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Difference between revisions of "Plain"

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== Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_53464" /> ==
== Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_53464" /> ==
<p> <strong> PLAIN </strong> . This word is given by the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] as the equivalent of 8 different terms, 7 Hebrews 1:1-14 Greek; but is retained by the RV [Note: Revised Version.] in the case of 4 only, all Hebrew. </p> <p> (1) <em> biq‘âh </em> is translated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] by ‘plain’ in [[Genesis]] 11:2 , Nehemiah 6:2 , Isaiah 40:4 , Ezekiel 3:22-23; Ezekiel 8:4 , Daniel 3:1 but elsewhere by ‘ <strong> valley </strong> .’ It generally designates a broad vale between hills; among the localities to which it was applied the most notable are the pass between [[Lebanon]] and [[Hermon]] (‘the valley of Lebanon,’ Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7 ), and the plain of [[Esdraelon]] (‘the valley of Megiddo,’ 2 Chronicles 35:22 , Zee 12:11). </p> <p> (2) <em> mîshôr </em> is usually translated by ‘plain’ or ‘plain country,’ sometimes accompanied by the mg. ‘table land’ ( Deuteronomy 3:10 , Joshua 13:9 , 1 Kings 20:23 etc.); but in the poetical and prophetical books by ‘even place’ ( Psalms 26:12 ) or ‘straight’ ( Isaiah 40:4 ). Its primary sense is level land; and the word, with the article, was specifically used of the high plateau on the E. of the [[Dead]] Sea. </p> <p> (3) <em> ‘ăr </em> <em> âbâh </em> is ordinarily rendered in the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by ‘plain’ (‘plains’) and ‘desert’ (or ‘wilderness’), but in Joshua 18:18 it is transliterated ‘Arabah.’ The RV [Note: Revised Version.] also sometimes translates by ‘plain (s)’ and ‘desert’ ( Joshua 4:13 , Isaiah 33:9 etc.), but retains the Heb. expression wherever it denotes the deep valley running N. and S. of the Dead Sea. The distinctive sense of the word is that of a bare, sterile plain, or (if between hills) an unfertile floor. </p> <p> (4) <em> kikkâr </em> , unlike the preceding, characterizes not the surface of the locality to which it is applied, but its shape. It is used specifically of the lower part of the bed of the Jordan, where it flows into the Dead Sea, and possibly also of the depression S. of the same sea; and should be rendered by ‘ <strong> circle </strong> ’ rather than by ‘plain’ (as in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] in Genesis 13:10 ) Cf. next article. In Nehemiah 3:22; Nehemiah 12:28 it seems to refer to a district around Jerusalem, and is translated in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] by ‘circuit.’ </p> <p> (5) Of the other Heb. words sometimes rendered in the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by ‘plain,’ one ( <strong> shephçlah </strong> ) is uniformly translated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] by ‘ <strong> lowland </strong> ,’ and designates a group of ‘low hills’ on the E. of the Maritime Plain, which are separated from the hills of Judæa and [[Ephraim]] by a series of valleys ( Deuteronomy 1:7 , Joshua 10:40 etc.). Of the remaining two, one ( <em> ’âbçl </em> ) is transliterated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] ( Judges 11:38 ), and the other ( <em> ’çlôn </em> ) is rendered by ‘oak’ (mg. ‘terebinth’) ( Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:18 etc.). </p> <p> (6) The only passage where the word ‘plain’ is employed in the NT occurs in St. Luke’s account (Luke 6:17 ) of one of our Lord’s discourses, which, ace. to St. Matthew, was delivered on a mountain ( Matthew 5:1 ); the RV [Note: Revised Version.] substitutes ‘a level place.’ </p> <p> G. W. Wade. </p>
<p> <strong> PLAIN </strong> . This word is given by the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] as the equivalent of 8 different terms, 7 Hebrews 1:1-14 Greek; but is retained by the RV [Note: Revised Version.] in the case of 4 only, all Hebrew. </p> <p> (1) <em> biq‘âh </em> is translated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] by ‘plain’ in [[Genesis]] 11:2 , Nehemiah 6:2 , Isaiah 40:4 , Ezekiel 3:22-23; Ezekiel 8:4 , Daniel 3:1 but elsewhere by ‘ <strong> valley </strong> .’ It generally designates a broad vale between hills; among the localities to which it was applied the most notable are the pass between [[Lebanon]] and Hermon (‘the valley of Lebanon,’ Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7 ), and the plain of [[Esdraelon]] (‘the valley of Megiddo,’ 2 Chronicles 35:22 , Zee 12:11). </p> <p> (2) <em> mîshôr </em> is usually translated by ‘plain’ or ‘plain country,’ sometimes accompanied by the mg. ‘table land’ ( Deuteronomy 3:10 , Joshua 13:9 , 1 Kings 20:23 etc.); but in the poetical and prophetical books by ‘even place’ ( Psalms 26:12 ) or ‘straight’ ( Isaiah 40:4 ). Its primary sense is level land; and the word, with the article, was specifically used of the high plateau on the E. of the [[Dead]] Sea. </p> <p> (3) <em> ‘ăr </em> <em> âbâh </em> is ordinarily rendered in the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by ‘plain’ (‘plains’) and ‘desert’ (or ‘wilderness’), but in Joshua 18:18 it is transliterated ‘Arabah.’ The RV [Note: Revised Version.] also sometimes translates by ‘plain (s)’ and ‘desert’ ( Joshua 4:13 , Isaiah 33:9 etc.), but retains the Heb. expression wherever it denotes the deep valley running N. and S. of the Dead Sea. The distinctive sense of the word is that of a bare, sterile plain, or (if between hills) an unfertile floor. </p> <p> (4) <em> kikkâr </em> , unlike the preceding, characterizes not the surface of the locality to which it is applied, but its shape. It is used specifically of the lower part of the bed of the Jordan, where it flows into the Dead Sea, and possibly also of the depression S. of the same sea; and should be rendered by ‘ <strong> circle </strong> ’ rather than by ‘plain’ (as in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] in Genesis 13:10 ) Cf. next article. In Nehemiah 3:22; Nehemiah 12:28 it seems to refer to a district around Jerusalem, and is translated in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] by ‘circuit.’ </p> <p> (5) Of the other Heb. words sometimes rendered in the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by ‘plain,’ one ( <strong> shephçlah </strong> ) is uniformly translated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] by ‘ <strong> lowland </strong> ,’ and designates a group of ‘low hills’ on the E. of the Maritime Plain, which are separated from the hills of Judæa and [[Ephraim]] by a series of valleys ( Deuteronomy 1:7 , Joshua 10:40 etc.). Of the remaining two, one ( <em> ’âbçl </em> ) is transliterated in the RV [Note: Revised Version.] ( Judges 11:38 ), and the other ( <em> ’çlôn </em> ) is rendered by ‘oak’ (mg. ‘terebinth’) ( Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:18 etc.). </p> <p> (6) The only passage where the word ‘plain’ is employed in the NT occurs in St. Luke’s account (Luke 6:17 ) of one of our Lord’s discourses, which, ace. to St. Matthew, was delivered on a mountain ( Matthew 5:1 ); the RV [Note: Revised Version.] substitutes ‘a level place.’ </p> <p> G. W. Wade. </p>
          
          
== King James Dictionary <ref name="term_62022" /> ==
== King James Dictionary <ref name="term_62022" /> ==
<p> PLAIN, a. L. planus splendor. Gr. to wander. </p> 1. [[Smooth]] even level flat without elevations and depressions not rough as plain ground or land a plain surface. In this sense, in philosophical writings, it is written plane. 2. [[Open]] clear. <p> Our troops beat an army in plain fight and open field. </p> 3. [[Void]] of ornament simple as a plain dress. <p> [[Plain]] without pomp, and rich without a show. </p> 4. Artless simple unlearned without disguise, cunning or affectation without refinement as men of the plainer sort. <p> [[Genesis]] 25 . </p> <p> Plain but pious christians-- </p> 5. Artless simple unaffected unembellished as a plain tale or narration. 6. [[Honestly]] undisguised open frank sincere unreserved. I will tell you the plain truth. <p> [[Give]] me leave to be plain with you. </p> 7. Mere bare as a plain knave or fool. 8. [[Evident]] to the understanding clear manifest not obscure as plain words or language a plain difference a plain argument. <p> It is plain in the history, that [[Esau]] was never subject to Jacob. </p> 9. Not much varied by modulations as a plain song or tune. 10. Not high seasoned not rich not luxuriously dressed as a plain diet. 11. Not ornamented with figures as plain muslin. 12. Not dyed. 13. Not difficult not embarrassing as a plain case in law. 14. [[Easily]] seen or discovered not obscure or difficult to be found as a plain road or path. Our coarse is very plain. Psalms 27 <p> A plain or plane figure, in geometry, is a uniform surface, from every point of whose perimeter right lines may be drawn to every other point in the same. </p> <p> A plain figure, in geometry, is a surface in which, if any two points are taken,the straight line which joins them lies wholly in that surface. </p> <p> A plain angle, is one contained under two lines or surfaces, in contradistinction to a solid angle. </p> <p> PLAIN, adv. Not obscurely in a manner to be easily understood. </p> 1. [[Distinctly]] articulately as, to speak plain. Mark 7 . 2. With simplicity artlessly bluntly. <p> PLAIN, n. </p> 1. [[Level]] land usually, an open field with an even surface, or a surface little varied by inequalities as all the plain of Jordan. Genesis 13 2. [[Field]] of battle. <p> PLAIN, To level to make plain or even on the surface. </p> <p> PLAIN, L. plango. To lament or wail. Not used. See Complain. </p>
<p> PLAIN, a. L. planus splendor. Gr. to wander. </p> 1. [[Smooth]] even level flat without elevations and depressions not rough as plain ground or land a plain surface. In this sense, in philosophical writings, it is written plane. 2. Open clear. <p> Our troops beat an army in plain fight and open field. </p> 3. [[Void]] of ornament simple as a plain dress. <p> Plain without pomp, and rich without a show. </p> 4. Artless simple unlearned without disguise, cunning or affectation without refinement as men of the plainer sort. <p> Genesis 25 . </p> <p> Plain but pious christians-- </p> 5. Artless simple unaffected unembellished as a plain tale or narration. 6. [[Honestly]] undisguised open frank sincere unreserved. I will tell you the plain truth. <p> Give me leave to be plain with you. </p> 7. Mere bare as a plain knave or fool. 8. [[Evident]] to the understanding clear manifest not obscure as plain words or language a plain difference a plain argument. <p> It is plain in the history, that [[Esau]] was never subject to Jacob. </p> 9. Not much varied by modulations as a plain song or tune. 10. Not high seasoned not rich not luxuriously dressed as a plain diet. 11. Not ornamented with figures as plain muslin. 12. Not dyed. 13. Not difficult not embarrassing as a plain case in law. 14. [[Easily]] seen or discovered not obscure or difficult to be found as a plain road or path. Our coarse is very plain. Psalms 27 <p> A plain or plane figure, in geometry, is a uniform surface, from every point of whose perimeter right lines may be drawn to every other point in the same. </p> <p> A plain figure, in geometry, is a surface in which, if any two points are taken,the straight line which joins them lies wholly in that surface. </p> <p> A plain angle, is one contained under two lines or surfaces, in contradistinction to a solid angle. </p> <p> PLAIN, adv. Not obscurely in a manner to be easily understood. </p> 1. [[Distinctly]] articulately as, to speak plain. Mark 7 . 2. With simplicity artlessly bluntly. <p> PLAIN, n. </p> 1. [[Level]] land usually, an open field with an even surface, or a surface little varied by inequalities as all the plain of Jordan. Genesis 13 2. [[Field]] of battle. <p> PLAIN, To level to make plain or even on the surface. </p> <p> PLAIN, L. plango. To lament or wail. Not used. See Complain. </p>
          
          
== Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_157738" /> ==
== Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_157738" /> ==
<p> (1): </p> <p> (superl.) Not luxurious; not highly seasoned; simple; as, plain food. </p> <p> (2): </p> <p> (v.) To plane or level; to make plain or even on the surface. </p> <p> (3): </p> <p> (superl.) [[Free]] from affectation or disguise; candid; sincere; artless; honest; frank. </p> <p> (4): </p> <p> (adv.) In a plain manner; plainly. </p> <p> (5): </p> <p> (superl.) Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. </p> <p> (6): </p> <p> (superl.) [[Void]] of extraneous beauty or ornament; without conspicious embellishment; not rich; simple. </p> <p> (7): </p> <p> (superl.) Not intricate or difficult; evident; manifest; obvious; clear; unmistakable. </p> <p> (8): </p> <p> (superl.) Open; clear; unencumbered; equal; fair. </p> <p> (9): </p> <p> (superl.) [[Without]] elevations or depressions; flat; level; smooth; even. See Plane. </p> <p> (10): </p> <p> (v. t.) To lament; to mourn over; as, to plain a loss. </p> <p> (11): </p> <p> (v. i.) To lament; to bewail; to complain. </p> <p> (12): </p> <p> (a.) A field of battle. </p> <p> (13): </p> <p> (a.) [[Level]] land; usually, an open field or a broad stretch of land with an even surface, or a surface little varied by inequalities; as, the plain of Jordan; the American plains, or prairies. </p> <p> (14): </p> <p> (superl.) Not much varied by modulations; as, a plain tune. </p> <p> (15): </p> <p> (superl.) Without beauty; not handsome; homely; as, a plain woman. </p> <p> (16): </p> <p> (v.) To make plain or manifest; to explain. </p> <p> (17): </p> <p> (superl.) Not variegated, dyed, or figured; as, plain muslin. </p>
<p> (1): (superl.) Not luxurious; not highly seasoned; simple; as, plain food. </p> <p> (2): (v.) To plane or level; to make plain or even on the surface. </p> <p> (3): (superl.) Free from affectation or disguise; candid; sincere; artless; honest; frank. </p> <p> (4): (adv.) In a plain manner; plainly. </p> <p> (5): (superl.) Not highly cultivated; unsophisticated; free from show or pretension; simple; natural; homely; common. </p> <p> (6): (superl.) Void of extraneous beauty or ornament; without conspicious embellishment; not rich; simple. </p> <p> (7): (superl.) Not intricate or difficult; evident; manifest; obvious; clear; unmistakable. </p> <p> (8): (superl.) Open; clear; unencumbered; equal; fair. </p> <p> (9): (superl.) Without elevations or depressions; flat; level; smooth; even. See Plane. </p> <p> (10): (v. t.) To lament; to mourn over; as, to plain a loss. </p> <p> (11): (v. i.) To lament; to bewail; to complain. </p> <p> (12): (a.) A field of battle. </p> <p> (13): (a.) Level land; usually, an open field or a broad stretch of land with an even surface, or a surface little varied by inequalities; as, the plain of Jordan; the American plains, or prairies. </p> <p> (14): (superl.) Not much varied by modulations; as, a plain tune. </p> <p> (15): (superl.) Without beauty; not handsome; homely; as, a plain woman. </p> <p> (16): (v.) To make plain or manifest; to explain. </p> <p> (17): (superl.) Not variegated, dyed, or figured; as, plain muslin. </p>
          
          
== Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_33185" /> ==
== Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_33185" /> ==
<li> Heb. shephelah, "low ground," "low hill-land," rendered "vale" or "valley" in Authorized Version (Joshua 9:1; 10:40; 11:2; 12:8; Judges 1:9; 1 Kings 10:27 ). In Authorized Version (1 Chronicles 27:28; 2 Chronicles 26:10 ) it is also rendered "low country." In Jeremiah 17:26 , Obadiah 1:19 , Zechariah 7:7 , "plain." The Revised Version renders it uniformly "low land." When it is preceded by the article, as in Deuteronomy 1:7 , Joshua 11:16; 15:33 , Jeremiah 32:44; 33:13 , Zechariah 7:7 , "the shephelah," it denotes the plain along the [[Mediterranean]] from [[Joppa]] to Gaza, "the plain of the Philistines." (See [[Valley]] .) <div> <p> [[Copyright]] StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated [[Bible]] Dictionary, [[Third]] Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Plain'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/p/plain.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>
<li> Heb. shephelah, "low ground," "low hill-land," rendered "vale" or "valley" in Authorized Version (Joshua 9:1; 10:40; 11:2; 12:8; Judges 1:9; 1 Kings 10:27 ). In Authorized Version (1 Chronicles 27:28; 2 Chronicles 26:10 ) it is also rendered "low country." In Jeremiah 17:26 , Obadiah 1:19 , Zechariah 7:7 , "plain." The Revised Version renders it uniformly "low land." When it is preceded by the article, as in Deuteronomy 1:7 , Joshua 11:16; 15:33 , Jeremiah 32:44; 33:13 , Zechariah 7:7 , "the shephelah," it denotes the plain along the [[Mediterranean]] from [[Joppa]] to Gaza, "the plain of the Philistines." (See [[Valley]] .) <div> <p> Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated [[Bible]] Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Plain'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/p/plain.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>
          
          
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_43015" /> ==
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_43015" /> ==
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== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_56110" /> ==
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_56110" /> ==
<p> I. This term, either in the singular or plural, does duty in the A.V. for no less than seven distinct [[Hebrew]] words, each of which had its own independent and individual meaning, and could not be-at least is not- interchanged with any other. We frequently find two, three, and even more equivalents for the same Hebrew term; and, besides, some of the words are manifestly mistranslated, and some of them are proper names. (See [[Topographical Terms]]). </p> <p> 1. אָבְל , abel, like the Arabic abala, signifies moisture and the verdure produced by it, as in a meadow, to which last term it chiefly corresponds. Hence it came to be applied to a low green plain. It occurs frequently as a proper name in Scripture; chiefly, however, in composition, as Abel-beth- maachah (2 Kings 15:29; 1 Kings 15:20), Abel-meholah (Judges 7:22), Abel-maim (2 Chronicles 16:4), Abel-shittim (Numbers 33:49); also alone, as in 2 Samuel 20:14; 2 Samuel 20:18. In 1 Samuel 6:18 the A. V. reads" unto the great stone of Abel;" but the Hebrew is עד אבל הגדולה, "unto [[Abel]] the great." [[Several]] MSS. read אבן, "stone" (the Sept. has λίθου), and this is probably the true reading (De Rossi, Var. Lect. ad loc.). Judges 11:33 is the only passage in which it is rendered "plain," "and he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith... and unto the plain of the vineyards" (עד אבל כרמים; Sept. ἕως Ε᾿βελχαρμίμ, v. r. Ἀβὲλ ἀμπελώνων; Abel qua est vineis consita). There can scarcely be a doubt that this is a proper name, and it should be rendered Abel-keramim. [[Eusebius]] and [[Jerome]] mention it as a village of the [[Ammonites]] still existing in their day, situated six miles from Philadelphia, in the midst of vineyards (Onomnast. s.v. Abelavinearum). (See [[Abel]]). </p> <p> 2. אֵלוֹן , elon. This word is derived from the root אוּל, to be strong; and hence it is used in [[Scripture]] to signify a strong tree, and most probably the oak, which grows to a great size in central and southern [[Palestine]] (Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 42, 50, 51). In the A.V. it is rendered "plain" (Genesis 12:6; [[Genesis]] 13:18, etc.), or "plains' (18, 1; Deuteronomy 11:30), but in one place the margin has "oak" (Judges 9:6). It is difficult to account for this rendering. [[Probably]] it was adopted from the Vulgate, which translates convallis in four places, vallis in two, and quercus in three. The Sept. has δρῦς, except in Judges 9:9, where it has βάλανος ; and Judges 9:37, ῾Ηλωνμαωνενίμ,I. The word should always be rendered "oak." It was considered a sacred tree. Under "the oak of Moreh," at Manure, [[Abraham]] pitched his tent, and worshipped [[God]] (Stanley, S. and P. p. 508). (See [[Oak]]). </p> <p> 3. בַּקְעָה , bik'ah, is from the root בָּקִע, to cleave asunder, and signifies literally a cleft, or place formed by dividing mountains, then a valley between mountains; It is equivalent to the Arabic buk'ah. It is generally used in the [[Bible]] to denote a low widely extended plain: as "the plain of Shinar" (Genesis 11:2; Sept. πεδίον; campus); "the valley of Jericho" (Deuteronomy 34:3); "the valley of Megiddo" (2 Chronicles 35:22; Zechariah 12:1-1); "the valley of Lebanon" (Joshua 11:17, called in Amos 1:5 "the plain of Aven"), which is now called el-Bukaa; "the plain of Ono" (Nehemiah 6:2), which appears to have been a portion of southern Sharon, where the town of [[Ono]] was situated. This word is rendered "plain" in the following passages: Genesis 11:2; Nehemiah 6:2; Isaiah 40:4; Ezekiel 3:22-23; Ezekiel 8:4; Amos 1:5; elsewhere it is translated "valley." It is generally rendered πεδίον in the Sept. and campus in the Vulgate. בַקְּעָא, bik'a, the [[Chaldee]] form of בקעה, found only in Daniel 3. [[Nebuchadnezzar]] set up "the golden image in the plain of Dura." (See [[Valley]]). </p> <p> 4. כַּכָּר , kikkar, seems to be equivalent to כַּרְכָּר, from the root כָּרִר, to move in a circle; ככר therefore signifies a circuit, or" the region round about any place" (allied to which are κύκλος, circus, and circle; Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 717). Hence, with the article הִכַּכָּר, hakkikkar, it was applied topographically to "the region of the Jordan," especially the southern part of it, in which the cities of [[Sodom]] and [[Gomorrah]] once stood. It is so used seven times in Genesis (Genesis 13:10-12; Genesis 19:17; Genesis 19:25; Genesis 19:28-29); also in 2 Samuel 18:23; 1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chronicles 4:17; and apparently in Nehemiah 3:22; Nehemiah 12:28. Reland suggests that the name may have been derived from the windings of the river (Palaest. p. 274; comp. Stanley, S. tad P. p. 278). [[Though]] uniformly rendered plain in the A. V., and περίχωρος or περίοικος in the Sept., it appears to have all the definiteness of a proper name. It must be confessed that it is not easy to trace any connection between a "circular form" and the nature or aspect of the [[Jordan]] valley, and it is difficult not to suspect that kikk-ar is an archaic term which existed before the advent of the Hebrews, and was afterwards adopted into their language. (See [[Jordan]]). </p> <p> The word is also very frequently used in Scripture to signify "a piece of money," generally "a talent" in the A. V. (Exodus 25:39; 1 Chronicles 20:2, etc.); also "a cake" or "loaf of bread" (1 Samuel 10:3; Proverbs 6:26). Their circular form doubtless suggested the name. </p> <p> 5. מַישׁוֹר . mishor, with the article הִמַּישׁוֹר . This word comes from the root יָשִׁר, to be straight or even; hence mishor signifies a plain or level country; thus in Psalms 26:12, "My foot standeth in an even place," that is, "in a plain;" also, figuratively, rectitude or justice, as in Psalms 67:4, "Thou shalt judge the people righteously" (with justice). With the article it has a topographical signification, and has usually the definiteness of a proper name. In the A. V. it is uniformly rendered plain. It occurs in the Bible in the following passages: Deuteronomy 3:10; Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16-17; Joshua 13:21; Joshua 20:8; 1 Kings 20:23; 1 Kings 20:25; 2 Chronicles 26:10; Jeremiah 48:8; Jeremiah 48:21. In each of these, with one exception, it is used for the district in the neighborhood of [[Heshbon]] and Dibon— the Belka of the modern Arabs, their most noted pasture-ground; a district which, from the scanty descriptions we possess of it, seems to resemble the "Downs" of [[England]] in the regularity of its undulations, the excellence of its turf, and its fitness for the growth of flocks. </p> <p> There is no difficulty in recognizing the same district in the statement of 2 Chronicles 26:10. It is evident from several circumstances that [[Uzziah]] had been a great conqueror on the east of Jordan, as well as on the shore of the [[Mediterranean]] (see Ewald's remarks, Geschichte, 3, 588, note), and he kept his cattle ion the rich pastures of [[Philistines]] on the one hand, and Ammonites on the other. [[Thus]] in all the passages quoted above the word mishbo seems to be restricted to one special district, and to belong to it as exclusively as shephelah did to the low land of Philistia, or arabah to the sunken district of the Jordan valley. It is therefore puzzling to find it used in one passage (1 Kings 20:23; 1 Kings 20:25) apparently with the mere general sense of low land, or rather flat land, in which chariots could be maneuvered-as opposed to uneven mountainous ground. There is some reason to believe that the scene of the battle in question was on the east side of the [[Sea]] of Gennesareth, in the plain of Jaulan; but this is no explanation of the difficulty, because we are not warranted in extending the mishor farther than the mountains which bounded it on the north, and where the districts began which bore, like it, their own distinctive names of Gilead, Bashan, Argob, Golan, Hauran, etc. Perhaps the most feasible explanation is that the word was used by the [[Syrians]] of [[Damascus]] without any knowledge of his strict signification, in the same manner indeed as it was employed in the later Syro-Chaldee dialect, in which meshra is the favorite term to express several natural features which in the older and stricter language were denominated each by its own special name. (See Mishok). </p> <p> 6. עֲרָבָז, arabah, pl. עִרְבוֹת (from the root עָרִב, to be dry), signifies an arid region. In poetry it is applied to any dry pastureland, like Midbar; but with the article it means the valley of the Jordan, and has the force of a proper name. In the A.V. it is commonly rendered "plain" (Deuteronomy 1:1; Deuteronomy 1:7, etc.); but in Deuteronomy 11:30, "champaign;" in Ezekiel 47:8, "desert;" and, in Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:18, "Arabah" (Gesen. Thesaur. p. 1066; Stanley, S. and P. p. 481). The Sept. usually has ῎Αραβα, but sometimes δυσμή . (See [[Arabah]]). </p> <p> 7. שְׁפֵלָה , shephelah, a low plain, from the root שׁפל, to be depressed. In the A. V. it is rendered "plain" in Jeremiah 17:26; Obadiah 1:19; Zechariah 7:7; "low plains" in 1 Chronicles 27:28; 2 Chronicles 9:27; but elsewhere "vale" or "valley." It has all the definiteness of a proper name, being the specific designation of the maritime plain of Philistia. To the Hebrews this, and this only, was the Shephelah. [[Shephelah]] has some claims of its own to notice. It was one of the most tenacious of these old Hebrew terms. It appears in the [[Greek]] text and in the A. V. of the book of [[Maccabees]] (1 Maccabees 12:38), and is preserved on each of its other occurrences, even in such corrupt dialects as the [[Samaritan]] version of the Pentateuch, and the [[Targums]] of Pseudo-Jonathan and of rabbi Joseph. And although it would appear to be no longer known in its original seat, it has transferred itself to other countries, and appears in [[Spain]] as Seville, and on the east coast of [[Africa]] as SoJala. (See [[Shephelah]]). </p> <p> The plain of Esdraelon, which to the modern traveler in the [[Holy]] Land forms the third of its three most remarkable depressions, is designated in the original by neither of the above terms, but by עֵמֶק, ê mek, an appellative noun frequently employed in the Bible for the smaller valleys of the country—" the valley of Jezreel." Perhaps [[Esdraelon]] may anciently have been considered as consisting of two portions: the valley of Jezreel, the eastern and smaller; the plain of Megiddo, the western and more extensive of the two. (See [[Esdraelon]]). </p> <p> II. The following are the principal plains of Palestine alluded to in the Bible, proceeding from north to south: </p> <p> 1. The great plain or valley of Caele-Syria, the "hollow land" of the Greeks, which separates the two ranges of [[Lebanon]] and Antilebanon, is the most remarkable of them all. It is called in the Bible the Bika'ath [[Aven]] (Amos 1:5), and also probably the Bika'ath Lebanon (Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7) and Bika'ath [[Mizpeh]] (Joshua 11:8), and is still known throughout [[Syria]] by its old name, as el Beka'a, or and el-Beka'a. "A long valley, though broad," says Dr. Pusey (Comment. on Amos 1:5), "if seen from a height looks like a cleft;" and this is eminently the case with the "valley of Lebanon" when approached by the ordinary roads from north or south. It is of great extent, more than sixty miles long by about five in average breadth, and the two great ranges shut it in on either hand, Lebanon especially, with a very wall-like appearance. (See [[Coele-Syria]]). </p> <p> 2. The plain (called עֵמֶק ) of [[Jezreel]] or Esdraelon, which runs from the bay of [[Ptolemais]] to the Jordan, dividing the mountains of [[Galilee]] from those of Ephraim. It is well watered and grassy. (See Jezrreel). </p> <p> 3. The flat along the Mediterranean from [[Carmel]] to the brook of [[Egypt]] (whose northern part near [[Joppa]] is called Sharon, שָׁרוֹן, the southern part Shephelah, שְׁפֵלָה ). The plain of the tribe of [[Judah]] stood in connection with the latter (1 Maccabees 3:24; 1 Maccabees 3:40; 1 Maccabees 13:13). (See [[Sharon]]). </p> <p> 4. The meadow of Jordan, or the plain on both sides of that river, from the Sea of [[Gennesareth]] to the [[Dead]] Sea, usually called simply The [[Plain]] (הָעֲרָבָה ). In the neighborhood of [[Jericho]] this valley widens out into a great plain, thence called עֵיְבוֹת יְרַיחוֹ, The [[Plains]] of Jericho (Joshua 4:13; Joshua 5, 10; 2 Kings 25:5; Jeremiah 39:5), as the Dead Sea is called the "Sea of the Plain" (Deuteronomy 3, 17; Deuteronomy 4:49). (See [[Jordan]]). </p> <p> 5. The elevated plain (הִמַּישׁוֹר ) in the tribe of Reuben, in which lay [[Bezer]] and [[Medeba]] (Joshua 13:16; Joshua 20:8; Deuteronomy 4:43). It belongs to the large but rather dry (Burckhardt, 2, 626) plateau of modern Belka (Ritter, 2, 368). (See [[Moab]]). </p> <p> 6. For "the plains of Jericho," (See [[Jericho]]). Plain [[Song]] (canto fermo, cantus planus) is' one of the terms applied to the monotonic recitative melody in ancient chants of the liturgy. In later times it became one of the parts in elaborate pieces, services, and anthems, originally the tenor, but afterwards assigned to the treble. The Cantus Prophetarum Epistolarum et Evanzgelii admitted certain inflections; the Cantus Psalmorum adopted inflections in the middle and end of the verse. An unrestricted melody was used in prefaces, anthems, and hymns, and the plain song is this cantus collectarunz. — Staunton, Eccles. Dict. p. 536. </p>
<p> I. This term, either in the singular or plural, does duty in the A.V. for no less than seven distinct [[Hebrew]] words, each of which had its own independent and individual meaning, and could not be-at least is not- interchanged with any other. We frequently find two, three, and even more equivalents for the same Hebrew term; and, besides, some of the words are manifestly mistranslated, and some of them are proper names. (See [[Topographical Terms]]). </p> <p> 1. אָבְל , abel, like the Arabic abala, signifies moisture and the verdure produced by it, as in a meadow, to which last term it chiefly corresponds. Hence it came to be applied to a low green plain. It occurs frequently as a proper name in Scripture; chiefly, however, in composition, as Abel-beth- maachah (2 Kings 15:29; 1 Kings 15:20), Abel-meholah (Judges 7:22), Abel-maim (2 Chronicles 16:4), Abel-shittim (Numbers 33:49); also alone, as in 2 Samuel 20:14; 2 Samuel 20:18. In 1 Samuel 6:18 the A. V. reads" unto the great stone of Abel;" but the Hebrew is עד אבל הגדולה, "unto [[Abel]] the great." Several MSS. read אבן, "stone" (the Sept. has λίθου), and this is probably the true reading (De Rossi, Var. Lect. ad loc.). Judges 11:33 is the only passage in which it is rendered "plain," "and he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith... and unto the plain of the vineyards" (עד אבל כרמים; Sept. ἕως Ε᾿βελχαρμίμ, v. r. Ἀβὲλ ἀμπελώνων; Abel qua est vineis consita). There can scarcely be a doubt that this is a proper name, and it should be rendered Abel-keramim. [[Eusebius]] and [[Jerome]] mention it as a village of the [[Ammonites]] still existing in their day, situated six miles from Philadelphia, in the midst of vineyards (Onomnast. s.v. Abelavinearum). (See [[Abel]]). </p> <p> 2. אֵלוֹן , elon. This word is derived from the root אוּל, to be strong; and hence it is used in [[Scripture]] to signify a strong tree, and most probably the oak, which grows to a great size in central and southern [[Palestine]] (Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 42, 50, 51). In the A.V. it is rendered "plain" (Genesis 12:6; Genesis 13:18, etc.), or "plains' (18, 1; Deuteronomy 11:30), but in one place the margin has "oak" (Judges 9:6). It is difficult to account for this rendering. Probably it was adopted from the Vulgate, which translates convallis in four places, vallis in two, and quercus in three. The Sept. has δρῦς, except in Judges 9:9, where it has βάλανος ; and Judges 9:37, ῾Ηλωνμαωνενίμ,I. The word should always be rendered "oak." It was considered a sacred tree. Under "the oak of Moreh," at Manure, [[Abraham]] pitched his tent, and worshipped God (Stanley, S. and P. p. 508). (See [[Oak]]). </p> <p> 3. בַּקְעָה , bik'ah, is from the root בָּקִע, to cleave asunder, and signifies literally a cleft, or place formed by dividing mountains, then a valley between mountains; It is equivalent to the Arabic buk'ah. It is generally used in the Bible to denote a low widely extended plain: as "the plain of Shinar" (Genesis 11:2; Sept. πεδίον; campus); "the valley of Jericho" (Deuteronomy 34:3); "the valley of Megiddo" (2 Chronicles 35:22; Zechariah 12:1-1); "the valley of Lebanon" (Joshua 11:17, called in Amos 1:5 "the plain of Aven"), which is now called el-Bukaa; "the plain of Ono" (Nehemiah 6:2), which appears to have been a portion of southern Sharon, where the town of [[Ono]] was situated. This word is rendered "plain" in the following passages: Genesis 11:2; Nehemiah 6:2; Isaiah 40:4; Ezekiel 3:22-23; Ezekiel 8:4; Amos 1:5; elsewhere it is translated "valley." It is generally rendered πεδίον in the Sept. and campus in the Vulgate. בַקְּעָא, bik'a, the [[Chaldee]] form of בקעה, found only in Daniel 3. [[Nebuchadnezzar]] set up "the golden image in the plain of Dura." (See [[Valley]]). </p> <p> 4. כַּכָּר , kikkar, seems to be equivalent to כַּרְכָּר, from the root כָּרִר, to move in a circle; ככר therefore signifies a circuit, or" the region round about any place" (allied to which are κύκλος, circus, and circle; Gesenius, Thesaur. p. 717). Hence, with the article הִכַּכָּר, hakkikkar, it was applied topographically to "the region of the Jordan," especially the southern part of it, in which the cities of [[Sodom]] and [[Gomorrah]] once stood. It is so used seven times in Genesis (Genesis 13:10-12; Genesis 19:17; Genesis 19:25; Genesis 19:28-29); also in 2 Samuel 18:23; 1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chronicles 4:17; and apparently in Nehemiah 3:22; Nehemiah 12:28. Reland suggests that the name may have been derived from the windings of the river (Palaest. p. 274; comp. Stanley, S. tad P. p. 278). Though uniformly rendered plain in the A. V., and περίχωρος or περίοικος in the Sept., it appears to have all the definiteness of a proper name. It must be confessed that it is not easy to trace any connection between a "circular form" and the nature or aspect of the [[Jordan]] valley, and it is difficult not to suspect that kikk-ar is an archaic term which existed before the advent of the Hebrews, and was afterwards adopted into their language. (See [[Jordan]]). </p> <p> The word is also very frequently used in Scripture to signify "a piece of money," generally "a talent" in the A. V. (Exodus 25:39; 1 Chronicles 20:2, etc.); also "a cake" or "loaf of bread" (1 Samuel 10:3; Proverbs 6:26). Their circular form doubtless suggested the name. </p> <p> 5. מַישׁוֹר . mishor, with the article הִמַּישׁוֹר . This word comes from the root יָשִׁר, to be straight or even; hence mishor signifies a plain or level country; thus in Psalms 26:12, "My foot standeth in an even place," that is, "in a plain;" also, figuratively, rectitude or justice, as in Psalms 67:4, "Thou shalt judge the people righteously" (with justice). With the article it has a topographical signification, and has usually the definiteness of a proper name. In the A. V. it is uniformly rendered plain. It occurs in the Bible in the following passages: Deuteronomy 3:10; Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 13:9; Joshua 13:16-17; Joshua 13:21; Joshua 20:8; 1 Kings 20:23; 1 Kings 20:25; 2 Chronicles 26:10; Jeremiah 48:8; Jeremiah 48:21. In each of these, with one exception, it is used for the district in the neighborhood of [[Heshbon]] and Dibon— the Belka of the modern Arabs, their most noted pasture-ground; a district which, from the scanty descriptions we possess of it, seems to resemble the "Downs" of [[England]] in the regularity of its undulations, the excellence of its turf, and its fitness for the growth of flocks. </p> <p> There is no difficulty in recognizing the same district in the statement of 2 Chronicles 26:10. It is evident from several circumstances that [[Uzziah]] had been a great conqueror on the east of Jordan, as well as on the shore of the Mediterranean (see Ewald's remarks, Geschichte, 3, 588, note), and he kept his cattle ion the rich pastures of [[Philistines]] on the one hand, and Ammonites on the other. Thus in all the passages quoted above the word mishbo seems to be restricted to one special district, and to belong to it as exclusively as shephelah did to the low land of Philistia, or arabah to the sunken district of the Jordan valley. It is therefore puzzling to find it used in one passage (1 Kings 20:23; 1 Kings 20:25) apparently with the mere general sense of low land, or rather flat land, in which chariots could be maneuvered-as opposed to uneven mountainous ground. There is some reason to believe that the scene of the battle in question was on the east side of the Sea of Gennesareth, in the plain of Jaulan; but this is no explanation of the difficulty, because we are not warranted in extending the mishor farther than the mountains which bounded it on the north, and where the districts began which bore, like it, their own distinctive names of Gilead, Bashan, Argob, Golan, Hauran, etc. Perhaps the most feasible explanation is that the word was used by the [[Syrians]] of [[Damascus]] without any knowledge of his strict signification, in the same manner indeed as it was employed in the later Syro-Chaldee dialect, in which meshra is the favorite term to express several natural features which in the older and stricter language were denominated each by its own special name. (See Mishok). </p> <p> 6. עֲרָבָז, arabah, pl. עִרְבוֹת (from the root עָרִב, to be dry), signifies an arid region. In poetry it is applied to any dry pastureland, like Midbar; but with the article it means the valley of the Jordan, and has the force of a proper name. In the A.V. it is commonly rendered "plain" (Deuteronomy 1:1; Deuteronomy 1:7, etc.); but in Deuteronomy 11:30, "champaign;" in Ezekiel 47:8, "desert;" and, in Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:18, "Arabah" (Gesen. Thesaur. p. 1066; Stanley, S. and P. p. 481). The Sept. usually has ῎Αραβα, but sometimes δυσμή . (See [[Arabah]]). </p> <p> 7. שְׁפֵלָה , shephelah, a low plain, from the root שׁפל, to be depressed. In the A. V. it is rendered "plain" in Jeremiah 17:26; Obadiah 1:19; Zechariah 7:7; "low plains" in 1 Chronicles 27:28; 2 Chronicles 9:27; but elsewhere "vale" or "valley." It has all the definiteness of a proper name, being the specific designation of the maritime plain of Philistia. To the Hebrews this, and this only, was the Shephelah. [[Shephelah]] has some claims of its own to notice. It was one of the most tenacious of these old Hebrew terms. It appears in the Greek text and in the A. V. of the book of [[Maccabees]] (1 Maccabees 12:38), and is preserved on each of its other occurrences, even in such corrupt dialects as the [[Samaritan]] version of the Pentateuch, and the [[Targums]] of Pseudo-Jonathan and of rabbi Joseph. And although it would appear to be no longer known in its original seat, it has transferred itself to other countries, and appears in [[Spain]] as Seville, and on the east coast of Africa as SoJala. (See [[Shephelah]]). </p> <p> The plain of Esdraelon, which to the modern traveler in the [[Holy]] Land forms the third of its three most remarkable depressions, is designated in the original by neither of the above terms, but by עֵמֶק, ê mek, an appellative noun frequently employed in the Bible for the smaller valleys of the country—" the valley of Jezreel." Perhaps Esdraelon may anciently have been considered as consisting of two portions: the valley of Jezreel, the eastern and smaller; the plain of Megiddo, the western and more extensive of the two. (See [[Esdraelon]]). </p> <p> II. The following are the principal plains of Palestine alluded to in the Bible, proceeding from north to south: </p> <p> 1. The great plain or valley of Caele-Syria, the "hollow land" of the Greeks, which separates the two ranges of Lebanon and Antilebanon, is the most remarkable of them all. It is called in the Bible the Bika'ath [[Aven]] (Amos 1:5), and also probably the Bika'ath Lebanon (Joshua 11:17; Joshua 12:7) and Bika'ath [[Mizpeh]] (Joshua 11:8), and is still known throughout [[Syria]] by its old name, as el Beka'a, or and el-Beka'a. "A long valley, though broad," says Dr. Pusey (Comment. on Amos 1:5), "if seen from a height looks like a cleft;" and this is eminently the case with the "valley of Lebanon" when approached by the ordinary roads from north or south. It is of great extent, more than sixty miles long by about five in average breadth, and the two great ranges shut it in on either hand, Lebanon especially, with a very wall-like appearance. (See [[Coele-Syria]]). </p> <p> 2. The plain (called עֵמֶק ) of [[Jezreel]] or Esdraelon, which runs from the bay of [[Ptolemais]] to the Jordan, dividing the mountains of [[Galilee]] from those of Ephraim. It is well watered and grassy. (See Jezrreel). </p> <p> 3. The flat along the Mediterranean from [[Carmel]] to the brook of [[Egypt]] (whose northern part near Joppa is called Sharon, שָׁרוֹן, the southern part Shephelah, שְׁפֵלָה ). The plain of the tribe of [[Judah]] stood in connection with the latter (1 Maccabees 3:24; 1 Maccabees 3:40; 1 Maccabees 13:13). (See [[Sharon]]). </p> <p> 4. The meadow of Jordan, or the plain on both sides of that river, from the Sea of [[Gennesareth]] to the Dead Sea, usually called simply The Plain (הָעֲרָבָה ). In the neighborhood of [[Jericho]] this valley widens out into a great plain, thence called עֵיְבוֹת יְרַיחוֹ, The [[Plains]] of Jericho (Joshua 4:13; Joshua 5, 10; 2 Kings 25:5; Jeremiah 39:5), as the Dead Sea is called the "Sea of the Plain" (Deuteronomy 3, 17; Deuteronomy 4:49). (See [[Jordan]]). </p> <p> 5. The elevated plain (הִמַּישׁוֹר ) in the tribe of Reuben, in which lay [[Bezer]] and [[Medeba]] (Joshua 13:16; Joshua 20:8; Deuteronomy 4:43). It belongs to the large but rather dry (Burckhardt, 2, 626) plateau of modern Belka (Ritter, 2, 368). (See [[Moab]]). </p> <p> 6. For "the plains of Jericho," (See [[Jericho]]). Plain Song (canto fermo, cantus planus) is' one of the terms applied to the monotonic recitative melody in ancient chants of the liturgy. In later times it became one of the parts in elaborate pieces, services, and anthems, originally the tenor, but afterwards assigned to the treble. The Cantus Prophetarum Epistolarum et Evanzgelii admitted certain inflections; the Cantus Psalmorum adopted inflections in the middle and end of the verse. An unrestricted melody was used in prefaces, anthems, and hymns, and the plain song is this cantus collectarunz. — Staunton, Eccles. Dict. p. 536. </p>
          
          
== International Standard Bible Encyclopedia <ref name="term_7082" /> ==
== International Standard Bible Encyclopedia <ref name="term_7082" /> ==
<p> ''''' plān ''''' ((1) כּכּר , <i> ''''' kikkār ''''' </i> , "circle" "talent," or "round loaf"; (2) מישׁור , <i> ''''' mı̄shōr ''''' </i> , from ישׁר , <i> ''''' yāshar ''''' </i> , "to be level"; compare Arabic <i> ''''' maisûr ''''' </i> , "that which is easy"; (3) בּקעה , <i> ''''' bı̄ḳ‛āh ''''' </i> ; compare Arabic <i> ''''' baḳ‛at ''''' </i> , "a plot of ground" or "a wet meadow"; (4) ערבה , <i> ''''' ‛ărābhāh ''''' </i> ; (5) שׁפלה , <i> ''''' shephēlāh ''''' </i> ; (6) τόπος πεδινός , <i> ''''' tópos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' pedinós ''''' </i> ( Luke 6:17 ); (7) אלון , <i> ''''''ēlōn''''' </i> ; compare אלה , <i> ''''''ēlāh''''' </i> , and אלּום , <i> ''''''allōn''''' </i> "oak" (Genesis 35:4 , [[Genesis]] 35:8 , etc.); also אלה , <i> ''''''ēlāh''''' </i> , "Elah" (1 Samuel 17:2 ); (8) אבל , <i> ''''''ābhēl''''' </i> ): See [[Natural Features]] . </p> <p> (1) <i> ''''' Kikkār ''''' </i> , when meaning "plain" usually refers to the alluvial plain about [[Jericho]] near the north end of the [[Dead]] Sea: "Plain (the Revised Version margin "circle") of the Jordan" ( Genesis 13:10 , Genesis 13:11; 1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chronicles 4:17 ); "Plain of the valley of Jericho" (Deuteronomy 34:3 ); "cities of the Plain" (Genesis 13:12; Genesis 19:29 ); "all the Plain" (Genesis 19:17 , Genesis 19:25 ); "by the way of the Plain" (2 Samuel 18:23 ); but "the plain round about Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 12:28 ). See [[Ciccar]]; [[Circle]] . </p> <p> (2) <i> ''''' Mı̄shōr ''''' </i> , English [[Versions]] of the [[Bible]] "plain," the Revised Version margin usually "table-land," clearly refers in most places to the highlands of [[Gilead]] and Moab, East of the [[Jordan]] and the Dead Sea; e.g. Joshua 13:9 , "the plain (the Revised Version margin "table-land") of Medeba." </p> <p> (3) <i> ''''' Biḳ‛āh ''''' </i> is more often translated "valley" (which see). </p> <p> (4) <i> ''''' ‛Ărābhāh ''''' </i> is in the Revised Version (British and American) often translated "the Arabah," denoting the whole Jordan-Dead-Sea-Arabah depression = Arabic <i> ''''' Ghaur ''''' </i> ( <i> ''''' Ghôr ''''' </i> ). In Deuteronomy 11:30 , the King James Version has "champaign" (which see). The "plains of Moab" (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3 , Numbers 26:13; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48 , Numbers 33:49 , Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13; Deuteronomy 34:1 , Deuteronomy 34:8; Joshua 13:32 ) and "plains of Jericho" (Joshua 4:13; Joshua 5:10; 2 Kings 25:5; Jeremiah 39:5; Jeremiah 52:8 ) are the low plain or <i> '''''ghaur''''' </i> North of the Dead Sea. <i> '''''‛Ărābhāh''''' </i> is here equivalent to <i> '''''kikkār''''' </i> (see above). [[Note]] the distinction between <i> '''''mı̄shōr''''' </i> used of the highlands, and <i> '''''kikkār''''' </i> and <i> '''''‛ărābhāh''''' </i> used of the <i> '''''ghaur''''' </i> . See [[Arabah]] . </p> <p> (5) <i> ''''' Shephēlāh ''''' </i> is by the Revised Version (British and American) throughout translated "lowland" (which see), and includes the western slopes of the [[Judean]] hills and the maritime plain. </p> <p> (6) <i> ''''' Topos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' pedinos ''''' </i> occurs only in Luke 6:17 . </p> <p> (7) <i> ''''' 'Ēlōn ''''' </i> is translated "plain" in the King James Version: "plain of Moreh" ( Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30 ); "plain (or plains) of Mamre" (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 18:1 ); "plain of Zaanaim" (Judges 4:11 ); "plain of the pillar" (Judges 9:6 ); "plain of Meonenim" (Judges 9:37 ); "plain of Tabor" (1 Samuel 10:3 ). the Revised Version (British and American) has throughout "oak," the Revised Version margin "terebinth"; compare "oak" (Genesis 35:4 , Genesis 35:8 , etc.) and "vale of Elah" (1 Samuel 17:2 , 1 Samuel 17:19; 1 Samuel 21:9 ). </p> <p> (8) <i> ''''' 'Ābhēl ''''' </i> <i> ''''' kerāmı̄m ''''' </i> ( Judges 11:33 ) is in the King James Version "the plain of the vineyards," the Revised Version (British and American) "Abel-cheramim," the Revised Version margin "the meadow of vineyards." [[Elsewhere]] in English Versions of the Bible 'abhel is "Abel" or "Abel." See [[Abel-Cheramim]]; [[Meadow]] . </p>
<p> ''''' plān ''''' ((1) כּכּר , <i> ''''' kikkār ''''' </i> , "circle" "talent," or "round loaf"; (2) מישׁור , <i> ''''' mı̄shōr ''''' </i> , from ישׁר , <i> ''''' yāshar ''''' </i> , "to be level"; compare Arabic <i> ''''' maisûr ''''' </i> , "that which is easy"; (3) בּקעה , <i> ''''' bı̄ḳ‛āh ''''' </i> ; compare Arabic <i> ''''' baḳ‛at ''''' </i> , "a plot of ground" or "a wet meadow"; (4) ערבה , <i> ''''' ‛ărābhāh ''''' </i> ; (5) שׁפלה , <i> ''''' shephēlāh ''''' </i> ; (6) τόπος πεδινός , <i> ''''' tópos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' pedinós ''''' </i> ( Luke 6:17 ); (7) אלון , <i> ''''''ēlōn''''' </i> ; compare אלה , <i> ''''''ēlāh''''' </i> , and אלּום , <i> ''''''allōn''''' </i> "oak" (Genesis 35:4 , Genesis 35:8 , etc.); also אלה , <i> ''''''ēlāh''''' </i> , "Elah" (1 Samuel 17:2 ); (8) אבל , <i> ''''''ābhēl''''' </i> ): See [[Natural Features]] . </p> <p> (1) <i> ''''' Kikkār ''''' </i> , when meaning "plain" usually refers to the alluvial plain about Jericho near the north end of the Dead Sea: "Plain (the Revised Version margin "circle") of the Jordan" ( Genesis 13:10 , Genesis 13:11; 1 Kings 7:46; 2 Chronicles 4:17 ); "Plain of the valley of Jericho" (Deuteronomy 34:3 ); "cities of the Plain" (Genesis 13:12; Genesis 19:29 ); "all the Plain" (Genesis 19:17 , Genesis 19:25 ); "by the way of the Plain" (2 Samuel 18:23 ); but "the plain round about Jerusalem" (Nehemiah 12:28 ). See [[Ciccar]]; [[Circle]] . </p> <p> (2) <i> ''''' Mı̄shōr ''''' </i> , English [[Versions]] of the Bible "plain," the Revised Version margin usually "table-land," clearly refers in most places to the highlands of [[Gilead]] and Moab, East of the Jordan and the Dead Sea; e.g. Joshua 13:9 , "the plain (the Revised Version margin "table-land") of Medeba." </p> <p> (3) <i> ''''' Biḳ‛āh ''''' </i> is more often translated "valley" (which see). </p> <p> (4) <i> ''''' ‛Ărābhāh ''''' </i> is in the Revised Version (British and American) often translated "the Arabah," denoting the whole Jordan-Dead-Sea-Arabah depression = Arabic <i> ''''' Ghaur ''''' </i> ( <i> ''''' Ghôr ''''' </i> ). In Deuteronomy 11:30 , the King James Version has "champaign" (which see). The "plains of Moab" (Numbers 22:1; Numbers 26:3 , Numbers 26:13; Numbers 31:12; Numbers 33:48 , Numbers 33:49 , Numbers 33:50; Numbers 35:1; Numbers 36:13; Deuteronomy 34:1 , Deuteronomy 34:8; Joshua 13:32 ) and "plains of Jericho" (Joshua 4:13; Joshua 5:10; 2 Kings 25:5; Jeremiah 39:5; Jeremiah 52:8 ) are the low plain or <i> '''''ghaur''''' </i> North of the Dead Sea. <i> '''''‛Ărābhāh''''' </i> is here equivalent to <i> '''''kikkār''''' </i> (see above). Note the distinction between <i> '''''mı̄shōr''''' </i> used of the highlands, and <i> '''''kikkār''''' </i> and <i> '''''‛ărābhāh''''' </i> used of the <i> '''''ghaur''''' </i> . See [[Arabah]] . </p> <p> (5) <i> ''''' Shephēlāh ''''' </i> is by the Revised Version (British and American) throughout translated "lowland" (which see), and includes the western slopes of the [[Judean]] hills and the maritime plain. </p> <p> (6) <i> ''''' Topos ''''' </i> <i> ''''' pedinos ''''' </i> occurs only in Luke 6:17 . </p> <p> (7) <i> ''''' 'Ēlōn ''''' </i> is translated "plain" in the King James Version: "plain of Moreh" ( Genesis 12:6; Deuteronomy 11:30 ); "plain (or plains) of Mamre" (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 14:13; Genesis 18:1 ); "plain of Zaanaim" (Judges 4:11 ); "plain of the pillar" (Judges 9:6 ); "plain of Meonenim" (Judges 9:37 ); "plain of Tabor" (1 Samuel 10:3 ). the Revised Version (British and American) has throughout "oak," the Revised Version margin "terebinth"; compare "oak" (Genesis 35:4 , Genesis 35:8 , etc.) and "vale of Elah" (1 Samuel 17:2 , 1 Samuel 17:19; 1 Samuel 21:9 ). </p> <p> (8) <i> ''''' 'Ābhēl ''''' </i> <i> ''''' kerāmı̄m ''''' </i> ( Judges 11:33 ) is in the King James Version "the plain of the vineyards," the Revised Version (British and American) "Abel-cheramim," the Revised Version margin "the meadow of vineyards." [[Elsewhere]] in English Versions of the Bible 'abhel is "Abel" or "Abel." See [[Abel-Cheramim]]; [[Meadow]] . </p>
          
          
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