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Psalms 59:17 — Word Study

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WLCעֻ֭זִּי אֵלֶ֣יךָ אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה כִּֽי־ אֱלֹהִ֥ים מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י אֱלֹהֵ֥י חַסְדִּֽי׃

BSAO my strengthʻôz [my Rock, my power] forkîy are my fortressmisgâb [my high tower, my refuge] of loving devotionchêçêd [my merciful God, my kindness]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 59
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 (chas.Di) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 59:17quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses praise to God, acknowledging Him as his strength and refuge.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing God directly.
Where we areThis verse concludes a section of praise and trust in God's protection.
The hard wordעֻ֭זִּי
Take awayThe psalmist's declaration of God's strength and loving devotion.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהוּא 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 59:17

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 Psalm of Trust and Praisegenerated

14They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
15They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
16But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
17To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

Psalm 59:17 is a declaration of trust in God, where the psalmist praises God for His strength and loving devotion. This verse highlights the relationship between the psalmist and God, emphasizing God's role as a protector and source of strength amidst adversity. The surrounding verses depict the psalmist's struggles against enemies, reinforcing the need for divine support and refuge.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 18:1I love You, O LORD, my strength.
2Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
3Psalm 59:9–10I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עֻ֭זִּי, 'U.zigenerated

The word עֻזִּי ('u.zi) is a noun meaning 'strength' or 'might,' often associated with physical power and boldness. It is derived from the root עֹז (oz), which encompasses various dimensions of strength, including social and political aspects.

In this verse, it conveys the psalmist's recognition of God as his strength, indicating reliance on divine power and support. The possessive suffix indicates a personal relationship, as the psalmist claims God as his own strength.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the meaning of the verse, with all versions reflecting the psalmist's praise for God's strength and loving devotion.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb is אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה ('a.za.Me.rah), I will sing praises, which governs the entire verse. The structure emphasizes the psalmist's action of singing to God, with a prepositional phrase indicating direction towards God and clauses detailing reasons for the praise.

The phrase אֵלֶ֣יךָ ('e.Lei.kha) indicates the direction of the psalmist's praise, while the subsequent clauses elaborate on God's attributes as strength and refuge.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew עֻזִּי is rendered as ἐγὼ (egō), which translates to 'I.' This choice shifts the focus slightly from God's strength to the psalmist's personal declaration, emphasizing the act of singing.

The translation reflects a more personal engagement with God, highlighting the psalmist's relationship with the divine.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 59:17 expresses the psalmist's praise to God, recognizing Him as his strength and fortress. The psalmist sings joyfully, acknowledging God's loving devotion and protection.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the psalmist mean by calling God 'my strength'?

The psalmist refers to God as a source of power and support, indicating reliance on God's strength in times of trouble.

Why does the psalmist sing praises?

Singing praises is an expression of joy and gratitude towards God for His protection and loving devotion.

What does 'my fortress' signify?

The term 'my fortress' signifies a place of safety and security, emphasizing God's role as a protector.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding verses?

This verse concludes a section where the psalmist contrasts his trust in God with the threats posed by enemies, reinforcing the theme of divine protection.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I experienced God's strength in my life?
  2. How can I express my gratitude to God for His protection?
  3. What does it mean for God to be my fortress in times of trouble?
  4. How can I incorporate singing praises into my daily worship?

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

Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, reflecting on God's mercy and the psalmist's expression of trust in divine protection.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 59 354–430
"My Helper, to You I will play, because Thou, O God, art my taker up" [Psalms 59:17].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 59 →
Gregory the DialogistForty Gospel Homilies, Homily 19 c. 540–604
What tongue, then, can sufficiently narrate the depths of divine mercy? What spirit does not stand amazed at the riches of such great kindness? The Psalmist considered these riches of divine kindness when he said: "My helper,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 59 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 59:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing,.... That is, to God, whom he made his strength, and put his trust in for strength, and from whom he received it; and he therefore determined to sing praise to

Read John Gill on Psalms 59 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. -Second part of the second division.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 59 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Unto thee, i.e. to thy honour; or rather, of or concerning thee, as that particle is sometimes used.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 59 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 59:17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God [is] my defence, [and] the God of my mercy.Ver. 17. O my strength] All David’ s strength was derivative; in himself he was weak as water.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 59 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 17. Unto thee, O my strength] A similar sentiment to that expressed, Psalms 59:9. But the words are very emphatic: God is my strength; God is my elevation. My God is my mercy. I have nothing good but what I have from God. And all springs from his dwelling in me. God, therefore, shall have all the glory, both now and for ever. As many persons may still think that the inscription to this Psalm is correct, the following analysis may be applied in that way; or considered as containing a general resolution of the Psalm, without referring it to any particular occasion. ANALYSIS OF THE FIFTY-NINTH PSALM The contents of this Psalm are: - I. The psalmist's prayer for deliverance, Psalms…

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 59 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14–17. The Psalmist contrasts the baffled rage of his persecutors with his own calm trust in God.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 59 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing - The source of strength to me; the real strength by which I have obtained deliverance is in thee. See the notes at Psalms 18:1. For God is my defense - See the notes at Psalms 59:9.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 59 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

17. God is my defence—A repetition of the refrain of Psa 59:9.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 59 →

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

To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

To you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.

NETBNew English Translation2006

You are my source of strength! I will sing praises to you! For God is my refuge, the God who loves me.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing praises: For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing praises: for God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

To thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Vnto thee, O my Strength, wil I sing: for God is my defence, and my mercifull God.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Unto thee, my strength, will I sing psalms; for God is my high fortress, the God of my mercy.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

O my Strength, unto Thee I sing praise, For God [is] my tower, the God of my kindness!

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

O my Strength, I sing praise to You, || For God [is] my tower, the God of my kindness!

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(59:18) Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing; for God is my defence, the God of my kindness.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

To you, my strength, I will sing praises; for God is my high tower, the God of covenant faithfulness.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

You are my strength, I sing praises to you, for you are the one who protects me—the God who shows me his trustworthy love!

BBEBible in Basic English1949

To you, O my strength, will I make my song: because God is my high tower, even the God of my mercy.

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.

clauseclausenoun phraseעֻ֭זִּmy.strengthיmyclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalאֵלֶ֣יtoךָyouverbאֲזַמֵּ֑רָהI.will.sing.praisesכִּֽי(dm)clauseclauseאֱלֹהִ֥יםGodclausenoun phrase · predicateמִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗refugeי[is].myclausenoun phrase · predicateאֱלֹהֵ֥יthe.Godnoun phraseחַסְדִּֽmy.covenant.loyaltyיmy

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 show agreement in the core message of the verse, with the Septuagint retaining seven of the eight words from the Hebrew text. The slight differences in word order do not alter the fundamental meaning.

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

עֻ֭זִּי אֵלֶ֣יךָ אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה כִּֽי־ אֱלֹהִ֥ים מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗י אֱלֹהֵ֥י חַסְדִּֽי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
עֻ֭זִּיἐγὼאֵלֶ֣יךָᾄσομαιאֲזַמֵּ֑רָהσουכִּֽי־καὶאֱלֹהִ֥יםἀγαλλιάσομαιמִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗יπρωὶחַסְדִּֽי׃ὅτι

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 59:17עֹזO strength O strength myעֹזאֶלto youto youאֶלזמרI will singI will sing praזמרכִּיforforכִּיאֱלֹהִיםGodGodאֱלֹהִיםמִשְׂגָּב[is] refuge[is] refuge myמִשְׂגָּבאֱלֹהִים[the] God o[the] God ofאֱלֹהִיםחֶ֫סֶדcovenant locovenant loyaltחֶ֫סֶדעָזַזbe strongbe strongעָזַזאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּשָׂגַבto exaltto exaltשָׂגַבחָסַדbe kindbe kindחָסַדזָמַרto pruneto pruneזָמַראַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןמַחְסֶּהrefugerefugeמַחְסֶּהגָּאוֹןprideprideגָּאוֹןפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליִרְמְיָ֫הJeremiahJeremiahיִרְמְיָ֫הכִּנּוֹרlyrelyreכִּנּוֹריָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעדַּךְcrushedcrushedדַּךְמָנוֹסrefugerefugeמָנוֹסאֱמֶתtruth: faitruth: faithfulאֱמֶתרֶ֫חֶםwombwombרֶ֫חֶם
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 59:17

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.

O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
עֻ֭זִּי'U.zi O strength my H5797 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
92× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Amplified meaning
my Rock, my power
Tyndale gloss
strength
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֹז (oz) refers to strength or might, encompassing material, physical, personal, social, and political dimensions. It can denote boldness or impudence and is associated with the might of God. The word is built from the root related to strength and power, with various applications noted in the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז n.m. strength, might

material and physical

personal, social, and political

might of י׳

= boldness, impudence

= stronghold

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5797 עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז strength, might . material and physical

. personal, social, and political

. might of י׳

. = boldness, impudence

. = stronghold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5797 `oz oze

or (fully) rowz {oze}; from 5810; strength in various

applications (force, security, majesty, praise):--boldness,

loud, might, power, strength, strong.

see HEBREW for 05810

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֹז (oz) — strength.

1) might, strength

1a) material or physical

1b) personal or social or political

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
אֵלֶ֣יךָ'e.Lei.kha to you H413 Preposition · suffix
5,518× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Tyndale gloss
to(wards)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),

prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place

Where the limit is actually entered, into

Of direction towards anything

Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

Of rule or standard according to (rare)

Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place

. Where the limit is actually entered, into

. Of direction towards anything

. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against

. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to

. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of

. Of rule or standard according to (rare)

. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion

. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

413 'el ale

(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});

a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but

occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or

among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,

against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,

by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,

over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,

with(-in).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶל (el) — to(wards).

1) to, toward, unto (of motion)

2) into (limit is actually entered)

2a) in among

3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)

4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)

5) in addition to, to

6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of

7) according to (rule or standard)

8) at, by, against (of one's presence)

9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp2ms
O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה'a.za.Me.rah I will sing praises H2167 Verb · Piel · infinitive construct first person common singular
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Tyndale gloss
to sing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָמַר (zamar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sing or make music, particularly in praise of God. It is derived from a root that suggests touching the strings of a musical instrument. The word covers actions like singing, playing instruments, and celebrating through music. The Piel form specifically emphasizes making music in worship.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[זמר] vb. only Pi. make music in praise of God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2167 זמר only Pi. make music in praise of God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2167 zamar zaw-mar'

a primitive root (perhaps ident. with 2168 through the idea

of striking with the fingers); properly, to touch the strings

or parts of a musical instrument, i.e. play upon it; to make

music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song

and music:--give praise, sing forth praises, psalms.

see HEBREW for 02168

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָמַר (za.mar) — to sing.

1) to sing, sing praise, make music

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to make music, sing

1a2) to play a musical instrument

Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpc1cs — Verb · Piel · infinitive construct first person common singular
HVpc1cs
O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
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'.
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
O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
אֱלֹהִ֥ים'E.lo.Him God H430 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically

used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X

exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.

Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

god ('Elohim, 'El, [`Elyon], Shadday, Yahweh; Theos):

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE GENERAL IDEA

1. The Idea in Experience and in Thought

2. Definition of the Idea

3. The Knowledge of God

4. Ethnic Ideas of God

(1) Animism

(2) Fetishism

(3) Idolatry

(4) Polytheism

(5) Henotheism

(6) Pantheism

(7) Deism

(8) Semitic Monolatry

(9) Monotheism

II. THE IDEA OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. The Course of Its Development

2. Forms of Its Manifestation

(1) The Face or Countenance of God

(2) The Voice and Word of God

(3) The Glory of God

(4) The Angel of God

(5) The Spirit of God

(6) The Name of God

(7) Occasional Forms

3. The Names of God

(1) Generic

(2) Attributive

(3) Yahweh

4. Pre-prophetic Conceptions of God

(1) Yahweh Alone Is the God of Israel

(a) His Early Worship

(b) Popular Religion

(c) Polytheistic Tendencies

(i) Coordination

(ii) Assimilation

(iii) Disintegration

(d) No Hebrew Goddesses

(e) Human Sacrifices

Easton's Bible Dictionary

God

(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew ’El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of ’Eloah_, plural _’Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by “LORD,” printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding (Ps. 14:1).

The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:

(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(good). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures two chief names are used for the one true divine Being--ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH, translated Lord . Elohim is the plural of Eloah (in Arabic Allah); it is often used in the short form EL (a word signifying strength , as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which God was specially known to the patriarchs. (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; Exodus 6:3) The etymology is uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that of strength, power of effect , and that it properly describes God in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer and supreme governor of the world. The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

This name, the derivation of which is uncertain, we give to that eternal, infinite, perfect, and incomprehensible Being, the Creator of all things, who preserves and governs all by his almighty power and wisdom, and is the only proper object of worship. The proper Hebrew name for God is JEHOVAH, which signifies He is. But the Jews, from a feeling of reverence, avoid pronouncing this name, substituting for it, wherever it occurs in the sacred test, the word ADONAI, Lord; except in the expression, ADONAI JEHOVAH, Lord Jehovah, for which they put, ADONAI ELOHIM, Lord God. This usage, which is not without an element of superstition, is very ancient, dating its origin some centuries before Christ; but there is no good ground for assuming its existence in the days of the inspired Old Testament writers. The proper word for God is ELOHIM, which is plural in its form, being thus used to signify…

O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
מִ֝שְׂגַּבִּ֗יmis.ga.Bi [is] refuge my H4869 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
17× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Misgab refers to a high place or tower that provides defense and refuge, like a fortress. It is also the name of a place in Moab, mentioned in Jeremiah 48:1. The KJV translates it as Misgab.
Amplified meaning
my high tower, my refuge
Tyndale gloss
high refuge
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִשְׂגָּב (misgab) refers to a secure height or retreat, often understood as a refuge or stronghold. It can denote a lofty or inaccessible place, and is specifically mentioned as a location in Moab in Jeremiah 48:1. The term emphasizes both physical elevation and the concept of safety.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִשְׂגָּב n.[m.] secure height, retreat

base

מִשְׂגָּב perh. n.pr.loc. in Moab;—Je 48:1

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4869a מִשְׂגָּב secure height, retreat H4869b מִשְׂגָּב in Moab

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4869 misgab mis-gawb'

from 7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible

place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:--

defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in

Moab:--Misgab.

see HEBREW for 07682

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִשְׂגָּב (mis.gav) — high refuge.

1) high place, refuge, secure height, retreat

1a) stronghold

1b) refuge (of God)

מִשְׂגָּב (mis.gav) — Misgab.

Word sometimes translated as a name, only mentioned at Jer.48.1

§ Misgab = "height"

a place in Moab

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
אֱלֹהֵ֥י'e.lo.Hei [the] God of H430 Noun common · masculine plural construct
2,603× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Tyndale gloss
God
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.

pl. in number.

rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

angels

gods

pl. intensive

god or goddess

godlike one

works of God, or things belongng to him

God

הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

אֱלֹהִים = God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power

. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels

. angels

. gods

. pl. intensive . god or goddess

. godlike one

. works of God, or things belongng to him

. God

. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God

. אֱלֹהִים = God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

430 'elohiym el-o-heem'

plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically

used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the

supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to

magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X

exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X

mighty.

see HEBREW for 0433

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.

This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.

Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)

אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.

Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmpc — Noun common · masculine plural construct
HNcmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

O strength my to you I will sing praises for God [is] refuge my [the] God of covenant loyalty my
חַסְדִּֽי׃chas.Di covenant loyalty my H2617 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Amplified meaning
my merciful God, my kindness
Tyndale gloss
kindness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness

of man:

kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits

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

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

lovely appearance

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

base

חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

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

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

. lovely appearance

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

H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2617 checed kheh'-sed

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

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

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

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

see HEBREW for 02616

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.

goodness, kindness, faithfulness

חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.

a reproach, shame

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
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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