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Psalms 74:20 — Word Study

Depth

WLCהַבֵּ֥ט לַבְּרִ֑ית כִּ֥י מָלְא֥וּ מַחֲשַׁכֵּי־ אֶ֝֗רֶץ נְא֣וֹת חָמָֽס׃

BSAConsidernâbaṭ [have respect unto, look attentively to] Your covenantbᵉrîyth [promise, agreement] forkîy of violencechâmâç [cruelty, injustice] fillmâlêʼ the dark placesmachshâk [hidden, secret] of the landʼerets [earth, territory]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 74
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 20 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 (cha.Mas) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 74:20quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist urges God to remember His covenant amidst the violence and darkness in the land.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing God directly.
Where we areIn a plea for divine intervention during times of trouble.
The hard wordחָמָס
Take awayThe call for God to act is rooted in His promises.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbנָבַט 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 74:20

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 Plea for God's Interventiongenerated

19Do not deliver the soul of Your dove to beasts; do not forget the lives of Your afflicted forever.
20Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21Do not let the oppressed retreat in shame; may the poor and needy praise Your name.
22Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long.

Psalm 74:20 expresses a deep concern for the state of the land, filled with violence and darkness. The psalmist calls upon God to remember His covenant, highlighting the relationship between divine promises and the current plight of the afflicted. This plea is part of a larger context where the psalmist seeks God's defense and intervention against oppression, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 89:28–34I will forever preserve My loving devotion for him, and My covenant with him will stand fast.
2Psalm 105:8He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations—
3Psalm 106:45And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.
4Genesis 17:7–8I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
5Exodus 24:6–8Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.

The Key Word הַבֵּ֥ט, ha.Betgenerated

The verb נָבַט (nabat) is an imperative form meaning 'to pay attention' or 'to look attentively.' It conveys a sense of urgency and care, asking God to regard His covenant with His people. The Hiphil stem indicates an active causative action, suggesting that the psalmist is imploring God to actively consider His promises.

This word is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to denote a careful and considerate gaze, often in the context of divine favor. The psalmist's use of this term emphasizes the need for God to acknowledge the dire situation faced by the people.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, emphasizing God's covenant and the presence of violence in the land.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb הַבֵּ֥ט (ha.Bet), meaning 'consider,' governs the entire verse, with a prepositional phrase indicating what is being considered and a clause explaining the reason for this consideration. The structure emphasizes the urgency of the plea.

The sentence is constructed with a clear cause-and-effect relationship, where the psalmist's call for attention to the covenant is directly linked to the presence of violence in the land.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates הַבֵּ֥ט as ἐπίβλεψον, which carries a similar meaning of looking attentively. This choice reflects a direct appeal for God's active involvement.

The LXX maintains the thematic elements of the Hebrew text, emphasizing the covenant and the dire circumstances faced by the people, while also providing a Greek audience with a familiar term for divine attention.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 74:20 asks God to remember His covenant because the land is filled with violence and darkness. The psalmist highlights the need for divine help in a time of trouble, emphasizing the importance of God's promises to His people.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the psalmist mean by 'Your covenant'?

The covenant refers to the promises God made to His people, which include protection and guidance, as seen in various passages throughout the Bible.

Why is the mention of violence significant?

The mention of violence highlights the dire circumstances faced by the people, underscoring the need for God's intervention and justice in a world filled with cruelty.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the psalm?

This verse is part of a larger plea for God's defense and action against oppression, reflecting the psalmist's deep concern for the state of the land and the suffering of its inhabitants.

What can we learn from this verse about God's promises?

This verse reminds us that God's promises are significant and should be called upon in times of trouble, reinforcing the relationship between divine faithfulness and human need.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I remind myself of God's promises during difficult times?
  2. How can I actively seek God's attention in my life, just as the psalmist does?
  3. What does it mean to me to live in a world filled with violence and darkness?
  4. How can I support those who are suffering in my community, reflecting God's covenant love?

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

Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, reference this verse to emphasize God's faithfulness to His promises.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 74 354–430
"Have regard unto Your Testament" [Psalms 74:20]. Fulfil that which You have promised: the tables we have, for the inheritance we are looking.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 74 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 74:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Have respect unto the covenant,.... The Targum adds, "which thou hast made with our fathers;'' meaning not the covenant of works, which being broken, no good thing was to be expected from it, not

Read John Gill on Psalms 74 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name. -The prayer (Psalms 74:1-2) resumed and expanded. Verse 18. Remember this - answering to Psalms 74:2; Psalms 74:10.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 74 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Have respect unto the covenant made with Abraham, whereby thou didst give the land of Canaan to him, and to his seed for ever; and thou didst further promise, that if thy people were carried captive into strange lands and did there humble themselves, and pray and turn unto thee, thou wouldst mercifully restore them, : do thou therefore now restore us to that pleasant and lightsome land which thou hast given to us. The dark places of the earth, i.e. this dark and dismal land in which we live, wherein there is nothing but ignorance and confusion, and all the works of darkness; of which the psalmist speaks in general terms, out of a principle of prudence, because the particular designation of…

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 74 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 74:20 Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.Ver. 20. Have respect unto the covenant] This the Church knew to be her best plea; and, therefore, she so plieth it. For the dark places of the earth are full of cruelty] That is, saith Basil, those places where men are in the darkness of ignorance, not knowing God, are full of ambition and tyranny. Others make this the sense, We can hide ourselves nowhere but the persecutors ferret us out.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 74 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20) Habitations.—The word thus rendered is so consistently used of the “quiet resting-places” of God’s people that it seems quite impossible that the psalmist should have used the expression, “resting- places of cruelty.” A slight change in the text gives, “Look upon the covenant, for they have filled (Thy) land with darkness, Thy quiet dwelling with violence” (Burgess, Notes on the Hebrew Psalms.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 74 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 20. Have respect unto the covenant] הבט לברית habbet labberith. Pay attention to the covenant sacrifice; to that offered by Abraham, Genesis 15:9, c., when the contracting parties, God and Abram, passed through between the separated parts of the covenant sacrifice. An indisputable type of Jesus Christ and of God and man meeting in his sacrificed humanity. The dark places of the earth] The caves, dens, woods, &c., of the land are full of robbers, cut-throats, and murderers, who are continually destroying thy people, so that the holy seed seems as if it would be entirely cut off and the covenant promise thus be rendered void. The words may either apply to Chaldea or Judea. Judea was at…

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 74 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

20. the covenant] With the patriarchs, Genesis 9:9 ff; Genesis 17:2 ff.; with the nation at the Exodus, Exodus 24:8; with David, Psalms 89:3; Psalms 89:39. the dark places of the earth] The heathen lands where Israel was in exile. We might also render, the dark places of the land, i.e. the caves and hiding-places where the persecuted Israelites took refuge, and where they were tracked out and butchered (1Ma 1:53; 1Ma 2:27 ff.). are full of the habitations of cruelty] R.V. violence. If the text is right, the sense seems to be ‘places where violence makes its home.’ But the expression is a strange one, and the emendation are full of insolence and violence, adopted by many commentators, which…

Read Cambridge on Psalms 74 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Have respect unto the covenant - The covenant which thou hast made with thy people, promising, on thy part, to protect them, and to be their God. Compare Deuteronomy 4:13; Deuteronomy 5:2; Deuteronomy 26:18-19.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 74 →

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

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Honor your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the earth.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Consider Your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Remember your covenant promises, for the dark regions of the earth are full of places where violence rules.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Have respect unto the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of violence.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Have respect to the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Consider thy couenant: for the darke places of the earth are full of the habitations of the cruell.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Have respect unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the dwellings of violence.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Look attentively to the covenant, For the dark places of earth, Have been full of habitations of violence.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Look attentively to the covenant, || For the dark places of earth, || Have been full of habitations of violence.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Look unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of habitations of violence.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Remember your covenant, for the dark regions of the land are full of places of violence.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Remember your promises in the agreement, because the land is full of dark places and violence.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Keep in mind your undertaking; for the dark places of the earth are full of pride and cruel acts.

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.

clauseverbהַבֵּ֥טpay.attentionprepositional phrase · prepositionalלַtonoun phrasetheבְּרִ֑יתcovenantכִּ֥י(dm)clauseverbמָלְא֥וּthey.are.fullnoun phrase · subjectמַחֲשַׁכֵּי[the].dark.placesאֶ֝֗רֶץof.[the].landnoun phrase · adverbialנְא֣וֹתsettlementsחָמָֽסof.violence

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 agree closely in their wording, with all eight words matched. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the verse's meaning across these traditions.

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

הַבֵּ֥ט לַבְּרִ֑ית כִּ֥י מָלְא֥וּ מַחֲשַׁכֵּי־ אֶ֝֗רֶץ נְא֣וֹת חָמָֽס׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
הַבֵּ֥טἐπίβλεψονלַבְּרִ֑יתδιαθήκηνכִּ֥יὅτιמָלְא֥וּἐπληρώθησανמַחֲשַׁכֵּי־ἐσκοτισμένοιאֶ֝֗רֶץγῆςנְא֣וֹתοἴκωνחָמָֽס׃ἀνομιῶν

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 74:20נָבַטpay attentipay attentionנָבַטבְּרִיתto the coveto the covenantבְּרִיתכִּיforforכִּימָלֵאthey are futhey are fullמָלֵאמַחְשָׁךְ[the] dark [the] dark placמַחְשָׁךְאֶ֫רֶץ[the] land[the] landאֶ֫רֶץנָאָהsettlementssettlements ofנָאָהחָמָסviolenceviolenceחָמָסבָּרָהto eatto eatבָּרָהחָשַׁךְto darkento darkenחָשַׁךְנָאָהbe lovelybe lovelyנָאָהחָמַסto injureto injureחָמַסעָמָלtroubletroubleעָמָלשָׁמַיheavenheavenשָׁמַיפָּרַרto breakto breakפָּרַרכָּרַתto cut: cuto cut: cutכָּרַתיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעחָמָסviolenceviolenceחָמָסעָנָןcloudcloudעָנָןעוֹלָםforever: aforever: antiquעוֹלָםמוּתto dieto dieמוּתכְּנַ֫עַןCanaanCanaanכְּנַ֫עַןמִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) E(Sea of) Egyptמִצְרַ֫יִםאָבַלto mournto mournאָבַליָבֵשׁto witherto witherיָבֵשׁשֹׁדviolenceviolenceשֹׁד
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 74:20

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.

pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
הַבֵּ֥טha.Bet pay attention H5027 Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine singular
69× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Amplified meaning
have respect unto, look attentively to
Tyndale gloss
to look
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָבַט (nabat) is a Hebrew verb meaning to look or regard. It encompasses various nuances, such as looking intently, considering, and showing favor or care. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical forms, specifically the Piel and Hiphil stems, which emphasize the act of looking or regarding. No significant disagreements among lexicons are noted.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָבַט] vb. Pi., Hiph. look

Pi. look

Hiph. look

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5027 נָבַט look

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5027 nabat naw-bat'

a primitive root; to scan, i.e. look intently at; by

implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care:--(cause

to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָבַט (na.vat) — to look.

1) to look, regard

1a) (Piel) to look

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) tolook

1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider

1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms — Verb · Hiphil · imperative second person masculine singular
HVhv2ms
pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
לַבְּרִ֑יתla.be.Rit to the covenant H1285 Preposition · noun common feminine singular absolute
284× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Amplified meaning
promise, agreement
Tyndale gloss
covenant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בְּרִית (berith) means 'covenant' and encompasses agreements between individuals, such as treaties and alliances, as well as divine covenants between God and humanity. It is derived from a root meaning 'to cut,' suggesting the seriousness of such agreements. The term appears in various contexts, including friendships, marriages, and formal ordinances.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בְּרִית 285 n.f. covenant

between men.

treaty, alliance, league

constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects

agreement, pledge

alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan

alliance of marriage

between God and man.

alliance of friendship

covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges

Phrases.

covenant making

covenant keeping

covenant violation

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1285 בְּרִית covenant . between men. . treaty, alliance, league

. constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects

. agreement, pledge

. alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan

. alliance of marriage

. between God and man. . alliance of friendship

. covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges

. Phrases. . covenant making

. covenant keeping

. covenant violation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1285 briyth ber-eeth'

from 1262 (in the sense of cutting (like 1254)); a compact

(because made by passing between pieces of

flesh):--confederacy, (con-)feder(-ate), covenant, league.

see HEBREW for 01262

see HEBREW for 01254

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בְּרִית (be.rit) — covenant.

1) covenant, alliance, pledge

1a) between men

1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man)

1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)

1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man)

1a4) alliance (of friendship)

1a5) alliance (of marriage)

1b) between God and man

1b1) alliance (of friendship)

1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges)

2) (phrases)

2a) covenant making

2b) covenant keeping

2c) covenant violation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absolute
HRd/Ncfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Covenant

A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means “to cut,” and hence a covenant is a “cutting,” with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19).

The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered “testament” generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith of the Old Testament, “covenant.”

This word is used (1) of a covenant or compact between man and man (Gen. 21:32), or between tribes or nations (1 Sam.…

The Heb. berith means primarily "a cutting," with reference to the custom of cutting or dividing animals in two and passing between the parts in ratifying a covenant. (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19) In the New Testament the corresponding word is diathece (diatheke), which is frequently translated testament in the Authorized Version. In its biblical meaning two parties the word is used-- Of a covenant between God and man; e.g. God covenanted with Noah, after the flood, that a like judgment should not be repeated. It is not precisely like a covenant between men, but was a promise or agreement by God. The principal covenants are the covenant of works --God promising to save and bless men on condition of perfect obedience --and the covenant of grace , or God’s promise to save men on condition of their believing in Christ and receiving…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The word testamentum is often used in Latin to express the Hebrew word which signifies covenant; whence the titles, Old and New Testaments, are used to denote the old and new covenants. See TESTAMENT.

A covenant is properly an agreement between two parties. Where one of the parties is infinitely superior to the other, as in a covenant between God and man, there God’s covenant assumes the nature of a promise, Isa 59:21 Jer 31:33,34 Ga 3:15-18. The first covenant with the Hebrews was made when the Lord chose Abraham and his posterity for his people; a second covenant, or a solemn renewal of the former, was made at Sinai, comprehending all who observe the law of Moses. The "new covenant" of which Christ is the Mediator and…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Sacred Jos 9:18-21; Ga 3:15

→ Binding Jos 9:18-20; Jer 34:8-21; Eze 17:14-18; Ga 3:15

→ Binding, not only on those who make them, but on those who are represented De 29:14,15

→ Blood of Ex 24:8

→ Book of Ex 24:7

→ The Mosaic law called a covenant Ex 34:28

→ See CONTRACTS

→ See VOWS

→ OF MEN WITH MEN

pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
כִּ֥יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

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

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

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

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

that if

for if

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

limiting the prec. clause, except

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

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

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

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

. Because, since

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

. for if

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

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

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

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

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
מָלְא֥וּmal.'U they are full H4390 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
249× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Tyndale gloss
to fill
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָלֵא (male') means 'to fill' or 'be full,' with applications ranging from literal filling to figurative uses like accomplishing or completing something. It appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances such as being satisfied or confirming. Notably, it can also refer to massing against someone.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָלֵא 249 vb. be full, fill

Qal 99

be full, usu. c. acc. material

trans. fill

Niph.

be filled

be accomplished, ended

Pi.

fill

special uses are:

fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day

Pu. filled

Hithp. mass themselves against me

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4390 מָלֵא be full, fill .. be full, usu. c. acc. material

. trans. fill

. . be filled

. be accomplished, ended

. . fill

. special uses are:

. fulfil, accomplish, complete, obj. week, year, day

. filled

. mass themselves against me

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4390 male' maw-lay'

or malae (Esth. 7:5) {maw-law'}; a primitive root, to fill or

(intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally

and figuratively):--accomplish, confirm, + consecrate, be at

an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, X

draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-)flow,

fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume,

replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-)full, + have

wholly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָלֵא (ma.le) — to fill.

1) to fill, be full

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be full

1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle)

1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended

1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied

1b2) to be accomplished, be ended

1c) (Piel)

1c1) to fill

1c2) to satisfy

1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete

1c4) to confirm

1d) (Pual) to be filled

1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against

Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
מַחֲשַׁכֵּי־ma.cha.sha.kei- [the] dark places of H4285 Noun common · masculine plural construct
7× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means darkness, either literal or figurative, and can refer to a physical place or a state of being. It appears in several places in the Bible, including Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 9:2, where it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.
Amplified meaning
hidden, secret
Tyndale gloss
darkness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מַחְשָׁךְ (machshak) refers to a dark place or darkness, often used poetically. It is derived from the root meaning darkness and can imply secrecy or a hiding place, including metaphorical uses like the grave. The Aramaic equivalent is חֲשׁוֹךְ (cha.shokh), also meaning darkness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַחְשָׁךְ n.m. dark place (poet.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4285 מַחְשָׁךְ dark place (poet.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4285 machshak makh-shawk'

from 2821; darkness; concretely, a dark place:--dark(-ness,

place).

see HEBREW for 02821

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַחְשָׁךְ (mach.shakh) — darkness.

1) darkness, dark place, secrecy

1a) hiding-place

1b) dark region

1c) grave

Aramaic equivalent: cha.shokh (חֲשׁוֹךְ "darkness" H2816)

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

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

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

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
אֶ֝֗רֶץ'E.retz [the] land H776 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
2,504× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Amplified meaning
earth, territory
Tyndale gloss
land: soil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land

earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

earth, opp. to heaven, sky

earth = inhabitants of earth

land =

country, territory

district, region

trial territory

piece of ground

specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

= inhabitants of land

used even of Shᵉʼôl

ground, surface of ground

soil, as productive

אֶרֶץ in phrases

people of the land

in measurements of distance

the country of the plain, level or plain country

land of the living

end(s) of the earth

pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

. earth, opp. to heaven, sky

. earth = inhabitants of earth

. land = . country, territory

. district, region

. trial territory

. piece of ground

. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

. = inhabitants of land

. used even of Shᵉʼôl

. . ground, surface of ground

. soil, as productive

. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land

. in measurements of distance

. the country of the plain, level or plain country

. land of the living

. end(s) of the earth

. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

776 'erets eh'-rets

from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth

(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,

field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.

: country/field

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

1b2) district, region

1b3) tribal territory

1b4) piece of ground

1b5) land of Canaan, Israel

1b6) inhabitants of land

1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world

1b8) city (-state)

1c) ground, surface of the earth

1c1) ground

1c2) soil

1d) (in phrases)

1d1) people of the land

1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)

1d3) level or plain country

1d4) land of the living

1d5) end(s) of the earth

1e) (almost wholly late in usage)

1e1) lands, countries

1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.

: soil

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

((1) 'erets;

(2) 'adhamah;

(3) sadheh,

"a piece of land";

(4) ge, "earth";

(5) agros, "field";

(6) chora, "region";

(7) chorion, diminutive of chora;

(8) xeros, "dry land";

(9) 'ezrach, "native" the King James Version "born in the land," "born among you," the Revised Version (British and American) "home-born" (Le 19:34; 14:16; Nu 15:30); "like a green tree in its native soil" (Ps 37:35)):

'Erets occurs hundreds of times and is used in much the same way as 'adhamah, which also occurs often: e.g. "land of Egypt," 'erets mitsrayim (Ge 13:10), and 'adhmath mitsrayim (Ge 47:20). The other words occur less often, and are used in the…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Appeared on the third creative day Ge 1:9

→ Original title to, from God Ge 13:14-17; 15:7; Ex 23:31; Le 25:23

→ Bought and sold Ge 23:3-18; 33:19; Ac 4:34; 5:1-8

→ Sale and redemption of, laws concerning Le 25:15,16,23-33; 27:17-24; Nu 36:4; Jer 32:7-16,25,44; Eze 46:18

pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
נְא֣וֹתne.'ot settlements of H4999 Noun common · feminine plural construct
12× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a home or pasture, a place where someone or something can rest. It is used to describe a pleasant or peaceful place, like a meadow. The KJV translates it as 'habitation' or 'pasture'.
Tyndale gloss
habitation
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָאָה (na'ah) refers to a pasture or meadow, indicating a pleasant place or habitation. It is derived from a root that suggests a home or dwelling. The entries consistently emphasize its meanings related to living spaces and pastoral settings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[נָוָה] n.f. pasture, meadow

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4999 נָאָה pasture, meadow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4999 na'ah naw-aw'

from 4998; a home; figuratively, a pasture:--habitation,

house, pasture, pleasant place.

see HEBREW for 04998

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָוָה (na.ah) — habitation.

1) pasture, abode, abode of shepherd, habitation, meadow

1a) pasture, meadow

1b) abode

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfpc — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
pay attention to the covenant for they are full [the] dark places of [the] land settlements of violence
חָמָֽס׃cha.Mas violence H2555 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
60× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Amplified meaning
cruelty, injustice
Tyndale gloss
violence
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָמָס (chamac) refers to concepts of violence and wrongdoing. It encompasses terms like cruelty, injustice, and unjust gain. The word is built from a root that implies violent actions or dealings. The entries consistently highlight its negative connotations without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָמָס n.m. violence, wrong

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2555 חָמָס violence, wrong

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2555 chamac khaw-mawce'

from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust

gain:--cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, X oppressor,

unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing),

wrong.

see HEBREW for 02554

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָמָס (cha.mas) — violence.

violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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