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Psalms 44:18 — Word Study

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WLCלֹא־ נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ׃

BSAhave notlôʼ

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 44
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 18 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration ('a.re.Che.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 44:18quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist asserts their faithfulness to God despite their suffering.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, expressing a communal voice of lament and faith.
Where we areIn a moment of reflection on their relationship with God amid trials.
The hard wordנָס֣וֹג
Take awayThey remain committed to God's path despite adversity.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbזֹאת 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 44:18

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 Lament of the Faithfulgenerated

17All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten You or betrayed Your covenant.
18Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.
19But You have crushed us in the lair of jackals; You have covered us with deepest darkness.
20If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

Psalm 44:18 expresses a declaration from the psalmist that their hearts have not turned back from God, nor have their steps strayed from His path. This verse is part of a larger lament where the community reflects on their faithfulness despite experiencing suffering and challenges, as seen in the preceding and following verses, which highlight their commitment to God’s covenant even in distress.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 78:57They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow.
2Psalm 125:5But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers. Peace be upon Israel.
31 Kings 15:5For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
4Job 34:27because they turned aside from Him and had no regard for any of His ways.
5Jeremiah 11:10They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word נָס֣וֹג, na.Soggenerated

The verb נָס֣וֹג (na.Sog) is in the Niphal form, indicating a passive voice, meaning 'it had turned back.' This suggests a movement away from a commitment or a retreat from a path, often associated with apostasy or backsliding.

In this context, it emphasizes that the hearts of the faithful have not retreated from their devotion to God, contrasting with the potential for turning away during times of trouble. The use of this verb underscores the steadfastness of their commitment.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads, "Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path." This wording is consistent across multiple translations, including the KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb נָס֣וֹג governs the main clause, indicating the action of turning back. The structure includes two main phrases: one describing the state of the hearts and the other the steps taken, each affirming their commitment to God.

The sentence is structured to emphasize the negation of turning away, with the adverbial לֹא־ placed at the beginning to highlight the psalmist's assertion of faithfulness.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew נָס֣וֹג is rendered as ἦλθεν (G2064), which means 'to come' or 'to arrive.' This choice suggests a broader interpretation of movement, possibly indicating a shift in focus from merely turning back to the idea of coming to a place of commitment.

This translation reflects a different nuance, emphasizing the journey aspect of faithfulness rather than just the act of turning away.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 44:18 expresses a strong commitment to God, stating that the hearts of the people have not turned back, and their steps have not strayed from His path. This reflects a collective faithfulness even amid suffering, as they affirm their dedication to God’s ways.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that our hearts have not turned back?

It signifies a commitment to remain faithful to God, even in challenging times, indicating that the psalmist and the community have not abandoned their devotion.

How does this verse relate to the preceding verses?

This verse serves as a declaration of faithfulness following a lament about suffering, reinforcing the idea that despite hardships, the community remains steadfast in their relationship with God.

What is the significance of the phrase 'our steps have not strayed'?

It emphasizes the active choice to follow God's path and not be led astray, highlighting the importance of deliberate actions in maintaining faith.

How can we apply this verse today?

This verse encourages individuals to remain committed to their faith and values, even when faced with difficulties, reminding them to stay true to their beliefs.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I remained faithful to my commitments during difficult times?
  2. How can I ensure that my steps align with the path God has set before me?
  3. What practices can help me strengthen my heart against distractions and temptations?
  4. How can I support others in their journey to stay on God's path?

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

Early Church Fathers, like Augustine of Hippo, referenced this verse to discuss themes of faithfulness and divine support amid trials.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 44 354–430
"Our heart has not turned back; and You have turned aside our goings out of Your way" [Psalms 44:18].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 44 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 44 354–430
"For You have brought us low in the place of infirmity" [Psalms 44:18]: therefore You will exalt us in the place of strength.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 44 →

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 44:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Our heart is not turned back,.... To its original hardness, blindness, and bondage, to its former sin and folly, to cherish, gratify, and fulfil its lusts and desires; not from God, from love to him,

Read John Gill on Psalms 44 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way; Our heart is not turned back neither have our steps declined from thy way Apostasy begins at the Our heart is not turned

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 44 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Is not turned back, to wit, from thee, or thy worship and service, unto idols, as it follows, . Neither have our steps declined from thy way: because it is easy and ordinary falsely to pretend sincerity of heart, which men cannot discern nor confute, they prove it from the unblamableness of their lives and actions.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 44 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 44:18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;Ver. 18. Our heart is not turned back] Metaphora a stadio, saith Vatablus. As those that run a race stand not at a stay, much less turn back again; so neither have we either stopped or stepped backward, but advanced still toward the mark, having Nondum metam, We have not yet attained, for our motto, as St Paul had, Philippians 3:12; being in nothing terrified by our adversaries, nor afraid with any amazement, Philippians 1:28 1 Peter 3:6. Neither have our steps declined] We have watched over every particular action; God’ s people are best when at worst.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 44 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

17–22. The calamity is unmerited. No unfaithfulness to God’s covenant has called for punishment. Nay it is for His sake that His people are suffering.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 44 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Our heart is not turned back - That is, We have not turned away from thy service; we have not apostatized from thee; we have not fallen into idolatry.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 44 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Our heart has not turned back, neither have our steps strayed from your path,

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.

NETBNew English Translation2006

We have not been unfaithful, nor have we disobeyed your commands.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Our heart is not turned back, Neither have our steps declined from thy way,

RVARevised Version, American1894

Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Our heart is not turned backe: neither our steps gone out of thy paths,

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy path;

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

We turn not backward our heart, Nor turn aside doth our step from Thy path.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

We do not turn our heart backward, || Nor turn aside our step from Your path.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(44:19) Our heart is not moved backward, nor hath our step turned aside from thy path:

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Our heart has not turned back; our steps have not gone from your way.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

They shall remember thy name throughout all generations. Therefore shall people praise thee for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

We have not turned away from you, not in thought, nor in action.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Our hearts have not gone back, and our steps have not been turned out of your 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.

clauseadverbialלֹאnotverbנָס֣וֹגit.had.turned.backadverbialאָח֣וֹרbackwardsnoun phrase · subjectלִבֵּ֑heartנוּourוַandclauseverbתֵּ֥טit.had.turned.asidenoun phrase · subjectאֲשֻׁרֵ֗יstepsנוּourprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִנִּ֥יfromnoun phraseאָרְחֶֽpathךָyour

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 are largely in agreement, with 7 of the 8 words matching in their respective translations. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the core message remains consistent.

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

לֹא־ נָס֣וֹג אָח֣וֹר לִבֵּ֑נוּ וַתֵּ֥ט אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ מִנִּ֥י אָרְחֶֽךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
נָס֣וֹגταῦταאָח֣וֹרἦλθενלִבֵּ֑נוּκαὶוַתֵּ֥טἐπελαθόμεθάאֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּκαὶמִנִּ֥יοὐκאָרְחֶֽךָ׃ἐν

7 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Psalms 44:18לֹאnotnotלֹאסוּגit had turnit had turned bסוּגאָחוֹרbackwardsbackwardsאָחוֹרלֵבheart ourheart ourלֵבנָטָהand it had and it had turnנָטָהאֲשׁוּרsteps oursteps ourאֲשׁוּרמִן־fromfromמִן־אֹ֫רַחpath yourpath yourאֹ֫רַחאֲחִירַעAhiraAhiraאֲחִירַעאָשַׁרto blessto blessאָשַׁראָרַחto journeyto journeyאָרַחלֵבָבheartheartלֵבָבמֵןstringstringמֵןרֶ֫גֶלfootfootרֶ֫גֶליָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדאָחוֹרbackbackאָחוֹרחָפֵץdelightingdelightingחָפֵץסוּגto turnto turnסוּגקֶ֫דֶםfront: easfront: eastקֶ֫דֶםחָסֵרlackinglackingחָסֵרחָכָםwisewiseחָכָםחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַנָטָהto stretchto stretchנָטָהרָחַקto removeto removeרָחַק
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 44:18

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.

not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
לֹא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often

used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,

ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,

no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out

of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +

of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
נָס֣וֹגna.Sog it had turned back H5472 Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word çûwg means to turn back or go back, and can also imply apostasy or backsliding. In the KJV translation, it is often used to describe someone who turns away from God or their faith, as seen in various biblical passages.
Tyndale gloss
to turn
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סוּג (soog) is a Hebrew verb meaning to move away or backslide. It conveys the idea of retreating, either literally or figuratively, such as turning away from a commitment. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of turning back or being repulsed. It is related to the concept of apostasy.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[סוּג, seldom שׂוּג] vb. move away, backslide

Qal backslide, prove recreant to י׳

Niph.

refl. turn oneself away, turn back

be turned or driven back, be repulsed

Hiph.

usu. of displacing, moving back a boundary mark

remove, carry away

Hoph. and justice is driven back

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5472 [סוּג, seldom שׂוּג] move away, backslide

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5472 cuwg soog

a primitive root; properly, to flinch, i.e. (by implication)

to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to

apostatize):--backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סוּג (sug) — to turn.

1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide

1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back

1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed

Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVNp3ms — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVNp3ms
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
אָח֣וֹר'a.Chor backwards H268 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
41× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Tyndale gloss
back
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אָחוֹר (achowr) refers to the hinder side or back part of something. It can also imply a direction, meaning backward or behind, and has temporal uses, indicating a time to come or hereafter. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and encompasses various contexts, including physical and temporal references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָחוֹר 41 subst. the hinder side, back part

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H268 אָחוֹר the hinder side, back part

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

268 'achowr aw-khore'

or (shortened) achor {aw-khore'}; from 299; the hinder part;

hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the

West:--after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter,

(be-)hind(-er part), time to come, without.

see HEBREW for 0299

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָחוֹר (a.chor) — back.

1) the back side, the rear

1a) backwards

1b) hereafter (of time)

1c) behind

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
לִבֵּ֑נוּli.Be.nu heart our H3820 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
595× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the sea

elsewhere of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific reference to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

[various]

for the man himself

as seat of appetites

as seat of emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea

. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific reference to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. [various]

. for the man himself

. as seat of appetites

. as seat of emotions and passions

. seat of courage

H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3820 leb labe

a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very

widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;

likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,

consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),

(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X

heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X

themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,

wisdom.

see HEBREW for 03824

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵב (lev) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

לֵב (lev) — Leb.

§ Leb- = "heart of"

(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc/Sp1bp — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bp
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
וַתֵּ֥טva.Tet and it had turned aside H5186 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
214× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Tyndale gloss
to stretch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָטָה (natah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stretch out, spread out, or extend. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including bending, inclining, and pitching a tent. The word can also imply moral deflection or turning aside. The entries suggest various applications, from physical actions to metaphorical uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָטָה 215 vb. stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend

Qal

stretch out, extend, hand, rod

stretch line and plummet

= offer

Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

Bend, turn, incline

Niph. be stretched out

Hiph.

rarely stretch out, hand

rarely spread out cloth on rock

usu. turn, incline

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5186 נָטָה stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend .. . stretch out, extend, hand, rod

. stretch line and plummet

. = offer

. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

. Bend, turn, incline

. be stretched out

. . rarely stretch out, hand

. rarely spread out cloth on rock

. usu. turn, incline

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5186 natah naw-taw'

a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication,

to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great

variety of application (as follows):--+ afternoon, apply, bow

(down, - ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down,

be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched,

overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread

(out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away),

wrest, cause to yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.

1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer

1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)

1a3) to bend, turn, incline

1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down

1a3b) to bend, bow

1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.)

1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stretch out

1c2) to spread out

1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Hc/Vqw3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singular
Hc/Vqw3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-sid': "Distinct from others," "privately," such is the sense of the word in 2Ki 4:4; Mr 7:33. Also "to withdraw" (Lu 9:10 the King James Version; Ac 23:19: hupochoreo, also anachoreo). One is said to have turned aside when he departs from the path of rectitude (Ps 14:3; Sirach 2:7; 1Ti 1:6). In a figurative sense it is used to express the thought of putting aside, to renounce, every hindrance or impediment to a consecrated earnest Christian life (Heb 12:1: apotithemi).

not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
אֲשֻׁרֵ֗ינוּ'a.shu.Rei.nu steps our H838 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for step refers to the act of walking or going. It is used in the Bible to describe movement or progress, as seen in the story of Jacob's ladder in Genesis. This word is translated as going or step in the KJV.
Tyndale gloss
step
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֲשׁוּר (ashur) and אַשֻּׁר (ashshur) both mean 'step' or 'going.' They are derived from the same root and represent the concept of movement or progression. The entries consistently emphasize this meaning without significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אֲשׁוּר, אָשׁוּר] n.f. step, going

base

[אַשֻּׁר] n.f. step, going

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H838a אֲשׁוּר, אָשׁוּר step, going H838b אַשֻּׁר step, going

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

838 'ashur aw-shoor'

or ashshur {ash-shoor'}; from 833 in the sense of going; a

step:--going, step.

see HEBREW for 0833

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשׁוּר (a.shur) — step.

step, going

Also means: a.shur (אַשֻּׁר "step" H0838B)

אַשֻּׁר (a.shur) — step.

step, going

Another spelling of a.shur (אֲשׁוּר "step" H0838A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc/Sp1bp — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp1bp
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
מִנִּ֥יmi.Ni from H4480 Preposition
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR — Preposition
HR
not it had turned back backwards heart our and it had turned aside steps our from path your
אָרְחֶֽךָ׃'a.re.Che.kha path your H734 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
58× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Tyndale gloss
way
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֹ֫רַח (orach) means 'way' or 'path,' and can refer to both literal and figurative routes in life, including one's manner of living or character. It also denotes a traveler or wayfarer. The word is derived from a root meaning a well-trodden road, and it encompasses various aspects of life’s journey.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫רַח n.m. way, path

lit.

fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life

fig. way, of mode of living, or character

by meton. traveller, wayfarer

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H734 אֹ֫רַח way, path . lit.

. fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life

. fig. way, of mode of living, or character

. by meton. traveller, wayfarer

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

734 'orach o'-rakh

from 732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively);

also a caravan:--manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop,

(by-, high-)way.

see HEBREW for 0732

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫רַח (o.rach) — way.

1) way, path

1a) path, road

1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.)

1c) way of living (fig.)

1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton)

Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc/Sp2ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
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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