Psalms 37:23 — Word Study
WLCמֵ֭יְהוָה מִֽצְעֲדֵי־ גֶ֥בֶר כּוֹנָ֗נוּ וְדַרְכּ֥וֹ יֶחְפָּֽץ׃
BSAThe stepsmitsʻâd [path, journey, pace] of a mangeber [great man] are orderedkûwn■ [established, set up] by the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] [who] takes delightchâphêts▸ [is pleased, has pleasure] in his journeyderek [way, path, manner of life]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| מֵ֭יְהוָה | from Yahweh | Preposition, noun proper |
| מִֽצְעֲדֵי־ | [the] steps of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| גֶ֥בֶר | a man | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| כּוֹנָ֗נוּ | they are established | Verb, Pual, perfect third person common plural |
| וְדַרְכּ֥וֹ | and way his | Conjunction, noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| יֶחְפָּֽץ׃ | he delights in | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| KJV | The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. |
| ASV | A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way. |
| YLT | From Jehovah [are] the steps of a man, They have been prepared, And his way he desireth. |
| WEB | A man’s steps are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way. |
| BBE | The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he takes delight in his way. |
Where they part company is in the nuances of the Hebrew verb כּוֹנָ֗נוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause with a prepositional phrase and a relative clause, emphasizing the relationship between the man's steps and God's delight.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbכּוּן
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 37:23
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 Assurance of the Righteousgenerated
Psalm 37:23 reflects on how the LORD guides the steps of a man, ensuring that his path is established. This assurance is part of a larger discourse about the fate of the righteous compared to the wicked, emphasizing trust in God's providence. The preceding and following verses provide a contrast between the blessed and the cursed, underscoring the security found in God's guidance.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 17:5 | My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped. |
| 2 | Psalm 85:13 | Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps. |
| 3 | Psalm 119:133 | Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me. |
| 4 | Psalm 121:3–8 | He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 2:9 | He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — כּוֹנָ֗נוּ, ko.Na.nugenerated
The verb כּוּן (kuwn) means to establish or prepare. It conveys the idea of setting something firmly in place, suggesting that a man's steps are not random but divinely directed.
In the Pual form, as seen here, it indicates that the subject (the man's steps) is acted upon, emphasizing that it is God who establishes the path. This reflects a broader theme in the Psalms of divine guidance and support.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations on this page agree that the steps of a man are established by the LORD, emphasizing divine guidance.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb כּוֹנָ֗נוּ governs the clause, with a prepositional phrase indicating the source of this establishment and a conjunction linking to the second clause that describes God's delight. The structure emphasizes the relationship between God's action and the man's journey.
The syntax highlights that the steps are established by the LORD, who also delights in the man's way, creating a cohesive thought about divine guidance and pleasure.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates כּוֹנָ֗נוּ with κατευθύνεται, meaning 'is directed' or 'is guided.' This choice indicates a focus on the active role of God in guiding the steps of a man.
This translation reflects a similar understanding of divine guidance, but the Greek term may suggest a more direct action compared to the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 37:23 tells us that the steps of a man are ordered by the LORD, who takes delight in his journey. This verse reassures us that God is actively involved in directing our paths and is pleased with our ways.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that God actively guides and establishes the path a person takes in life, ensuring it aligns with His will.
God finds pleasure in the way a person lives, especially when they follow His guidance and seek to live righteously.
It assures believers that God is involved in their lives, guiding their decisions and paths, which provides comfort and confidence.
While the verse specifically mentions a 'man,' its principles of divine guidance and pleasure in a righteous path can apply to all who seek to follow God's ways.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen God's guidance in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my steps align with God's will?
- What does it mean for me to walk in a way that pleases God?
- How can I encourage others to trust in God's guidance for their lives?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss God's guidance and the moral life, illustrating its significance in understanding divine providence.
The steps of a man are established by the Lord. The Greek word διαβήματα means 'steps' or 'transitions'. And therefore it is said to you: If you pass through water,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
God gives a new heart so that we may walk in his justifications that pertain to the beginning of a good will. He also gives that we may observe and do his judgments that pertain to the doing of good works.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe steps of a [good] man are ordered by the Lord,.... Or "of a man" (w); such a man as is blessed of the Lord; the steps which he takes in life are ordered by the Lord, both with respect to things
Read John Gill on Psalms 37 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. The steps of a (good) man. The Hebrew [ geber (H1397)] for 'a man' is literally a hero, a valiant man. So "valiant for the truth," Jeremiah 9:3.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 37 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleOf a good man, or, of that man, to wit, the righteous or blessed man, expressed ,22. Ordered, or directed, or disposed, i.e. so governed as to attain the end and happy issue at which he aims. Or, strengthened, or established, so as he shall not stumble nor fall into mischief; for still he seems to be describing, not their virtue, but their felicity. And he delighteth in his way; or, and he favoureth his way, i.e. succeeds and prospers his counsels and enterprises.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 37 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.Ver. 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord] Heb. The steps of a man; for good men only are reckoned of by God, Jeremiah 5:1. So a wife is put for a good wife, Proverbs 18:22. A bad wife is but (according to Lamech’ s second wife’ s name) Zillah, that is, the shadow of a wife. Now, as God chose out the Israelites’ way for them all along the wilderness; so he doth still for those that are good, not always the shortest way, but the safest; not always the straightest way, but that which most conduceth to their journey’ s end. As therefore Israel in the wilderness, so must we follow God…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 37 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) The steps.—Comp. Proverbs 20:24; Proverbs 16:9, passages which are in favour of a general interpretation here, not confined to the good man. Render, man’s steps are established by Jehovah, i.e., all the stability in human conduct comes from His guidance.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 37 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord] There is nothing for good in the text. גבר geber is the original word, and it properly signifies a strong man, a conqueror or hero; and it appears to be used here to show, that even the most powerful must be supported by the Lord, otherwise their strength and courage will be of little avail. And he delighteth in his way.] When his steps are ordered by the Lord, he delighteth in his way, because it is that into which his own good Spirit has directed him. Or, the man delights in God's way-in the law and testimonies of his Maker.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 37 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord - Margin, “established.” The word rendered “ordered” means to stand erect; to set up; to found; to adjust, fit, direct.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible23. Steps of a good man—The word “good” is not in the original, and the word “man” denotes a mighty man; one who by physical strength and skill, or by wealth, office, or position, wields a power over others.
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 steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
A man’s steps are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable.
Tyndale line
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
A man’s goings are established of Jehovah; And he delighteth in his way.
A man’s goings are established of the LORD; and he delighteth in his way.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
The pathes of man are directed by the Lord: for he loueth his way.
Strictly literal
The steps of a man are established by Jehovah, and he delighteth in his way:
From Jehovah [are] the steps of a man, They have been prepared, And his way he desireth.
The steps of a man [are] from YHWH, || They have been prepared, || And He desires his way.
By the Lord are the steps of the righteous man established; and he findeth pleasure in his course [of life].
It is by Yahweh that a man's steps are established, the man whose way is commendable in God's sight.
From the Latin
Attend unto my help, O Lord, the God of my salvation.
Simplified
The Lord shows the right path to those who follow him, and is happy with the way they live.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he takes delight in his way.
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 on the wording of this verse, with five of the six words matching. The Septuagint's structure differs, but the core message of divine guidance remains consistent.
מֵ֭יְהוָה מִֽצְעֲדֵי־ גֶ֥בֶר כּוֹנָ֗נוּ וְדַרְכּ֥וֹ יֶחְפָּֽץ׃
5 of the 6 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 37:23
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.
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.'
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
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
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
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)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npt
מִצְעָד (mits'ad) means 'step' and can also refer to 'companionship.' It is derived from the root word for 'to step' (H6805). The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to movement or progression.
[מִצְעָד] n.[m.] step
base
H4703 מִצְעָד
4703 mits`ad mits-awd'
from 6805; a step; figuratively, companionship:--going,
step.
see HEBREW for 06805
מִצְעָד (mits.ad) — step.
step
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
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…
גֶּ֫בֶר (geber) refers to a man, particularly one who is strong or valiant, often distinguished from women and children. The term is used primarily in poetic contexts and emphasizes the qualities of strength and warrior-like attributes. It is derived from a root meaning to be strong, and lexicons highlight its use in describing a mighty or capable individual.
גֶּ֫בֶר 66 n.m. man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
base
H1397 גֶּ֫בֶר man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
1397 geber gheh'-ber
from 1396; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a
person simply:--every one, man, X mighty.
see HEBREW for 01396
גָּבֶר (ga.ver) — great man.
man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
See ANTHROPOLOGY.
Man
(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).
(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;
Four Hebrew terms are rendered "man" in the Authorized Version: Adam, the name of the man created in the image of God. It appears to be derived from adam , "he or it was red or ruddy," like Edom. This was the generic term for the human race. Ish , "man," as distinguished from woman, husband. Geber , "a man," from gabar , "to be strong," generally with reference to his strength. Methim , "men," always masculine. Perhaps it may be derived from the root muth , "he died."
כּוּן (kuwn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to establish or prepare. It encompasses a range of meanings, including to be firm, to fix, to direct, and to be ready, with applications in both literal and figurative contexts. The entries indicate various forms of the verb, such as Niph'al (to be established) and Hiph'il (to establish), but there is a note on a noun form, נָכוֹן (nakhon), meaning 'blow'.
[כּוּן] 218 vb. prob. be firm, only in der. conj.
Niph.
be set up, established, fixed
in a moral sense, be directed aright, of ways
prepare, be ready
pass. be prepared, of judgments
Hiph.
establish, set up
fix, so as to be ready, make ready, prepare, a gift
provide for, provide, furnish
direct one's face toward
arrange, order
Hoph.
be established, of throne
be prepared for
Po‛lēl.
set up, establish
constitute, make, a man (in womb)
fix, so as to be ready
direct
Po‛lal. be established
Hithpo‛l. be established
base
נָכוֹן n. [m.] = blow Jb 12:5
ref
H3559a כּוּן prob. be firm, only in der. conj. . . be set up, established, fixed
. in a moral sense, be directed aright, of ways
. prepare, be ready
. pass. be prepared, of judgments
. . establish, set up
. . fix, so as to be ready, make ready, prepare, a gift
. provide for, provide, furnish
. direct one's face toward
. arrange, order
. . be established, of throne
. be prepared for
. . set up, establish
. constitute, make, a man (in womb)
. fix, so as to be ready
. direct
. be established
. be established
H3559b נָכוֹן n. [m.] = blow
3559 kuwn koon
a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand
perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great
variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper
or prosperous):--certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness,
fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet,
ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self),
provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright,
fast, forth), be stable, (e-)stablish, stand, tarry, X very
deed.
כּוּן (kun) — to establish: prepare.
: prepare/direct
1) to be firm, be stable, be established
1a) (Niphal)
1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed
1a1a) to be firmly established
1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring
1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined
1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense)
1a3) to prepare, be ready
1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm
1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish
1b3) to direct toward (moral sense)
1b4) to arrange, order
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be established, be fastened
1c2) to be prepared, be ready
1d) (Polel)
1d1) to set up, establish
1d2) to constitute, make
1d3) to fix
1d4) to direct
1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared
1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
נָכוֹן (na.khon) — blow.
V-O-Perf-3cp — Verb · Pual · perfect third person common pluralHVPp3cp
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
Conj | N-cs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common both singular construct · suffixHC/Ncbsc/Sp3ms
חָפֵץ (chaphets) is a Hebrew verb meaning to delight in or take pleasure in something. It can refer to both human desire and divine pleasure, indicating a sense of inclination or favor. The word is also noted to mean to bend down, though this usage is rare. The entries suggest a range of meanings focused on desire and pleasure.
ref
H2654a חָפֵץ delight in H2654b חָפֵץ bend down
2654 chaphets khaw-fates'
a primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication
(literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased
with, desire:--X any at all, (have, take) delight, desire,
favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will,
would.
חָפֵץ (cha.phets) — to delight in.
1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with
1a) (Qal)
1a1) of men
1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in
1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do
1a2) of God
1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in
1a2b) to be pleased to do
חָפַץ (ch.ph) — to sway.
1) to move, bend down
1a) (Qal) to bend down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
A principal thing to notice about this preposition, which in the King James Version represents about 16 Hebrew and as many Greek words and prepositions, is that, in hundreds of cases (especially in the Old Testament, but frequently also in the New Testament) in the Revised Version (British and American) the rendering is changed to more exact forms ("to," "unto," "by," "upon," "at," "with," "among," "for," "throughout," etc.; compare e.g. Ge 6:16; 13:8; 17:7,9,12; 18:1; Ex 8:17; Le 1:9, etc.); while, nearly as often, "in" is substituted for divergent forms of the King James Version (e.g. Ge 2:14; 17:11; 31:54; 40:7; 49:17; Ex…