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Psalms 25:16 — Word Study

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WLCפְּנֵה־ אֵלַ֥י וְחָנֵּ֑נִי כִּֽי־ יָחִ֖יד וְעָנִ֣י אָֽנִי׃

BSATurnpânâh [face towards, look to] to meʼêl and be graciouschânan [show kindness, have mercy upon me] forkîy Iʼănîy am lonelyyâchîyd [in a state of being, desolate, alone, beloved] and afflictedʻânîy [troubled, depressed, humble]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 25
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 16 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 ('A.ni) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 25:16quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist asks God to turn toward him and show kindness because he feels lonely and afflicted.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, expressing personal distress.
Where we areIn a prayerful plea for help amidst suffering.
The hard wordיָחִיד
Take awayThe psalmist's loneliness is a deep emotional state that calls for divine intervention.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאֲנִי verbפָּנָה 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 25:16

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 Plea for Helpgenerated

15My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
16Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17The troubles of my heart increase; free me from my distress.
18Consider my affliction and trouble, and take away all my sins.

Psalm 25:16 is part of a heartfelt prayer where the psalmist seeks God's attention and mercy. This verse highlights the psalmist's deep sense of isolation and need for divine grace, as he acknowledges his affliction and loneliness. It reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful cry out to God in their distress, seeking comfort and deliverance from their troubles.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 60:1You have rejected us, O God; You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us!
2Psalm 69:16Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion.
3Psalm 86:16Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.
4Micah 7:19He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.
5Psalm 69:14–20Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters.

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


The Key Word יָחִיד, ya.Chidgenerated

The Hebrew word יָחִיד (ya.Chid) means 'only' or 'solitary,' describing a state of being unique or alone. It emphasizes the psalmist's feeling of isolation, suggesting a deeper emotional and spiritual significance beyond mere loneliness.

This adjective is used to convey a sense of being beloved or cherished, as it often refers to an only child. In this context, it highlights the psalmist's vulnerability and need for God's attention.


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. The BSB uses lonely to translate יָחִיד, while the KJV and others opt for desolate.

Where others part company with the BSB, they do so over the translation of יָחִיד: desolate (ASV, KJV) versus alone (NETB, ULB). This reflects different nuances of the Hebrew term.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb פְּנֵה (turn) governs the entire verse, with a prepositional phrase indicating direction and two clauses explaining the reason for the plea. The structure emphasizes the psalmist's request for God to focus on him amidst his struggles.

The use of the conjunction וְ (and) connects the request for grace to the psalmist's state of being, illustrating the relationship between his need and his condition.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates פְּנֵה as ἐπίβλεψον (look upon), which conveys a similar sense of turning attention toward someone. This choice underscores the psalmist's plea for God to notice his plight.

For יָחִיד, the LXX uses μονογενὴς (only begotten), which adds a layer of meaning related to uniqueness and preciousness, aligning with the psalmist's expression of solitude.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 25:16 is a plea where the psalmist asks God to turn toward him and be gracious because he feels lonely and afflicted. This prayer reflects a deep need for God's mercy and attention during difficult times.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to ask God to 'turn' to me?

It is a request for God to focus His attention on the psalmist, indicating a desire for divine help and intervention.

Why does the psalmist describe himself as 'lonely'?

The term 'lonely' emphasizes the psalmist's feeling of isolation and vulnerability, highlighting his need for companionship and support from God.

What does 'afflicted' imply in this context?

Being 'afflicted' suggests that the psalmist is experiencing distress or suffering, which could be physical, emotional, or spiritual.

How does this verse relate to other psalms?

This verse is similar to many psalms where the writers express their struggles and seek God's mercy, reflecting a common theme of reliance on God in times of trouble.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I experienced loneliness, and how can I seek God's presence during those times?
  2. How can I show kindness to others who may feel lonely or afflicted?
  3. What does it mean to me to ask God for grace in my life?
  4. How can I support someone who is going through a difficult time, as the psalmist does in this verse?

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

The early Church Fathers often referenced the Psalms in their writings. Here, Augustine of Hippo quotes this verse to emphasize the psalmist's plea for mercy in his state of loneliness.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 25 354–430
"Look upon me, and have mercy upon me; for I am single and poor" [Psalms 25:16].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 25 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 25:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me,.... Or "look unto me", or "upon me" (f); which suggests that the Lord had turned himself, and hid his face from him; and expresses a desire that he would

Read John Gill on Psalms 25 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. Turn thee unto me ... for I am desolate - literally, 'solitary' (Psalms 68:6).

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 25 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Turn thee unto me; turn thy face and favour to me, O thou who now hast turned thy back upon me, and forsaken me. I am desolate; destitute of all other hopes and succours; persecuted by mine enemies, and forsaken by the most of my friends; as he was in Absalom’ s rebellion.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 25 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 25:16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I [am] desolate and afflicted.Ver. 16. Turn thee unto me] Heb. Face about towards me. And have mercy upon me] There being no such mercy as to have thy favour. This is a voluminous mercy. For I am desolate and afflicted] As all creatures flag and hang the head when the sun is eclipsed. Misery is an object of mercy; as it was to the compassionate Samaritan.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 25 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 16. Turn thee unto me] Probably the prayer of the poor captives in Babylon, which is continued through this and the remaining verses.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 25 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16. Turn thee] Or, look: the opposite of ‘hiding the face’ (Psalms 22:24). Cp. Psalms 86:16; Psalms 119:132. have mercy upon me] Be gracious unto me. See Psalms 4:1, note. desolate] Solitary; without other friend or helper.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 25 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Turn thee unto me - Rather, the Hebrew means: “look upon me.” The idea, however, is that the face of God was, as it were, turned in another direction, or that He was not attentive to him; and he

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 25 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

15-21. The psalmist returns to agonizing prayer, mingled with confession of sin, a special reference to the cruel hatred and violence of his enemies, the depth of his distress, and his sole reliance

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 25 →

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

Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Turn toward me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and oppressed!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; For I am desolate and afflicted.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Turn thee to me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Turne thy face vnto mee, and haue mercie vpon me: for I am desolate and poore.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Turn toward me, and be gracious unto me; for I am solitary and afflicted.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Turn Thou unto me, and favour me, For lonely and afflicted [am] I.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Turn to me, and favor me, || For I [am] lonely and afflicted.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Turn unto me, and be gracious unto me; for I am solitary and afflicted.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Turn toward me and have mercy on me; for I am alone and afflicted.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Watch over me and be good to me, because I am all alone and suffering.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Be turned to me, and have mercy on me; for I am troubled and have no helper.

Word by word, the decisions they made

יָחִ֖ידya.Chid [am] solitary H3173 2 different renderings
desolateASV GNV KJV NWB RVA WEB
aloneFBV NETB ULB

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.

clauseverbפְּנֵהturnprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלַ֥toיmeוְandclauseverbחָנֵּ֑showobjectנִיfavor.to.meכִּֽי(dm)clauseadjective phrase · predicateיָחִ֖יד[am].solitaryוְandעָנִ֣יafflictedsubjectאָֽנִיI

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 in their wording for this verse, with all seven words matched. This consistency suggests a strong preservation of the text across these traditions.

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

פְּנֵה־ אֵלַ֥י וְחָנֵּ֑נִי כִּֽי־ יָחִ֖יד וְעָנִ֣י אָֽנִי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
פְּנֵה־ἐπίβλεψονאֵלַ֥יἐμὲוְחָנֵּ֑נִיμεכִּֽי־ὅτιיָחִ֖ידμονογενὴςוְעָנִ֣יπτωξόςאָֽנִי׃εἰμι

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

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 25:16פָּנָהturnturnפָּנָהאֶלto meto meאֶלחָנַןand show faand show favor חָנַןכִּיforforכִּייָחִיד[am] solita[am] solitaryיָחִידעָנִיand afflictand afflictedעָנִיאֲנִיIIאֲנִייָחַדbe joinedbe joinedיָחַדעָנָהbe occupiebe occupiedעָנָהאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יחָנָהto campto campחָנָהיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹןפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הלָוָהto jointo joinלָוָהמִסְפֵּדmourningmourningמִסְפֵּדמָרַרto provoketo provokeמָרַרחָטַףto catchto catchחָטַףאֶבְיוֹןneedyneedyאֶבְיוֹןנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻם
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 25:16

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.

turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
פְּנֵה־pe.neh- turn H6437 Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
135× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Amplified meaning
face towards, look to
Tyndale gloss
Corner (Gate)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּנָה (panah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to turn, with various implications such as turning toward, away, or doing something. It can refer to both physical and figurative actions, like looking or regarding something. The entries indicate it can also mean to decline or approach, and it has different forms, including Qal, Piel, and Hiphil, each with specific nuances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּנָה 135 vb. turn

Qal 117

turn toward

turn from

turn and do a thing

turn, decline

turn toward, approach

turn and look, look

of inanimate things, face

esp. fig. look at, regard

look for = expect

fig. look at = consider

Hiph.

turn

make a turn, shew (signs of) turning

Hoph. be ye turned back!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6437 פָּנָה turn .. . turn toward

. turn from

. turn and do a thing

. turn, decline

. turn toward, approach

. . turn and look, look

. of inanimate things, face

. esp. fig. look at, regard

. look for = expect

. fig. look at = consider

. . turn

. make a turn, shew (signs of) turning

. be ye turned back!

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6437 panah paw-naw'

a primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e.

appear, look, etc.:--appear, at (even-)tide, behold, cast

out, come on, X corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look,

mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to),

(re-)turn (aside, away, back, face, self), X right (early).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנָה (pa.nah) — to turn.

1) to turn

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn toward or from or away

1a2) to turn and do

1a3) to turn, decline (of day)

1a4) to turn toward, approach (of evening)

1a5) to turn and look, look, look back or at or after or for

1b) (Piel) to turn away, put out of the way, make clear, clear away

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to turn

1c2) to make a turn, show signs of turning, turn back

1d) (Hophal) to be turned back

פָּנָה (pa.nah) — Corner (Gate).

This name means corner, to turn, to turn back

Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singular
HVqv2ms
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
אֵלַ֥י'e.Lai to me 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/Sp1bs
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
וְחָנֵּ֑נִיve.cho.Ne.ni and show favor to me H2603 Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
78× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Amplified meaning
show kindness, have mercy upon me
Tyndale gloss
be gracious
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָנַן (chanan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to show favor or be gracious. It encompasses various forms, including being pitied, directing favor, and seeking favor through imploration. The word can also mean to be loathsome, as noted in Job 19:17. The lexicons provide a range of uses, primarily focusing on kindness and mercy.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָנַן vb. shew favour, be gracious

Qal favour, shew favour

Niph. be pitied

Po‛el direct favour to

Hoph. be shewn favour, consideration

Hithp. seek or implore favour

base

[חָנַן] be loathsome—only Jb 19:17

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2603a חָנַן shew favour, be gracious .favour, shew favour

. be pitied

.direct favour to

. be shewn favour, consideration

. seek or implore favour

H2603b חָנַן be loathsome

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2603 chanan khaw-nan'

a primitive root (compare 2583); properly, to bend or stoop

in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to

implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):--beseech, X fair,

(be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant

(gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on,

upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, X very.

see HEBREW for 02583

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָנַן (cha.nan) — be gracious.

1) to be gracious, show favour, pity

1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious

1b) (Niphal) to be pitied

1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious

1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on

1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration

1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour

חָנַן (cha.nan) — be loathsome.

to be loathsome

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff — Conjunction · verb qal imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
HC/Vqv2ms/Sp1bs
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
כִּֽי־ki- 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
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
יָחִ֖ידya.Chid [am] solitary H3173 Adj
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for only or solitary, describing something or someone unique or alone. It can also mean beloved or lonely, and is used to describe the only child or the only begotten son, emphasizing their special status.
Amplified meaning
in a state of being, desolate, alone, beloved
Tyndale gloss
only
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָחִיד (*yachiyd*) means 'only,' 'only one,' or 'solitary.' It is derived from a root meaning 'united' and can imply being beloved or lonely. The entries describe it as an adjective and noun, often referring to a unique or solitary entity, such as an only child. The term is linked to the concept of being irreplaceable.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָחִיד adj. and subst. only, only one, solitary

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3173 יָחִיד only, only one, solitary

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3173 yachiyd yaw-kheed'

from 3161; properly, united, i.e. sole; by implication,

beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be

replaced):--darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary.

see HEBREW for 03161

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָחִיד (ya.chid) — only.

adj

1) only, only one, solitary, one

1a) only, unique, one

1b) solitary

1c)(TWOT) only begotten son

subst

2) one

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
וְעָנִ֣יve.'a.Ni and afflicted H6041 Conjunction
74× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Amplified meaning
troubled, depressed, humble
Tyndale gloss
afflicted
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָנִי (aniy) describes a state of being poor, afflicted, or humble. It is built from the root meaning to be depressed in mind or circumstances. The entries indicate it covers a range of meanings including needy, lowly, and wretched. There is a noted disagreement regarding its relationship to another word, עָנָה (anah), with some lexicons viewing one as subjective and the other as objective.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עָנִי adj. poor, afflicted, humble

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6041 עָנִי poor, afflicted, humble

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6041 `aniy aw-nee'

from 6031; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically

the same as 6035, although the margin constantly disputes

this, making 6035 subjective and 6041 objective):--afflicted,

humble, lowly, needy, poor.

see HEBREW for 06031

see HEBREW for 06035

see HEBREW for 06035

see HEBREW for 06041

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָנִי (a.ni) — afflicted.

1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched

1a) poor, needy

1b) poor and weak

1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched

1d) humble, lowly

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Adj — Conjunction
HC/Aamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible
turn to me and show favor to me for [am] solitary and afflicted I
אָֽנִי׃'A.ni I H589 Pronoun
874× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

589 'aniy an-ee'

contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X

which, X who.

see HEBREW for 0595

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.

I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Pronoun
HPp1bs
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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