֵׁרוּת H8293 (shêrûwth)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology (rejects derivation from שָׁרָה and instead derives from שָׁרַת) and the definition (removes the meaning 'freedom,' which was a misunderstanding, and establishes the meaning as 'service, servitude, or ministry').
שֹׂרֵק H8321 (sôrêq)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology (declares the original root derivation as uncertain and inadequately supported), and narrows the definition (states the word only refers to the vine or grapes, not directly to wine as the original suggests).
שֵׁשׁ H8336 (shêsh)
The revised gloss corrects several issues in the original: (1) The etymological connection to 'marble' and 'silk' is rejected as linguistically unsupported; (2) the definition is narrowed to refer specifically to high-quality linen, removing the application to marble and silk; (3) the revised gloss clarifies that 'shesh' primarily refers to linen and not other materials or colors, and the links to 'blue' and 'silk' are translation tradition or misunderstanding.
תָּאַב H8374 (tâʼab)
The revised gloss corrects the original on two points: (1) The etymology—original's claim of connection to 'puffing disdainfully' and similar roots is deemed speculative and not proven; the revised states the root is uncertain. (2) The definition—the original limits the sense to moral abhorrence, whereas the revised broadens it to include non-moral contexts of intense dislike or disgust.
תָּאָה H8376 (tâʼâh)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology and definition of the original. It rejects 'designate; point out' as an appropriate meaning and clarifies that the root etymology is uncertain, noting prior confusion with similar roots. Thus, there is a material disagreement in both definition and etymology.
תֶּבֶל H8397 (tebel)
The revised gloss corrects the original both in etymology—stating the derivation from בָּלַל ('to mix') is uncertain rather than apparent—and in definition—clarifying that the term specifically refers to bestiality, not to general 'confusion' or broader ideas of mixture.
תִּדְעָל H8413 (Tideal)
The revised gloss corrects the Strong's etymology by stating the root derivation is unsubstantiated and the origin is uncertain. It also corrects the identification of Tidal as a Canaanite, clarifying he is not a Canaanite in the strict sense but associated with regional kings. These are corrections of both etymology and definition (or cultural anachronism regarding 'Canaanite').
תֹּהוּ H8414 (tôhûw)
The SIBI gloss corrects Strong's on both etymology (rejects Strong's root derivation) and definition (rejects specific translation as 'wilderness' or 'desert,' clarifies semantic range as denoting emptiness or disorder rather than a physical place, and nuances figurative meaning).
אֲשֵׁרָה H842 (Asherah)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology (noting that deriving the word from אָשַׁר is debated and unsupported), and the definition (clarifying that 'grove' is a mistranslation, as it refers to a specific cultic object, not a natural grove of trees). It also removes translation tradition bias introduced by the KJV's use of 'grove.'
תָּו H8420 (tâv)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two ways: (1) etymology—the original asserts a derivation from תָּוָה, while the revised notes the root relationship is debated and uncertain; (2) definition—the original gloss adds 'signature' and 'desire' as meanings, but the revised indicates these are unsupported by modern scholarship. The revised focuses on 'mark, sign, or symbol' as the accurate sense.
תּוֹדָה H8426 (tôwdâh)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology by clarifying that 'extension of the hand' is idiomatic and not a literal definition, and notes the precise relationship between gesture and verbal action is debated. The definition is also corrected: the SIBI gloss emphasizes thanks/acknowledgment and critiques the translation of תּוֹדָה as 'choir' or mere 'adoration' as interpretive rather than lexical. Thus, the revised gloss addresses both etymological and definitional issues.
תָּוָה H8428 (tâvâh)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two material areas: (1) etymology, by stating the root is uncertain, in contrast to Strong's assertion of a root relating to 'scraping'; and (2) definition, by restricting the meaning to 'mark, inscribe, delineate' and explicitly rejecting the meaning 'to grieve' as a historical misinterpretation. The original's suggestion of 'to grieve' is not supported by modern scholarship.
תּוֹעָפָה H8443 (tôwʻâphâh)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, stating the connection to יָעַף is uncertain and debated, whereas the original presents it as definite. It also corrects the definition: the original includes meanings like 'weariness,' 'toil,' and 'plenty,' while the revised gloss limits the meaning to 'heights' or 'lofty places' (literal or metaphorical), explicitly rejecting 'weariness' or 'toil.'
תָּכָךְ H8501 (tâkâk)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology (noting it is uncertain, whereas the original provides a speculative root and physical sense that is not supported) and the definition (removing 'to crush' and narrowing the meaning to deceit/fraud).
תֵּל H8510 (têl)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, noting uncertainty in the root derivation and challenging Strong's assertion of contraction from תָּלַל. It also updates the definition, specifying the term as an archaeological mound marking ancient sites and rejecting the gloss 'strength' as unsupported by current scholarship.
תָּלַל H8524 (tâlal)
The revised gloss corrects both the etymology (denying a connection to הָתַל and questioning related cognates) and the definition (removes the idea of 'elevate' or 'eminent,' focusing instead on physical piling or accumulating).
אֵת H854 (ʼêth)
The SIBI gloss corrects Strong's on both etymology (not derived from אָנָה; etymology is uncertain) and definition (the primary function is as the marker of the definite direct object, not a preposition meaning 'near, with, by, at, among,' etc.; Strong's gloss conflates this particle with the separate but identically spelled preposition).
תַּן H8565 (tan)
The revised gloss corrects Strong's on both etymology (uncertainty about the root and its connection) and definition (challenges the tradition of rendering as 'dragon' or 'whale' and emphasizes ambiguity between jackal and legendary beast). It also calls out translation tradition bias in Strong's interpretations tied to KJV usage.
תַּעָב H8581 (taʻâb)
The revised gloss corrects the original in two main areas: (1) etymology, by stating the root is uncertain, whereas Strong's listed it as a 'primitive root'; and (2) definition/translation_tradition, by specifying that rendering the term as 'abomination' can overstate its meaning, and that 'detest' or 'abhor' are more accurate, while Strong's promotes 'abominable.'
תָּפַשׂ H8610 (tâphas)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, stating the root is of uncertain origin rather than categorically primitive. It also narrows the core definition, noting that 'overlay' and 'use unwarrantably' are not inherent meanings but context-dependent, whereas the original presents them as direct senses. This addresses both definition and etymological concerns.