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Psalms 115:3 — Word Study

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WLCוֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם כֹּ֭ל אֲשֶׁר־ חָפֵ֣ץ עָשָֽׂה׃

BSAOur Godʼĕlôhîym [Elohim, the supreme One] is in heavenshâmayim [the visible universe, the abode of God] He doesʻâsâh [accomplishes, brings to pass] askôl He pleaseschâphêts [delights in, is pleased to do, has willed]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 115
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 3 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 ('a.Sah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 115:3quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist declares that God is sovereign in heaven, doing whatever He desires.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing the nations.
Where we areA declaration of God's power and authority over all creation.
The hard wordחָפֵץ
Take awayGod's will is accomplished without limitation.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbחָפֵץ The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

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 115:3

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 Sovereignty of Godgenerated

2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
5They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;

Psalm 115:3 emphasizes God's supreme authority as He exists in heaven, contrasting the powerlessness of idols. The surrounding verses highlight the nations' questioning of God's presence, while asserting that He is actively involved in the world, doing as He pleases, unlike the man-made idols that cannot act or respond.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 2:4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them.
2Psalm 68:4Sing to God! Sing praises to His name. Exalt Him who rides on the clouds — His name is the LORD— and rejoice before Him.
3Psalm 123:1I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
41 Chronicles 16:25For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
5Matthew 6:9So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word חָפֵץ, cha.Fetzgenerated

The verb חָפֵץ (cha.Fetz) means to delight in or take pleasure in something. It conveys a sense of desire and intention, particularly in the context of divine action. In this verse, it indicates that God not only desires but actively accomplishes what He wills.

This verb appears in the perfect tense, signifying a completed action. It affirms that God's will is not only a matter of intention but is realized in the world, emphasizing His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His desires.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the verse is עָשָׂה, he does, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a noun phrase that identifies God as the subject, a prepositional phrase indicating His location in heaven, and a clause that describes what He does.

The sentence structure emphasizes God's authority: it begins with the subject, followed by the location, and concludes with the action, reinforcing the idea of God's active role in the universe.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates חָפֵץ as ἠθέλησεν (ēthelēsen), meaning 'He willed' or 'desired.' This choice suggests a focus on God's will as a driving force behind His actions, aligning with the Hebrew sense of delight and intention.

The translation of עָשָׂה as ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen) further emphasizes the active nature of God's will in bringing His desires to fruition.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 115:3 tells us that God is in heaven and does whatever He wants. This verse contrasts the living God with idols, which are powerless and made by human hands. It reassures us of God's sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His will.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that God does as He pleases?

It means that God has the ultimate authority and power to carry out His will without any hindrance.

How does this verse contrast God with idols?

Unlike idols made by humans that cannot act, God is alive and actively involved in the world.

What is the significance of God being in heaven?

Being in heaven signifies God's sovereignty and His position above all creation, highlighting His majesty.

What can we learn from God's actions?

We learn that God's will is always fulfilled, and we can trust in His plans for our lives.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I seen God's will accomplished in my life?
  2. How can I differentiate between the living God and the idols of my culture?
  3. What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty over my circumstances?
  4. How can I align my desires with God's will, knowing He delights in what He does?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss God's sovereignty and authority, emphasizing His power over creation and the futility of idols.

Athanasius of AlexandriaAgainst the Heathen 45:2-3 c. 296–373
But this all inspired Scripture also teaches more plainly and with more authority, so that we in our turn write boldly to you as we do, and you, if you refer to Scripture, will be able to verify what we say.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 115 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 115 354–430
"As for our God, He is in heaven above" [Psalms 115:3]. Not in heaven, where they see the sun and moon, works of God which they adore,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 115 →
Fulgentius of RuspeLETTER TO MONIMUS 1:12.4-5 c. 462–533
Therefore, there is no falseness in God’s promises because for the all-powerful there is no problem about doing things. And so the effects of the will are never lacking because the will itself is nothing other than power.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 115 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 115:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But our God is in the heavens,.... His habitation is in the heavens, as the Targum; the Septuagint and Arabic versions add, "and in earth": he is in both, and fills both with his presence; and cannot be contained in either.

Read John Gill on Psalms 115 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. But our God is in the heavens. The "our" is emphatic.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 115 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Our God; whom, notwithstanding your reproaches, we are not ashamed to own for our God. Is in the heavens; although he have no visible shape nor bodily presence with us here upon earth, as your idols have, which is a certain proof of their baseness and weakness, yet he hath a certain and a glorious place where he resideth, even the highest heavens, where he is clothed with infinite power and majesty, and from whence he beholdeth and governeth this lower world, and all that is in it. He hath done whatsoever he pleased; or, he doth, & c. By his only will and pleasure all things were at first made, and are still disposed, and without this nothing cometh to pass. And therefore all your…

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 115 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 115:3 But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Ver. 3. But our God is in the heavens] Where your terricula country, your fearful idols never were; like as one, being asked by a Papist, Where was your religion before Luther? answered, In the Bible, where your religion never was. This "but" seemeth uttered with indignation. Aξιωματικωτατοςμενεστινο Bασιλευςημων, saith Basil, on a like occasion; our God is no dunghill deity. He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased] Without either help or hindrance of any.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 115 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 3. He hath done whatsover he hath pleased.] There was too much cause for his abandoning us to our enemies; yet he still lives and rules in heaven and in earth.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 115 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

3. But] Or, Whereas. Though its outward circumstances may seem to give ground for the taunts of the heathen, Israel knows that its God is supremely exalted and omnipotent. If His people suffer, it is because He wills it, not because He lacks power to help them. He does whatsoever He wills in chastisement (Isaiah 53:10) and in redemption (Isaiah 55:11). Cp. Wis 12:18, “Thou, being sovereign over thy strength, judgest in gentleness, and with great forbearance dost thou govern us; for the power is thine whensoever thou hast the will.”

Read Cambridge on Psalms 115 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

But our God is in the heavens - The Septuagint adds, “and in the earth.” This is not, however, in the Hebrew. The idea is, Our God really exists. He is the true God. He reigns in heaven.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 115 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

3. But our God is in the heavens—A fine retort. Our God is not represented by images of gold, silver, and wood, but is invisible, dwelling in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he… pleased.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 115 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 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

Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Our God is in heaven! He does whatever he pleases!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.

RVARevised Version, American1894

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he pleased.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatever he pleased.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But our God is in heauen: he doeth what so euer he will.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he pleased.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And our God [is] in the heavens, All that He hath pleased He hath done.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And our God [is] in the heavens, || All that He has pleased He has done.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Whereas our God is in the heavens: whatsoever he desireth hath he done.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he pleases.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things he hath rendered unto me?

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Our God is in heaven, and he does whatever he wants.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

But our God is in heaven: he has done whatever was pleasing to him.

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.

וֵֽandclausenoun phrase · subjectאלֹהֵ֥יGodנוּourprepositional phrase · predicateבַ[is].innoun phrasetheשָּׁמָ֑יִםheavensclausenoun phrase · objectכֹּ֭לallrelpאֲשֶׁרthatclauseverbחָפֵ֣ץhe.desiresverbעָשָֽׂהhe.does

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


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

The Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls largely agree on the wording of this verse. The Septuagint matches all six words from the Hebrew text, while the Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration but maintain the same essential meaning.

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

וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם כֹּ֭ל אֲשֶׁר־ חָפֵ֣ץ עָשָֽׂה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּἡμῶνבַשָּׁמָ֑יִםοὐρανῷכֹּ֭לπάνταאֲשֶׁר־ὅσαחָפֵ֣ץἠθέλησενעָשָֽׂה׃ἐποίησεν

6 of the 6 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 — 4Q84a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

ואלהי׳נו בשמים כל אשר חפץ עשה

3 words on the leather — 3 partly restored.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q96a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[ואלוהי׳נו] [בשמים] [כול] [אשר] [חפץ] [עשה]

nothing on the leather here — 6 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 115:3אֱלֹהִיםand God ourand God ourאֱלֹהִיםשָׁמַי[is] in the[is] in the heaשָׁמַיכֹּלallallכֹּלאֲשֶׁרthatthatאֲשֶׁרחָפֵץhe desireshe desiresחָפֵץעָשָׂהhe doeshe doesעָשָׂהכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןעוֹףbirdbirdעוֹףכּוֹכָבstarstarכּוֹכָבעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהצָוָהto commandto commandצָוָהיְקָרpreciousnepreciousnessיְקָרדַּ֫עַתknowledgeknowledgeדַּ֫עַתמְלָאכָהworkworkמְלָאכָהתּוֹעֵבַהabominatioabominationתּוֹעֵבַה
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 115:3

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 God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּve.lo.Hei.nu and God our H430 Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
Elohim, the supreme One
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically

used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X

exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.

Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HC/Ncmpc/Sp1bp
and God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
בַשָּׁמָ֑יִםva.sha.Ma.yim [is] in the heavens H8064 Preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
421× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Amplified meaning
the visible universe, the abode of God
Tyndale gloss
heaven
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky

visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are

phrases

as abode of God

Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind

הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are

. phrases

. . as abode of God

. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind

. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim

dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused

root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps

alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well

as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies

revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.

1) heaven, heavens, sky

1a) visible heavens, sky

1a1) as abode of the stars

1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc

1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)

Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
HRd/Ncmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hev'-'nz (shamayim; ouranoi): On the physical heavens see ASTRONOMY; WORLD. Above these, in popular conception, were the celestial heavens, the abode of God and of the hosts of angels (Ps 11:4; 103:19-21; Isa 66:1; Re 4:2; 5:11; compare Da 7:10), though it was recognized that Yahweh's presence was not confined to any region (1Ki 8:27). Later Judaism reckoned seven heavens. The apostle Paul speaks of himself as caught up into "the third heaven," which he evidently identifies with Paradise (2Co 12:2).

See HEAVENLY.

and God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
כֹּ֭לkol all H3605 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

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

ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.

(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.

(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).

(3) All one, "It is all one" (Job 9:22), "it makes no difference whether I live or die."

(4) At all, "If thy father miss me at all" (1Sa 20:6), "in any way," "in the least."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
אֲשֶׁר־'a.Sher- that H834 Particle
5,500× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Tyndale gloss
which
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.

base

בַאֲשֶׁר

in (that) which

adv. in (the place) where

conj. in that, inasmuch as

on account of whom?

base

מֵאֲשֶׁר

from (or than) that which

adv. from (the place) where

conj. from (the fact) that …, since

base

כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when

according to that which, according as, as

with a causal force, in so far as, since

with a temporal force, when

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which

. adv. in (the place) where

. conj. in that, inasmuch as

. on account of whom?

H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which

. adv. from (the place) where

. conj. from (the fact) that …, since

H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as

. with a causal force, in so far as, since

. with a temporal force, when

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

834 'aher ash-er'

a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)

when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X

alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +

from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,

wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where

(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +

whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is

indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun

expletively, used to show the connection.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.

A: 1) (relative part.)

1a) which, who

1b) that which

2) (conj)

2a) that (in obj clause)

2b) when

2c) since

2d) as

2e) conditional if

B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

D: Kaph+

1) (conj.), according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since

1c) with a temporal force: when

בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.

1) in (that) which

2) (adv)

2a) where

3) (conj)

3a) in that, inasmuch as

3b) on account of

מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.

1) from (or than) that which

2) from (the place) where

3) from (the fact) that, since

כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.

conj

1) according as, as, when

1a) according to that which, according as, as

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTr — Particle
HTr
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
חָפֵ֣ץcha.Fetz he desires H2654 Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
74× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Amplified meaning
delights in, is pleased to do, has willed
Tyndale gloss
to delight in
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָפֵץ (chaphets) is a Hebrew verb meaning to delight in or take pleasure in something. It can refer to both human desire and divine pleasure, indicating a sense of inclination or favor. The word is also noted to mean to bend down, though this usage is rare. The entries suggest a range of meanings focused on desire and pleasure.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָפֵץ vb. delight in

base

[חָפַץ] vb. bend down—only Qal Jb 40:17

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2654a חָפֵץ delight in H2654b חָפֵץ bend down

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2654 chaphets khaw-fates'

a primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication

(literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased

with, desire:--X any at all, (have, take) delight, desire,

favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will,

would.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָפֵץ (cha.phets) — to delight in.

1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with

1a) (Qal)

1a1) of men

1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in

1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do

1a2) of God

1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in

1a2b) to be pleased to do

חָפַץ (ch.ph) — to sway.

1) to move, bend down

1a) (Qal) to bend down

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVqp3ms
and God our [is] in the heavens all that he desires he does
עָשָֽׂה׃'a.Sah he does H6213 Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
2,629× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Amplified meaning
accomplishes, brings to pass
Tyndale gloss
to make
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make

Qal 2524

do (1560 t.)

deal with

oft. in phr. do kindness with

abs. act, act with effect

make (670 t.)

produce, yield

prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

make offering

attend to, put in order

observe, celebrate, religious festival

acquire property of various kinds

appoint priests

bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

use

spend, pass, days of life

Niph.

97be done

be made, of concr. things

be produced from vine

be prepared, of food

be offered

be observed, passover

be used

Pu. I was made

base

[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)

. deal with

. oft. in phr. do kindness with

. abs. act, act with effect

. . make (670 + t.)

. produce, yield

. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food

. make offering

. attend to, put in order

. observe, celebrate, religious festival

. acquire property of various kinds

. appoint priests

. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance

. use

. spend, pass, days of life

. . be done

. . be made, of concr. things

. be produced from vine

. be prepared, of food

. be offered

. be observed, passover

. be used

. I was made

H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6213 `asah aw-saw'

a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and

widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,

appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,

bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal

(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)

execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +

finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go

about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X

indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,

make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,

bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,

provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,

spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be

(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.

: do/perform

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

1a2c) to prepare

1a2d) to make (an offering)

1a2e) to attend to, put in order

1a2f) to observe, celebrate

1a2g) to acquire (property)

1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute

1a2i) to bring about

1a2j) to use

1a2k) to spend, pass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be done

1b2) to be made

1b3) to be produced

1b4) to be offered

1b5) to be observed

1b6) to be used

1c) (Pual) to be made

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.

(Piel) to press, squeeze

עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.

: make(OBJECT)

1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to do, work, make, produce

1a1a) to do

1a1b) to work

1a1c) to deal (with)

1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect

1a2) to make

1a2a) to make

1a2b) to produce

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVqp3ms
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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