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Psalms 38:17 — Word Study

Depth

WLCכִּֽי־ אֲ֭נִי לְצֶ֣לַע נָכ֑וֹן וּמַכְאוֹבִ֖י נֶגְדִּ֣י תָמִֽיד׃

BSAForkîy [because of this reason]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 38
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 17 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 (ta.Mid) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 38:17quick helps
In a sentenceThe speaker expresses a state of readiness to fall and acknowledges persistent pain.
Who is speakingThe speaker identifies as I, expressing personal distress.
Where we areThis verse is part of a lament, reflecting deep personal anguish.
The hard wordנָכ֑וֹן
Take awayThe speaker is prepared for a fall, with pain always present.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectאָמַר verbלְ 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 38:17

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — A Lament of Distressgenerated

16For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.”
17For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.
18Yes, I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.
19Many are my enemies without cause, and many hate me without reason.

Psalm 38:17 is part of a larger lament where the speaker is overwhelmed by pain and a sense of impending failure. This verse captures the essence of the speaker's emotional state, indicating not only physical suffering but also a spiritual struggle. The surrounding verses highlight the speaker's plea for relief and acknowledgment of sin, emphasizing the depth of their despair.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 35:15But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.
2Micah 4:6–7“On that day,” declares the LORD, “I will gather the lame; I will assemble the outcast, even those whom I have afflicted.
3Psalm 38:6I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning.
4Psalm 6:6I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.
5Psalm 77:2–3In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word נָכ֑וֹן, na.Khongenerated

The verb נָכ֑וֹן (na.Khon) is a participle in the Niphal form, indicating a state of being prepared or established. It conveys readiness, suggesting that the speaker is on the verge of collapse, both physically and emotionally.

This word is significant in the context of the verse, as it underscores the speaker's vulnerability. The participial form indicates an ongoing state rather than a completed action, highlighting the immediacy of their distress.


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 נָכ֑וֹן governs the main clause, with the subject אֲנִי and an adverbial phrase תָמִֽיד indicating the continual nature of the speaker's pain. The structure emphasizes the speaker's state of being prepared for a fall.

The Hebrew word order places the subject before the verb, which is typical in Hebrew prose and serves to highlight the speaker's personal experience of distress.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נָכ֑וֹן with the Greek word ἑτοιμάζομαι (hetoimazomai), which means 'to be prepared' or 'to be ready.' This choice reflects a direct connection to the speaker's state of readiness for collapse.

This translation choice emphasizes the continuity of the speaker's emotional state, aligning with the Hebrew text's focus on being prepared for stumbling.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 38:17 expresses the speaker's feeling of being on the verge of collapse, with pain always present. This verse is part of a lament where the speaker acknowledges their suffering and the weight of their sins, seeking relief from their distress.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to be ready to fall?

Being ready to fall indicates a state of vulnerability and impending failure, reflecting the speaker's emotional and physical distress.

How does pain affect the speaker's life?

The speaker's pain is a constant presence, suggesting ongoing suffering that impacts their emotional state and sense of well-being.

What is the significance of the phrase 'my pain is ever with me'?

This phrase emphasizes the relentless nature of the speaker's suffering, indicating that it is always in their awareness and affects their thoughts and actions.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding verses?

This verse connects to the surrounding verses by illustrating the speaker's overall state of distress and their acknowledgment of sin, which contributes to their suffering.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What are the sources of pain in my life that I need to acknowledge?
  2. How can I find strength in my vulnerability, like the speaker in this verse?
  3. In what ways do I experience continual struggles, and how can I address them?
  4. How can I seek help or relief from my own pains and challenges?

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

The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss themes of suffering and divine punishment. Their interpretations provide insight into the spiritual significance of the speaker's pain.

Ambrose of MilanVerse 17. c. 339–397
Therefore, for all these things, a beautiful remedy is prepared in the form of a whip, and it offers itself to the Lord, so that it may bear the scourges that please God.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 38 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 38 354–430
"For I am prepared for the scourges" [Psalms 38:17]. Quite a magnificent expression; as if He were saying, "It was even for this that I was born;
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 38 →
Theodoret of CyrusCOMMENTARY ON THE Psalms 38:7 c. 393–460
Sin made me deserve whipping, he is saying; thus I submit myself to punishment. I long for treatment at your hands, pricked as I am by the pangs of sin.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 38 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 38:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

For I [am] ready to halt,.... Meaning either that there was a proneness in him to sin; see Jeremiah 20:10; or that he was subject to affliction and adversity, as the same word is rendered in Psalms

Read John Gill on Psalms 38 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I am ready to halt - perpetually I am all but so disabled as not to stand upright and walk anymore. So Psalms 35:15, margin.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 38 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ready to halt; just falling into utter destruction; see ; and therefore if thou dost not help me speedily, it will be too late. My sorrow is continually before me; I am deeply and constantly sensible of thy just hand, and of my sins, the cause of it; wherewith I shall be overwhelmed, if thou dost not prevent it.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 38 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 38:17 For I [am] ready to halt, and my sorrow [is] continually before me.Ver. 17. For I am ready to halt] i.e. To misbehave mysetf and so to mar a good cause by ill-managing it, and then what will become of thy great name? This is a very forcible motive to prevail with a jealous and just God. And my sorrow is continually before me] That is, my sin, as Ecclesiastes 11:10 : or, my sorrow, but much more my sin the cause of it.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 38 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 17. For I am ready to halt] Literally, I am prepared to halt. So completely infirm is my soul, that it is impossible for me to take one right step in the way of righteousness, unless strengthened by thee.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 38 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17. For &c.] A further argument for a speedy hearing. For the metaphor cp. Psalms 35:15. my sorrow &c.] I.e. my suffering is unceasingly present with me. Cp. Psalms 51:3.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 38 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

For I am ready to halt - Margin, as in Hebrew, “for halting.” The word from which the word used here is derived means properly to lean on one side, and then to halt or limp.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 38 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

17. I am ready to halt—The idea is, literally, My fall is certain; that is, humanly speaking, nothing is left for me but inevitable ruin, or help from God.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 38 →

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

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For I am ready to fall, and my pain is ever with me.

NETBNew English Translation2006

For I am about to stumble, and I am in constant pain.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me.

RVARevised Version, American1894

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Surely I am ready to halte, and my sorow is euer before me.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

For I am ready to halt, and my pain is continually before me.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

For I am ready to halt, And my pain [is] before me continually.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

For I am ready to halt, || And my pain [is] continually before me.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(38:18) For I am prepared for [my] downfall, and my pain is continually before me.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

For I am about to stumble, and I am in constant pain.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

For I'm about ready to collapse—the pain never stops.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

My feet are near to falling, and my sorrow is ever before me.

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.

כִּֽי(dm)clausesubjectאֲ֭נִיIprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְforצֶ֣לַעstumblingverbנָכ֑וֹן[am].preparedוּandclausenoun phrase · subjectמַכְאוֹבִ֖painיmyprepositional phrase · predicateנֶגְדִּ֣[is].beforeיmeadverbialתָמִֽידcontinually

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


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

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as כִּֽי־ אֲ֭נִי לְצֶ֣לַע נָכ֑וֹן וּמַכְאוֹבִ֖י נֶגְדִּ֣י תָמִֽיד׃, while the Septuagint matches 6 of the 7 words, indicating strong agreement between the two texts. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain only one word from the verse, with the rest supplied by an editor, showing a gap in the text.

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

כִּֽי־ אֲ֭נִי לְצֶ֣לַע נָכ֑וֹן וּמַכְאוֹבִ֖י נֶגְדִּ֣י תָמִֽיד׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־ὅτιאֲ֭נִיεἶπαלְצֶ֣לַעἐπιξαρῶσίνוּמַכְאוֹבִ֖יἐνנֶגְדִּ֣יμουתָמִֽיד׃ἐπ’

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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q83a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[אמרתי] [פן] [ישמחו] [ל׳י] [במוט] [רגל׳י] [על׳י] יגדילו

1 word on the leather — 7 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Psalms 38:17כִּיforforכִּיאֲנִיIIאֲנִיצֶ֫לַעfor stumblifor stumblingצֶ֫לַעכּוּן[am] prepar[am] preparedכּוּןמַכְאוֹבand pain myand pain myמַכְאוֹבנֶ֫גֶד[is] before[is] before meנֶ֫גֶדתָּמִידcontinuallycontinuallyתָּמִידאָֽנֹכִ֫יIIאָֽנֹכִ֫יצָלַעto limpto limpצָלַעכָּאַבto painto painכָּאַבנָגַדto tellto tellנָגַדיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַענְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםאָסַףto gatherto gatherאָסַףכּוּןto establito establish: pכּוּןתֵּבֵלworldworldתֵּבֵלכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאחֳלִיsicknesssicknessחֳלִיבְּלִיַּ֫עַלBelial: woBelial: worthleבְּלִיַּ֫עַלנֶ֫סֶךְdrink offedrink offeringנֶ֫סֶךְעֹלָהburnt offeburnt offeringעֹלָה
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 38:17

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.

for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
כִּֽי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Amplified meaning
because of this reason
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
אֲ֭נִי'A.ni I H589 Pronoun
874× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Tyndale gloss
I
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

589 'aniy an-ee'

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

which, X who.

see HEBREW for 0595

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp1bs — Pronoun
HPp1bs
for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
לְצֶ֣לַעle.Tze.la' for stumbling H6761 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means stumbling or limping, and it's used to describe adversity or hardship. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for difficulties in life. In the KJV, it's translated as adversity or halt.
Tyndale gloss
stumbling
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צֶ֫לַע (tsela`) refers to a state of limping or stumbling, suggesting a physical or metaphorical adversity. The word is derived from a related term and is noted for its figurative use in describing hardship. It appears in contexts where movement is impaired or hindered.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צֶ֫לַע n.[m.] limping, stumbling

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6761 צֶ֫לַע

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6761 tsela` tseh'-lah

from 6760; a limping or full (figuratively):--adversity,

halt(-ing).

see HEBREW for 06760

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צֶ֫לַע (tse.la) — stumbling.

limping, stumbling

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ FIGURATIVE

Causes of Ps 69:6

Stone of Isa 8:14; Ro 9:32,33; 1Pe 1:8

Stumbling-block Le 19:14; Ps 119:165

R. V.) Isa 57:14; Jer 6:21; Eze 3:20; 7:19; 14:3,4,7; Zep 1:3; Lu 11:52; Ro 11:9; 14:13; 1Co…

for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
נָכ֑וֹןna.Khon [am] prepared H3559 Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singular
217× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Tyndale gloss
to establish: prepare
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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.

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVNrmsa — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVNrmsa
for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
וּמַכְאוֹבִ֖יu.makh.'o.Vi and pain my H4341 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
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.
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
HC/Ncmsc/Sp1bs — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HC/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
נֶגְדִּ֣יneg.Di [is] before me H5048 Suffix
151× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Tyndale gloss
before
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֶ֫גֶד (neged) refers to something that is conspicuous or in front, functioning as both a noun and an adverb. It denotes a position opposite or before someone, often used to indicate presence or visibility. The word can imply a counterpart or mate, and it appears in contexts emphasizing sight or proximity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫גֶד 151 subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5048 נֶ֫גֶד subst. what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5048 neged neh'-ghed

from 5046; a front, i.e. part opposite; specifically a

counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with

preposition) over against or before:--about, (over) against,

X aloof, X far (off), X from, over, presence, X other side,

sight, X to view.

see HEBREW for 05046

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫גֶד (ne.ged) — before.

subst

1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of

adv

2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of

3) in front of oneself, straightforward

4) before your face, in your view or purpose

with prep

5) what is in front of, corresponding to

6) in front of, before

7) in the sight or presence of

8) parallel to

9) over, for

10) in front, opposite

11) at a distance

prep

12) from the front of, away from

13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from

14) from before, in front of

15) as far as the front of

Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HAcmsc/Sp1bs — Suffix
HAcmsc/Sp1bs
for I for stumbling [am] prepared and pain my [is] before me continually
תָמִֽיד׃ta.Mid continually H8548 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
104× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Tyndale gloss
continually
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תָּמִיד (tamiyd) refers to continuity or perpetuity, often used adverbially to mean continually or constantly. It is derived from a root meaning to stretch, indicating indefinite extension. The term is also associated with the regular daily sacrifice in the Old Testament, emphasizing its constant nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תָּמִיד n.m. continuity

earliest and oftenest as adv., continually

as subst.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8548 תָּמִיד continuity . earliest and oftenest as adv., continually

. as subst.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8548 tamiyd taw-meed'

from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance

(as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as

adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); ellipt. the

regular (daily) sacrifice:--alway(-s), continual

(employment, -ly), daily, ((n-))ever(-more), perpetual.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תָּמִיד (ta.mid) — continually.

1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch

1a) continually, continuously (as adverb)

1b) continuity (subst)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
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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