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Psalms 18:37 — Word Study

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WLCאֶרְדּ֣וֹף א֭וֹיְבַי וְאַשִּׂיגֵ֑ם וְלֹֽא־ אָ֝שׁוּב עַד־ כַּלּוֹתָֽם׃

BSAI did notlôʼ [never]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 18
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 37 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 (ka.lo.Tam) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 18:37quick helps
In a sentenceDavid speaks of pursuing and overtaking his enemies without retreating until they were destroyed.
Who is speakingDavid, reflecting on his victories over those who oppose him.
Where we areA declaration of triumph in a psalm of praise, celebrating God's support in battle.
The hard wordאֶרְדּ֣וֹף
Take awayDavid's determination and relentless pursuit of his enemies until complete victory.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them › clause verbרָחַב 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 18:37

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 — David's Victory Over His Enemiesgenerated

36You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way.
37I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.
38I crushed them so they could not rise; they have fallen under my feet.
39You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.

Psalm 18:37 describes David's relentless pursuit of his enemies, emphasizing his determination and the strength he received from God. This verse is part of a larger psalm that celebrates God's protection and deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in the surrounding verses. David recounts how he was armed for battle and how his enemies fell before him, illustrating the theme of divine assistance in overcoming adversaries.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 3:7Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
2Psalm 9:3When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You.
3Psalm 35:2–5Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.
4Psalm 118:11–12They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
5Numbers 24:17–19I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.Psalm 3:7 Psalm 9:3 Psalm 35:2–5 Psalm 118:11–12 Numbers 24:17–19 Isaiah 53:10–12 Isaiah 63:1–6 Revelation 6:2 Revelation 19:19–20

The Key Word אֶרְדּ֣וֹף, 'er.Dofgenerated

The verb רָדַף (radaph) means to pursue or chase, often with hostile intent. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination in following after an enemy, indicating a physical or metaphorical pursuit. The parsing as a Qal imperfect first person common singular shows that David is speaking of his own actions in the past.

This word captures the intensity of David's pursuit, suggesting not just a chase but a relentless drive to confront and defeat his enemies. It is a common term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing frequently in contexts of conflict and struggle.


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 אֶרְדּ֣וֹף governs the entire verse, indicating David's action of pursuing. The structure includes a conjunction introducing a second verb phrase, followed by a negation indicating what David did not do, and concluding with a prepositional phrase that sets the limit of his action.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on David's pursuit and determination, leading with the action before detailing the outcome and conditions of his pursuit.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אֶרְדּ֣וֹף as ἐπλάτυνας, which implies a broadening of the pursuit, suggesting a more extensive reach in David's chase. This choice reflects a nuanced understanding of the act of pursuing, emphasizing not just the act itself but its implications.

This translation choice indicates a slight widening of meaning, suggesting that David's pursuit was not only about catching up but also about encompassing and overpowering his enemies.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 18:37 describes how David chased his enemies and caught up with them, showing his determination not to turn back until they were completely defeated. This verse is part of a song celebrating God's help in battle, where David acknowledges the strength he received to overcome his foes.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does David mean by pursuing his enemies?

David is expressing his commitment to confront those who oppose him, demonstrating his determination to achieve victory over them.

Why is it significant that David did not turn back?

This indicates David's resolve and the seriousness of the conflict, illustrating his unwavering pursuit until he achieved complete victory.

What can we learn from David's pursuit of his enemies?

David's example shows the importance of perseverance and determination in facing challenges and adversaries, relying on God's strength for support.

How does this verse reflect God's support in battle?

David's victory is portrayed as a result of divine assistance, highlighting the belief that God empowers His followers to overcome their enemies.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to pursue my goals with the same determination David showed?
  2. How can I rely on God's strength when facing my own adversaries?
  3. What does it mean to not turn back in the face of challenges?
  4. How can I apply David's example of perseverance in my daily life?

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

Early Church Fathers reference this verse to illustrate themes of spiritual warfare and divine assistance, using it to encourage perseverance in prayer and faith.

Eusebius of CaesareaCOMMENTARY ON Psalms 18:38 c. 260–340
This is done for me through your grace, so that my feet are not ensnared nor am I cut off by the nets of my enemies or by the offenses that they had cast.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 18 →
Evagrius PonticusCHAPTERS ON PRAYER 135 345–399
If you pray against your passions or the demons that assail you recall to mind [this verse].… You are to say this at the appropriate moment, thus arming yourself against your adversary with humility.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 18 →
JeromeLETTER 122.1 c. 347–420
The mind must not through disbelief in the promised blessings give way to despair; and the soul once marked out for perdition must not refuse to apply remedies on the ground that its wounds are past curing.… Lo,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 18 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 18:37 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them,.... Which may refer to David's pursuing the Amalekites, who overtook them and recovered all they had carried away, 1 Samuel 30:8; so Kimchi explains

Read John Gill on Psalms 18 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Here follows the fourth section of the psalm.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 18 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 18:37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.Ver. 37. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them, &c.] Of David we may say, as one did of Julius Caesar, you may perceive him to have been an excellent soldier by his very language; for he wrote with the same spirit he fought. In eo tanta vis, id acumen, ea concitatio, saith Quintilian concerning Caesar’ s Commentaries, ut illum eodem animo dixisse appareat quo bellavit.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 18 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(37-40) Another retrospective glance of the poet over his past wars. Notice slight variations in Samuel.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 18 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

37. Cp. Exodus 15:9. 2 Sam. reads destroyed for overtaken.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 18 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them - He had not only routed them, but had had strength to pursue them; he had not only pursued them, but he had been enabled to come up to them.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 18 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

37-42. In these verses David describes his victories and the stirring scenes of the battle field.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 18 →

The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

I will pursue my enemies, and overtake them. I won’t turn away until they are consumed.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.

NETBNew English Translation2006

I chase my enemies and catch them; I do not turn back until I wipe them out.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

I will pursue mine enemies, and overtake them; Neither will I turn again till they are consumed.

RVARevised Version, American1894

I will pursue mine enemies, and overtake them: neither will I turn again till they are consumed.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

I have pursued my enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

I haue pursued mine enemies, and taken them, and haue not turned againe till I had consumed them.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

I pursued mine enemies, and overtook them; and I turned not again till they were consumed.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

I pursue mine enemies, and overtake them, And turn back not till they are consumed.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

I pursue my enemies, and overtake them, || And do not turn back until they are consumed.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(18:38) I pursue my enemies, and overtake them; and I return not again till I have made an end of them.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

I pursued my enemies and caught them; I did not turn back until they were destroyed.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I chased my enemies, and caught up with them. I did not turn around until I had destroyed them.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

I go after my haters and overtake them; not turning back till they are all overcome.

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.

clauseverbאֶרְדּ֣וֹףI.pursuednoun phrase · objectא֭וֹיְבַenemiesיmyוְandclauseverbאַשִּׂיגֵ֑Iobjectםovertook.themוְandclauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbאָ֝שׁוּבI.returnedprepositional phrase · prepositionalעַדuntilclauseverbכַּלּוֹתָֽbroughtobjectםthem.to.an.end

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 most of the verse, indicating a strong textual tradition. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragments provide partial support, confirming key terms but lacking complete agreement with the Masoretic Text.

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

אֶרְדּ֣וֹף א֭וֹיְבַי וְאַשִּׂיגֵ֑ם וְלֹֽא־ אָ֝שׁוּב עַד־ כַּלּוֹתָֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אֶרְדּ֣וֹףἐπλάτυναςא֭וֹיְבַיμουוְאַשִּׂיגֵ֑םκαὶוְלֹֽא־ἠσθένησανעַד־μου

5 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q85a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[תרחיב] [צעד׳י] [תחת׳י] [ולא] [מעדו] [קרסלי]

6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 6 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 5/6hev1ba copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[תרחיב] [צעד׳י] [תחת׳י] [ולא] [מעדו] [קרסל׳י]

6 words of the verse are on this fragment — 6 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 18:37רָדַףI pursuedI pursuedרָדַףאָיַבenemies myenemies myאָיַבנָשַׂגand I overtand I overtook נָשַׂגלֹאand notand notלֹאשׁוּבI returnedI returnedשׁוּבעַדuntiluntilעַדכָּלָהdestroyed tdestroyed themכָּלָהאָיַבbe hostilebe hostileאָיַבעַדperpetuityperpetuityעַדנָשַׂגto overtakto overtakeנָשַׂגאַחַרafterafterאַחַרצַרnarrownarrowצַרשָׂנֵאto hateto hateשָׂנֵארָדַףto pursueto pursueרָדַףעֲרָבָהplainplainעֲרָבָהיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדשְׁבִיתcaptivitycaptivityשְׁבִיתחָרוֹןburning anburning angerחָרוֹןמָתַיhowhowמָתַיעֶ֫רֶבeveningeveningעֶ֫רֶבקָצִירharvestharvestקָצִירחֵמָהragerageחֵמָה
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 18:37

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 pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
אֶרְדּ֣וֹף'er.Dof I pursued H7291 Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
143× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Tyndale gloss
to pursue
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָדַף (radaph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to pursue, chase, or persecute. It conveys the idea of running after something, often with hostile intent, and can also figuratively refer to following time or securing something. The word has various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, Pual, and Hiphil, each indicating different nuances of pursuit or being pursued.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָדַף 141 vb. pursue, chase, persecute

Qal 128

pursue

lit. put to flight, chase

lit., the pursuers

chase, hunt

pursue

fig. persecute, harass

pursue, dog

fig. follow after, aim to secure

Niph. upon the neck (i.e. closely) we are pursued

Pi. pursue ardently

Pu. it shall be chased away like chaff of the mountains

Hiph. usu. they chased him

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7291 רָדַף pursue, chase, persecute

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7291 radaph raw-daf'

a primitive root; to run after (usually with hostile intent;

figuratively (of time) gone by):--chase, put to flight,

follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or),

pursue(-r).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָדַף (ra.daph) — to pursue.

1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon

1a2) to persecute, harass (fig)

1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig)

1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be pursued

1b2) one pursued (participle)

1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue

1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away

1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
HVqi1cs
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
א֭וֹיְבַי'oy.vai enemies my H341 Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural 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
HVqrmpc/Sp1bs — Verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common · suffix
HVqrmpc/Sp1bs
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
וְאַשִּׂיגֵ֑םve.'a.si.Gem and I overtook them H5381 Conjunction · verb hiphil first person common singular · suffix
50× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To overtake means to reach or catch up to something, like pursuing an enemy or attaining a goal. This verb is used in the Bible to describe physical and spiritual pursuits. It can also mean to be able to secure or have enough.
Tyndale gloss
to overtake
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָשַׂג (nasag) is a Hebrew verb primarily found in the Hiphil form, meaning to reach or overtake. It encompasses a range of meanings including the ability to attain or secure something, as well as the literal act of reaching or taking hold. The entries consistently highlight its figurative use, indicating sufficiency or capability.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָשַׂג] vb. only Hiph. reach, overtake

Hiph.

overtake

reach, attain

cause to reach, bring, put

fig. one’s hand has reached, i.e. one is able, or has enough

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5381 נָשַׂג only Hiph. reach, overtake

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5381 nasag naw-sag'

a primitive root; to reach (literally or

figuratively):--ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to,

can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, X surely,

(over-)take (hold of, on, upon).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָשַׂג (na.sag) — to overtake.

1) to reach, overtake, take hold upon

1a) (Hiphil)

1a1) to overtake

1a2) to reach, attain to, cause to reach

1a3) to be able to secure, reach, have enough

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Vhu1cs/Sp3mp — Conjunction · verb hiphil first person common singular · suffix
HC/Vhu1cs/Sp3mp
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
וְלֹֽא־ve.lo'- and not H3808 Conjunction · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Amplified meaning
never
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
אָ֝שׁוּב'A.shuv I returned H7725 Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
1,057× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Tyndale gloss
to return: return
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שׁוּב (shuwb) means to turn back or return, covering a wide range of contexts including physical, spiritual, and relational. It can denote returning to a previous state, repenting, or even apostatizing. The entries describe various forms and uses, including bringing back, restoring, and refreshing. Notably, it can also imply a change in course of action.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שׁוּב 1056 vb. turn back, return

Qal 683;—turn back, return:

turn back

return, come or go back

esp. return unto

of dying

of revival from death

fig. of human relations:

return to leader, king

= change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

turn, i.e. resort to

return to a physical condition

abs. = change course of action

fig., specif. of spiritual relations:

turn back from God = apostatize

of י׳, turn away

turn back to God (= seek penitently)

abs. repent

turn back from evil

of י׳

of י׳, return (to shew favour)

of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

denoting repetition, etc.

trans.

Pō‛l.

bring back

fig. restore, refresh

restore, repair

lead away (enticingly)

shew turning = apostatize

Hiph. 353 cause to return, bring back

bring back into bondage

put back

= draw back

= give back, restore

= relinguish

= give in payment, requital

bring one back (from dead)

bring back heart

= refresh

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7725 שׁוּב turn back, return .—turn back, return: . turn back

. return, come or go back

. esp. return unto

. . of dying

. of revival from death

. fig. of human relations: . return to leader, king

. = change so as to appoach (in purpose, desire)

. turn, i.e. resort to

. return to a physical condition

. abs. = change course of action

. fig., specif. of spiritual relations: . turn back from God = apostatize

. of י׳, turn away

. turn back to God (= seek penitently)

. abs. repent

. turn back from evil

. of י׳

. of י׳, return (to shew favour)

. of inanimate things (sts. personified, or treated as things of life):

. denoting repetition, etc.

. trans.

. . bring back

. . fig. restore, refresh

. restore, repair

. lead away (enticingly)

. shew turning = apostatize

. cause to return, bring back . . bring back into bondage

. put back

. = draw back

. = give back, restore

. = relinguish

. = give in payment, requital

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Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7725 shuwb shoob

a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitively or

intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily

with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to

retreat; often adverbial, again:--((break, build, circumcise,

dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge,

make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) X again, (cause to) answer

(+ again), X in any case (wise), X at all, averse, bring

(again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back),

cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, +

continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back,

fetch home again, X fro, get (oneself) (back) again, X give

(again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see)

more, X needs, be past, X pay, pervert, pull in again, put

(again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh,

relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve,

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Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שׁוּב (shuv) — to return: return.

: return

1) to return, turn back

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn back, return

1a1a) to turn back

1a1b) to return, come or go back

1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back

1a1d) of dying

1a1e) of human relations (fig)

1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig)

1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise

1a1f2) to turn away (of God)

1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent

1a1f4) turn back (from evil)

1a1g) of inanimate things

1a1h) in repetition

1b) (Polel)

1b1) to bring back

1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig)

1b3) to lead away (enticingly)

1b4) to show turning, apostatise

1c) (Pual) restored (participle)

1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back

1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment

1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore

1d3) to bring back, report to, answer

1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense)

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Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singular
HVqi1cs
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
עַד־'ad- until H5704 Preposition
1,261× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Tyndale gloss
till
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while

prep.

of space

Of time

Of degree

conj.

until

While

Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus

of space

Of time

Of degree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

. conj. . until

. While

. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5704 `ad ad

properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or

conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,

or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,

while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,

at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),

(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,

till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַד (ad) — till.

prep

1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as

1a) of space

1a1) as far as, up to, even to

1b) in combination

1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)

1c) of time

1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end

1d) of degree

1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like

conj

2) until, while, to the point that, so that even

Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
I pursued enemies my and I overtook them and not I returned until destroyed them
כַּלּוֹתָֽם׃ka.lo.Tam destroyed them H3615 Verb piel infinitive construct common · suffix
208× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Tyndale gloss
to end: finish
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כָּלָה (*kalah*) is a primitive root meaning to end or finish. It encompasses a range of meanings, including to complete, accomplish, perish, and destroy. The entries indicate various uses in both intransitive and transitive forms, covering actions like finishing a task or causing something to cease. Notably, it can also imply negative connotations, such as plotting or destruction.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּלָה 204 vb. be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, spent

Qal

be complete, at an end, of a period of time

be completed, finished, of a work

be accomplished, fulfilled

be idealy complete, be determined, always in a bad sense, plotted

be spent, used up (prop. come to an end), of water

waste away, be exhausted, fail

come to an end, vanish = perish, be destroyed

Pi.

complete, bring to an end, finish, a thing, task, work, etc.

complete a period of time

finish doing a thing

make an end, end

accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass

accomplish in thought, determine

put an end to, cause to cease

cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend

destroy, sts. exterminate

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3615 כָּלָה be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, spent .. . be complete, at an end, of a period of time

. be completed, finished, of a work

. be accomplished, fulfilled

. be idealy complete, be determined, always in a bad sense, plotted

. . be spent, used up (prop. come to an end), of water

. waste away, be exhausted, fail

. come to an end, vanish = perish, be destroyed

. . . complete, bring to an end, finish, a thing, task, work, etc.

. complete a period of time

. finish doing a thing

. make an end, end

. accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass

. accomplish in thought, determine

. . put an end to, cause to cease

. cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend

. destroy, sts. exterminate

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3615 kalah kaw-law'

a primitive root; to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be

finished, perish) or transitived (to complete, prepare,

consume):--accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine,

destroy (utterly), be (when ... were) done, (be an) end (of),

expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, X fully, X

have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make

clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּלָה (ka.lah) — to end: finish.

: finish

1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be complete, be at an end

1a2) to be completed, be finished

1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled

1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense)

1a5) to be spent, be used up

1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail

1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish

1b2) to complete (a period of time)

1b3) to finish (doing a thing)

1b4) to make an end, end

1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass

1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought)

1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease

1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend

1b9) to destroy, exterminate

1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed

כָּלָה (ka.lah) — to end: destroy.

: destroy

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Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpcc/Sp3mp — Verb piel infinitive construct common · suffix
HVpcc/Sp3mp
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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