Psalms 37:14 — Word Study
WLCחֶ֤רֶב׀ פָּֽתְח֣וּ רְשָׁעִים֮ וְדָרְכ֪וּ קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם לְ֭הַפִּיל עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן לִ֝טְב֗וֹחַ יִשְׁרֵי־ דָֽרֶךְ׃
BSAThe wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, guilty of sin] have drawnpâthach■ ◂the swordchereb [a cutting instrument, for battle] and bentdârak■ the bowqesheth [a weapon for hunting or war] to bring downnâphal [to cause to fall, to defeat] the poorʻânîy [afflicted, humble] and needyʼebyôwn [in need of help, oppressed] to slayṭâbach [to slaughter, to kill ruthlessly] those whose waysderek [path, manner of life] [are] uprightyâshâr [straight, just, righteous]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| חֶ֤רֶב׀ | a sword | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| פָּֽתְח֣וּ | they have drawn | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| רְשָׁעִים֮ | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וְדָרְכ֪וּ | and they have bent | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person common plural |
| קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם | bow their | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| לְ֭הַפִּיל | to make fall | Preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common |
| עָנִ֣י | [the] poor | Adj |
| וְאֶבְי֑וֹן | and [the] needy | Conjunction |
| לִ֝טְב֗וֹחַ | to slaughter | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| יִשְׁרֵי־ | [people] upright of | Adj |
| דָֽרֶךְ׃ | way | Noun common, both singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. |
| KJV | The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. |
| ASV | The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way. |
| YLT | A sword have the wicked opened, And they have trodden their bow, To cause to fall the poor and needy, To slaughter the upright of the way. |
| WEB | The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright on the path. |
| BBE | The evil-doers have taken out their swords, their bows are bent; for crushing the poor, and to put to death those who are upright in their ways. |
Where they part company is in their rendering of the actions of the wicked — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence structure shows a main action followed by two intended outcomes, emphasizing the wicked's malicious intent.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectרָשָׁע
verbפָּתַח
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 37:14
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 Fate of the Wickedgenerated
Psalm 37:14 describes the actions of the wicked as they prepare to harm the poor and needy. This verse is part of a larger discourse that highlights the eventual downfall of the wicked, contrasting their actions with the security of the righteous. The psalmist emphasizes that despite the wicked's intentions, their fate is ultimately in God's hands, as seen in the surrounding verses that assure the faithfulness of the Lord.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 64:2–6 | Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, |
| 2 | Acts 12:2–3 | He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 24:11–17 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 29:10–27 | Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 1:13 | Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חֶ֤רֶב, Che.revgenerated
The noun חֶרֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. This word is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons, emphasizing the violence associated with wicked actions.
In this verse, the sword symbolizes the intent to harm and kill, representing the wicked's aggression towards the vulnerable. The psalmist uses this imagery to convey the severity of their actions against those who are defenseless.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of multiple clauses, starting with the subject רְשָׁעִים (reshayim), meaning 'wicked people,' followed by two verbs: פָּתְח֣וּ (pat'chu), 'they have drawn,' and דָרְכ֪וּ (dar'chu), 'they have bent.' The structure highlights the wicked's actions as they prepare to attack.
The main action is directed towards the poor and needy, with the intention expressed through the infinitive לְ֭הַפִּיל (lehapil), 'to make fall,' and לִ֝טְב֗וֹחַ (litvo'ach), 'to slaughter.' This arrangement emphasizes the premeditated nature of their violence.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חֶ֤רֶב as ῥομφαίαν (rhomphaian), which conveys a similar meaning of a sword but may carry connotations of a broader range of weapons. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the wicked's violent intent.
The use of ἁμαρτωλοί (hamartōloi) for 'wicked' underscores the moral implications of their actions, framing them as not just violent but also sinful.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 37:14 shows that the wicked are preparing their weapons to attack the poor and needy. They aim to kill those who live upright lives. The verse emphasizes the aggressive actions of the wicked against the vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This phrase indicates that the wicked are preparing to commit acts of violence against the innocent, highlighting their intention to harm.
The poor and needy refer to those who are vulnerable and oppressed, often depicted in the Bible as deserving of protection and care.
Upright people represent those who live righteously, and the verse contrasts their integrity with the wicked's malicious intent.
Psalm 37 contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, assuring readers that despite the apparent success of the wicked, their downfall is certain.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see the actions of the wicked reflected in today's society?
- How can I support those who are vulnerable and in need, as described in this verse?
- What does it mean to live an upright life in contrast to the wicked?
- How can I trust in God's justice when I see the wicked prospering?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the nature of wickedness and righteousness, drawing on its themes to illustrate moral teachings.
What is the sword of the wicked? It is the absolute opposite to the sword of the Holy Spirit.… God’s Word is the sword of the Holy Spirit.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Moreover, he adds: Behold, they have unsheathed the sword, sinners have bent their bow, to cast down the needy and the destitute.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
"The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright heart" [Psalms 37:14].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe wicked have drawn out the sword,.... That is, out of the scabbard; they drew upon the righteous, in order to sheath it in them; or they sharpened the sword, as Aben Ezra observes some interpret
Read John Gill on Psalms 37 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 37 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThey are furnished with all sorts of arms, and are ready to give the deadly blow. Such as be of upright conversation; such against whom they have no quarrel for any injury they have done them, but only for their integrity and righteousness, or because they are better than themselves, and will not comply with their wicked counsels and courses.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 37 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.Ver. 14. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow] That they may assault the righteous, both cominus, nearer hand, and eminus, at a distance; for which purpose they come against him (like a walking armoury) with sword, bow, and other instruments of death; as resolved to kill and slay. "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter," Romans 8:36.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 37 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 14. The wicked have drawn out the sword] There is an irreconcilable enmity in the souls of sinners against the godly; and there is much evidence that the idolatrous Babylonians whetted their tongue like a sword, and shot out their arrows, even bitter words, to malign the poor captives, and to insult them in every possible way.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 37 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12–20. Disappointment and destruction are the destiny of the wicked.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 37 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe wicked have drawn out the sword - That is, they have prepared themselves with a full purpose to destroy the righteous.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible14. Drawn out the sword… bent their bow—Two acts preparatory to immediate destruction; but in Psalms 37:15 the lex talionis—the law of universal justice—is seen to recoil these death weapons upon themselves.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 37 →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
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright on the path.
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
Evil men draw their swords and prepare their bows, to bring down the oppressed and needy, and to slaughter those who are godly.
Tyndale line
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow; to cast down the poor and needy, to slay such as be upright in the way:
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as are of upright deportment.
The wicked haue drawen their sworde, and haue bent their bowe, to cast downe the poore and needie, and to slay such as be of vpright conuersation.
Strictly literal
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the afflicted and needy, to slay those that are upright in [the] way:
A sword have the wicked opened, And they have trodden their bow, To cause to fall the poor and needy, To slaughter the upright of the way.
The wicked have opened a sword, || And they have bent their bow, || To cause the poor and needy to fall, || To slaughter the upright of the way.
The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cause the poor and needy to fall, and to slaughter such as are of an upright course [of life].
The wicked have drawn out their swords and have bent their bows to cast down the oppressed and needy, to kill those who are upright.
From the Latin
But I, as a deaf man, heard not: and as a dumb man not opening his mouth.
Simplified
The wicked draw their swords, and bend their bows to destroy the poor and needy, to kill those who live right.
The evil-doers have taken out their swords, their bows are bent; for crushing the poor, and to put to death those who are upright in their ways.
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.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for this verse, with the Septuagint providing a direct correspondence for most terms. However, the word order and specific articles differ, reflecting the translators' stylistic choices.
חֶ֤רֶב׀ פָּֽתְח֣וּ רְשָׁעִים֮ וְדָרְכ֪וּ קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם לְ֭הַפִּיל עָנִ֣י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן לִ֝טְב֗וֹחַ יִשְׁרֵי־ דָֽרֶךְ׃
9 of the 11 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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 37:14
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.
חֶ֫רֶב (chereb) means 'sword' and can also refer to other cutting instruments like knives and tools. It is derived from a root meaning 'drought,' highlighting its destructive nature. The term is used in various contexts in the Old Testament, primarily to denote weapons.
חֶ֫רֶב 411 n.f. sword (as weapon)
base
H2719 חֶ֫רֶב sword (as weapon)
2719 chereb kheh'-reb
from 2717; drought; also a cutting instrument (from its
destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp
implement:--axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool.
see HEBREW for 02717
חֶ֫רֶב (che.rev) — sword.
1) sword, knife
1a) sword
1b) knife
1c) tools for cutting stone
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
sord.
See ARMOR, III, 5.
Sword
Of the Hebrew was pointed, sometimes two-edged, was worn in a sheath, and suspended from the girdle (Ex. 32:27; 1 Sam. 31:4; 1 Chr. 21:27; Ps. 149:6: Prov. 5:4; Ezek. 16:40; 21:3-5).
It is a symbol of divine chastisement (Deut. 32:25; Ps. 7:12; 78:62), and of a slanderous tongue (Ps. 57:4; 64:3; Prov. 12:18). The word of God is likened also to a…
[ARMS, ARMOR]
פָּתַח (pathach) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to open' and can refer to various actions such as opening doors, loosening restraints, or engraving. It has different forms, including Qal (to open), Niphal (to be opened), and Piel (to engrave). The entries highlight its literal and figurative uses, but there is some overlap in meaning regarding its applications in opening and engraving.
פָּתַח vb. open
Qal open sack
Niph. be opened
Pi. be opened
free, i.e. ungird, camels
loosen (and remove) sack-cloth
open gates, doors
Hithp. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck
base
[פָּתַח] vb. Pi. engrave
Pu. stones engraved with the engravings of a signet.
base
H6605a פָּתַח open .open sack
. be opened
. be opened . free, i.e. ungird, camels
. loosen (and remove) sack-cloth
. open gates, doors
. loosen thee the fetters of thy neck
H6605b פָּתַח Pi. engrave
6605 pathach paw-thakh'
a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively);
specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve:--appear, break
forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-)grave(-n), loose (self),
(be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.
פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to open.
1) to open
1a) (Qal) to open
1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to free
1c2) to loosen
1c3) to open, open oneself
1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself
Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
פָּתַח (pa.tach) — to engrave.
1) to carve, engrave
1a) (Piel) to engrave
1b) (Pual) to be engraved
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
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.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
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
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)
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
דָּרַךְ (darakh) is a Hebrew verb meaning to tread or march. It encompasses a range of actions including walking, leading, and bending a bow. The word appears in various forms, such as Qal and Hiphil, indicating both simple and causative actions. Notably, it can refer to treading down or guiding others.
דָּרַךְ vb. tread, march
Qal
tread, march, march forth
tread upon
tread wine- (or oil-) press
tread (i.e. bend) the bow
Hiph.
tread, tread down
tread (bend) the bow
causat. cause to tread or march, lead
base
H1869 דָּרַךְ tread, march
1869 darak daw-rak'
a primitive root; to tread; by implication, to walk; also to
string a bow (by treading on it in bending):--archer, bend,
come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread
(down), walk.
דָּרַךְ (da.rakh) — to tread.
1) to tread, bend, lead, march
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to tread, march, march forth
1a2) to tread on, tread upon
1a3) to tread (a press)
1a4) to tread (bend) a bow
1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle)
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to tread, tread down
1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow
1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person common pluralHc/Vqq3cp
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3mp
נָפַל (naphal) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to fall,' encompassing a wide range of applications, including falling by accident, experiencing violent death, or going to ruin. It can also refer to prostrating oneself, attacking, or causing someone to fall. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often indicating physical or metaphorical downfall.
נָפַל 433 vb. fall, lie
Qal 366
fall, by accident
Esp. of violent death
fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.
fig. = experience calamity
fall, of a city
Fall prostrate
fall = prostrate oneself before
fall upon one's neck, in embrace
Fall upon = attack
desert or fall away to, go over to
Fig., of deep sleep
Other idiomatic uses
= lie; = lie prostrate
Hiph.
cause to fall
Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction
Esp. of casting lot
Fig., let drop, cause to fail
cause deep sleep to fall
Other idioms
Hithp. throw, or prostrate oneself
base
H5307 נָפַל fall, lie .. fall, by accident
. . Esp. of violent death
. fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.
. fig. = experience calamity
. fall, of a city
. . Fall prostrate
. fall = prostrate oneself before
. fall upon one's neck, in embrace
. . Fall upon = attack
. desert or fall away to, go over to
. Fig., of deep sleep
. Other idiomatic uses
. = lie; = lie prostrate
. . cause to fall
. Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction
. Esp. of casting lot
. Fig., let drop, cause to fail
. cause deep sleep to fall
. Other idioms
. throw, or prostrate oneself
5307 naphal naw-fal'
a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications
(intransitive or causative, literal or figurative):--be
accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide
(by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall
(away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have
(inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for 6419), lay
(along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (X hast) lost,
lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make
to) rot, slay, smite out, X surely, throw down.
see HEBREW for 06419
נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: fall.
: fall/drop/fail
1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fall
1a2) to fall (of violent death)
1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before
1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of
1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result
1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to
1a7) to lie, lie prostrate
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate
1b2) to overthrow
1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot
1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.)
1b5) to cause to fall
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon
1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself
1d) (Pilel) to fall
נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: deserting.
: deserting
1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fall
1a2) to fall (of violent death)
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct commonHR/Vhcc
fol (vb.): The idea of falling is most frequently expressed in Hebrew by naphal, but also by many other words; in Greek by pipto, and its compounds. The uses of the word in Scripture are very varied. There is the literal falling by descent; the falling of the countenance in sorrow, shame, anger, etc. (Ge 4:5,6); the falling in battle (Ge 14:10; Nu 14:3, etc.); the falling into trouble, etc. (Pr 24:16,17); prostration in supplication and reverence (Ge 17:3; Nu 14:5, etc.); falling of the Spirit of Yahweh (Eze 11:5…
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.
עָנִי adj. poor, afflicted, humble
base
H6041 עָנִי poor, afflicted, humble
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
עָנִי (a.ni) — afflicted.
1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched
1a) poor, needy
1b) poor and weak
1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched
1d) humble, lowly
Adj — AdjHAamsa
poor ('ebhyon, dal, `ani, rush; ptochos):
I. In the Old Testament.
The poor have great prominence in the Bible; it is said, indeed, that there should be no poor among the Hebrews because Yahweh should so greatly bless them (De 15:4 the Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version margin); but this was only to be realized on certain conditions of obedience (De 15:5), and in De 15:11 it is said,"The poor will never cease out of the land"; but they were to see to it that none was left in destitution. The very foundation of the Hebrew religion was God's pity on a poor and oppressed people.
1. The Terms Employed:
Poor
The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. (1.) They had the right of gleaning the fields (Lev. 19:9, 10; Deut. 24:19,21).
(2.) In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:6).
(3.) In the year of jubilee they recovered their property (Lev. 25:25-30).
(4.) Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down (Ex. 22:25-27; Deut. 24:10-13). The rich were to be generous to the…
The general kindly spirit of the law toward the poor is sufficiently shown by such passages as (15:7) for the reason that (ver. 11) "the poor shall never cease out of the land." Among the special enactments in their favor the following must be mentioned: The right of gleaning. (Leviticus 19:9,10; 24:19,21) From the produce of the land in sabbatical years the poor and the stranger were to have their portion. (Exodus 23:11; Leviticus 25:6) Re-entry upon land in the jubilee year, with the limitation as to town homes. (Leviticus 25:25-30) Prohibition of usury and of retention of pledges. (Exodus 22:25-27;
Ps 12:5 41:1-3, especially cared for in the Jewish dispensation, Ex 23:6 Pr 14:31, and even more so under the gospel, Mt 25:42-45 Jas 2:5. The slight offerings required of them by the law were as acceptable as the hecatombs of the rich, Le 5:7-13 Mr 12:41-44. The gleanings of the fields, the olive trees, and the vines, were to be left for them, Le 19:9 De 24:19
The Hebrew word אֶבְיוֹן (*ebyown*) means needy or poor, derived from a root indicating want. It describes individuals who are destitute, oppressed, or in need of help, particularly from God. This term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often referring to the lowest social class and the importance of caring for such individuals.
אֶבְיוֹן adj. in want, needy, poor,—so, alw. abs., Dt 15:4 + 40 t.; אֶבְיֹנְךָ Ex 23:6 Dt 15:11; אֶבְיוֹנִים Am 4:1 + 14 t.; אֶבְיוֹנֵי (אֶבְיֹנֵי) Ex 23:11 Is 29:19; אֶבְיוֹנֶיהָ ψ 132:15—(Hex. only JED; mostly poet., 23 t. ψ) needy, chiefly poor (in material things); as adj. Dt 15:7, 7, 9; 24:14 ψ 109:16 (both ∥ עָנִי); elsewhere subst.; ψ 49:3 (∥ עָשִׁיר); Dt 15:4, 11; subj. to oppression & abuse Am 2:6…
Read the full entry →H34 אֶבְיוֹן in want, needy, poor
34 'ebyown eb-yone'
from 14, in the sense of want (especially in feeling);
destitute:--beggar, needy, poor (man).
see HEBREW for 014
אֶבְיוֹן (ev.yon) — needy.
1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person
2) subject to oppression and abuse
3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God
4) general reference to lowest class
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsa
ned'-i ('ebhyon).
See POOR.
טָבַח (tabach) is a primitive root meaning to slaughter or kill, applicable to both animals and humans. It encompasses actions like butchering and slaying ruthlessly, with a figurative sense of killing. The entries consistently emphasize its violent connotations without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[טָבַח] vb. slaughter, butcher, slay
base
H2873 [טָבַח] slaughter, butcher, slay
2873 tabach taw-bakh'
a primitive root; to slaughter (animals or men):--kill,
(make) slaughter, slay.
טָבַח (ta.vach) — to slaughter.
1) to slaughter, slay, butcher, kill ruthlessly
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to slaughter, butcher
1a2) to slay, kill ruthlessly (fig.)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
יָשָׁר (yashar) means straight or upright, covering a range of meanings from physical straightness to moral correctness. It can refer to something that is pleasing, just, or fitting, as well as the concept of uprightness itself. The term is also associated with a figure named Jashar, mentioned in Joshua 10:13.
יָשָׁר adj. straight, right
straight, level
right, pleasing
straightforward, just, upright
abstr., uprightness
base
H3477 יָשָׁר straight, right . straight, level
. right, pleasing
. straightforward, just, upright
. abstr., uprightness
3477 yashar yaw-shawr'
from 3474; straight (literally or figuratively):--convenient,
equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous),
straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).
see HEBREW for 03474
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Also means: ya.shar (יָשָׁר "upright" H3477I)
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — Jashar.
A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Adj — AdjHAampc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
wa ('orach, orcha', 'erets, bo', derekh, halikhah, ma`galah, nathibh; hodos, parodos, poreia, tropos; "highway," mecillah, meclul; diexodoi ton hodon): The list just cited contains only a portion of the words translated "way" or "highway" in the King James Version. Most of them have the primary meaning of "road," "customary path," "course of travel" (Ge 3:24; Ex 23:20; Nu 20:17, etc.). By a very easy and natural figure "way" is applied to the course of human conduct, the manner of life which one lives (Ex 18:20; 32:8; Nu 22:32; 1Sa 8:3;