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# beware

verb (beware — used only as «beware» and «to beware»)

«beware» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Be careful of something or someone because it could be dangerous or harmful. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#m1)
2. A warning word on signs and in stories, as in «Beware of the dog». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#m2)

### In the lessons

In safety lessons and on signs it is a strong warning: «Beware of falling rocks», «Beware of scams». In stories and fairy tales it adds drama and danger. Phrases: «beware of», «buyer beware».

### Examples

- Beware of the dog! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x1)
- The sign said, «Beware of falling rocks». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x2)
- Beware of emails that ask for your password. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x3)
- «Beware the dark forest,» said the old woman. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x4)
- Swimmers should beware of strong currents. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x5)
- Beware of strangers who offer you sweets. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x6)
- Beware, the floor is wet and slippery. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x7)
- And a second time I will forgive you; but the third time beware! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/#x8)

### Note

Unusual verb: it is used only in its base form, in commands («Beware!») and after «must», «should» or «to». There is no «bewares», «bewared» or «bewaring». Followed by «of» or directly by a noun: «beware of the dog» or «beware the dog».

## In Jewish tradition

Used as a strong warning, often not to forget God or God's commandments once life becomes comfortable.

**Interpretation.** Tradition reads these warnings as a command to remember God, which is why the Shema and daily blessings stress remembering the Exodus.

### Examples

- And Abraham said unto him: 'Beware thou that thou bring not my son back thither. (Torah GEN.24.6, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x1)
- then beware lest thou forget the LORD, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Torah DEU.6.12, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x2)
- Beware lest thou forget the LORD thy God, in not keeping His commandments, and His ordinances, and His statutes, which I command thee this day; (Torah DEU.8.11, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x3)
- Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying: The LORD will deliver us. (Prophets ISA.36.18, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x4)
- Beware lest ye say: 'We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man!' (Writings JOB.32.13, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x5)
- Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing. (Prophets JDG.13.4, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/#x6)

### Note

Unusual verb: it is used only in its base form, in commands («Beware!») and after «must», «should» or «to». There is no «bewares», «bewared» or «bewaring». Followed by «of» or directly by a noun: «beware of the dog» or «beware the dog».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «beware» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/B/beware/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«beware» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/beware.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «beware» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/B/beware/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«beware» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/beware.html) on Mova free.