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Psalms 61:5 — Word Study

Depth

WLCכִּֽי־ אַתָּ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים שָׁמַ֣עְתָּ לִנְדָרָ֑י נָתַ֥תָּ יְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗ת יִרְאֵ֥י שְׁמֶֽךָ׃

BSAto sojourngûwr tentʼôhel foreverʻôwlâm to seek refugechâçâh secrecyçêther wingkânâph Selahçelâh

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 61
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 5 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 (she.Me.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 61:5quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses gratitude to God for hearing his vows and granting him a blessed inheritance.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing God directly.
Where we areThis verse is part of a prayerful reflection on God's faithfulness and provision.
The hard wordיְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗ת
Take awayGod listens to the prayers of His people and provides for those who honor Him.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectבְּ 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 61:5

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 Prayer for Helpgenerated

4Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah
5For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.
6Increase the days of the king’s life; may his years span many generations.
7May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.

Psalm 61:5 reflects the psalmist's assurance that God hears his commitments and has blessed him with an inheritance meant for those who revere His name. This verse emphasizes the relationship between divine listening and the fulfillment of promises, as the psalmist acknowledges God's response to his vows while expressing confidence in God's provision for the faithful.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 56:12Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
2Psalm 65:1Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled.
3Psalm 66:19But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.
4Psalm 16:5–6The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.
5Psalm 115:13He will bless those who fear the LORD— small and great alike.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗ת, ye.ru.Shatgenerated

The word יְרֻשָּׁה (yrushah) means 'inheritance' or 'possession', indicating something that is passed down or granted to someone. It is derived from a root associated with conquest and encompasses meanings related to heritage and ownership.

In this verse, it signifies the special blessings and heritage that God reserves for those who fear Him, highlighting the connection between reverence for God and the receipt of His promises.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree that the psalmist acknowledges God's response to his vows and the granting of an inheritance to those who fear His name.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb שָׁמַ֣עְתָּ (shaMa'ta), 'you have listened,' governs the verse, with two phrases following it: one describing the object of listening (my vows) and the other indicating the action of giving (you have given). This structure emphasizes God's active role in responding to the psalmist's requests.

The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on God's attentive listening and the subsequent act of giving, highlighting the relationship between the two actions.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יְרֻשָּׁה as πτερύγων, which can imply a broader sense of protection or shelter, suggesting that the inheritance is not just a possession but also a safe haven.

This choice reflects a nuanced understanding of the blessings associated with fearing God's name, emphasizing both the material and spiritual dimensions of inheritance.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 61:5 shows the psalmist thanking God for listening to his promises and granting him a special inheritance meant for those who respect His name. This verse highlights the connection between God’s attentiveness to our prayers and His blessings in our lives.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to fear God's name?

Fearing God's name involves reverence and respect for His character and authority, acknowledging His power and holiness.

How does God respond to our vows?

God listens to our vows and commitments, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises to those who honor Him.

What is the significance of inheritance in this verse?

Inheritance in this context signifies the blessings and heritage that God grants to those who fear Him, highlighting the spiritual rewards of faithfulness.

Why does the psalmist emphasize God's listening?

The psalmist emphasizes God's listening to illustrate the personal relationship between God and His people, where God is attentive to their needs and prayers.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I experienced God's faithfulness in response to my prayers?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's name in my daily life?
  3. What commitments can I make to God that reflect my trust in His provision?
  4. How does understanding my inheritance in Christ influence my relationship with God?

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

Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, referenced this verse to discuss God's attentiveness to prayer and the significance of vows in the believer's life.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 61 354–430
"For Thou, O God, hast hearkened to my prayer" [Psalms 61:5]. What prayer? That wherewith he begins: "Hearken, O God,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 61 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 61:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows,.... Or "my prayers", as the Septuagint and other versions.

Read John Gill on Psalms 61 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name. -Ground of his confidence-namely, the prophetic Word of God (2 Samuel 7:1-29), which guarantees to him eternal dominion. Verse 5.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 61 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

My vows; my fervent prayers, attended with many vows and promises, as was usual, especially in cases of great danger or difficulty, ,31. Thou hast allotted me my portion with and amongst them that fear and worship thee, who are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight; and upon that account I must acknowledge it to thy praise, that the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage, ,6. Thou hast granted me this singular mercy, to live in God’ s land, and to enjoy his presence and favour, and to worship in his tabernacle; which is the heritage that I and all that fear thee prize and desire above all things in the world.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 61 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 61:5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given [me] the heritage of those that fear thy name.Ver. 5. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows] i.e. My prayers, which had vows of thankfulness annexed unto them. Hinc Graeci precationem dicunt προσευχην. Thou hast given me the heritage] Even the sure mercies of David, grace and glory; and inheritance in the world to come, as the Chaldee hath it; besides what we have here.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 61 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Heritage.—As the Authorised Version runs, the heritage is length of days, one promised generally to those who fear Jehovah (Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 19:23), and particularly to Israel (Deuteronomy 6:2) and its kings (Deuteronomy 17:19-20, which passage may have been in the psalmist’s mind). But the LXX. and Vulg. read, “to them that fear thy name,” meaning, of course, by the heritage, Canaan.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 61 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 5. Hast heard my vows] Often have I purposed to be wholly thine, -to serve thee alone, - to give up my whole life to thy service: and thou hast heard me, and taken me at my word; and given me that heritage, the privilege of enjoying thee in thy ordinances, which is the lot of them that fear thy name. The Psalm seems to have been composed either after the captivity, or at the time that Cyrus published his decree in their favour, as has been remarked before.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 61 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

5–8. Such prayers David can offer in confidence, for his prayers have already been partially answered. He can look forward in faith to the fulfilment of the promises God has made to His king, and he will spend the rest of his life in grateful thanksgiving.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 61 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows - That is, my prayers accompanied with solemn pledges or promises that I will devote myself to thy service.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 61 →

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

For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For you, God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance reserved for those who fear Your name.

NETBNew English Translation2006

For you, O God, hear my vows; you grant me the reward that belongs to your loyal followers.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

RVARevised Version, American1894

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

For thou, O God, hast heard my desires: thou hast giuen an heritage vnto those that feare thy Name.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows; thou hast given [me] the inheritance of those that fear thy name.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

For Thou, O God, hast hearkened to my vows, Thou hast appointed the inheritance Of those fearing Thy name.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

For You, O God, have listened to my vows, || You have appointed the inheritance || Of those fearing Your Name.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(61:6) For thou, O God, hast truly listened to my vows: thou hast given back the heritage of those that fear thy name.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

For you, God, have heard my vows, you have given me the inheritance of those who honor your name.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

For you, God, have heard the promises I've made. You have given all those who love your character your special blessing.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

For you, O God, have made answer to my prayers; you have given me the heritage of those who give honour to your name.

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)clauseclauseאֱ֭לֹהִיםO.Godclausesubjectאַתָּ֣הyouverbשָׁמַ֣עְתָּyou.have.listenedprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִtonoun phraseנְדָרָ֑vowsיmyclauseverbנָתַ֥תָּyou.have.givennoun phrase · objectיְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗תthe.possessionnoun phraseיִרְאֵ֥יof.[those].fearingnoun phraseשְׁמֶֽnameךָ(of).your

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for Psalm 61:5, with the Septuagint providing a different word order but maintaining the same essential meaning.

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

כִּֽי־ אַתָּ֣ה אֱ֭לֹהִים שָׁמַ֣עְתָּ לִנְדָרָ֑י נָתַ֥תָּ יְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗ת יִרְאֵ֥י שְׁמֶֽךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־παροικήσωאַתָּ֣הἐνשָׁמַ֣עְתָּσουלִנְדָרָ֑יἐνנָתַ֥תָּσκέπῃיְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗תπτερύγωνיִרְאֵ֥יσουשְׁמֶֽךָ׃διάψαλμα

8 of the 9 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 61:5כִּיforforכִּיאַתָּ֫הyouyouאַתָּ֫האֱלֹהִיםO GodO Godאֱלֹהִיםשָׁמַעyou have liyou have listenשָׁמַענֶ֫דֶרto vows myto vows myנֶ֫דֶרנָתַןyou have giyou have givenנָתַןיְרֻשָּׁה[the] posse[the] possessioיְרֻשָּׁהיָרֵא[those] fea[those] fearingיָרֵאשֵׁםname yourname yourשֵׁםנָדַרto vowto vowנָדַריָרֵאto fearto fearיָרֵאשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּיָרַשׁto possessto possess: posיָרַשׁיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןקוֹלvoice: souvoice: soundקוֹלקָשַׁבto listento listenקָשַׁבאִסָּרinjunctioninjunctionאִסָּרנַחֲלָהinheritancinheritanceנַחֲלָהזֶ֫רַעseedseedזֶ֫רַעלוֹטLotLotלוֹטבִּנְיָמִין(Gate of) (Gate of) BenjaבִּנְיָמִיןתָּםcompletecompleteתָּםיָשָׁרJasharJasharיָשָׁרקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָא
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 61:5

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 you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
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
HTc — 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 you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
אַתָּ֣ה'a.Tah you H859 Pronoun
1,094× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Tyndale gloss
you(m.s.)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַתָּ֫ה (attah) is a second-person pronoun in Hebrew, used to address someone directly. It has masculine and feminine forms: אַתָּה for singular masculine, אַתְּ for singular feminine, אַתֶּם for plural masculine, and אַתֵּן for plural feminine. The entries indicate variations in form and usage, reflecting the pronoun's grammatical complexity.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou

base

אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.)

base

אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.)

base

אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.)

base

אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H859a אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה pron. 2 s. m. thou H859b אתי, i.e. אתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (fem.) H859c אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pron. 2 s. f. thou (fem.) H859d אַתֶּם pron. 2 m. pl. you (masc.) H859e אַתֵּן pron. 2 f. pl. you (fem.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

859 'attah at-taw'

or (shortened); aatta {at-taw'}; or wath {ath}; feminine

(irregular) sometimes nattiy {at-tee'}; plural masculine attem

{at- tem'}; feminine atten {at-ten'}; or oattenah

{at-tay'naw}; or fattennah {at-tane'-naw}; a primitive pronoun

of the second person; thou and thee, or (plural) ye and

you:--thee, thou, ye, you.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַתָּ֫ה (at.tah) — you(m.s.).

you (second pers. sing. masc.)

אתִּי (ti) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתְּ (at.te) — you(f.s.).

you (second pers. sing. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

אַתֶּם (at.tem) — you(m.p.).

you (second pers. pl. masc.)

Aramaic equivalent: an.tun (אַנְתּוּן "you" H0608)

אַתֵּן (at.ten) — you(f.p.).

you (second pers. pl. fem.)

A grammatical form of at.tah (אַתָּ֫ה "you(m.s.)" H0859A)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp2ms — Pronoun
HPp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
אֱ֭לֹהִים'E.lo.Him O 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…

for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
שָׁמַ֣עְתָּsha.Ma'.ta you have listened H8085 Verb · Qal · perfect second person masculine singular
1,160× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Tyndale gloss
to hear: hear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear

Qal 1052

subj. pers. hum.

י׳ (God) subj.

Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound

be heard of

be regarded, obeyed

= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.

Pi. he caused the people to hear

Hiph. 63

of man

י׳ subj.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8085 שָׁמַע hear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8085 shama` shaw-mah'

a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with

implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to

tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X

carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,

declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make

to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)

obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,

regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,

understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.

: hear

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon

1d4) to cause to be heard

n m

2) sound

שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.

: obey

v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp2ms — Verb · Qal · perfect second person masculine singular
HVqp2ms
for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
לִנְדָרָ֑יlin.da.Rai to vows my H5088 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
60× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.
Tyndale gloss
vow
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נֶ֫דֶר (neder) means 'vow' and refers to a promise made to God. It can also denote a specific thing that has been promised. The word is derived from a root associated with making a promise, and it appears in contexts involving commitments or votive offerings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫דֶר, נֵ֫דֶר n.m. vow

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5088 נֶ֫דֶר, נֵ֫דֶר vow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5088 neder neh'-der

or neder {nay'-der}; from 5087; a promise (to God); also

(concretely) a thing promised:--vow((-ed)).

see HEBREW for 05087

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫דֶר (ne.der) — vow.

vow, votive offering

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmpc/Sp1bs — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HR/Ncmpc/Sp1bs
for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
נָתַ֥תָּna.Ta.ta you have given H5414 Verb · Qal · perfect second person masculine singular
2,011× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Tyndale gloss
to give: give
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set

Qal 1917

give

Put, set

Make, constitute

Niph.

82be given

Be put, set

Hoph.

be given, bestowed

= be given to one for wife

be put upon

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give

. Put, set

. Make, constitute

. . be given

. Be put, set

. . . be given, bestowed

. = be given to one for wife

. be put upon

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5414 nathan naw-than'

a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of

application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,

assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,

hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +

cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X

without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),

grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),

(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,

occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X

pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send

(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,

strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,

turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)

God, yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.

: give/deliver/send/produce

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend

1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate

1a3) to make, constitute

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned

1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up

1c2) to be put upon

נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.

: put/set/apppoint

1) to give, put, set

1a) (Qal)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp2ms — Verb · Qal · perfect second person masculine singular
HVqp2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
יְ֝רֻשַּׁ֗תye.ru.Shat [the] possession of H3425 Noun common · feminine singular construct
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Inheritance refers to something passed down to someone, like a family heirloom or a piece of land. It describes what is given to the next generation to own and occupy.
Tyndale gloss
possession
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְרֻשָּׁה (yrushah) refers to possession or inheritance, indicating something that is occupied or a patrimony. It is derived from the root word for conquest and encompasses meanings related to heritage and ownership.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יְרֻשָּׁה n.f. (a) possession, inheritance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3425 יְרֻשָּׁה (a) possession, inheritance

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3425 yrushah yer-oosh-shaw'

from 3423; something occupied; a conquest; also a

patrimony:--heritage, inheritance, possession.

see HEBREW for 03423

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְרֻשָּׁה (ye.rush.shah) — possession.

possession, inheritance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
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…

for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
יִרְאֵ֥יyir.'Ei [those] fearing H3373
64× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes someone who is afraid or fearful, and is also used to convey a sense of reverence or respect. It's often translated as 'afraid' in the KJV. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's reactions to God or scary situations.
Tyndale gloss
afraid
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָרֵא (yare') is an adjective and verb derived from the root יָרֵא (H3372), meaning 'to fear.' It encompasses meanings such as 'afraid' and 'reverent.' The entries indicate a moral aspect to fear, suggesting a sense of reverence alongside being fearful.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [j.df.aa] Pt.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3373 יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [3372] Pt.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3373 yare' yaw-ray'

from 3372; fearing; morally, reverent:--afraid, fear (-ful).

see HEBREW for 03372

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרֵא (ya.re) — afraid.

fearing, reverent, afraid

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HAampc
HAampc
for you O God you have listened to vows my you have given [the] possession of [those] fearing name your
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃she.Me.kha name your H8034 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

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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