Psalms 119:22 — Word Study
WLCגַּ֣ל מֵֽ֭עָלַי חֶרְפָּ֣ה וָב֑וּז כִּ֖י עֵדֹתֶ֣יךָ נָצָֽרְתִּי׃
BSARemovegâlal [take away, roll off] myʻal scorncherpâh [reproach, shame, contempt] and contemptbûwz [disrespect, disdain] forkîy [because, since] I have keptnâtsar■ [watched, guarded, obeyed] Your testimoniesʻêdâh [witnesses, divine laws, unchanging word]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גַּ֣ל | roll away | Verb, Piel, imperative second person masculine singular |
| מֵֽ֭עָלַי | from on me | Preposition, preposition, suffix |
| חֶרְפָּ֣ה | reproach | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וָב֑וּז | and contempt | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| כִּ֖י | for | Particle |
| עֵדֹתֶ֣יךָ | testimonies your | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| נָצָֽרְתִּי׃ | I observe | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. |
| KJV | Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. |
| ASV | Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies. |
| YLT | Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept. |
| WEB | Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes. |
| BBE | Take away from me shame and bitter words; for I have kept your unchanging word in my heart. |
Where they part company is וָב֑וּז — see How Translations Differ.
The main verb leads with a reason clause following, connecting the request to the psalmist's faithfulness.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbגלה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 119:22
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 — A Prayer for Deliverance from Shamegenerated
Psalm 119:22 is part of a larger meditation on the importance of God's commandments. The psalmist contrasts his faithfulness to God's testimonies with the scorn and contempt he faces from others. This verse highlights the tension between personal integrity and external pressures, inviting reflection on how one’s faith can be a source of strength amidst adversity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 119:39–42 | Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good. |
| 2 | Psalm 39:8 | Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of fools. |
| 3 | Psalm 42:10 | Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” |
| 4 | Psalm 68:9–11 | You sent abundant rain, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance. |
| 5 | Psalm 123:3–4 | Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — גַּ֣ל, galgenerated
The verb גַּל (gal) means 'to roll away' and is used here in the imperative form, indicating a strong request. The psalmist is asking God to remove his shame as if rolling it away, suggesting a desire for liberation from the burdens of reproach.
This word can convey both literal and figurative meanings, emphasizing the act of moving something from one place to another. In this context, it reflects the psalmist's plea for God to take away the weight of scorn that he feels from others.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The BSB translates the verse as 'Remove my scorn and contempt,' which aligns closely with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs in this verse are גַּ֣ל (roll away) and נָצָֽרְתִּי (I observe), with the first verb commanding action and the second affirming the psalmist's faithfulness. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the request for removal of shame and the reason for that request: the psalmist's adherence to God's laws.
The sentence flows from the imperative request to the reason, creating a logical connection between the psalmist's feelings of scorn and his commitment to God's testimonies.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates גַּל as περίελε, which means 'take away' and aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning of rolling away. This choice emphasizes the act of removal as a direct request to God.
The use of ἐμοῦ for מֵֽ֭עָלַי ('from on me') highlights the personal nature of the psalmist's plea, indicating a direct appeal for relief from shame.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 119:22 expresses a heartfelt plea to God to remove the scorn and contempt the psalmist feels. He states that he has kept God's testimonies, indicating his commitment to following God's laws despite the shame he faces.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist refers to feelings of shame and disrespect from others, which he wishes to be removed.
He asks for this relief because he has faithfully kept God's testimonies, suggesting that his adherence to God's laws should shield him from shame.
His faithfulness to God's commandments is the basis for his appeal, as he believes that his commitment should warrant God's intervention.
This verse teaches that turning to God in prayer and affirming one's commitment to His word can be a source of strength in overcoming feelings of scorn.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced scorn or contempt in my life, and how can I bring those feelings to God?
- How can I strengthen my commitment to God's testimonies in the face of criticism?
- What does it mean to me to ask God to remove shame from my life?
- How can I support others who are facing scorn or contempt for their beliefs?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary on this verse includes reflections from Augustine of Hippo, who discusses the significance of seeking God's testimonies amidst shame.
"O turn from me shame and rebuke; for I have sought out Your testimonies" [Psalms 119:22].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 119 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 119:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleRemove from me reproach and contempt,.... Or, "roll [it] from me" (u).
Read John Gill on Psalms 119 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryRemove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 119 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleReproach, which I suffer unjustly and for thy sake, as he elsewhere complains. I have kept thy testimonies, and therefore I am innocent from those crimes for which they censure and reproach me. Or, and therefore thou wilt maintain mine honour and interest according to thy promise made to such as keep thy testimonies, and I beg with some confidence that thou wilt do it.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 119 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 119:22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.Ver. 22. Remove from me reproach and contempt] Cast upon me by those proud haughty scorners, Psalms 119:21, and that for nothing but because I keep thy statutes; therefore it is that they despise and defame me; but do thou, Lord, take an order with them; behold, I put them into thine hands, and myself upon thy care to clear me, and set me right; for I am well resolved.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 119 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(22) Remove.—Some render “roll,” with allusion to Joshua 5:9. But it is more probably the same word as that rendered “open” in Psalms 119:18 (see Note) which may have for object the covering taken off (Isaiah 22:8; Nahum 3:5), or of the thing from which the covering is taken, as in Psalms 119:18.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 119 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 22. Remove from me reproach and contempt] Of these the captives in Babylon had a more than ordinary load.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 119 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges22. Remove] R.V. take away, lit. strip off, shame being regarded as a covering; but probably gôl, ‘roll away,’ should be read instead of gal, shame being regarded as a burden. This verse is to be connected with Psalms 119:21. ‘Thou rebukest the proud; rebuke them now, and relieve me of the contempt which they heap upon me for my observance of Thy law.’
Read Cambridge on Psalms 119 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleRemove from me reproach and contempt - Show me thy favor, and let me not suffer in the estimation of mankind on account of my religion.
Read Albert Barnes 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
Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.
Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
Spare me shame and humiliation, for I observe your rules.
Tyndale line
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.
Take away from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
Remoue from mee shame and contempt: for I haue kept thy testimonies.
Strictly literal
Roll off from me reproach and contempt; for I observe thy testimonies.
Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept.
Remove reproach and contempt from me, || For I have kept Your testimonies.
Roll away from me reproach and contempt; for thy testimonies have I kept.
Spare me from disgrace and humiliation, for I have obeyed your covenant decrees.
Simplified
Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.
Take away from me shame and bitter words; for I have kept your unchanging word in my heart.
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.
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 align closely, with all seven words matched in the Hebrew and Greek texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls also support the Masoretic Text, showing consistency across these ancient witnesses.
גַּ֣ל מֵֽ֭עָלַי חֶרְפָּ֣ה וָב֑וּז כִּ֖י עֵדֹתֶ֣יךָ נָצָֽרְתִּי׃
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.
גול מעל׳י חרפה ובוז כי עדוותי׳כה נצרתי
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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 119:22
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.
גָּלַל (galal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to roll, with various nuances including rolling away, rolling down, and rolling together. It appears in different forms, such as Qal (to roll), Niph (to roll up), and Hiphil (to roll away). The word conveys both literal and figurative actions, and its Aramaic equivalent is גְּלָל (H1560).
[גָּלַל] vb. roll, roll away
Qal roll a stone
Niph. roll, roll up or along
Pilp. and I will roll thee down from the rocks
Pō‛al garment rolled (dabbed, rolled over and over) in blood.
Hithpo. roll oneself over and over
Hithpalp. cf. Hithpo.
Hiph. roll away stone from upon mouth of well
base
H1556 [גָּלַל] roll, roll away
1556 galal gaw-lal'
a primitive root; to roll (literally or
figuratively):--commit, remove, roll (away, down, together),
run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.
גָּלַל (ga.lal) — to roll.
1) to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together
1a) (Qal) to roll
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to roll up
1b2) to flow down
1c) (Pilpel) to roll
1d) (Poal) to be rolled
1e) (Hithpoel) to roll oneself
1f) (Hithpalpel) to roll oneself
1g) (Hiphil) to roll away
Aramaic equivalent: ge.lal (גְּלָל "great" H1560)
V-Piel-Impv-2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singularHVpv2ms
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep | Prep | Suff — Preposition · preposition · suffixHR/Rd/Sp1bs
חֶרְפָּה (cherpah) means reproach or taunt, often associated with shame or disgrace. It can refer to the condition of being reproached or the object of reproach itself. The word is derived from חָרַף (charaf), which relates to scorn or rebuke.
חֶרְפָּה n.f. reproach
taunt of enemy
reproach which rests upon one, condition of shame, disgrace
a reproach, the object of reproach, the person or thing reproached
base
H2781 חֶרְפָּה reproach . taunt of enemy
. reproach which rests upon one, condition of shame, disgrace
. a reproach, the object of reproach, the person or thing reproached
2781 cherpah kher-paw'
from 2778; contumely, disgrace, the pudenda:--rebuke,
reproach(-fully), shame.
see HEBREW for 02778
חֶרְפָּה (cher.pah) — reproach.
1) reproach, scorn
1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy)
1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace)
1c) a reproach (an object)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
בּוּז (buwz) means contempt, indicating a sense of disrespect or disdain. It can arise from various sources, including evil, prosperity, or judgment. The term appears in contexts related to divine judgment, suggesting a serious tone in its usage.
בּוּז n.m. contempt
contempt
judicial, poured out by God, in judgment
base
H937 בּוּז contempt
937 buwz booz
from 936; disrespect:--contempt(-uously), despised, shamed.
see HEBREW for 0936
בּוּז (buz) — contempt.
1) contempt
1a) springing from evil
1b) springing from prosperity
1c) springing from judgment
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
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.'
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
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
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.
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
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…
עֵדָה (edah) refers to 'testimony' or 'witness' and is noted for being used only in the plural form in the context of divine testimonies. It is derived from the feminine form of another Hebrew word, עֵד (ed), which also relates to witness. The entries consistently emphasize its technical sense in legal and religious contexts.
עֵדָה n.f. testimony, witness
base
[עֵדָה] n.f. only pl. MT testimonies
base
H5713a עֵדָה testimony, witness H5713b עֵדָה only pl. MT testimonies
5713 `edah ay-daw'
feminine of 5707 in its techn. sense; testimony:--
testimony, witness. Compare 5712.
see HEBREW for 05707
see HEBREW for 05712
עֵדָה (e.dah) — witness.
testimony, witness
עֵדָה (e.dah) — testimony.
always plural and always of laws as divine testimonies
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2ms
נָצַר (natsar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to watch, guard, or keep. It encompasses a range of actions including protecting, preserving, and observing, as well as concealing or keeping secret. The entries suggest both positive and negative connotations, such as guarding from danger or hiding something. The term can also refer to a watchman.
[נָצַר] vb. watch, guard, keep;—Qal
Watch, guard, keep
Guard from dangers, preserve
Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
Guard, keep secret
Keep close, blockaded
base
H5341 נָצַר watch, guard, keep . Watch, guard, keep
. Guard from dangers, preserve
. Guard with fidelity, keep, observe
. Guard, keep secret
. Keep close, blockaded
5341 natsar naw-tsar'
a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect,
maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):--
besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe,
preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).
נָצַר (na.tsar) — to watch.
1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to watch, guard, keep
1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers
1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity
1a4) to guard, keep secret
1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded
1a6) watchman (participle)
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
ob-zurv' (representing various words, but chiefly shamar, "to keep," "to watch" etc.): Properly means "to take heed to," as in Isa 42:20, "Thou seest many things, but thou observest not" and from this sense all the usages of the word in English Versions of the Bible can be understood. Most of them, indeed are quite good modern usage (as "observe a feast," Ex 12:17, etc.; "observe a law" Le 19:37, etc.), but a few are archaic. So Ge 37:11, the King James Version "His father observed the saying" (the Revised Version (British and American) "kept the saying in mind"); Ho 13:7, "As a leopard .... will I observe them" (the…
