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Psalms 138:1 — Word Study

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WLCאוֹדְךָ֥ בְכָל־ לִבִּ֑י נֶ֖גֶד אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲזַמְּרֶֽךָּ׃

BSAOf DavidDâvid I give You thanksyâdâh [with deepest gratitude, from the heart] with allkôl [every part of] my heartlêb [inner being, will, and intellect] beforeneged [in the presence of, facing] the godsʼĕlôhîym [heavenly beings, idols] I sing Your praiseszâmar [make music, praise, hymns of adoration, worship]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 138
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 1 opens the chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration ('a.za.me.Re.ka) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 138:1quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses heartfelt gratitude to God while proclaiming His praises in the presence of divine beings.
Who is speakingDavid, addressing God directly.
Where we areA song of thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness and majesty.
The hard wordאוֹדְךָ֥
Take awayThanksgiving is offered with the entirety of one's being, before both God and other divine entities.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause 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 138:1

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 Song of Thanksgivinggenerated

1I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth.

Psalm 138:1 is a declaration of gratitude from David, who thanks God with his whole heart. This psalm emphasizes the importance of worship and thanksgiving in the presence of both God and other divine beings. It reflects a deep connection between the worshipper and the divine, showcasing the act of praising God as a communal and personal expression of faith.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 9:1I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
2Psalm 86:12–13I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
3Psalm 103:1–2Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.
4Psalm 111:1Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
51 Corinthians 14:15What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word אוֹדְךָ֥, 'od.Khagenerated

The word אוֹדְךָ ('od.Kha) is a hiphil imperfect verb meaning 'I will give thanks to you.' It is derived from the root יָדָה (yadah), which originally means to throw or cast, and is used in the context of worship and praise, often with outstretched hands.

In this verse, it signifies a heartfelt expression of gratitude directed towards God. The use of the hiphil form indicates that the action is intentional and directed, emphasizing the psalmist's commitment to thankfulness.


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 action is governed by the finite verb אוֹדְךָ, I will give thanks, which leads into two phrases: a prepositional phrase indicating the manner of thanks and a clause describing the context of worship.

Word order in Hebrew places emphasis on the act of thanksgiving as the central theme, with the psalmist's heart and the presence of divine beings framing the act of praise.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אוֹדְךָ as δαυιδ (David), indicating a direct connection to the psalmist's identity and his role in worship. This choice emphasizes the personal nature of the thanksgiving.

The Greek rendering captures the essence of the Hebrew text while adapting it for a Hellenistic audience, maintaining the focus on heartfelt praise.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 138:1 expresses David's deep gratitude to God. He thanks God with all his heart and sings praises in front of divine beings. This shows the importance of worship and thanksgiving in the believer's life.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to thank God with all my heart?

It means to express genuine gratitude and appreciation to God, involving one's entire being — emotions, will, and intellect.

Why does David mention singing before the gods?

David acknowledges the presence of divine beings and emphasizes that his praise and worship are directed not only to God but also in recognition of the spiritual realm.

How can I apply this verse in my life?

You can practice heartfelt thanksgiving in your prayers and worship, recognizing God's presence and expressing gratitude for His goodness.

What is the significance of singing praises?

Singing praises is a form of worship that expresses joy and gratitude, creating a connection between the worshipper and God.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I ensure that my gratitude to God encompasses my whole heart?
  2. What are some ways I can express my praise for God in my daily life?
  3. In what situations have I experienced the presence of God while worshipping?
  4. How does recognizing the spiritual realm influence my understanding of worship?

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

Early Church Fathers comment on the themes of gratitude and divine presence in this psalm. Their insights reflect on the nature of worship and the relationship between the believer and God.

JeromeHOMILIES ON THE Psalms 49 c. 347–420
“I will confess to you, Lord, with all my heart.” The nature of a wound determines the medication to be applied. Just as the body has wounds of various kinds, so also the soul has its passions and its wounds,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 138 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 138 354–430
The title of this Psalm is brief and simple, and need not detain us; since we know whose resemblance David wore, and since in him we recognise ourselves also, for we too are members of that Body.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 138 →
BedeHomilies on the Gospels 2:10 c. 673–735
It is no secret that angels are frequently present, invisibly, at the side of the elect, in order to defend them from the snares of the cunning enemy and uphold them by the great gift of heavenly desire.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 138 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 138:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

I will praise thee with my whole heart,.... Cordially and sincerely, in the uprightness and integrity of his heart; which denotes not the perfection of his service, but the sincerity of it; his heart

Read John Gill on Psalms 138 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 138 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Psalms 138 THE This is a Psalm of thanksgiving to God for those great deliverances which he had granted to David from Saul and other enemies; by the remembrance whereof David encourageth himself to trust in God in all him future difficulties. David praiseth God for his goodness and truth showed to him, and foretelleth that the kings of this earth shall also praise him, , and professeth the fruit of his trusting in God in the midst of troubles, ,8. Either, 1. Before the angels, who were represented by the cherubims upon the ark, who are called gods, 97:7, compared with 2:7, who also are present in the congregations of God’ s people, . Or rather, 2. Before kings and princes, by comparing this…

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 138 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 138:1 « [A Psalm] of David. » I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.Ver. 1. I will praise thee with my whole heart] Which no hypocrite can do; though he may pray in distress from the bottom of his heart. A grateful man is a gracious man, viz. if he come with a true heart, as the apostle hath it, Hebrews 10:22 (Aben Ezra). Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee] That is, before angels, who are present in holy assemblies, 1 Corinthians 11:10 (as was represented by those cherubims pictured in the temple), as also before princes and potentates, see Psalms 138:4. (Kimchi).

Read John Trapp on Psalms 138 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) Before the gods.—Undoubtedly, as in Psalms 82:1 : “before the great” or “mighty.” (Comp. Psalms 119:46, “before kings.”) Sing praise.—Rather, play.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 138 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

PSALM CXXXVIII The psalmist praises the Lord for his mercies to himself, 1-3. He foretells that the kings of the earth shall worship him, 4, 5. God's condescension to the humble, 6. The psalmist's confidence, 7, 8. NOTES ON PSALM CXXXVIII The Hebrew and all the Versions attribute this Psalm to David, and it is supposed to have been made by him when, delivered from all his enemies, he was firmly seated on the throne of Israel. As the Septuagint and Arabic prefix also the names of Haggai and Zechariah, it is probable that it was used by the Jews as a form of thanksgiving for their deliverance from all their enemies, and their ultimate settlement in their own land, after Ahasuerus, supposed by…

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 138 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

1–3. Thanksgiving for Jehovah’s manifestation of His lovingkindness and truth in the fulfilment of His promises.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 138 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I will praise thee with my whole heart - Reserving nothing m my heart to give to idols or to other gods. All that constitutes praise to God as God, he would address to him alone.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 138 →

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

I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.

NETBNew English Translation2006

I will give you thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly assembly I will sing praises to you.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.

RVARevised Version, American1894

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise to thee.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

A Psalme of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: euen before the gods will I praise thee.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

I will give thee thanks with my whole heart; before the gods will I sing psalms of thee.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

By David. I confess Thee, with all my heart, Before the gods I do praise Thee.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

BY DAVID. I confess You with all my heart, || I praise You before the gods.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

“By David.” I will praise thee with my whole heart: before [thee], O God, will I sing praise unto thee.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

I will give you thanks with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to you.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I thank you with my whole being; I sing your praises before the heavenly beings.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

I will give you praise with all my heart: I will make melody to you before the gods.

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.

clauseprepositional phrase · predicateלְofדָוִ֨דDavidclauseverbאוֹדְIobjectךָ֥will.give.thanks.to.youprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְwithnoun phraseכָלallnoun phraseלִבִּ֑heartיmyclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalנֶ֖גֶדbeforeאֱלֹהִ֣ים[the].godsverbאֲזַמְּרֶֽIobjectךָּwill.sing.praises.to.you

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely in wording, with the Septuagint providing a direct translation that matches the Hebrew structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align with the Masoretic Text, confirming the consistency of this verse across different ancient witnesses.

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

אוֹדְךָ֥ בְכָל־ לִבִּ֑י נֶ֖גֶד אֱלֹהִ֣ים אֲזַמְּרֶֽךָּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אוֹדְךָ֥δαυιδבְכָל־σοιלִבִּ֑יὅλῃנֶ֖גֶדκαρδίᾳאֱלֹהִ֣יםμουאֲזַמְּרֶֽךָּ׃ἀγγέλων

6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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

לדויד אוד׳כה יהוה בכול לב׳י נגד יהוה אלוהים אזמר׳כה

9 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 138:1יָדָהI will giveI will give thaיָדָהכֹּלwith allwith allכֹּללֵבheart myheart myלֵבנֶ֫גֶדbeforebeforeנֶ֫גֶדאֱלֹהִים[the] gods[the] godsאֱלֹהִיםזמרI will singI will sing praזמריָדhandhandיָדכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָבאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּזָמַרto pruneto pruneזָמַרהָלַלto shineto shineהָלַלפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַלעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהחָסֵרlackinglackingחָסֵרחָכָםwisewiseחָכָםבְּלִיַּ֫עַלBelial: woBelial: worthleבְּלִיַּ֫עַלאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןכִּנּוֹרlyrelyreכִּנּוֹר
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 138:1

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.

I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
אוֹדְךָ֥'od.Kha I will give thanks to you H3034 Verb hiphil imperfect first person common singular · suffix
114× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Amplified meaning
with deepest gratitude, from the heart
Tyndale gloss
to give thanks
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָדָה (yadah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to throw or cast, particularly in the context of shooting arrows or stones. It also encompasses the meanings of giving thanks, praising, and confessing, especially in a ritual context. The word is built from a primitive root and has various forms, including Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances of action.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָדָה] vb. throw, cast

Qal shoot (arrows) at

Pi. and they cast (stones) on me

Hiph.

give thanks, laud, praise

confess

Hithp.

confess

give thanks, in ritual worship

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3034 [יָדָה] throw, cast .shoot (arrows) at

. and they cast (stones) on me

. . give thanks, laud, praise

. confess

. . confess

. give thanks, in ritual worship

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3034 yadah yaw-daw'

a primitive root; used only as denominative from 3027;

literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to

throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or

worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by

wringing the hands):--cast (out), (make) confess(-ion),

praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving).

see HEBREW for 03027

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָדָה (ya.dah) — to give thanks.

1) to throw, shoot, cast

1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows)

1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise

1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God)

1d) (Hithpael)

1d1) to confess (sin)

1d2) to give thanks

Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect first person common singular · suffix
HVhi1cs/Sp2ms
I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
בְכָל־ve.khol- with all H3605 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Amplified meaning
every part of
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

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

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

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

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

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

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

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

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

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

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
לִבִּ֑יli.Bi heart my H3820 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
595× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Amplified meaning
inner being, will, and intellect
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the sea

elsewhere of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific reference to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

[various]

for the man himself

as seat of appetites

as seat of emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea

. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific reference to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. [various]

. for the man himself

. as seat of appetites

. as seat of emotions and passions

. seat of courage

H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3820 leb labe

a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very

widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;

likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,

consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),

(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X

heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X

themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 03824

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵב (lev) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

לֵב (lev) — Leb.

§ Leb- = "heart of"

(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
נֶ֖גֶדNe.ged before H5048 Prep
151× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Amplified meaning
in the presence of, facing
Tyndale gloss
before
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֶ֫גֶד (neged) refers to something that is conspicuous or in front, functioning as both a noun and an adverb. It denotes a position opposite or before someone, often used to indicate presence or visibility. The word can imply a counterpart or mate, and it appears in contexts emphasizing sight or proximity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫גֶד 151 subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5048 נֶ֫גֶד subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5048 neged neh'-ghed

from 5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a

counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with

preposition) over against or before:--about, (over) against,

X aloof, X far (off), X from, over, presence, X other side,

sight, X to view.

see HEBREW for 05046

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged) — before.

subst

1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of

adv

2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of

3) in front of oneself, straightforward

4) before your face, in your view or purpose

with prep

5) what is in front of, corresponding to

6) in front of, before

7) in the sight or presence of

8) parallel to

9) over, for

10) in front, opposite

11) at a distance

prep

12) from the front of, away from

13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from

14) from before, in front of

15) as far as the front of

Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep — Prep
HAcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
אֱלֹהִ֣ים'E.lo.Him [the] gods H430 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
heavenly beings, idols
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

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

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

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

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

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

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

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

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

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

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

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

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

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

('elohim; theoi):

I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. Superhuman Beings (God and Angels)

2. Judges, Rulers

3. Gods of the Nations

4. Superiority of Yahweh to Other Gods

5. Regulations Regarding the Gods of the Nations

6. Israel's Tendency to Idolatry

II. IN THE APOCRYPHA

III. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Hebrew plural 'elohim is generally known as the plural of "majesty" and is the ordinary name for God. The meaning of the plural seems to be "plenitude of powers." It denotes the fullness of those attributes of power which belonged to the Divine Being. Thus it is usually translated in the singular, "God," when referring to the God of Israel. When reference is made to the gods of the other nations the word is translated in the plural, "gods." The heathen nations usually had a plurality of gods. Among the Semites it was customary for one nation or tribe to have its own particular god. Often there were many…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The words god and gods, Hebrew ELOHIM, are several times used in Scripture to express the power, office, or excellence of some created beings, as angels, magistrates, Ex 22:20,28 Ps 86:8 97:12; often also for the false gods of the heathen. These were exceedingly numerous, and are denoted by various terms, signifying vanity, falsehood, etc. Among the first objects to be deified were the sun, the moon, and the chief powers of nature. Innumerable animals, deceased men, all ages, passions, and conditions of man, and every thing which fear, lust, malice, pride, or caprice could suggest, were made objects of worship. The gods of modern India are numbered by millions.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ See IDOL

→ See IDOLATRY

→ See IMAGE

I will give thanks to you with all heart my before [the] gods I will sing praises to you
אֲזַמְּרֶֽךָּ׃'a.za.me.Re.ka I will sing praises to you H2167 Verb piel imperfect first person common singular · suffix
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Amplified meaning
make music, praise, hymns of adoration, worship
Tyndale gloss
to sing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָמַר (zamar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sing or make music, particularly in praise of God. It is derived from a root that suggests touching the strings of a musical instrument. The word covers actions like singing, playing instruments, and celebrating through music. The Piel form specifically emphasizes making music in worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[זמר] vb. only Pi. make music in praise of God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2167 זמר only Pi. make music in praise of God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2167 zamar zaw-mar'

a primitive root (perhaps ident. with 2168 through the idea

of striking with the fingers); properly, to touch the strings

or parts of a musical instrument, i.e. play upon it; to make

music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song

and music:--give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.

see HEBREW for 02168

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָמַר (za.mar) — to sing.

1) to sing, sing praise, make music

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to make music, sing

1a2) to play a musical instrument

Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff — Verb piel imperfect first person common singular · suffix
HVpi1cs/Sp2ms
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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