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Psalms 119:155 — Word Study

Depth

WLCרָח֣וֹק מֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים יְשׁוּעָ֑ה כִּֽי־ חֻ֝קֶּיךָ לֹ֣א דָרָֽשׁוּ׃

BSASalvationyᵉshûwʻâh [deliverance from trouble, victory] is farrâchôwq [distant, remote] from the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty of sin] becausekîy they do notlôʼ [absence of seeking] seekdârash [ask, worship] Your statuteschôq [decrees, laws given by God, commands]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 119
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 155 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 (da.Ra.shu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 119:155quick helps
In a sentenceSalvation is distant from those who are wicked because they do not seek God's laws.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on the nature of wickedness and the importance of seeking God's statutes.
Where we areIn the context of Psalm 119, which emphasizes the significance of God's word and the consequences of ignoring it.
The hard wordיְשׁוּעָה
Take awayWickedness leads to separation from salvation.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectיְשׁוּעָה verbדָּרַשׁ 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 119:155

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 Consequences of Wickednessgenerated

154Defend my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word.
155Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.
156Great are Your mercies, O LORD; revive me according to Your ordinances.
157Though my persecutors and foes are many, I have not turned from Your testimonies.

Psalm 119:155 explains that salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek God's statutes. This verse is part of a larger meditation on the importance of adhering to God's laws and the blessings that come from doing so. The psalmist contrasts the fate of the wicked with the faithful who pursue God's decrees, as seen throughout Psalm 119.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 18:27For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes.
2Job 5:4His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender.
3Isaiah 46:12Listen to Me, you stubborn people, far removed from righteousness:
4Isaiah 57:19bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”
5Ephesians 2:17–18He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

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


The Key Word יְשׁוּעָה, ye.shu.'Ahgenerated

The noun יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah) signifies salvation or deliverance, often with a spiritual connotation. It is derived from a root meaning to save and encompasses ideas of victory and welfare. This word appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing both physical and spiritual deliverance.

In this verse, יְשׁוּעָה indicates that salvation is not accessible to those who are wicked, highlighting the necessity of seeking God's statutes to experience His deliverance.


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 in this verse is יְשׁוּעָה, salvation — which is the subject of the clause. It is described as being רָח֣וֹק, far, indicating a state of distance from the wicked.

The structure is straightforward, with a subject followed by a predicate and a reason introduced by כִּֽי־, for, explaining why salvation is far.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יְשׁוּעָה as σωτηρία (sōtēria), which also means salvation. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the concept of deliverance.

For מֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים, the LXX uses ἁμαρτωλῶν (hamartōlōn), which translates to sinners, indicating a broader moral implication of those who are distant from salvation.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 119:155 states that salvation is far from wicked people because they do not seek God's laws. This verse highlights the importance of following God's statutes to experience His deliverance.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that salvation is far from the wicked?

It means that those who engage in wickedness and do not seek God's laws are distanced from His saving grace.

Why is seeking God's statutes important?

Seeking God's statutes is essential because it aligns one's life with His will and opens the way for His salvation and deliverance.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalm 119?

This verse reinforces the theme of Psalm 119, which emphasizes the blessings that come from following God's commandments and the consequences of ignoring them.

Can wicked people ever find salvation?

While the verse indicates a distance from salvation due to wickedness, the broader biblical narrative shows that repentance and seeking God can lead to restoration.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I seen the consequences of ignoring God's statutes in my life?
  2. How can I actively seek God's laws to ensure I am not distant from His salvation?
  3. What steps can I take to encourage others to seek God's statutes?
  4. How does understanding the nature of wickedness help me in my spiritual journey?

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

Early church fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo, referenced this verse to discuss the consequences of wickedness and the necessity of seeking God's righteousness.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 119 354–430
"Health," he says, "is far from the ungodly: for they regard not Your righteousnesses" [Psalms 119:155].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 119 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 119:155 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Salvation [is] far from the wicked,.... Christ, the author of salvation, is far from them: he was far from the unbelieving Jews, even though salvation was of them, and he, the Saviour, was among

Read John Gill on Psalms 119 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Salvation is far from the wicked - even as "they are far from thy law" (Psalms 119:150; Job 5:4).

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 119 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 155. And therefore, on the contrary, I trust that thou wilt save me because I do seek them. My wicked enemies shall certainly be destroyed, by which means I shall be delivered.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 119 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 119:155 Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.Ver. 155. Salvation is far from the wicked] How can it be otherwise? when as God is neither in their heads, Psalms 10:4, nor hearts, Psalms 14:1, nor words, Psalms 12:4, nor ways, Titus 1:16, can these have part or portion in his salvation? For they seek not] This contempt of God’ s word is a plain proof that no part or piece of God’ s favour belongeth to them.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 119 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 155. Salvation is far from the wicked] There is no hope of their conversion. For they seek not thy statutes.] And they who do not seek, shall not find.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 119 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

155. seek not] Or, study not. Cp. Psalms 119:45; Psalms 119:94.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 119 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Salvation is far from the wicked - That is, (a) in their present course: they are very far from being safe, or from having a prospect of salvation; (b) they are constantly going farther and farther

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 119 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

ø, Resh.153-160. Plead my cause—The prayer is here as if the honour of God were involved in the deliverance of those who put their trust in him. The pleading is, for that very reason, the more earnest.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 119 →

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

Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don’t seek your statutes.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The wicked have no chance for deliverance, for they do not seek your statutes.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Salvation is far from the wicked; For they seek not thy statutes.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Salvation is far from the wicked; for they seek not thy statutes.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Saluation is farre from the wicked, because they seeke not thy statutes.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Salvation is far from the wicked; for they seek not thy statutes.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Far from the wicked [is] salvation, For Thy statutes they have not sought.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Salvation [is] far from the wicked, || For they have not sought Your statutes.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Far from the wicked is salvation; because thy statutes have they not sought for.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not love your statutes.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Wicked people can't be saved, because they don't care about what you say.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Salvation is far from evil-doers; for they have made no search for your rules.

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.

clausepredicateרָח֣וֹק[is].farprepositional phrase · prepositionalמֵfromרְשָׁעִ֣יםwicked.[people]subjectיְשׁוּעָ֑הsalvationכִּֽי(dm)clausenoun phrase · objectחֻ֝קֶּיdecreesךָyouradverbialלֹ֣אnotverbדָרָֽשׁוּthey.have.sought

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely, with all seven words matching in the Hebrew text. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align with the Masoretic Text, showing no significant variation in the wording.

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

רָח֣וֹק מֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים יְשׁוּעָ֑ה כִּֽי־ חֻ֝קֶּיךָ לֹ֣א דָרָֽשׁוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
רָח֣וֹקμακρὰνמֵרְשָׁעִ֣יםἁμαρτωλῶνיְשׁוּעָ֑הσωτηρίαכִּֽי־ὅτιחֻ֝קֶּיךָσουלֹ֣אοὐκדָרָֽשׁוּ׃ἐχεζήτησαν

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 — 11Q5a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

רחוק מרשעים ישועה כי חוקי׳כה לוא דרשו

7 words on the leather.

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 119:155רָחֹק[is] far[is] farרָחֹקרָשָׁעfrom wickedfrom wicked [peרָשָׁעיְשׁוּעָהsalvationsalvationיְשׁוּעָהכִּיforforכִּיחֹקdecrees youdecrees yourחֹקלֹאnotnotלֹאדָּרַשׁthey have sthey have soughדָּרַשׁרָחַקto removeto removeרָחַקרָשַׁעbe wickedbe wickedרָשַׁעחָקַקto decreeto decreeחָקַקיָשַׁעto saveto saveיָשַׁעקָרֹבnearnearקָרֹבקָצֶהendendקָצֶהצַדִּיקrighteousrighteousצַדִּיקאָבַדto perishto perishאָבַדגִּילto rejoiceto rejoiceגִּיליָהּLORDLORDיָהּיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעלָמַדto learn: to learn: teachלָמַדמִצְוָהcommandmencommandmentמִצְוָהיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדבַּעַלבַּעַללֵבָבheartheartלֵבָב
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 119:155

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.

[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
רָח֣וֹקra.Chok [is] far H7350 Adj
84× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Amplified meaning
distant, remote
Tyndale gloss
distant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָחֹק (rachowq) means distant or far, and can refer to both physical distance and time. It can also denote a sense of remoteness or preciousness. The word can be used adverbially and is associated with the concept of distance in various contexts, including distant lands or times.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָחֹק, רָחוֹק adj. distant, far, et n.m. distance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7350 רָחֹק, רָחוֹק distant, far, distance

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7350 rachowq raw-khoke'

or rachoq {raw-khoke'}; from 7368; remote, literally or

figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often

used adverbially (with preposition):--(a-)far (abroad, off),

long ago, of old, space, great while to come.

see HEBREW for 07368

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָחֹק (ra.choq) — distant.

adj

1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones

1a) of distance, time

n m

2) distance

2a) from a distance (with prep)

Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
מֵרְשָׁעִ֣יםme.re.sha.'Im from wicked [people] H7563 Preposition · noun common masculine plural absolute
263× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Amplified meaning
morally wrong, guilty of sin
Tyndale gloss
wicked
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7563 rasha` raw-shaw'

from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad

person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did

wrong.

see HEBREW for 07561

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.

1) wicked, criminal

1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)

1b) wicked (hostile to God)

1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)

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

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
יְשׁוּעָ֑הye.shu.'Ah salvation H3444 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
78× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Amplified meaning
deliverance from trouble, victory
Tyndale gloss
salvation
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְשׁוּעָה (yeshu'ah) refers to concepts of salvation, deliverance, and welfare, often with a spiritual dimension. It is derived from a root meaning to save and encompasses ideas of victory and prosperity. The term is used in contexts related to divine aid and protection, emphasizing both physical and spiritual deliverance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יְשׁוּעָה n.f. salvation

welfare, prosperity

deliverance

salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea

victory

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3444 יְשׁוּעָה salvation . welfare, prosperity

. deliverance

. salvation by God, primarily from external evils, but often with added spiritual idea

. victory

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3444 yshuw`ah yesh-oo'-aw

feminine passive participle of 3467; something saved, i.e.

(abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory,

prosperity:--deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save,

saving (health), welfare.

see HEBREW for 03467

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְשׁוּעָה (ye.shu.ah) — salvation.

1) salvation, deliverance

1a) welfare, prosperity

1b) deliverance

1c) salvation (by God)

1d) victory

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sal-va'-shun:

I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. General

2. Individualism

3. Faith

4. Moral Law

5. Sacrifices

6. Ritual Law

II. INTERMEDIATE LITERATURE

1. General

2. The Law

III. THE TEACHING OF CHRIST

1. The Baptist

2. Kingdom of God

3. Present and Future

4. Individualism

5. Moral Progress

6. Forgiveness

7. Person of Christ

8. Notes

IV. PAUL

1. General

2. Moral Progress

3. The Spirit

4. Mystical Union

5. Forgiveness

6. Atonement

7. Summary

8. Notes

V. THE REST OF THE NEW TESTAMENT: SUMMARY

1. John

2. Hebrews

3. Peter

4. Summary

LITERATURE

In English Versions of the Bible the words "salvation" "save," are not technical theological terms, but denote simply "deliverance," in almost any sense the latter word can have. In systematic theology, however, "salvation" denotes the whole process by which man is delivered from all that would prevent his attaining to the highest good that God has prepared for him. Or, by a transferred sense…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Salvation

This word is used of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Ex. 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, “the great salvation” (Heb. 2:3). (See REDEMPTION; REGENERATION.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Means, strictly, deliverance; and so it is used of temporal deliverance, victory, in Ge 14:13 1Sa 14:45. But as the spiritual deliverance from sin and death, through the Redeemer, Mt 1:21, is a far greater salvation, so this word has come to be used mostly only in this moral and spiritual sense; and implies not only this deliverance, but also the consequences of it, namely, eternal life and happiness in the kingdom of out Lord, 2Co 7:10 Eph 1:13. It is most justly described as a "great salvation," Heb 2:3.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ ILLUSTRATED BY

A horn Ps 18:2; Lu 1:69

A tower 2Sa 22:51

A helmet Isa 59:17; Eph 6:17

A shield 2Sa 22:36

A lamp Isa 62:1

A cup Ps 116:13

Clothing 2Ch 6:41; Ps 132:16; 149:4; Isa 61:10

Wells Isa 12:3

[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
כִּֽי־ki- 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
[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
חֻ֝קֶּיךָChu.kei.cha decrees your H2706 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Amplified meaning
decrees, laws given by God, commands
Tyndale gloss
statute: decree
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֹק (choq) refers to something prescribed, such as a statute, ordinance, or limit. It encompasses a range of meanings, including prescribed tasks, portions, and decrees, whether from God or man. The plural form, חֻקִּים, denotes multiple enactments or statutes. The entries consistently emphasize its legal and prescriptive nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֹק 127 n.m. something prescribed, a statute or due

prescribed task

prescribed-portion or allowance of food

action prescribed for oneself, resolve

prescribed due of the priest from offerings

prescribed limit, boundary

enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man

pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2706 חֹק something prescribed, a statute or due . prescribed task

. prescribed-portion or allowance of food

. action prescribed for oneself, resolve

. prescribed due of the priest from offerings

. prescribed limit, boundary

. enactment, decree, ordinance of either God or man

. pl. חֻקִּים enactments, statutes of a law

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2706 choq khoke

from 2710; an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time,

space, quantity, labor or usage):--appointed, bound,

commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law,

measure, X necessary, ordinance(- nary), portion, set time,

statute, task.

see HEBREW for 02710

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֹק (choq) — statute: decree.

: decree

1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due

1a) prescribed task

1b) prescribed portion

1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve

1d) prescribed due

1e) prescribed limit, boundary

1f) enactment, decree, ordinance

1f1) specific decree

1f2) law in general

1g) enactments, statutes

1g1) conditions

1g2) enactments

1g3) decrees

1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

חֹק (choq) — statute: portion.

: portion

1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due

1a) prescribed task

1b) prescribed portion

1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve

1d) prescribed due

1e) prescribed limit, boundary

1f) enactment, decree, ordinance

1f1) specific decree

1f2) law in general

1g) enactments, statutes

1g1) conditions

1g2) enactments

1g3) decrees

1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God

חֹק (choq) — statute: allotment.

: allotment/boundary

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp2ms
[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
לֹ֣אlo' not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Amplified meaning
absence of seeking
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[is] far from wicked [people] salvation for decrees your not they have sought
דָרָֽשׁוּ׃da.Ra.shu they have sought H1875 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
164× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Amplified meaning
ask, worship
Tyndale gloss
to seek
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דָּרַשׁ (darash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or inquire. It encompasses a range of actions from frequenting a place to consulting deities in prayer and worship. The word can imply a diligent search or demand, and it appears in both Qal and Niphal forms, indicating various nuances of seeking and being sought. The entries do not present any significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דָּרַשׁ 162 vb. resort to, seek

Qal

(tread a place,) resort to, frequent

seek, consult, inquire of

seek deity in prayer and worship

seek, with idea of demanding, require

inquire, investigate (a matter)

ask for, require, demand

seek with application, study, follow, practise

seek with care, care for

Niph.

let oneself be inquired of, consulted, only of God

be sought out

be required, of blood

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1875 דָּרַשׁ resort to, seek

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1875 darash daw-rash'

a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to

follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or

ask; specifically to worship:--ask, X at all, care for, X

diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-)mancer,

question, require, search, seek (for, out), X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דָּרַשׁ (da.rash) — to seek.

1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place)

1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek

1a2a) of God

1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers

1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship

1a3a) God

1a3b) heathen deities

1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require

1a5) to investigate, enquire

1a6) to ask for, require, demand

1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application

1a8) to seek with care, care for

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God)

1b2) to be sought, be sought out

1b3) to be required (of blood)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
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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