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Psalms 13:4 — Word Study

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WLCפֶּן־ יֹאמַ֣ר אֹיְבִ֣י יְכָלְתִּ֑יו צָרַ֥י יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ כִּ֣י אֶמּֽוֹט׃

BSAlestpên [or beware that]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 13
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 4 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 ('e.Mot) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 13:4quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses concern that his enemy might boast over his downfall.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing God directly.
Where we areA lament where the psalmist seeks God's attention and intervention.
The hard wordיְכָלְתִּ֑יו
Take awayThe psalmist fears the mockery of his enemies.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbה 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 13:4

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 Lament for Helpgenerated

3Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
4lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.
5But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.
6I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.

Psalm 13:4 expresses the psalmist's deep concern about his enemies celebrating his potential downfall. He pleads for God's attention and help, fearing that if he falls, his adversaries will take it as a victory. This verse is part of a broader lament, where the psalmist grapples with feelings of abandonment and seeks reassurance from God, as seen in the preceding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 10:11He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.”
2Psalm 25:2in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3Psalm 35:19–25Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.
4Psalm 38:16For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.”
5Joshua 7:9When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”

The Key Word יְכָלְתִּ֑יו, ye.khal.Tivgenerated

The verb יָכֹל (yakol) means 'to be able' or 'to have power.' It indicates the capacity to overcome or prevail, which is crucial in this context where the psalmist fears his enemies claiming victory over him.

In this verse, the first person form יְכָלְתִּ֑י (ye.khal.Tiv) emphasizes the psalmist's vulnerability and the potential for defeat. The construction suggests a personal struggle against external forces.


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 is יֹאמַ֣ר, he should say, which governs the entire clause about what the enemy might say. It is followed by a noun phrase indicating the subject (my enemy) and a clause that describes the action (I have prevailed over him).

The structure of the verse emphasizes the conditional nature of the psalmist's fear, with the main action hinging on the possibility of his downfall.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יְכָלְתִּ֑יו with κύριε (Lord), which indicates a shift in focus from the psalmist's personal ability to God's authority. This choice suggests a reliance on divine strength rather than personal capability.

This translation reflects a broader interpretation, emphasizing God's role in the psalmist's struggle against his enemies.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 13:4 shows the psalmist worried that his enemies will boast if he falls. He fears their rejoicing and seeks God's help to avoid this outcome.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the psalmist fear in this verse?

The psalmist fears that his enemy will claim victory over him and that his foes will rejoice at his downfall.

Why is the psalmist concerned about his enemies?

He is concerned because their triumph would not only signify his defeat but also bring them joy, which he wants to avoid.

What does the phrase 'I have prevailed over him' imply?

It implies that the enemy believes they have successfully defeated the psalmist, which is a source of distress for him.

How does this verse connect to the overall theme of the psalm?

It highlights the psalmist's feelings of vulnerability and his plea for God's intervention amidst his struggles.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some ways I can seek God's help when I feel overwhelmed by my challenges?
  2. How do I respond to feelings of defeat or vulnerability in my own life?
  3. In what ways can I support others who are facing struggles similar to those of the psalmist?
  4. What does this verse teach me about the nature of my adversaries and the importance of divine support?

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

The early Church Fathers commented on this verse, exploring themes of sin, adversaries, and the nature of spiritual struggle.

Eusebius of CaesareaCOMMENTARY ON Psalms 13:1-4 c. 260–340
As we sin, the adversary becomes haughty and domineering over us, and we are pressed down by our sin; this is really the nature of sin, to cast down and to oppress the spirit.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 13 →
John ChrysostomCOMMENTARY ON THE Psalms 13:1-2 c. 347–407
What is the meaning of “I have prevailed over him”? That even if he is not absolutely strong, yet he has proved strong against me. Our defeat clothes him in strength, makes him look strong, powerful and invincible.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 13 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 13 354–430
"Lest at any time mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him" [Psalms 13:4]. The devil's mockery is to be feared.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 13 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 13:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him,.... Which is an argument God takes notice of; and for which reason he does not give up his people into the hands of their enemies; see Deuteronomy 32:27.

Read John Gill on Psalms 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. Lest ... those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved - namely, from my faith and steadfastness of walk with God (Luke 22:31).

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I have prevailed against him, to wit, by my art or strength; which will reflect dishonour upon thee, as if thou wept either unfaithful and unmindful of thy promises, or unable to make them good. Therefore repress this their arrogancy and blasphemy, and maintain thine own honour. When I am moved; or, stumble, or fall, to wit, into mischief.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.Ver. 4. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him] This David frequently deprecateth as a great evil, because God’ s honour was concerned in it, and would suffer by it. As unskilful hunters, shooting at wild beasts, do sometimes kill a man; so persecutors, shooting at saints, hit Christ, reproach him; and this the saints are very aware of. And those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved] Compose comedies out of my tragedies, et iram Dei ad calumniam rapiant. The wicked are vindictive and implacable, sick of the devil’ s disease, επιχαιρεκακια, rejoicing at other men’…

Read John Trapp on Psalms 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 4. Let mine enemy say] Satan's ordinary method in temptation is to excite strongly to sin, to blind the understanding and inflame the passions; and when he succeeds, he triumphs by insults and reproaches. None so ready then to tell the poor soul how deeply, disgracefully, and ungratefully it has sinned! Reader, take heed. When I am moved.] When moved from my steadfastness and overcome by sin. O what desolation is made by the fall of a righteous soul! Itself covered with darkness and desolation, infidels filled with scoffing, the Church clad in mourning, the Spirit of God grieved, and Jesus crucified afresh, and put to an open shame! O God, save the pious reader from such wreck and…

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 13 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

4. and those &c.] R.V., Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved. Cp. Psalms 38:16. And by their triumph, as the emphatic contrast of the following verse implies, the honour of God Whom he trusts will suffer.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him - I have overpowered him; I have conquered him. That is, to triumph over him as having obtained a complete victory.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 13 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

4. Lest mine enemy say—Not only is his own life in danger, but a further reason for divine interference is the reproach that would otherwise fall upon the cause of God.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 13 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him;” lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Then my enemy will say, “I have defeated him!” Then my foes will rejoice because I am upended.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Lest my enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Lest mine enemie say, I haue preuailed against him: and they that afflict me, reioyce when I slide.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him! [lest] mine adversaries be joyful when I am moved.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Lest mine enemy say, 'I overcame him,' Mine adversaries joy when I am moved.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Lest my enemy say, “I overcame him,” || My adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(13:5) That my enemy may not say, I have overcome him; that my assailants may not be glad when I am moved.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Do not let my enemy say, “I have defeated him,” so that my enemy may not say, “I have prevailed over my adversary”; otherwise, my enemies will rejoice when I am brought down.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Shall not all they know that work iniquity, who devour my people as they eat bread?

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

and my enemy will say, “I defeated him!” and my opponents will celebrate my downfall.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And he who is against me may not say, I have overcome him; and those who are troubling me may not be glad when I am moved.

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.

פֶּןlestclauseverbיֹאמַ֣רhe.should.saynoun phrase · subjectאֹיְבִ֣enemyיmyclause · objectverbיְכָלְתִּ֑יIobjectוhave.prevailed.over.himclausenoun phrase · subjectצָרַ֥foesיmyverbיָ֝גִ֗ילוּthey.will.rejoiceכִּ֣י(dm)clauseverbאֶמּֽוֹטI.am.shaken

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


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

The Masoretic Text aligns with the Septuagint in meaning, though the Septuagint's wording and structure differ. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial text that has been restored, but they do not show significant variation from the Masoretic Text.

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

פֶּן־ יֹאמַ֣ר אֹיְבִ֣י יְכָלְתִּ֑יו צָרַ֥י יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ כִּ֣י אֶמּֽוֹט׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יֹאמַ֣רἐπίβλεψονאֹיְבִ֣יμουיְכָלְתִּ֑יוκύριεצָרַ֥יμουיָ֝גִ֗ילוּφώτισονכִּ֣יὀφθαλμούςאֶמּֽוֹט׃μου

7 of the 8 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 — 11Q7a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[הביט׳ה] [ענ׳ני] [יהוה] [אלוה׳י] [האיר׳ה] [עינ׳י] [פן] [אישן] [המות]

nothing on the leather here — 9 supplied entire by an editor.

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


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

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

Psalms 13:4פֶּן־lestlestפֶּן־אָמַרhe should she should sayאָמַראָיַבenemy myenemy myאָיַביָכֹלI have prevI have prevaileיָכֹלצַרopponents mopponents myצַרגִּילthey will rthey will rejoiגִּילכִּיififכִּימוֹטI am shakenI am shakenמוֹטפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצוּרto confineto confineצוּראָיַבbe hostilebe hostileאָיַבפָּגַעto fall onto fall onפָּגַעשָׁכַחto forgetto forgetשָׁכַחכֹּהthusthusכֹּהיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/Godיהוהצַרnarrownarrowצַרשָׂנֵאto hateto hateשָׂנֵאפָּתָהto open wito open wideפָּתָהאוּלַיperhapsperhapsאוּלַימְצוּקָהdistressdistressמְצוּקָהבּוּסto trampleto trampleבּוּסשׂוּשׂto rejoiceto rejoiceשׂוּשׂשָׂמַחto rejoiceto rejoiceשָׂמַחיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעבַּלnotnotבַּלפָּרַרto breakto breakפָּרַר
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 13:4

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.

lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
פֶּן־pen- lest H6435 Particle
133× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Amplified meaning
or beware that
Tyndale gloss
lest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פֶּן־ (pen) is a conjunction meaning 'lest' or 'not,' often used to express a warning or fear of a potential negative outcome. It is derived from a root meaning 'removal' and is typically found in constructions that indicate a precautionary context. The entries consistently emphasize its adverbial use in cautionary statements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פֶּן־ 133 (alw. with Makkeph) conj. (adverting or deprecating), lest

with impf.

with Pf., the result feared being conceived as having possibly already taken place

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6435 פֶּן־ (alw. with Makkeph) (adverting or deprecating), lest . with impf.

. with Pf., the result feared being conceived as having possibly already taken place

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6435 pen pane

from 6437; properly, removal; used only (in the construction)

adverb as conjunction, lest:--(lest) (peradventure),

that...not.

see HEBREW for 06437

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פֶּן־ (pen) — lest.

conj

1) lest, not, beware lest

adv

2) lest

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
יֹאמַ֣רyo.Mar he should say H559 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
5,309× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Tyndale gloss
to say
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say

Qal

Say

Say in the heart (= think)

Promise

Command (esp. late)

Niph. be said, told

Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

Hithp. act proudly, boast

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say

. Say in the heart (= think)

. Promise

. Command (esp. late)

. be said, told

. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)

. act proudly, boast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

559 'amar aw-mar'

a primitive root; to say (used with great

latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,

certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),

commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X

expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,

publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X

suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),

utter, X verily, X yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.

1) to say, speak, utter

1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend

1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called

1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly

1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
אֹיְבִ֣י'o.ye.Vi enemy my H341 Verb qal participle (active) masculine singular common · suffix
283× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
enemy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֹיֵב (oyeb) means 'enemy' or 'foe,' indicating hostility. It can refer to personal or national adversaries. The word is derived from the active participle of another root, אָיַב (ayab), which also conveys the sense of being hostile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אָיַב] 283 vb. be hostile to (enemy = אֹיֵב)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H341 אָיַב be hostile to (enemy = אֹיֵב)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

341 'oyeb o-yabe'

or (fully) owyeb {o-yabe'}; active participle of 340;

hating; an adversary:--enemy, foe.

see HEBREW for 0340

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹיֵב (o.yev) — enemy.

1) (Qal) enemy

1a) personal

1b) national

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqrmsc/Sp1bs — Verb qal participle (active) masculine singular common · suffix
HVqrmsc/Sp1bs
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
יְכָלְתִּ֑יוye.khal.Tiv I have prevailed over him H3201 Verb qal perfect first person common singular · suffix
194× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
be able
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָכֹל (yakol) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power.' It encompasses a range of abilities, including physical, moral, and constitutional strength, as well as the capacity to endure or prevail. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָכֹל, יָכוֹל 193 vb. be able, have power, prevail, endure

Qal

be able, to do a thing,, whether ability be physical, moral, constitutional, or dependent on external authority

prevail

abs. have ability, strength, only neg.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3201 יָכֹל, יָכוֹל be able, have power, prevail, endure .. be able, to do a thing,, whether ability be physical, moral, constitutional, or dependent on external authority

. prevail

. abs. have ability, strength, only neg.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3201 yakol yaw-kole'

or (fuller) yakowl {yaw-kole'}; a primitive root; to be able,

literally (can, could) or morally (may, might):--be able, any

at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure,

might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָכֹל (ya.khol) — be able.

1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach

1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor

1a3) to have ability, have strength

Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp1cs/Sp3ms — Verb qal perfect first person common singular · suffix
HVqp1cs/Sp3ms
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
צָרַ֥יtza.Rai opponents my H6862 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
109× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Tyndale gloss
narrow
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word צַר (tsar) is built from the root meaning 'narrow' or 'tight.' It encompasses a range of meanings including 'distress,' 'adversary,' and 'hard pebble' or 'flint.' The term can refer to physical tightness or metaphorical trouble, as well as an enemy or foe. It appears in contexts of anguish and tribulation, with a specific verse reference in Isaiah 5:28.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צַר adj. narrow, tight

base

צַר n.[m.] straits, distress

base

צַר 68 n.m. adversary, foe

base

צַר n.[m.] hard pebble, flint;—Is 5:28

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6862a צַר narrow, tight H6862b צַר straits, distress H6862c צַר adversary, foe H6862d צַר hard pebble, flint

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6862 tsar tsar

or tsar {tsawr}; from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place

(usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in

6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):--adversary,

afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,

narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.

see HEBREW for 06887

see HEBREW for 06864

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צַר (tsar) — narrow.

narrow, tight

צַר (tsar) — distress.

straits, distress

צַר (tsar) — enemy.

adversary, foe, enemy, oppressor

צַר (tsar) — hard.

hard pebble, flint

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp1bs — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp1bs
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּya.Gi.lu they will rejoice H1523 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to rejoice or be glad, often expressing strong emotions like joy or fear, as seen in the KJV translations.
Tyndale gloss
to rejoice
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

גִּיל (giyl) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rejoice or be glad, often associated with a sense of excitement or levity. It can also imply trembling, particularly from fear. The word is built from a root that conveys the idea of spinning around due to strong emotions, covering both joy and fear.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[גִּיל] vb. rejoice (go around or about, be excited to levity)

Qal

rejoice

tremble

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1523 גִּיל rejoice (go around or about, be excited to levity)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1523 giyl gheel

or (by permutation) guwl {gool}; a primitive root; properly,

to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion),

i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear:--be glad, joy,

be joyful, rejoice.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

גִּיל (gil) — to rejoice.

1) to rejoice, exult, be glad

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to rejoice

1a2) to tremble (from fear)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
כִּ֣יki if 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
HTc — Particle
HTc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
lest he should say enemy my I have prevailed over him opponents my they will rejoice if I am shaken
אֶמּֽוֹט׃'e.Mot I am shaken H4131 Verb · Niphal · imperfect first person common singular
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Tyndale gloss
to shake
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹט (mot) is a Hebrew verb meaning to totter, shake, or slip. It has various forms, including Qal (to totter), Niphal (to be shaken), Hiphil (to dislodge), and Hithpael (to be greatly shaken). The entries indicate a range of meanings related to instability and movement, but do not specify any particular Old Testament verses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[מוֹט] vb. totter, shake, slip

Qal totter, slip

Niph. be shaken, moved, overthrown

Hiph. dislodge, let fall, drop

Hithpo‛l. be greatly shaken

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4131 [מוֹט] totter, shake, slip

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4131 mowt mote

a primitive root; to waver; by implication , to slip, shake,

fall:--be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in

decay, X exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-)moved, be

ready, shake, slide, slip.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹט (mot) — to shake.

1) to totter, shake, slip

1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip

1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown

1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop

1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVNi1cs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect first person common singular
HVNi1cs
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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