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Psalms 141:8 — Word Study

Depth

WLCכִּ֤י אֵלֶ֨יךָ׀ יְהֹוִ֣ה אֲדֹנָ֣י עֵינָ֑י בְּכָ֥ה חָ֝סִ֗יתִי אַל־ תְּעַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁי׃

BSAButkîy my eyesʻayin [the windows of my soul] are fixed on Youʼêl O GODYᵉhôvih [Yehovah, the Lord of all] the LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, my Master] I seek refugechâçâh [trust and find protection] do notʼal [under no circumstances] leaveʻârâh my soul {defenseless}nephesh [my inner being, my life, uncovered, destitute, without help]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 141
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 8 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 (naf.Shi) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 141:8quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses unwavering focus on God, seeking refuge and protection for his soul.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing God directly.
Where we areIn a prayerful context, amidst distress and seeking divine help.
The hard wordחָ֝סִ֗יתִי
Take awayThe plea for protection and the assurance of God's presence.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהוּא 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 141:8

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 Protectiongenerated

7As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.
9Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers.
10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Psalms 141:8 is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, who is in a vulnerable position and turns to God for safety. This verse highlights the importance of focusing on God amidst trials, as the psalmist expresses his trust in God's ability to protect his soul from harm. The surrounding verses illustrate the psalmist's distress and the need for divine intervention, making this plea particularly poignant.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 25:15My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
2Psalm 123:1–2I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
32 Chronicles 20:12Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
4Psalm 25:16–17Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.
5Psalm 102:17He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word חָ֝סִ֗יתִי, cha.Si.tigenerated

The verb חָסָה (chacah) means to seek refuge or take shelter, indicating a deep reliance on God for safety and protection. The perfect tense shows a completed action, emphasizing the psalmist's established trust in God.

This word is often used in poetic contexts, underscoring the act of confiding in God during times of trouble. The psalmist's choice of this verb reflects a personal and communal understanding of God as a refuge.


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 verse is structured around the finite verb חָ֝סִ֗יתִי, I take refuge, which is the main action. It is preceded by a prepositional phrase indicating direction towards God and followed by a clause expressing a plea for protection.

The arrangement of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the psalmist's eyes being fixed on God, illustrating his focused trust and reliance on divine help.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew חָ֝סִ֗יתִי is rendered as ἤλπισα (elpida), meaning 'I hoped.' This choice broadens the concept from seeking refuge to actively placing hope in God, highlighting the psalmist's faith in God's deliverance.

The Greek translation captures the essence of trust while also implying an expectation of divine action, which aligns with the overall message of seeking protection.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 141:8 shows the psalmist focusing his eyes on God, seeking safety and protection for his soul. He pleads with God not to leave him defenseless, expressing a deep trust in divine help during difficult times.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to seek refuge in God?

Seeking refuge in God means turning to Him for safety and protection, trusting that He will shield us from harm.

Why does the psalmist emphasize his eyes being fixed on God?

The fixation of the psalmist's eyes on God signifies unwavering focus and reliance on Him amidst trials.

What is the significance of the plea not to leave his soul defenseless?

This plea highlights the psalmist's vulnerability and his deep need for God's protection to ensure his well-being.

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

This verse encapsulates the theme of seeking divine help and protection, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God during times of distress.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what situations do I find myself needing to seek refuge in God?
  2. How can I keep my focus on God during challenging times?
  3. What does it mean for me to trust God with my soul?
  4. How can I encourage others to seek refuge in God as the psalmist does?

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

Augustine of Hippo references this verse to illustrate the psalmist's hope in God amidst persecution, highlighting the need for divine protection.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 141 354–430
"For unto You, Lord, are my eyes; in You have I hoped, take not Thou away my life" [Psalms 141:8]. For they were tortured in persecutions, and many failed.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 141 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 141:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord,.... Not only the eyes of his body, lifted up to God in prayer, this being a prayer gesture, John 11:41; but the eyes of his mind, or understanding,

Read John Gill on Psalms 141 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. But mine eyes are unto thee, O God - in the midst of our scattered and almost extinct state (Psalms 141:7 : cf.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 141 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Or, naked, as this word signifies, , and Aaron is said to have made the people naked, , i.e. deprived of thy favour and protection. Or, do not pour out my soul, to wit, unto death, as this word is used, .

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 141 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 141:8 But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.Ver. 8. But mine eyes are unto thee] Afflictions to the saints are tanquam scalae et alae, to mount them to God. Leave not my soul destitute] Ne exinanias, make not bare my soul, viz. of thy protection.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 141 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 8. But mine eyes are unto thee] In all times, in all places, on all occasions, I will cleave unto the Lord, and put my whole confidence in him.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 141 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

8–10. Concluding expression of confidence, with prayer for preservation and deliverance.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 141 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord - My hope is in thee. I do not rely on my own power. I do not trust in my armed forces.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 141 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

8, 9. In these verses David declares his sole trust in God. He admits that human resources had utterly failed. His prayer is plaintive. Leave not my soul destitute—Do not make my soul empty, or naked.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 141 →

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

But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord. I take refuge in you. Don’t leave my soul destitute.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Surely I am looking to you, O sovereign Lord. In you I take shelter. Do not expose me to danger!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For mine eyes are unto thee, O Jehovah the Lord: In thee do I take refuge; leave not my soul destitute.

RVARevised Version, American1894

For mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee do I put my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

But my eyes are to thee, O GOD the LORD: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

But mine eyes looke vnto thee, O Lord God: in thee is my trust: leaue not my soule destitute.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

For unto thee, Jehovah, Lord, are mine eyes; in thee do I trust: leave not my soul destitute.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

But to Thee, O Jehovah, my Lord, [are] mine eyes, In Thee I have trusted, Make not bare my soul.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

But to You, O YHWH, my Lord, [are] my eyes, || In You I have trusted, || Do not make my soul bare.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

For unto thee, O Eternal Lord, are my eyes directed; in thee do I trust: pour not out my life.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Surely my eyes are on you, Yahweh, Lord; in you I take refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the just wait for me, until thou reward me.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

But I'm looking to you, Lord God, for I find protection in you. Don't let me die!

BBEBible in Basic English1949

But my eyes are turned to you, O Lord God: my hope is in you; let not my soul be given up to death.

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.

כִּ֤י(dm)clauseclauseprepositional phrase · predicateאֵלֶ֨י[are].toךָyounoun phrase · subjectעֵינָ֑eyesיmyclausenoun phraseיְהֹוִ֣הO.Yahwehnoun phraseאֲדֹנָ֣Lordיmyclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinכָ֥הyouverbחָ֝סִ֗יתִיI.take.refugeclauseadverbialאַלdo.notverbתְּעַ֥רpour.outnoun phrase · objectנַפְשִֽׁlifeיmy

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 largely agree in content, with 9 of the 10 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align closely with the Masoretic Text, confirming the integrity of this verse across different manuscripts.

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

כִּ֤י אֵלֶ֨יךָ׀ יְהֹוִ֣ה אֲדֹנָ֣י עֵינָ֑י בְּכָ֥ה חָ֝סִ֗יתִי אַל־ תְּעַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּ֤יὅτιאֵלֶ֨יךָ׀σέיְהֹוִ֣הὀφθαλμοίאֲדֹנָ֣יμουעֵינָ֑יκύριεבְּכָ֥הκύριεאַל־ἤλπισαתְּעַ֥רμὴנַפְשִֽׁי׃ψυξήν

9 of the 10 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

כי אלי׳כה יהוה אדוני עינ׳י ב׳כה חסיתי אל תער נפש׳י

10 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 141:8כִּיforforכִּיאֶל[are] to yo[are] to youאֶליהוהO YahwehO YahwehיהוהאָדוֹןO LordO Lordאָדוֹןעַ֫יִןeyes myeyes myעַ֫יִןךָּin youin youךָּחָסָהI take refuI take refugeחָסָהאַלmay notmay notאַלעָרָהyou lay baryou lay bareעָרָהנֶ֫פֶשׁlife mylife myנֶ֫פֶשׁאָדוֹןLordLordאָדוֹןנָפַשׁbe refreshbe refreshedנָפַשׁיהוהThe LordThe Lordיהוהאָדוֹןlordlordאָדוֹןבָּטַחto trustto trustבָּטַחלֹאnotnotלֹאיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםיהוהYHWH/GodYHWH/GodיהוהכֹּהthusthusכֹּהחֵןfavorfavorחֵןיָשָׁרJasharJasharיָשָׁרצֵלshadowshadowצֵלמָגֵןshieldshieldמָגֵןחָתַתto to be dto to be dismayחָתַתיָרֵאto fearto fearיָרֵא
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 141:8

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.

for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
כִּ֤יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
אֵלֶ֨יךָ׀'e.Lei.kha [are] to you H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
יְהֹוִ֣הYah.weh O Yahweh H3069 Noun proper
306× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the Lord of all
Tyndale gloss
YHWH/God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוִה (Yhovih) is a variation of the name יָהְוֶה (Yahweh), which is the proper name of the God of Israel. It is often used in combination with other terms, such as 'Lord Jehovah.' The name is significant in the context of the Old Testament, particularly in Exodus 3:12-15, where it is revealed to Moses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3069 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3069 Yhovih yeh-ho-vee'

a variation of 3068 (used after 136, and pronounced by Jews

as 430, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound,

since they elsewhere pronounce 3068 as 136):--God.

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

see HEBREW for 0430

see HEBREW for 03068

see HEBREW for 0136

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוִה (ye.ho.vih) — YHWH/God.

1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah'

1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
אֲדֹנָ֣י'a.do.Nai O Lord H136 Noun proper
440× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Amplified meaning
Adonay, my Master
Tyndale gloss
Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'

am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of

God only):--(my) Lord.

see HEBREW for 0113

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.

Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun proper
HNpt
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lord

There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.

(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.

(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).

The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[GOD]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ A prince Jos 13:3; Jud 3:3; 1Sa 5:8; 6:4

→ See GOD

→ See JESUS

for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
עֵינָ֑י'ei.Nai eyes my H5869 Noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
887× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Amplified meaning
the windows of my soul
Tyndale gloss
eye
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַ֫יִן (*'ayin*) means 'eye' and can refer to both the physical organ and its figurative uses, such as mental qualities and desires. It also denotes a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water. The entries highlight various phrases and contexts, including appearances and expressions of emotion, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַ֫יִן 859 n.f. eye

lit. as physical organ

eyes as showing mental qualities

desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

Transferred mngs.:

visible surface of earth

appearance

gleam, sparkle

Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

base

עַ֫יִן n.f. spring (of water). Particular springs are:

ע׳ חֲרֹר Ju 7:1

ע׳ הַקּוֹרֵא (partridge-spring) Ju 15:19

ע׳ רֹגֵל near Jerus.

ע׳ הַתַּנִּין (dragon-spring)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5869a עַ֫יִן eye . lit. as physical organ

. . eyes as showing mental qualities

. desire of the eyes, abominations of the eyes

. Fig. of mental and physical faculties, acts and states

. Transferred mngs.: . visible surface of earth

. appearance

. gleam, sparkle

. Other phrases are: an eye for an eye; eye to eye; in the presence of, in full view of; of business transaction; on the forehead

H5869b עַ֫יִן spring (of water)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5869 `ayin ah'-yin

probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or

figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the

landscape):--affliction, outward appearance, + before, +

think best, colour, conceit, + be content, countenance, +

displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, + favour,

fountain, furrow (from the margin), X him, + humble,

knowledge, look, (+ well), X me, open(-ly), + (not) please,

presence, + regard, resemblance, sight, X thee, X them, +

think, X us, well, X you(-rselves).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye.

: eye

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain (Gate).

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — Fountain of.

§ spring, fountain

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: seeing.

: seeing

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: appearance.

: appearance

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: before(the eyes).

: before(the_eyes)

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

עַ֫יִן (a.yin) — eye: sin.

: sin

1) eye

1a) eye

1a1) of physical eye

1a2) as showing mental qualities

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffix
HNcfdc/Sp1bs
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
בְּכָ֥הbe.Khah in you H9031 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

ךָּ (ka) — you.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person masculine singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
חָ֝סִ֗יתִיcha.Si.ti I take refuge H2620 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
37× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To seek refuge means to flee to a safe place for protection, and it can also mean to trust in God. In the Bible, it appears in Psalms and Proverbs, where people put their hope in God. This concept is important in the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
trust and find protection
Tyndale gloss
to seek refuge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָסָה (chacah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek refuge or flee for protection, often used in a figurative sense to express trust or hope in God. It is primarily found in poetic contexts, emphasizing the act of confiding in divine protection.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָסָה vb. (mostly poet. and fig.) seek refuge

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2620 חָסָה (mostly poet. and fig.) seek refuge

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2620 chacah khaw-saw'

a primitive root; to flee for protection (compare 982);

figuratively, to confide in:--have hope, make refuge, (put)

trust.

see HEBREW for 0982

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָסָה (cha.sah) — to seek refuge.

1) (Qal) to seek refuge, flee for protection

1a) to put trust in (God), confide or hope in (God) (fig.)

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

ref'-uj: A place of resort and safety. The principal words in the Old Testament are machceh (Ps 14:6; 46:1; 62:7,8; Isa 4:6, etc.), and manoc (2Sa 22:3; Ps 59:16, etc.), both applied chiefly to God as a "refuge" for His people. For the King James Version "refuge" in De 33:27, the Revised Version (British and American) has "dwelling-place," and in Ps 9:9, "high tower." Conversely, the Revised Version (British and American) has "refuge" for the King James Version "shelter" in Ps 61:3, and "hope" in

for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
אַל־'al- may not H408 Particle
724× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Amplified meaning
under no circumstances
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

408 'al al

a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified

negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,

nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing

(worth), rather than.

see HEBREW for 03808

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַל (al) — not.

1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)

1a) do not, let not (with a verb)

1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)

1c) not, no (with substantive)

1d) nothing (as substantive)

Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
תְּעַ֥רte.'Ar you lay bare H6168 Verb · Piel · jussive second person masculine singular
15× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to uncover or make something bare, and is used in various contexts, including being naked or pouring something out. It appears in Deuteronomy 28:48 and Isaiah 32:11. The KJV translates it as 'uncover' or 'empty'.
Tyndale gloss
to uncover
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָרָה (arah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be naked or bare, and it encompasses a range of actions including uncovering, emptying, and pouring out. It appears in various forms, such as making oneself naked or laying bare by removing contents. Notably, it can also refer to sexual offenses. The word is used in contexts that suggest exposure or destitution.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עָרָה] vb. be naked, bare

Pi.

lay bare

lay bare by removing contents, empty, water-jar

pour out

Hiph.

make naked, of sexual offences

pour out

Niph. until there be poured upon us a spirit from on high

Hithp.

thou shalt make thyself naked

usu. pouring himself, i.e. spreading himself out like a tree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6168 עָרָה be naked, bare . . lay bare

. lay bare by removing contents, empty, water-jar

. pour out

. . make naked, of sexual offences

. pour out

. until there be poured upon us a spirit from on high

. . thou shalt make thyself naked

. usu. pouring himself, i.e. spreading himself out like a tree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6168 `arah aw-raw'

a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) bare; hence, to

empty, pour out, demolish:--leave destitute, discover, empty,

make naked, pour (out), rase, spread self, uncover.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָרָה (a.rah) — to uncover.

1) to be bare, be nude, uncover, leave destitute, discover, empty, raze, pour out

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to bare, lay bare

1a2) to lay bare by emptying, empty

1a3) to pour out

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to make naked, strip bare (of sexual offences)

1b2) to pour out

1c) (Niphal) to be poured out, be exposed

1d) (Hithpael)

1d1) to expose oneself, make oneself naked

1d2) pouring oneself, spreading oneself (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Juss-2ms — Verb · Piel · jussive second person masculine singular
HVpj2ms
for [are] to you O Yahweh O Lord eyes my in you I take refuge may not you lay bare life my
נַפְשִֽׁי׃naf.Shi life my H5315 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
754× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Amplified meaning
my inner being, my life, uncovered, destitute, without help
Tyndale gloss
soul
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion

= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

The נפשׁ becomes a living being

The נפשׁ is specif.

The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

נ׳ in D

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

. The נפשׁ becomes a living being

. The נפשׁ is specif.

. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

. נ׳ in D

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5315 nephesh neh'-fesh

from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of

(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,

accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,

appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,

X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),

(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,

mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,

thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,

thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

see HEBREW for 05314

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

1g1) uncertain

1h) activity of the will

1h1) uncertain

1i) activity of the character

1i1) uncertain

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
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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