klēv : Is used in the Bible in two different senses:
(1) בּקע , bāḳa‛ "to split," or "to rend." We are told that Abraham "clave the wood for the burnt-offering" (Genesis 22:3 ), and that "they clave the wood of the cart" (1 Samuel 6:14 ). The Psalmist speaks of Yahweh cleaving fountain and flood (Psalm 74:15 ), and the plowman cleaving the earth (Psalm 141:7 ). For other examples see Judges 15:19; Ecclesiastes 10:9; Psalm 78:15; Habakkuk 3:9 .
(2) דּבק , dābhaḳ ; κολλάω , kolláō , "to adhere to," or "to join one's self to." This meaning is the reverse of the preceding. The Psalmist speaks of his tongue cleaving to the roof of his mouth (Psalm 137:6 ). We are told that a man should cleave unto his wife (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5 ). It is said that Ruth clave unto her mother-in-law (Rth 1:14), and that certain men clave unto Paul (Acts 17:34; compare Acts 4:23; Acts 11:23 margin).
"Cleave" is also used in this sense to describe one's adherence to principles. Paul admonished the Romans to cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9 ).
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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