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Psalms 107:30 — Word Study

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WLCוַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּ כִֽי־ יִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּ וַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗ם אֶל־ מְח֥וֹז חֶפְצָֽם׃

BSAThey rejoicedsâmach [were glad, happy] inkîy the silenceshâthaq [calm, stillness, quiet] and He guided themnâchâh [led, brought] toʼêl the harbormâchôwz [haven, safe place] they desiredchêphets [wanted, took pleasure in]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 107
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 30 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (chef.Tzam) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 107:30quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist describes a moment of joy and guidance after a period of calm.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on God's actions.
Where we areIn a poetic reflection on God's deliverance.
The hard wordמְח֥וֹז
Take awayJoy comes from silence and guidance to a safe place.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, AdamClarke & more — read them › clause verbשָׂמַח The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 7 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Psalms 107:30

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Deliverance of the Lordgenerated

29He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.
31Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.
32Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders.

Psalm 107:30 reflects on the joy of those who experience God's guidance after a time of silence. The preceding verses describe a storm that God calms, leading to a moment of peace and the fulfillment of desires. This theme of divine intervention and guidance is prevalent throughout the psalm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's hand in our circumstances.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1John 6:21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to

he bringethJohn 6:21

The Key Word יִּשְׂמְח֥וּ, yis.me.Chugenerated

The verb שָׂמַח (samach) is a Qal form, indicating an action performed by the subject. It expresses joy or gladness, often in a religious context, such as celebrating God's goodness. This verb is commonly used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the joy of the Israelites during significant events.

In this verse, the psalmist highlights the joy that arises from a state of calm, suggesting that true happiness is found in recognizing God's presence and guidance. The use of the plural form indicates that this rejoicing is communal, encompassing those who have experienced God's deliverance.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses rejoiced for יִּשְׂמְח֥וּ and guided for וַיַּנְחֵ֗ם.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse comprises two main clauses: וַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּ, and they rejoiced, and וַיַּנְחֵ֗ם, and He guided. The first clause expresses the action of rejoicing, while the second indicates the guidance provided by God.

The structure emphasizes the relationship between the joy experienced and the guidance received, suggesting that the calmness leads to rejoicing, which is then followed by divine direction.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, יִּשְׂמְח֥וּ is rendered as εὐφράνθησαν, which carries a similar meaning of rejoicing. This choice reflects a continuity in the expression of joy across both Hebrew and Greek texts.

The Greek translation for וַיַּנְחֵ֗ם is not provided in the data, but it typically conveys the idea of leading or guiding, aligning with the Hebrew meaning.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 107:30 tells us that the people rejoiced in the calm after a storm, and God guided them to a safe place they desired. This verse highlights the joy that comes from experiencing peace and divine guidance.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to rejoice in the silence?

Rejoicing in the silence signifies finding joy and peace in moments of calm, especially after turmoil or distress.

How does God guide us to our desires?

God guides us by leading us to places of safety and fulfillment, aligning our paths with His will.

What is the significance of the harbor in this verse?

The harbor symbolizes a safe haven, representing security and rest after a journey through difficulties.

How can we experience joy in our lives?

We can experience joy by recognizing and appreciating the moments of calm and guidance that God provides in our lives.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to recognize God's guidance?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of joy in moments of silence or calm?
  3. What does a 'safe harbor' look like in my spiritual journey?
  4. How can I share the joy of God's guidance with others?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 107:30 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Then are they glad because they be quiet,.... The mariners are glad that the waves are quiet, and they free from danger, and at ease and in repose themselves.

Read John Gill on Psalms 107 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. So he bringeth them unto their desired haven - Hebrew, mechoz, from a root, to look for: the scope or haven which they look for.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 107 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 107:30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.Ver. 30. Then are they glad because they be quiet] All is hushed on the sudden, as Matthew 8:26, both their fears and the sea’ s outrages being quickly reduced to a peaceable period. So he bringeth them to their desired haven] This is more than they then wished for: God is many times better to men than their prayers.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 107 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 30. Then are they glad because they be quiet] The turbulence of the sea being hushed, and the waves still, they rejoice to see an end to the tempest; and thus, having fine weather, a smooth sea, and fair wind, they are speedily brought to the desired haven.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 107 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

30. because they be quiet] Because the waves are calmed. Cp. Jonah 1:11. unto their desired haven] Lit. the haven, or possibly, the mart, of their desire. The word mâchôz, which occurs here only, is rendered harbour by the Ancient Versions, but in the Talmud it means town. The destination of the sailors, where they intend to dispose of their wares, is obviously meant. The R.V. has wisely restored Coverdale’s musical phrase, the haven where they would be.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 107 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Then are they glad because they be quiet - Because the storm subsides, and they have the feeling of safety from danger.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 107 →

The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Then they are glad because it is calm, so he brings them to their desired haven.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

They rejoiced in the silence, and He guided them to the harbor they desired.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The sailors rejoiced because the waves grew quiet, and he led them to the harbor they desired.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Then are they glad because they be quiet: so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Then are they glad because they are quiet; so he bringeth them to their desired haven.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

When they are quieted, they are glad, and hee bringeth them vnto the hauen, where they would be.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And they rejoice because they are quiet; and he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And they rejoice because they are quiet, And He leadeth them to the haven of their desire.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And they rejoice because they are quiet, || And He leads them to the haven of their desire.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And they were rejoiced because they were silent: and then he guided them unto their desired haven.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Then they rejoiced because the sea was calm, and he brought them to their desired harbor.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

The sailors were so happy when it all calmed down, and he brought them to the harbor they wanted.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Then they are glad, because the sea is quiet, and he takes them to the harbour of their desire.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbיִּשְׂמְח֥וּthey.rejoicedכִֽי(dm)clauseverbיִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּthey.were.quietוַ֝andclauseverbיַּנְחֵ֗heobjectםguided.themprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֶלtonoun phraseמְח֥וֹזthe.harbornoun phraseחֶפְצָֽtheir.desireםtheir

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text reads: 'וַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּ כִֽי־ יִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּ וַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗ם אֶל־ מְח֥וֹז חֶפְצָֽם׃'. The Septuagint aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, matching all seven words in a word-by-word correspondence, though its word order and articles differ due to its Greek structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q88) contain a fragment of the verse, with four words preserved; however, one word is only partly restored and another is entirely supplied by an editor, indicating some variation in the text compared to the Masoretic Text. Overall, while the Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text, the Dead Sea Scrolls show some differences in preservation and restoration.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּ כִֽי־ יִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּ וַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗ם אֶל־ מְח֥וֹז חֶפְצָֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּεὐφράνθησανכִֽי־ὅτιיִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּἡσύξασανוַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗םαὐτοὺςאֶל־ἐπὶמְח֥וֹזλιμέναחֶפְצָֽם׃αὐτῶν

7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q88a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[וינח׳ם] אל מחוז חפצ׳ם

4 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 1 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Psalms 107:30שָׂמַחand they reand they rejoicשָׂמַחכִּיforforכִּישָׁתַקthey were qthey were quietשָׁתַקנָחָהand he guidand he guided tנָחָהאֶלtotoאֶלמָחוֹז[the] harbo[the] harbor ofמָחוֹזחֵ֫פֶץdesire theidesire theirחֵ֫פֶץחָפֵץto delightto delight inחָפֵץגִּילto rejoiceto rejoiceגִּילשִׂמְחָהjoyjoyשִׂמְחָהיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעיָם(Mt. Ephro(Mt. Ephron in יָםכִּיforforכִּימִישׁוֹרplainplainמִישׁוֹריוֹמָםby dayby dayיוֹמָםפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫השְׁבָאShebaShebaשְׁבָאשָׁאַלto askto askשָׁאַל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Psalms 107:30

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
וַיִּשְׂמְח֥וּvai.yis.me.Chu and they rejoiced H8055 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
155× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Amplified meaning
were glad, happy
Tyndale gloss
to rejoice
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׂמַח (samach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad. It can express joy in everyday life, religious contexts, or even exultation. The verb has different forms: Qal (to rejoice), Piel (to cause to rejoice), and Hiphil (to make glad). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to joy and merriment.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ 154 vb. rejoice, be glad

Qal 126

in common life

rejoice religiously

subj. י׳

Pi. cause to rejoice, gladden

Hiph. = Pi.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8055 שָׂמַח, שָׂמִ֑חַ rejoice, be glad

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8055 samach saw-makh'

a primitive root; probably to brighten up, i.e.

(figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or

gleesome:--cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful),

be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, X very.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂמַח (sa.mach) — to rejoice.

1) to rejoice, be glad

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to rejoice

1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at)

1a3) to rejoice (religiously)

1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad

1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine plural
Hc/Vqw3mp
and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
כִֽי־khi- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
יִשְׁתֹּ֑קוּyish.To.ku they were quiet H8367 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to be quiet or calm, like a peaceful silence. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of stillness, as in Psalm 107:29.
Amplified meaning
calm, stillness, quiet
Tyndale gloss
be quiet
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁתַק (shathaq) is a primitive root meaning to be quiet or calm. It covers the idea of subsiding or ceasing activity. The entries indicate that it is used in a context of silence or tranquility, but do not provide specific Old Testament references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁתַק] vb. be quiet (late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8367 שָׁתַק

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8367 shathaq shaw-thak'

a primitive root; to subside:--be calm, cease, be quiet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁתַק (sha.taq) — be quiet.

(Qal) to be quiet, be silent

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kwi'-et: Verb or adjective only in English Versions of the Bible, "quietness" being used for the noun. No special Hebrew or Greek words are represented, but in the Old Testament usually for some form or derivative of shaqaT, "be undisturbed" (Jud 18:7; compare Pr 1:33, sha'ar, "to loll," "be at ease"; Ec 9:17, nachath, "quiet," "be set on"). For "them that are quiet in the land", in Ps 35:20, see MEEKNESS; POOR. For "quiet prince in Jer 51:59, the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "chief chamberlain," margin "quartermaster." "Jacob was a quiet (tam, "gentle"] man" (

and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
וַ֝יַּנְחֵ֗םvai.yan.Chem and he guided them H5148 Verb hiphil sequential imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Amplified meaning
led, brought
Tyndale gloss
to lead
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָחָה (nachah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lead or guide. It can imply bringing someone or something to a destination, governing, or even transporting into exile. The entries indicate its use in both the Qal and Hiphil forms, suggesting a range of meanings related to leadership and guidance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָחָה] vb. lead, guide

Qal lead, bring

Hiph. lead, guide

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5148 נָחָה lead, guide

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5148 nachah naw-khaw'

a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport

(into exile, or as colonists):--bestow, bring, govern, guide,

lead (forth), put, straiten.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָחָה (na.chah) — to lead.

1) to lead, guide

1a) (Qal) to lead, bring

1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff — Verb hiphil sequential imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
Hc/Vhw3ms/Sp3mp
and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
אֶל־'el- to H413 Preposition
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Preposition
HR
and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
מְח֥וֹזme.Choz [the] harbor of H4231 Noun common · masculine singular construct
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A haven refers to a safe place, like a harbor, where ships can find shelter. In the Bible, it can also mean a city or a protected area. The word appears in the KJV as a haven.
Amplified meaning
haven, safe place
Tyndale gloss
haven
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָחוֹז (machowz) refers to a haven or city, derived from a root meaning to enclose. The term is specifically noted in Psalm 107:30, where it is used in the context of a harbor, suggesting a place that is sheltered or shut in by the shore.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מָחוֹז] n.[m.] city—only cstr. ψ 107:30

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4231 מָחוֹז

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4231 machowz maw-khoze'

from an unused root meaning to enclose; a harbor (as shut in

by the shore):--haven.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָחוֹז (ma.choz) — haven.

city, haven

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and they rejoiced for they were quiet and he guided them to [the] harbor of desire their
חֶפְצָֽם׃chef.Tzam desire their H2656 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Amplified meaning
wanted, took pleasure in
Tyndale gloss
pleasure
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חֵ֫פֶץ (*chephets*) primarily means delight or pleasure. It encompasses concepts of desire and longing, as well as the good pleasure or purpose of Yahweh. The word can also refer to something valuable or a matter of interest. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵ֫פֶץ n.m. delight, pleasure

delight

desire, longing

the good pleasure, will, purpose, of Yahweh

that in which one takes delight, his business (late), or matter

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2656 חֵ֫פֶץ delight, pleasure

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2656 chephets khay'-fets

from 2654; pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a

valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in

mind):--acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired,

matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly.

see HEBREW for 02654

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵ֫פֶץ (che.phets) — pleasure.

1) delight, pleasure

1a) delight

1b) desire, longing

1c) the good pleasure

1d) that in which one takes delight

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp3mp
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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