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Psalms 32:10 — Word Study

Depth

WLCרַבִּ֥ים מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים לָרָ֫שָׁ֥ע וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַ בַּיהוָ֑ה חֶ֝֗סֶד יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ׃

BSAManyrab [numerous, abundant] are the sorrowsmakʼôb [pains, troubles] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, sinful] but loving devotionchêçêd [kindness, mercy] surrounds himçâbab who trustsbâṭach [has faith, relies] in the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the covenant God]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 32
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 10 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 (ye.sov.Ve.nu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 32:10quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse contrasts the many sorrows of the wicked with the loving devotion that surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on the nature of wickedness and faith.
Where we areThis verse is part of a psalm that instructs the faithful on the importance of trusting in God.
The hard wordמַכְאוֹבִ֗ים
Take awayWickedness leads to sorrow, but trust in God brings mercy.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectחֶסֶד 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 32:10

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 — The Teachings of Psalm 32generated

8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
9Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.
10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Psalm 32:10 highlights the contrast between the sorrows experienced by the wicked and the loving devotion that envelops those who place their trust in the LORD. The surrounding verses emphasize God's guidance and the importance of seeking His counsel, warning against the foolishness of relying on one's own understanding, as seen in verses 8-9. This psalm encourages the righteous to rejoice in the security found in their relationship with God.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 16:4Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips.
2Psalm 34:19–21Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
3Psalm 140:11May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
4Proverbs 13:21Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
5Ecclesiastes 8:12Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence.

The Key Word מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים, makh.'o.Vimgenerated

The word מַכְאוֹב (mak'ob) refers to pains or sorrows, encompassing both physical and emotional distress. It is derived from a root meaning to be in distress, indicating deep anguish or grief. The plural form, as used here, suggests an abundance of such pains experienced by the wicked.

In this context, the psalmist contrasts the multitude of sorrows that accompany a wicked life with the protective and loving nature of God towards those who trust in Him. The use of this word highlights the consequences of wickedness and the relief found in divine trust.


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 finite verb יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ (ye.sov.Ve.nu) governs the structure of the verse, indicating that loving devotion surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. The sentence is constructed with two main clauses: one describing the sorrows of the wicked and the other highlighting the protection afforded to the faithful.

The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the contrasting states: the many sorrows faced by the wicked are stated first, followed by the assurance of God's loving devotion to those who trust in Him.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים is rendered as σκορπίων (scorpions), which introduces a metaphorical element, suggesting pain that is sharp and stinging. This choice reflects a more vivid imagery of the suffering associated with wickedness.

The Greek translation captures the essence of the original Hebrew while also expanding the imagery of pain, indicating that the sorrows of the wicked are not only numerous but also intensely painful.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 32:10 tells us that the wicked experience many sorrows, but those who trust in the LORD are surrounded by His loving devotion. This verse teaches that living a wicked life leads to pain, while faith in God brings mercy and protection.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the wicked have many sorrows?

It indicates that a life of wickedness leads to various troubles and pains, both emotionally and physically, as a consequence of their actions.

How does trusting in the LORD provide protection?

Trusting in the LORD means relying on His guidance and mercy, which surrounds and protects the faithful from the sorrows that come from a life apart from Him.

What is the significance of loving devotion in this verse?

Loving devotion refers to God's kindness and mercy, emphasizing that those who trust Him are enveloped in His care and compassion.

How can I apply this verse to my life?

You can reflect on the importance of trusting in God to navigate life's challenges, knowing that His loving devotion surrounds you when you rely on Him.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are some examples of sorrows that come from living a wicked life?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in the LORD in my daily life?
  3. In what ways have I experienced God's loving devotion during difficult times?
  4. How can I encourage others to trust in the LORD and experience His mercy?

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

Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, emphasizing the contrast between the sorrows of the sinner and the mercy that surrounds those who trust in the Lord.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 32 354–430
"Many are the scourges of the sinner:" much is he scourged, who, confessing not his sins to God, would be his own ruler. "But he that trusts in the Lord,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 32 →
Theodoret of CyrusCOMMENTARY ON THE Psalms 32:6 c. 393–460
All people, even if adorned with the works of virtue, stand in need of divine grace; hence the divine apostle also shouts aloud, “By grace you are saved through faith; this is not of your doing—it is God’s gift.”
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 32 →
Pseudo-AthanasiusEXPOSITION ON Psalms 32 4th–6th c.
Even if there are many scourges of the sinner, yet mercy will surround one who trusts in the Lord, and the just will rejoice because their boast is in the Lord.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 32 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 32:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked,.... Who will not be instructed and reformed, but are like the horse and mule, without understanding; many outward sorrows or afflictions attend them; loathsome

Read John Gill on Psalms 32 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. The conclusion. The sorrows awaiting the wicked, and the joy awaiting the righteous. Many sorrows (shall be) to the wicked.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 32 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: this is an argument to enforce the foregoing admonition; if any men will be refractory and unruly, God hath many ways to curb and chastise them, and bring them to his will. He that trusteth in the Lord; who relies upon his providence and promise for his preservation and deliverance, and commits himself to God’ s care and conduct, waiting upon him in his way, and not turning aside to crooked or sinful paths for safety or satisfaction.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 32 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 32:10 Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.Ver. 10. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked] This is David’ s doctrine (his use followeth in the next verse), Many pains, or great smarts, are for the wicked, &c. And as Luther saith, Let him that can rightly distinguish between law and gospel give thanks to God, and know himself to be a good divine; so say I, let him that is firmly persuaded of this truth here delivered know himself to be a good proficient in Christ’ s school: for it is the principle of all holy learning.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 32 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 10. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked] Every wicked man is a miserable man. God has wedded sin and misery as strongly as he has holiness and happiness. God hath joined them together; none can put them asunder. But he that trusteth in the Lord] Such a person is both safe and happy.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 32 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

10. The warning given in the preceding verse is confirmed by the contrast between the lot of the ungodly and the faithful. many sorrows] Calamities and chastisements. The LXX has μάστιγες, scourges. Cp. Job 33:19. mercy] Lovingkindness (Psalms 31:7; Psalms 31:16; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 33:5; Psalms 33:18; Psalms 33:22). The clause may also be rendered, with lovingkindness will he compass him about. Cp. Psalms 32:7.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 32 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked - The meaning here is, probably, that those who will not submit themselves to God in the manner which the psalmist recommends; who are like the horse and the mule,

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 32 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

10, 11. These verses are a summing up of the whole in the contrast of the conditions and treatment of the righteous and the wicked, and an exhortation to joy and praise by all the upright.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 32 →

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

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround him who trusts in Yahweh.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

NETBNew English Translation2006

An evil person suffers much pain, but the Lord’s faithfulness overwhelms the one who trusts in him.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he that trusteth in Jehovah, lovingkindness shall compass him about.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall encompass him.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Many sorowes shall come to the wicked: but he, that trusteth in the Lord, mercie shall compasse him.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Many sorrows hath the wicked; but he that confideth in Jehovah, loving-kindness shall encompass him.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Many [are] the pains of the wicked; As to him who is trusting in Jehovah, Kindness doth compass him.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Many [are] the pains of the wicked; As for him who is trusting in YHWH, || Kindness surrounds him.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Many are the pains of the wicked; but him that trusteth in the Lord will he encompass with kindness.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The wicked have many sorrows, but Yahweh's covenant faithfulness will surround the one who trusts in him.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The Lord bringeth to naught the counsels of nations; and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

The wicked have many problems, but those who trust in the Lord will be surrounded by his never-failing love.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

The sinner will be full of trouble; but mercy will be round the man who has faith in the Lord.

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.

clausenoun phrase · subjectרַבִּ֥יםmanyמַכְאוֹבִ֗יםpainsprepositional phrase · predicateלָ[belong].to.(the)noun phrasewickedרָ֫שָׁ֥ע[person]וְandclauseclausenoun phraseהַthe.[onenoun phraseclauseverbבּוֹטֵ֥חַwho].trustsprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּinיהוָ֑הYahwehclausesubjectחֶ֝֗סֶדcovenant.loyaltyverbיְסוֹבְבֶֽitobjectנּוּwill.surround.him

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


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

The Masoretic Text of Psalms 32:10 states, 'Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.' The Septuagint closely aligns with this verse, matching six out of seven words, although the word order and articles differ due to its translation style. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variations for this specific verse, confirming the consistency of the Masoretic Text in this instance.

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

רַבִּ֥ים מַכְאוֹבִ֗ים לָרָ֫שָׁ֥ע וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַ בַּיהוָ֑ה חֶ֝֗סֶד יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
רַבִּ֥יםπολλαὶלָרָ֫שָׁ֥עἁμαρτωλοῦוְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַτὸνבַּיהוָ֑הκύριονחֶ֝֗סֶדἔλεοςיְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ׃κυκλώσει

6 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 32:10רַבmanymanyרַבמַכְאוֹבpainspainsמַכְאוֹברָשָׁע[belong] to[belong] to wicרָשָׁעבָּטַחand the [onand the [one whבָּטַחיהוהin Yahwehin Yahwehיהוהחֶ֫סֶדcovenant locovenant loyaltחֶ֫סֶדסָבַבit will surit will surrounסָבַברָבַבto multiplto multiplyרָבַבכָּאַבto painto painכָּאַברָשַׁעbe wickedbe wickedרָשַׁעהָיָהto beto beהָיָהחָסַדbe kindbe kindחָסַדחָסָהto seek reto seek refugeחָסָהנְבוּזַרְאֲדָןNebuzaradaNebuzaradanנְבוּזַרְאֲדָןטַבָּחguardguardטַבָּחחֳלִיsicknesssicknessחֳלִיצַדִּיקrighteousrighteousצַדִּיקאָבַדto perishto perishאָבַדמָגֵןshieldshieldמָגֵןשֶׁ֫קֶרdeceptiondeceptionשֶׁ֫קֶרנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאאֱמֶתtruth: faitruth: faithfulאֱמֶתרֶ֫חֶםwombwombרֶ֫חֶםדָּלdoordoorדָּל
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 32:10

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.

many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
רַבִּ֥יםra.Bim many H7227 Adj
454× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Amplified meaning
numerous, abundant
Tyndale gloss
many
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רַב 429 adj. much, many, great

(oft. opp. מְעַט)

much: of substances

esp. of collectives, numerous

pl. many

רַב as subst. coll. pers.

cstr. = abounding in

מִן comp. = more numerous than

רַב = abundant, enough

as adv. much, exceedingly

less oft. great

base

רַב 49 n.m. chief

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances

. esp. of collectives, numerous

. pl. many

. רַב as subst. coll. pers.

. cstr. = abounding in

. + מִן comp. = more numerous than

. רַב = abundant, enough

. as adv. much, exceedingly

. less oft. great

H7227b רַב chief

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7227 rab rab

by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,

number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),

captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,

one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,

things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)

much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,

populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).

see HEBREW for 07231

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רַב (rav) — many.

adj

1) much, many, great

1a) much

1b) many

1c) abounding in

1d) more numerous than

1e) abundant, enough

1f) great

1g) strong

1h) greater than

adv

1i) much, exceedingly

רַב (rav) — chief.

captain, chief

Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)

רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.

Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)

§ captain, chief

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

MANY, adjective men'ny.

1. Numerous; comprising a great number of individuals.

Thou shalt be a father of many nations. Genesis 17:4.

Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1 Corinthians 1:26.

MANY are the afflictions of the righteous. Psalms 34:12.

It is often preceded by as or so, and followed by so, indicating an equal number.

As many books as you take, so many shall be charged to your account.

So many laws argue so many sins.

It is followed by as.

As many as were willing-hearted brought bracelets. Exodus 34:1.

It precedes an or a, before a noun in the singular number.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene.

2. In low language, preceded by too, it denotes powerful or much; as, they are too many for us.

MANY, noun men'ny. A multitude; a great number of individuals; the people.

O thou fond many

The vulgar and the many are fit only to be led or driven.

many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
מַכְאוֹבִ֗יםmakh.'o.Vim pains H4341 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes physical or mental pain, like sorrow or grief. It is used in the Bible to express deep emotional or physical hurt. The KJV translates it as grief, pain, or sorrow.
Amplified meaning
pains, troubles
Tyndale gloss
pain
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מַכְאוֹב (mak'ob) means pain, encompassing both physical and mental anguish. It is derived from a root meaning to be in distress. The term appears in contexts of grief and sorrow, notably referenced in Isaiah 53:3.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַכְאוֹב n.m. pain

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4341 מַכְאוֹב pain

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4341 mak'ob mak-obe'

sometimes makcowb {mak-obe'}; also (feminine Isaiah 53:3)

makfobah {mak-o-baw'}; from 3510; anguish or (figuratively)

affliction:--grief, pain, sorrow.

see HEBREW for 03510

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַכְאוֹב (makh.ov) — pain.

1) pain, sorrow

1a) pain (physical)

1b) pain (mental)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
לָרָ֫שָׁ֥עla.Ra.Sha' [belong] to wicked [person] H7563 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
263× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Amplified meaning
morally wrong, sinful
Tyndale gloss
wicked
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7563 rasha` raw-shaw'

from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad

person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did

wrong.

see HEBREW for 07561

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.

1) wicked, criminal

1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)

1b) wicked (hostile to God)

1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Adj — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַve.ha.bo.Te.ach and the [one who] trusts H982 Conjunction · particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine singular
120× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Amplified meaning
has faith, relies
Tyndale gloss
to trust
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּטַח (batach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to trust or have confidence. It conveys a sense of security and boldness, both in a personal sense and when causing others to feel secure. The entries indicate its use in different forms, such as Qal and Hiphil, covering aspects of trust and confidence.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּטַח vb. trust

Qal

trust

be confident

Hiph. cause to trust, make secure

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H982 בָּטַח trust . trust

. be confident

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

982 batach baw-takh'

a primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge (but not so

precipitately as 2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident

or sure:--be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one,

woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.

see HEBREW for 02620

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּטַח (ba.tach) — to trust.

1) to trust

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to trust, trust in

1a2) to have confidence, be confident

1a3) to be bold

1a4) to be secure

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to trust, make secure

2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Art | V-Qal — Conjunction · particle · verb qal participle (active) masculine singular
HC/Td/Vqrmsa
many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
בַּיהוָ֑הba.Yah.weh in Yahweh H3068 Preposition · noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the covenant God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

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

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper
HR/Npt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
חֶ֝֗סֶדChe.sed covenant loyalty H2617 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Amplified meaning
kindness, mercy
Tyndale gloss
kindness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) primarily means kindness or goodness, often referring to the kindness of people towards one another, especially towards the needy. It can also denote God's lovingkindness and mercy. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning of shame or reproach. The entries reflect a range of uses, from human interactions to divine attributes.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness

of man:

kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits

kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy

(rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety

lovely appearance

of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.

base

חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2617a חֶ֫סֶד goodness, kindness . of man: . kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits

. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy

. (rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety

. lovely appearance

. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.

H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2617 checed kheh'-sed

from 2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety:

rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty:--favour,

good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful

(kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.

see HEBREW for 02616

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.

goodness, kindness, faithfulness

חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.

a reproach, shame

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ Enforced Ezr 10:8; Pr 17:11

→ Disloyalty 2Pe 2:10

→ See PATRIOTISM

→ INSTANCES OF

many pains [belong] to wicked [person] and the [one who] trusts in Yahweh covenant loyalty it will surround him
יְסוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ׃ye.sov.Ve.nu it will surround him H5437 Verb piel imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
161× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Tyndale gloss
to turn: turn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing a range of actions such as surrounding, marching, and changing direction. It is built from a primitive root and has various applications, both literal and figurative, including transforming or enclosing. The entries detail its uses in different verbal forms, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סָבַב vb. turn about, go around, surround

Qal

turn, intrans.

march, or walk, around

go partly round, circle, skirt

make a round, or circuit, go about to

surround, encompass

Niph.

turn oneself against, close round upon

turn round (from a direct course)

esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward

pass. be turned over to, into the power of

Pi. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter

Po‛.

encompass (with protection)

come about, assemble round

march or go about

enclose, envelop

Hiph.

turn (trans.), cause to turn

bring over (i.e. to allegiance)

turn into, of changing name

= bring round, of changing name

cause to go around

surround with (acc.) wall

perh. also encompass (as foe)

Hoph.

be turned, of cart wheel

surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5437 סָבַב turn about, go around, surround .. turn, intrans.

. . march, or walk, around

. go partly round, circle, skirt

. make a round, or circuit, go about to

. surround, encompass

. . . turn oneself against, close round upon

. turn round (from a direct course)

. esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward

. pass. be turned over to, into the power of

. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter

. . encompass (with protection)

. come about, assemble round

. march or go about

. enclose, envelop

. . . turn (trans.), cause to turn

. bring over (i.e. to allegiance)

. turn into, of changing name

. = bring round, of changing name

. . cause to go around

. surround with (acc.) wall

. perh. also encompass (as foe)

. . be turned, of cart wheel

. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5437 cabab saw-bab'

a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in

various applications, literally and figuratively (as

follows):--bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl, X

round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset

(about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to

come about, X circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round),

drive, environ, X on every side, beset (close, come, compass,

go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit

down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: turn.

: turn/bring_around

1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change

1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round

1b2) to be turned over to

1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform

1d) (Poel)

1d1) to encompass, surround

1d2) to come about, assemble round

1d3) to march, go about

1d4) to enclose, envelop

1e) (Hiphil)

1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round

1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass

1f) (Hophal)

1f1) to be turned

1f2) to be surrounded

סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: surround.

: surround/go_round

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-m-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb piel imperfect third person masculine singular · suffix
HVpi3ms/Sp3ms
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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