Structure of a Jastrow Dictionary Entry

1אָמַר I 2(b. h.; √אם, v. אֵם; cmp. חמר, עמר) 3a) to join, knot; to be knotted, thick; b) to heap up; c) transf. to join words, compose,cmp. דבר; d) to contract, bargain, exchange. 41) to speak, think, say, relate &c. 5…א׳ ר׳ …א׳ ר׳ Rabbi … related in the name of R. … Ber. 3ᵇ; —2) vow, devote. אָמוּר (לגבוה) devoted to the Lord.

6Nif. - נֶאֱמַר (b. h.) be said, to read … נא׳ כאן … ונ׳ להלן we read here … and we read there … (the same expression is used here and there in the Scriptural text).

סָבַר (b. h. שָׂבַר Pi.; Saf. of ברר) 3[to be bright,] to look for, be hopeful; to think, imagine. Part. pass. סָבוּר; f. סְבוּרָה; pl. סְבוּרִים, סְבוּרִין; סְבוּרוֹת hoping; thinking.

שָׁמַע (b. h.) 3[to be still,] to hear, listen, obey; to understand. R. Hash. IV, 2 כל עיר … ושׁוֹמַעַת וכ׳ every township near Jerusalem from where you can see (the city) and hear (the Shofar) &c.

דָּבָר m. (b. h.; preced.) 1) word, utterance, command (cmp. דִּיבּוּר)... —2) thing, affair, object, occurrence &c. 7a) idolatry. —b) swine. —c) leprosy —d) unchaste conduct, sexual intercourse, sodomy &c.

שָׁלוֹם I m. (b. h.; שָׁלַם)h 1) peace, salvation;salutation. —2) (adv.) safely, unimpaired.

1
Headword

Multiple spelling variants are given, including abbreviations (עִי׳). Shows vocalized forms and common variations found in the sources. Verb entries often show fewer variants than noun entries.

When followed by a Roman numeral (like עָנָה I), it indicates multiple discrete meanings for the same spelling.

2
Source Information
Indicates the source language and roots.
  • b.h. = biblical Hebrew, ch. = Chaldean/Aramaic (source languages)
  • √ = etymological root
  • I = version of root referenced
  • preced. = root is the preceding verb entry
  • v. = vide (see/refer to), cmp. = compare, fr. = from
3
Etymological/Primitive Definitions

Outlines the etymological and primitive definitions as understood by Jastrow. These are not how the words are used in the text, but give insight into their original meanings.

  • [inside brackets] indicate Jastrow's theoretical primitive meaning when there's one unified etymological concept.
  • a), b), c), etc trace etymological evolution when there are multiple semantic developments from concrete to abstract.
4
Practical Definitions

The definitions as understood by Jastrow.

  • Single basic sense: Definition is given as a simple list, often followed by references and notes.
  • Multiple senses: Definitions are numbered 1), 2), 3) to indicate different senses or usages of the word.
5
Textual Citations & Examples
Citations from Talmudic and related sources showing actual usage of the word. These provide concrete examples of how the word appears in context.
6
Verb Forms (Binyanim)
Hebrew and Aramaic verb forms (binyanim) are shown with their specific meanings and citations. For Hebrew entries: Pi. (Piel), Hif. (Hiphil), Hithpa. (Hithpael), etc. For Aramaic entries: Pa. (Pael), Af. (Aphel), Ithpe. (Ithpeel), etc. Only appears in verb entries.
Inline Indicators & Connectors
  • trnsf. = transferred - indicates a definition that the word evolved to over time across the sources.
  • cmp. = compare - indicates related words with similar meanings or development
  • וכ׳ = "and so forth" - indicates that the example has been shortened, or that there are additional similar examples not included
  • sub. = subaudi (supply an implied word)
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