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Psalms 61:7 — Word Study

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WLCיֵשֵׁ֣ב ע֭וֹלָם לִפְנֵ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת מַ֣ן יִנְצְרֻֽהוּ׃

BSAdayyôwm uponʻal dayyôwm King'smelek to addyâçaph yearshâneh likekᵉmôw generationdôwr generationdôwr

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 61
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 7 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 (yin.tze.Ru.hu) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 61:7quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist prays for the king to be established in God's presence forever, protected by His steadfast love and faithfulness.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, expressing a desire for divine favor upon the king.
Where we areA prayer for the king's enduring reign, part of a larger meditation on God's faithfulness.
The hard wordיֵשֵׁ֣ב
Take awayThe king's position is secure, upheld by God's covenant love and truth.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbיוֹם 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 61:7

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 the Kinggenerated

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.
8Then I will ever sing praise to Your name and fulfill my vows day by day.

Psalms 61:7 is part of a prayer that emphasizes the psalmist's hope for the king's eternal presence before God. The preceding verses express gratitude for God's past actions and a request for continued blessings, highlighting the relationship between divine favor and the king's reign. This prayer reflects a deep trust in God's promises, similar to the themes found in Psalm 41:12 and Isaiah 9:6-7.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 41:12In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.
2Isaiah 9:6–7For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
3Luke 1:33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”
4Hebrews 7:21–25but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”
5Hebrews 9:24For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יֵשֵׁ֣ב, ye.Shevgenerated

The verb יֵשֵׁב (ye.Shev) is a Qal imperfect form, meaning 'may he sit' or 'may he dwell'. It conveys the idea of residing in a place, often with the implication of authority or permanence, as in the context of a king sitting on a throne.

This verb is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible to describe both physical sitting and the metaphorical sense of occupying a position of power or significance, especially in relation to God's presence.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree here, all rendering יֵשֵׁ֣ב as 'may he sit' or similar.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יֵשֵׁ֣ב governs the main clause, which is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating location and a noun phrase that identifies the subject of the prayer. The structure emphasizes the king's position before God.

The phrase ע֭וֹלָם functions adverbially, modifying the verb to express the duration of the king's sitting, while the subsequent clauses detail the actions of appointing God's loving devotion and faithfulness.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יֵשֵׁ֣ב with ἡμέρας (days), indicating a focus on the duration of the king's reign, which aligns with the theme of eternal presence.

This choice reflects a broader interpretation, emphasizing the continuity of the king's rule in God's sight.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 61:7 is a prayer asking for the king to be established in God's presence forever, with God's loving kindness and faithfulness serving as protection. The psalmist expresses confidence in God's enduring support, reflecting themes of divine loyalty and care.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean for the king to sit in God's presence?

It signifies a position of authority and favor, indicating that the king is under God's protection and guidance.

How does God's loving devotion relate to His faithfulness?

God's loving devotion refers to His kindness and mercy, while His faithfulness emphasizes His reliability and truth, both of which are essential for the king's protection.

Why is the concept of eternity significant in this prayer?

Eternity underscores the permanence of God's presence and support, suggesting that the king's reign is not just for a time but is established forever.

How does this verse connect to other scriptures?

This verse connects to themes in other scriptures that emphasize God's covenant loyalty and the importance of His faithfulness to His people, as seen in Psalm 41:12 and Isaiah 9:6-7.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does it mean to me that God’s presence is eternal?
  2. How can I reflect God’s loving devotion and faithfulness in my life?
  3. In what ways do I seek God's guidance in my decisions?
  4. How can I support others in recognizing God's presence and protection in their lives?

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

Early commentary on this verse highlights its significance in understanding God's eternal presence and support for the king, as noted by Augustine of Hippo.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 61 354–430
"He shall abide for everlasting in the sight of God" [Psalms 61:7];
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 61 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 61:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

He shall abide before God for ever,.... Or "sit" (b); or "may he sit".

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

He shall abide, or sit, to wit, in the throne, . Before God; living and ruling as in God’ s presence, and serving God with his royal power, and worshipping him in his tabernacle. Prepare, or order, or appoint, as this word signifies, 4:6. Mercy and truth; either, 1. The graces of mercy or compassion, and truth or faithfulness; which are the great supporters of thrones, 29:14. Or rather, 2. Thy mercy and truth, i.e. the effects of them; thy truth in giving me those mercies which thou hast promised to me, and thy mercy in giving me such further blessings as I need and thou seest fit to give me.

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

Psalms 61:7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, [which] may preserve him.Ver. 7. He shall abide before God for ever] Or, He shall sit, viz. upon the throne, a long while in his person; but for ever in his Son Christ, Luke 1:32-33 : and this affordeth sweet and singular comfort to the whole Church and each member thereof; forasmuch as the dignity of a king cannot stand unless his subjects be in safety. O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him] Hos duos custodes adhibe quibus unis innitatur, let these two (thy mercy and thy truth) be the supporters of his throne, let them be of his lifeguard, let them be his due and prepared portion, as the Hebrew word Man…

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

(7) He shall abide.—Better, may he sit enthroned.Prepare.—Rather, appoint. But the LXX. had a different reading, and an ingenious emendation has been suggested from a comparison with Psalms 40:11, viz., “let mercy and truth continually preserve him.”

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

Verse 7. He shall abide before God for ever] Literally, "He shall sit for ever before the faces of God." He shall ever appear in the presence of God for us. And he ever sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high; for he undertook this office after having, by his sacrificial offering, made atonement for our sins. Prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.] As Mediator, his attendants will ever be mercy and truth. He will dispense the mercy of God, and thus fulfil the truth of the various promises and predictions which had preceded his incarnation. There is an obscurity in this clause, חסד ואמת מן ינצרהו chesed veemeth man yintseruhu, owing to the particle מן man, which some…

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

7. He shall abide before God for ever] Rather, He shall sit enthroned before God for ever, an allusion to the promise of eternal dominion to the house of David, ‘in the presence of God,’ enjoying His favour and protection. See 2 Samuel 7:16 (read with LXX before me), 26, 29; Psalms 21:6; Psalms 89:36 b: and for the pregnant sense of ‘sit’ cp. Psalms 9:7. O prepare &c.] Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may guard him. Cp. Psalms 40:11; 2 Samuel 15:20; Psalms 42:8; Psalms 89:14. God’s covenant love and faithfulness to His promise are like guardian angels to the king; and the reflection of these attributes of God in his own character and administration will be the safeguard of his…

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

He shall abide before God for ever - That is, perpetually; without danger of change, or of being driven into exile.

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

May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

He shall be enthroned in God’s presence forever. Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.

NETBNew English Translation2006

May he reign forever before God! Decree that your loyal love and faithfulness should protect him.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

He shall abide before God for ever: Oh prepare lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

RVARevised Version, American1894

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Hee shall dwell before God for euer: prepare mercie and faithfulnes that they may preserue him.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

He shall abide before God for ever: bestow loving-kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

He dwelleth to the age before God, Kindness and truth appoint — they keep him.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

He dwells before God for all time, || Appoint kindness and truth—they keep him.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(61:8) May he abide for ever before God: ordain that kindness and truth may guard him.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

He will remain before God forever.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

For he is my God and my saviour: he is my helper, I shall not be moved.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

May he always live in your presence; may your trustworthy love and faithfulness protect him.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

May the seat of his authority be before God for ever; may mercy and righteousness keep him safe.

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.

clauseverbיֵשֵׁ֣בmay.he.sitadverbialע֭וֹלָםforeverprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִbeforenoun phraseפְנֵ֣יpresenceאֱלֹהִ֑יםGodclausenoun phrase · objectחֶ֥סֶדcovenant.loyaltyוֶ֝andאֱמֶ֗תfaithfulnessverbמַ֣ןappointclauseverbיִנְצְרֻֽtheyobjectהוּwill.preserve.him

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


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

Both the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of Psalms 61:7, with no significant variations noted. The Septuagint's translation aligns closely with the Hebrew text, maintaining the same essential meaning.

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

יֵשֵׁ֣ב ע֭וֹלָם לִפְנֵ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת מַ֣ן יִנְצְרֻֽהוּ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יֵשֵׁ֣בἡμέραςע֭וֹלָםἐφ’לִפְנֵ֣יβασιλέωςאֱלֹהִ֑יםπροσθήσειςחֶ֥סֶדἔτηוֶ֝אֱמֶ֗תαὐτοῦמַ֣ןγενεᾶςיִנְצְרֻֽהוּ׃γενεᾶς

8 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 61:7יָשַׁבmay he sitmay he sitיָשַׁבעוֹלָםforeverforeverעוֹלָםפָּנֶהbeforebeforeפָּנֶהאֱלֹהִיםGodGodאֱלֹהִיםחֶ֫סֶדcovenant locovenant loyaltחֶ֫סֶדאֱמֶתand faithfuand faithfulnesאֱמֶתמָנָהappointappointמָנָהנָצַרthey will pthey will preseנָצַרעָלַםto concealto concealעָלַםפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהחָסַדbe kindbe kindחָסַדאָמַןbe faithfube faithfulאָמַןאֱלֹהַּgodgodאֱלֹהַּאֱמֶתtruth: faitruth: faithfulאֱמֶתבֶּ֫טַחsecuritysecurityבֶּ֫טַחכְּנַעֲנִיCanaanitesCanaanitessכְּנַעֲנִיעַדperpetuityperpetuityעַדדּוֹרgenerationgenerationדּוֹרסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵראֲרוֹןarkarkאֲרוֹןרֶ֫חֶםwombwombרֶ֫חֶםחֶ֫סֶדkindnesskindnessחֶ֫סֶדשָׁלוֹםPeacePeaceשָׁלוֹםרֹבabundanceabundanceרֹב
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 61:7

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.

may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
יֵשֵׁ֣בye.Shev may he sit H3427 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
1,079× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Tyndale gloss
to dwell
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָשַׁב (yashab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sit, remain, or dwell. It encompasses a range of actions from simply sitting down to more complex ideas like establishing a home or causing a place to be inhabited. The entries indicate various forms, including Qal (to sit), Niphal (to be inhabited), and Hiphil (to cause to dwell). There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְתִב (ye.tiv), meaning 'to dwell'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָשַׁב 1090 vb. sit, remain, dwell

Qal

sit

sit, sit down

sit down

sit = be set (as a jewel)

remain, stay, tarry

with special emphasis of qualifying phr.

dwell, have one’s abode

of a land or city, sit, abide, seated in its place, fig. for be inhabited

Niph. be inhabited, of land

Pi. and they shall set their encampments in thee

Hiph.

cause to sit

cause to abide

cause to dwell

cause cities to be inhabited

marry (prop. give a dwelling to)

Hoph. and ye be made to dwell alone in the midst of the land

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3427 יָשַׁב sit, remain, dwell

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3427 yashab yaw-shab'

a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as

judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to

remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to)

abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease

self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to)

inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing),

(bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle),

(down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate),

take, tarry.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָשַׁב (ya.shav) — to dwell.

1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to sit, sit down

1a2) to be set

1a3) to remain, stay

1a4) to dwell, have one's abode

1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited

1c) (Piel) to set, place

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to sit

1d2) to cause to abide, set

1d3) to cause to dwell

1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited

1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to)

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be inhabited

1e2) to make to dwell

Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
ע֭וֹלָםo.lom forever H5769 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
438× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Tyndale gloss
forever: antiquity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עוֹלָם (owlam) refers to concepts of long duration, antiquity, and futurity, encompassing meanings like eternity and perpetual existence. It is derived from a root meaning 'concealed' or 'the vanishing point.' The term is used to describe both ancient times and an indefinite future, indicating continuity and everlastingness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עוֹלָם 439 n.m. long duration, antiquity, futurity

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5769 עוֹלָם long duration, antiquity, futurity

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5769 `owlam o-lawm'

or lolam {o-lawm'}; from 5956; properly, concealed, i.e. the

vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future),

i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

(especially with prepositional prefix) always:--alway(-s),

ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for,

(n-))ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of)

old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world

(+ without end). Compare 5331, 5703.

see HEBREW for 05956

see HEBREW for 05331

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: enduring.

: enduring/eternal

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — Everlasting.

This name means long duration, everlasting, perpetual

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

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: any time.

: any_time

1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world

1a) ancient time, long time (of past)

1b) (of future)

1b1) for ever, always

1b2) continuous existence, perpetual

1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity

עוֹלָם (o.lam) — forever: antiquity.

: old/ancient

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
לִפְנֵ֣יlif.Nei before H6440 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmpc — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HR/Ncmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
אֱלֹהִ֑ים'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…

may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
חֶ֥סֶדChe.sed covenant loyalty H2617 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
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.
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
HNcmsa — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ Enforced Ezr 10:8; Pr 17:11

→ Disloyalty 2Pe 2:10

→ See PATRIOTISM

→ INSTANCES OF

may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗תve.'e.Met and faithfulness H571 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Tyndale gloss
truth: faithful
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֶת (emeth) encompasses concepts of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. It signifies reliability and stability, often in the context of ethical or religious knowledge. The word can also function as an adverb meaning 'in truth' or 'truly.' There is a consistent emphasis on its meanings related to certainty and trustworthiness across the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness

reliability, sureness

stability, continuance

faithfulness, reliableness

truth

adv. in truth, truly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness

. stability, continuance

. faithfulness, reliableness

. truth

. adv. in truth, truly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

571 'emeth eh'-meth

contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty,

truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment,

faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.

see HEBREW for 0539

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: faithful.

: faithful

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: true.

: true

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: certain.

: certain/fixed

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HC/Ncfsa — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absolute
HC/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

An infinite attribute of Jehovah; adapted to make perfect both the confidence of those who believe his word and rely on his promises, and the despair of those who doubt his word and defy his threatenings, De 28:26 Nu 23:19 Ps 89:33-34 Heb 10:23.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ EXHORTATION TO Ps 12:1; 31:23; Pr 20:6; 28:20; Mt 10:22; 24:45-47; 25:14-23; Lu 12:42-44; 16:10-12; 19:12-27; 1Co 4:2; Re 2:10

See OBEDIENCE, EXHORTATION TO

See PERSEVERANCE

See MINISTERS, FAITHFUL

See REPROOF, FAITHFULNESS IN

→ INSTANCES OF

Abraham Ga 3:9

Moses Heb 3:5

David 2Sa 22:22-25

Elijah 1Ki 19:10,14

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- A characteristic of saints

Eph 1:1; Col 1:2; 1Ti 6:2; Re 17:14

- EXHIBITED IN

. The service of God

Mt 24:45

. Declaring the word of God

Jer 23:28; 2Co 2:17; 4:2

. The care of dedicated things

2Ch 31:12

. Helping the brethren

3Jo 1:5

. Bearing witness

Pr 14:5

. Reproving others

Pr 27:6; Ps 141:5

. Situations of trust

may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
מַ֣ןman appoint H4487 Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
28× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Tyndale gloss
to count
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָנָה (manah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to count, number, or reckon. It encompasses various forms, including appointing and assigning, and can indicate both active and passive senses, such as being counted or appointed. The entries suggest a range of uses in contexts of enumeration and official designation, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָנָה vb. count, number, reckon, assign

Qal

count, number

reckon, assign, appoint

Niph.

be counted, numbered

be reckoned, assigned

Pi. appoint, ordain

Pu. appointed

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4487 מָנָה count, number, reckon, assign .. count, number

. reckon, assign, appoint

. . be counted, numbered

. be reckoned, assigned

. appoint, ordain

. appointed

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4487 manah maw-naw'

a primitive root; properly, to weigh out; by implication, to

allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or

enroll:--appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָנָה (ma.nah) — to count.

1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to count, number

1a2) reckon, assign, appoint

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be counted, be numbered

1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned

1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain

1d) (Pual) appointed (participle)

Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVpv2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
HVpv2ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a-point': This word is used for the expression of a large variety of ideas and the translation of almost as many words. naqabh = "stipulate" (Ge 30:28). paqadh = "put into office" (Ge 41:34; Nu 1:50; Es 2:3); "select" (Jer 51:27); "put in charge" (Jer 49:19; 50:44); "assign" (Nu 4:27; Jer 15:3); "send" (Le 26:16); "designate," "select" (Ex 21:13;

may he sit forever before God covenant loyalty and faithfulness appoint they will preserve him
יִנְצְרֻֽהוּ׃yin.tze.Ru.hu they will preserve him H5341 Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
63× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Tyndale gloss
to watch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָצַר (natsar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to watch, guard, or keep. It encompasses a range of actions including protecting, preserving, and observing, as well as concealing or keeping secret. The entries suggest both positive and negative connotations, such as guarding from danger or hiding something. The term can also refer to a watchman.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָצַר] vb. watch, guard, keep;—Qal

Watch, guard, keep

Guard from dangers, preserve

Guard with fidelity, keep, observe

Guard, keep secret

Keep close, blockaded

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5341 נָצַר watch, guard, keep . Watch, guard, keep

. Guard from dangers, preserve

. Guard with fidelity, keep, observe

. Guard, keep secret

. Keep close, blockaded

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5341 natsar naw-tsar'

a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect,

maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.):--

besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe,

preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָצַר (na.tsar) — to watch.

1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to watch, guard, keep

1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers

1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity

1a4) to guard, keep secret

1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded

1a6) watchman (participle)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqi3mp/Sp3ms — Verb qal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
HVqi3mp/Sp3ms
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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