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Job 23:11 — Word Study

Depth

WLCבַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹ אָחֲזָ֣ה רַגְלִ֑י דַּרְכּ֖וֹ שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי וְלֹא־ אָֽט׃

BSAMy feetregel [my steps, my path] have followedʼâchaz in His tracksʼâshur [His steps, the path He has set] I have keptshâmar [obeyed, guarded] His wayderek [His path, His manner of life] withoutlôʼ turning asidenâṭâh [declining, deviating from it]

Word
Listen & take awayJob 23
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 11 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 ('At) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Job 23:11quick helps
In a sentenceJob expresses his commitment to following God's path, emphasizing his obedience and steadfastness.
Who is speakingJob, reflecting on his faithfulness amid suffering.
Where we areIn a section where Job asserts his integrity and faithfulness to God's commands.
The hard wordאָֽט׃
Take awayJob has remained faithful to God's ways without deviation.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbאָחַז 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 — Job 23:11

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 — Job's Expression of Faithfulnessgenerated

10Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.
12I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
13But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.

Job 23:11 reflects Job's unwavering commitment to following God's ways. Despite his trials, he asserts that he has adhered to the path set before him, demonstrating his integrity and dedication. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Job defends his righteousness and seeks understanding from God amidst his suffering.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Samuel 12:2–5Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.
2Psalm 18:20–24The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
3Psalm 44:18Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.
4Acts 20:18–19When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
52 Corinthians 1:12And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.

The Key Word בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹ, ba.'a.shu.rogenerated

The word אֲשׁוּר (ashur) means 'step' and indicates movement or progression. It is derived from a root that emphasizes the act of walking or going, which is significant in the context of following a path.

In this verse, Job uses the term to describe how his feet have followed God's steps, illustrating his commitment to walking in obedience to God's commands. The parsing as a feminine singular construct indicates it refers to a specific path or manner of life.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which translates it as My feet have followed in His tracks.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb אָחֲזָ֣ה (it has taken hold) governs the structure of the verse, with two phrases following it: one describing Job's actions and the other detailing his adherence to God's way.

The sentence emphasizes Job's steadfastness by placing the verb first, highlighting his commitment to God's path without deviation.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹ is rendered as αὐτοῦ (His), indicating a direct connection to God's steps. This choice emphasizes the personal relationship between Job and God.

The Septuagint's translation aligns closely with the Hebrew, maintaining the focus on Job's commitment to following God's guidance.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Job 23:11 shows Job's determination to follow God's path. He claims that he has kept God's way and has not turned aside, demonstrating his commitment to living according to God's commands.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does Job mean by 'following in His tracks'?

Job is expressing his dedication to following the path that God has laid out for him, indicating his obedience and faithfulness.

Why does Job emphasize not turning aside?

Job emphasizes this to highlight his integrity and steadfastness in adhering to God's commands, even amidst his suffering.

How does Job's declaration relate to his overall situation?

Job's declaration serves to reaffirm his righteousness and commitment to God, countering the accusations against him during his trials.

What can we learn from Job's commitment?

Job's commitment to following God's way encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and obedience, even in challenging circumstances.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I ensure I am following God's path in my life?
  2. What challenges do I face that might cause me to turn aside from God's commands?
  3. How can I demonstrate my commitment to living according to God's ways?
  4. What examples from my life reflect my dedication to following God's steps?

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

The early Church Fathers referenced Job's declaration to discuss themes of faithfulness and integrity in suffering. Here are their insights.

Gregory the DialogistMorals on the Book of Job, Book XVI c. 540–604
My foot hath held His steps. His way have I kept, and not declined. For as a kind of footsteps of God are His doings which we see, by which doings both the good and bad man is governed,
Early Church Fathers on Job 23 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Job 23:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

My foot hath held his steps,.... Trod in the steps he has walked in; he followed God closely, imitated him in acts of holiness and righteousness, of mercy, kindness, and beneficence; and he continued

Read John Gill on Job 23 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Held - fast by His steps.

Read Robert Jamieson on Job 23 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

My foot hath held, i.e. made a free and fixed choice, and taken fast hold of them; been firmly and strongly settled, and resolved to continue in them, as the word signifies. His steps; either, 1. Actively, the steps or ways in which God himself walks; the paths of holiness, justice, mercy, &c., wherein he walked with or after God, as the phrase is, , following his example. Or, 2. Passively, the steps or paths which God hath appointed men to walk in, as . His way have I kept, and not declined; the same thing with that in the former part of the verse, in different expressions.

Read Matthew Poole on Job 23 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Job 23:11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.Ver. 11. My foot hath held his steps] I have followed God step by step, walking as I had him for an example, and pressing his footsteps. This Job speaketh of himself, not as vaunting, but as vindicating and defending his own innocence; and as giving Eliphaz to know, that he had already done, and still continued to do, as he had in the former chapter exhorted him, Job 22:21-22. Acquaint now thyself with God, &c. That is not now to do, saith Job; for my foot hath held his steps. Be at peace. I am so, saith he, for his way have I kept and not declined. Now, can two walk together, and they not be agreed? Receive, I…

Read John Trapp on Job 23 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 11. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept] I have carefully marked his providential dealings; and in his way - his pure and undefiled religion - have I walked. I have not only been generally but particularly religious: I have attended carefully to the weightier matters of the law, and have not forgotten its slightest injunctions. Coverdale is curious: - Nevertheles my fete kepe his path, his hye strete have I holden, and not gone out of it. The hye strete is highway, the causeway, or raised road; formed, as they anciently were, by stones in the manner of pavement. It has its name from the Latin strata, paved, via being understood: via lapidibus strata, "a way paved with…

Read AdamClarke on Job 23 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

11–12. Fuller particulars given by Job of “the way that is with him”—his innocent, upright life.

Read Cambridge on Job 23 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

My foot hath held his steps - Roberts, in his Oriental Illustrations, and the Editor of the Pictorial Bible, suppose that there is an allusion here to the active, grasping power which the Orientals have in their feet and toes.

Read Albert Barnes on Job 23 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

11. Held his steps — The primary meaning of the word àçæ, rendered held, is to seize, to lay fast hold of; upon which Kitto (Pic.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 23 →

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

My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

My feet have followed in His tracks; I have kept His way without turning aside.

NETBNew English Translation2006

My feet have followed his steps closely; I have kept to his way and have not turned aside.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside.

RVARevised Version, American1894

My foot hath held fast to his steps; his way have I kept, and turned not aside.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

My foote hath followed his steps: his way haue I kept, and haue not declined.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

On His step hath my foot laid hold, His way I have kept, and turn not aside,

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

My foot has laid hold on His step, || I have kept His way, and do not turn aside,

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

On his steps my foot hath held fast: his way have I kept, and swerved not.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept to his way and turned not aside.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

My foot hath followed his steps, I have kept his way, and have not declined from it.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I have kept in step with him; I have followed his way without turning aside.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

My feet have gone in his steps; I have kept in his way, without turning to one side or to the other.

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.

clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּ֭onnoun phraseאֲשֻׁרstepוֹhisverbאָחֲזָ֣הit.has.taken.holdnoun phrase · subjectרַגְלִ֑footיmyclausenoun phrase · objectדַּרְכּ֖wayוֹhisverbשָׁמַ֣רְתִּיI.have.keptוְandclauseadverbialלֹאnotverbאָֽטI.have.turned.aside

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with five of the seven words matching. This consistency highlights the preservation of Job's declaration of faithfulness across different textual traditions.

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

בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹ אָחֲזָ֣ה רַגְלִ֑י דַּרְכּ֖וֹ שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי וְלֹא־ אָֽט׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹαὐτοῦדַּרְכּ֖וֹαὐτοῦשָׁמַ֣רְתִּיἐφύλαχαוְלֹא־οὐאָֽט׃ἐκκλίνω

5 of the 7 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.

Job 23:11אֲשׁוּרon step hison step hisאֲשׁוּראָחַזit has takeit has taken hoאָחַזרֶ֫גֶלfoot myfoot myרֶ֫גֶלדֶּ֫רֶךְway hisway hisדֶּ֫רֶךְשָׁמַרI have keptI have keptשָׁמַרלֹאand notand notלֹאנָטָהI have turnI have turned aנָטָהאָשַׁרto blessto blessאָשַׁררָגַלto spyto spyרָגַלדָּרַךְto treadto treadדָּרַךְרֶ֫גֶלfootfootרֶ֫גֶלנָטָהto stretchto stretchנָטָהרַ֫עַדtremblingtremblingרַ֫עַדצִירenvoyenvoyצִירבֹּ֫הֶןthumb/big thumb/big toeבֹּ֫הֶןיְמָנִיrightrightיְמָנִיפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹןמִשְׁמֶ֫רֶתchargechargeמִשְׁמֶ֫רֶתמִצְוָהcommandmencommandmentמִצְוָהיָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַ
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 Job 23:11

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.

on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹba.'a.shu.ro on step his H838 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for step refers to the act of walking or going. It is used in the Bible to describe movement or progress, as seen in the story of Jacob's ladder in Genesis. This word is translated as going or step in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
His steps, the path He has set
Tyndale gloss
step
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[אֲשׁוּר, אָשׁוּר] n.f. step, going

base

[אַשֻּׁר] n.f. step, going

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

838 'ashur aw-shoor'

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

step:--going, step.

see HEBREW for 0833

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֲשׁוּר (a.shur) — step.

step, going

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

אַשֻּׁר (a.shur) — step.

step, going

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
אָחֲזָ֣ה'a.cha.Zah it has taken hold H270 Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
68× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Tyndale gloss
to grasp
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp, take hold of, or seize. It has various forms, including Qal (to grasp), Niphal (to be caught), Piel (to enclose), and Hophal (to be fastened). The entries highlight its use in contexts of possession and holding, but do not provide specific verse references.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אָחַז 68 vb. grasp, take hold of, take possession

Qal grasp, take hold of

Niph. be caught

Pi. enclose, overlay

Hoph. fastened

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H270 אָחַז grasp, take hold of, take possession .grasp, take hold of

. be caught

. enclose, overlay

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

270 'achaz aw-khaz'

a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of

holding in possession):--+ be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay,

take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get,

have or take) possess(-ion).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אָחַז (a.chaz) — to grasp.

1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession

1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of

1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled

1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay

1d) (Hophal) fastened

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singular
HVqp3fs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hold: In the American Standard Revised Version frequently "stronghold" (Jud 9:49; 1Sa 22:4; 24:22; 2Sa 5:17; 23:14; 1Ch 11:16; 12:16). See FORTIFICATION. In Re 18:2 for the King James Version "cage" (phulake) the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes, as in first clause, "hold," and in the margin "prison."

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Hold

A fortress, the name given to David’s lurking-places (1 Sam. 22:4, 5; 24:22).

on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
רַגְלִ֑יrag.Li foot my H7272 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
247× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Amplified meaning
my steps, my path
Tyndale gloss
foot
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֶ֫גֶל (regel) means 'foot' and can refer to a foot or leg in various contexts, including anthropomorphic references to God and other beings. It also implies steps or paces. The word is derived from a root meaning related to walking, and it appears in multiple forms, such as feet and paces.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֶ֫גֶל 247 n.f. foot

foot

three times (feet, paces)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7272 רֶ֫גֶל foot . foot

. three times (feet, paces)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7272 regel reh'-gel

from 7270; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a

step; by euphem. the pudenda:--X be able to endure, X

according as, X after, X coming, X follow,

((broken-))foot((-ed, -stool)), X great toe, X haunt, X

journey, leg, + piss, + possession, time.

see HEBREW for 07270

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel) — foot.

1) foot

1a) foot, leg

1b) of God (anthropomorphic)

1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table

1d) according to the pace of (with prep)

1e) three times (feet, paces)

Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
דַּרְכּ֖וֹdar.Ko way his H1870 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Amplified meaning
His path, His manner of life
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner

way, road, path

journey

of direction, almost or quite = toward

way, manner

fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

of moral action and character

of duty

specif.: in good sense

oftener in bad sense

way of י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path

. journey

. of direction, almost or quite = toward

. way, manner

. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

. . of moral action and character

. of duty

. specif.: in good sense

. oftener in bad sense

. way of י׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1870 derek deh'-rek

from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of

life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because

of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,

passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),

whither(-soever).

see HEBREW for 01869

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.

: conduct/lifestyle

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.

This name means way, road

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.

This name means way, road

Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.

: direction

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.

: road/route

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.

: journey

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
שָׁמַ֣רְתִּיsha.Mar.ti I have kept H8104 Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
469× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Amplified meaning
obeyed, guarded
Tyndale gloss
to keep: obey
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׁמַר (*shamar*) is a primitive root meaning to keep, guard, or observe. It encompasses a wide range of actions including protecting, waiting for, and celebrating obligations like the Sabbath. The verb appears in various forms, indicating nuances such as being on guard or refraining from certain actions. It is used extensively in the Old Testament, reflecting both physical and moral vigilance.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁמַר 465 vb. keep, watch, preserve

Qal 425

keep, have charge of

keep, guard, captives

hence, watch for, wait for

watch, observe

keep, retain, of storing up (food)

keep within bounds, restrain

observe, celebrate

keep sabbath

of other obligations

observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)

sts. י׳ subj.

keep, reserve, weeks of harvest

Niph.

36be on one's guard

keep oneself, refrain, abstain

be kept, guarded

Pi. those paying regard to false vanities

Hithp. I kept myself from

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8104 שָׁמַר keep, watch, preserve .. . keep, have charge of

. keep, guard, captives

. hence, watch for, wait for

. watch, observe

. . keep, retain, of storing up (food)

. keep within bounds, restrain

. . observe, celebrate

. keep sabbath

. of other obligations

. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom)

. sts. י׳ subj.

. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest

. . be on one's guard

. keep oneself, refrain, abstain

. be kept, guarded

. those paying regard to false vanities

. I kept myself from

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8104 shamar shaw-mar'

a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns),

i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward,

be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark,

look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save

(self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: obey.

: obey/observe

1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to keep, have charge of

1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life

1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)

1a3) to watch for, wait for

1a4) to watch, observe

1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)

1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain

1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)

1a8) to keep, preserve, protect

1a9) to keep, reserve

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware

1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain

1b3) to be kept, be guarded

1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed

1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

שָׁמַר (sha.mar) — to keep: guard.

: guard

1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to keep, have charge of

1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life

1a2a) watch, watchman (participle)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singular
HVqp1cs
on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
וְלֹא־ve.lo'- and not H3808 Conjunction · particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particle
HC/Tn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
on step his it has taken hold foot my way his I have kept and not I have turned aside
אָֽט׃'At I have turned aside H5186 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singular
214× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Amplified meaning
declining, deviating from it
Tyndale gloss
to stretch
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Qal

stretch out, extend, hand, rod

stretch line and plummet

= offer

Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

Bend, turn, incline

Niph. be stretched out

Hiph.

rarely stretch out, hand

rarely spread out cloth on rock

usu. turn, incline

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

. stretch line and plummet

. = offer

. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent

. Bend, turn, incline

. be stretched out

. . rarely stretch out, hand

. rarely spread out cloth on rock

. usu. turn, incline

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5186 natah naw-taw'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

wrest, cause to yield.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.

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

1a) (Qal)

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

1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)

1a3) to bend, turn, incline

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

1a3b) to bend, bow

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

1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to stretch out

1c2) to spread out

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singular
HVhi1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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

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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