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Psalms 119:22 — Word Study

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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]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 119
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 22 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 (na.Tza.re.ti) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 119:22quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist asks God to remove his scorn and contempt because he has faithfully kept God's testimonies.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, expressing a personal plea to God.
Where we areIn the context of a prayer for deliverance from shame, nestled within a meditation on God's laws.
The hard wordגַּ֣ל
Take awayThe psalmist seeks relief from shame while affirming his commitment to God's word.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbגלה 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 119:22

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

21You rebuke the arrogant— the cursed who stray from Your commandments.
22Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.
23Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors.

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

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 119:39–42Turn away the disgrace I dread, for Your judgments are good.
2Psalm 39:8Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of fools.
3Psalm 42:10Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
4Psalm 68:9–11You sent abundant rain, O God; You refreshed Your weary inheritance.
5Psalm 123:3–4Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.

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

What does the psalmist mean by 'scorn and contempt'?

The psalmist refers to feelings of shame and disrespect from others, which he wishes to be removed.

Why does the psalmist ask for these feelings 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.

How does the psalmist's faithfulness relate to his request?

His faithfulness to God's commandments is the basis for his appeal, as he believes that his commitment should warrant God's intervention.

What can we learn from this verse about dealing with shame?

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

  1. In what ways have I experienced scorn or contempt in my life, and how can I bring those feelings to God?
  2. How can I strengthen my commitment to God's testimonies in the face of criticism?
  3. What does it mean to me to ask God to remove shame from my life?
  4. 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.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 119 354–430
"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 Bible

Remove from me reproach and contempt,.... Or, "roll [it] from me" (u).

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

Remove 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 Bible

Reproach, 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 Testaments

Psalms 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 Bible

Verse 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 Colleges

22. 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 Bible

Remove 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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Spare me shame and humiliation, for I observe your rules.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Take away from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Take away from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Remoue from mee shame and contempt: for I haue kept thy testimonies.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Roll off from me reproach and contempt; for I observe thy testimonies.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Remove from me reproach and contempt, For Thy testimonies I have kept.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Remove reproach and contempt from me, || For I have kept Your testimonies.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Roll away from me reproach and contempt; for thy testimonies have I kept.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Spare me from disgrace and humiliation, for I have obeyed your covenant decrees.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Don't let me be scorned and insulted, for I have kept your laws.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

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.

clauseverbגַּ֣לroll.awayprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמֵֽ֭fromעָלַonיmenoun phrase · objectחֶרְפָּ֣הreproachוָandב֑וּזcontemptכִּ֖י(dm)clausenoun phrase · objectעֵדֹתֶ֣יtestimoniesךָyourverbנָצָֽרְתִּיI.observe

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.

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

גַּ֣ל מֵֽ֭עָלַי חֶרְפָּ֣ה וָב֑וּז כִּ֖י עֵדֹתֶ֣יךָ נָצָֽרְתִּי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
גַּ֣לπερίελεמֵֽ֭עָלַיἐμοῦחֶרְפָּ֣הὄνειδοςוָב֑וּזἐχουδένωσινכִּ֖יὅτιעֵדֹתֶ֣יךָσουנָצָֽרְתִּי׃ἐχεζήτησα

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

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.

Psalms 119:22גָּלַלroll awayroll awayגָּלַלעַלfrom on mefrom on meעַלחֶרְפָּהreproachreproachחֶרְפָּהבּוּזand contempand contemptבּוּזכִּיforforכִּיעֵדָהtestimoniestestimonies youעֵדָהנָצַרI observeI observeנָצַרחָרַףto tauntto tauntחָרַףבּוּזto despiseto despiseבּוּזעַלheightheightעַלעֵדwitnesswitnessעֵדעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֵ֫דֶרflockflockעֵ֫דֶרחֶרְפָּהreproachreproachחֶרְפָּהכִּפֶּרto atoneto atoneכִּפֶּרכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאכְּלִמָּהshameshameכְּלִמָּהקְלָלָהcursecurseקְלָלָהשַׁאֲנָןsecuresecureשַׁאֲנָןנָדִיבnoblenobleנָדִיביָדַעto knowto knowיָדַענָצַרto watchto watchנָצַרחֹקstatute: dstatute: decreeחֹקאֱמֶתtruth: faitruth: faithfulאֱמֶתבִּיןto understto understandבִּין
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 119:22

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.

roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
גַּ֣לgal roll away H1556 Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word 'to roll' means to move something in a rolling motion, and it can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in various forms, such as rolling away or rolling down, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible. This verb can also mean to flow down or to seek occasion.
Amplified meaning
take away, roll off
Tyndale gloss
to roll
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1556 [גָּלַל] roll, roll away

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1556 galal gaw-lal'

a primitive root; to roll (literally or

figuratively):--commit, remove, roll (away, down, together),

run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Impv-2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
HVpv2ms
roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
מֵֽ֭עָלַיMe.'a.lai from on me H5921 Preposition · preposition · suffix
5,774× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Tyndale gloss
upon
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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)

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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)

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Prep | Suff — Preposition · preposition · suffix
HR/Rd/Sp1bs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
חֶרְפָּ֣הcher.Pah reproach H2781 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
73× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Amplified meaning
reproach, shame, contempt
Tyndale gloss
reproach
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2781 cherpah kher-paw'

from 2778; contumely, disgrace, the pudenda:--rebuke,

reproach(-fully), shame.

see HEBREW for 02778

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
וָב֑וּזva.Vuz and contempt H937 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
11× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This noun refers to contempt or disrespect, and can stem from evil, prosperity, or judgment, as described in the book of Job. It is used to describe a negative attitude or feeling towards someone or something. This term is translated as contempt or despised in the KJV Bible.
Amplified meaning
disrespect, disdain
Tyndale gloss
contempt
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בּוּז n.m. contempt

contempt

judicial, poured out by God, in judgment

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H937 בּוּז contempt

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

937 buwz booz

from 936; disrespect:--contempt(-uously), despised, shamed.

see HEBREW for 0936

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בּוּז (buz) — contempt.

1) contempt

1a) springing from evil

1b) springing from prosperity

1c) springing from judgment

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Sin of

Job 31:13,14; Pr 14:21

- Folly of

Pr 11:12

- A characteristic of the wicked

Pr 18:3; Isa 5:24; 2Ti 3:3

- FORBIDDEN TOWARDS

. Parents

Pr 23:22

. Christ's little ones

Mt 18:10

. Weak brethren

Ro 14:3

. Young ministers

1Co 16:11

. Believing masters

1Ti 6:2

. The poor

Thompson Chain Reference topics

for the Righteous

1Sa 17:28; Ne 2:19; 4:3; Ps 80:6; 119:22; Mt 13:55; Joh 9:34

--SEE Derision, DERISION

Despisers, DESPISERS

Mocking, MOCKING

Reviling, SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST

roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
כִּ֖יki 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'.
Amplified meaning
because, 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
roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
עֵדֹתֶ֣יךָ'e.do.Tei.kha testimonies your H5713 Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
26× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a divine testimony or witness, always in the plural form, and is used to describe God's laws. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing God's instructions. The word is about God's guidance.
Amplified meaning
witnesses, divine laws, unchanging word
Tyndale gloss
witness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵדָה n.f. testimony, witness

base

[עֵדָה] n.f. only pl. MT testimonies

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5713a עֵדָה testimony, witness H5713b עֵדָה only pl. MT testimonies

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5713 `edah ay-daw'

feminine of 5707 in its techn. sense; testimony:--

testimony, witness. Compare 5712.

see HEBREW for 05707

see HEBREW for 05712

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵדָה (e.dah) — witness.

testimony, witness

עֵדָה (e.dah) — testimony.

always plural and always of laws as divine testimonies

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffix
HNcfpc/Sp2ms
roll away from on me reproach and contempt for testimonies your I observe
נָצָֽרְתִּי׃na.Tza.re.ti I observe H5341 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
63× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Amplified meaning
watched, guarded, obeyed
Tyndale gloss
to watch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5341 נָצַר watch, guard, keep . Watch, guard, keep

. Guard from dangers, preserve

. Guard with fidelity, keep, observe

. Guard, keep secret

. Keep close, blockaded

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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…

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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