Psalms 103:11 — Word Study
WLCכִּ֤י כִגְבֹ֣הַּ שָׁ֭מַיִם עַל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ גָּבַ֥ר חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ עַל־ יְרֵאָֽיו׃
BSAForkîy as highgâbahh [exceedingly, to a great extent] as the heavensshâmayim [the visible universe, the sky] are aboveʻal [over, higher than] the earthʼerets [the land, the material world] so greatgâbar■ [abundant, vast] is His loving devotionchêçêd [kindness, mercy, loyal love] forʻal those who fear Himyârêʼ [revere, have awe of, the Almighty, the Creator]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּ֤י | for | Particle |
| כִגְבֹ֣הַּ | as is high | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| שָׁ֭מַיִם | heaven | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| עַל־ | above | Preposition |
| הָאָ֑רֶץ | the earth | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| גָּבַ֥ר | it is strong | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ | covenant loyalty his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| עַל־ | towards | Preposition |
| יְרֵאָֽיו׃ | [those] fearing him | Suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
| KJV | For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. |
| ASV | For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him. |
| YLT | For, as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him. |
| WEB | For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him. |
| BBE | For as the heaven is high over the earth, so great is his mercy to his worshippers. |
The translations agree on the essence of God's loving devotion, with slight variations in wording.
The structure features a main clause followed by a comparative clause, emphasizing the relationship between God's love and the heavens.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectשָׁמַיִם
verbגָּבַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 103:11
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 — God's Compassion and Mercygenerated
Psalm 103:11 illustrates the depth of God's mercy, emphasizing that His loving devotion is as high as the heavens are above the earth. This verse is part of a larger passage that celebrates God's compassion, where the psalmist reflects on how God does not treat us as our sins deserve, but instead shows kindness and mercy to those who fear Him. The context highlights God's forgiving nature and His desire to care for His creation, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 36:5 | Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 2 | Psalm 57:10 | For Your loving devotion reaches to the heavens, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. |
| 3 | Psalm 89:2 | For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.” |
| 4 | Job 22:12 | Is not God as high as the heavens? Look at the highest stars, how lofty they are! |
| 5 | Proverbs 25:3 | As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ, chas.Dogenerated
The word חֶ֫סֶד (chesed) is a noun that primarily signifies kindness, mercy, or loyal love. It emphasizes the deep, covenantal love that God has for His people, often reflecting His character and actions towards them.
In this verse, חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ specifically refers to God's loving devotion, which is described as being vast and abundant, akin to the immeasurable height of the heavens. This highlights the depth and strength of God's commitment to those who revere Him.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is גָּבַ֥ר, it is strong, which governs the subject שָׁ֭מַיִם, heavens, and the prepositional phrases that describe the relationship between the heavens and the earth. The structure emphasizes the vastness of God's love in relation to the heavens above.
The sentence is constructed with a main clause followed by a comparative clause introduced by כִּגְבֹ֣הַּ, as is high, indicating the extent of God's loving devotion in relation to the heavens.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ is rendered as ἐκραταίωσεν, indicating a strong affirmation of God's mercy. This choice reflects a similar understanding of God's loving actions towards those who fear Him, emphasizing His power and commitment.
The translation of שָׁמַיִם as οὐρανοῦ aligns with the Hebrew meaning, maintaining the focus on the heavens as a symbol of God's greatness.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 103:11 compares the height of the heavens to God's great love for those who fear Him. It shows that God's kindness and mercy are vast and beyond measure, just like the heavens are high above the earth.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This imagery emphasizes the vastness and immeasurable nature of God's love and mercy for those who revere Him.
The verse specifies that it is for those who fear Him, indicating a relationship based on reverence and awe towards God.
It is part of a passage that highlights God's compassion and forgiveness, showing that He does not treat us as our sins deserve but instead shows kindness to those who honor Him.
The comparison illustrates the boundless nature of God's love, suggesting that just as the heavens are immeasurable, so too is His devotion to His people.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God in my life?
- In what ways have I experienced God's loving devotion?
- How can I reflect God's kindness and mercy towards others?
- What does it mean for me to fear God, and how does that impact my relationship with Him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church father Augustine of Hippo quotes this verse to illustrate God's mercy towards those who fear Him.
"For as the height of heaven above the earth, so has the Lord confirmed His mercy toward them that fear Him" [Psalms 103:11].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 103 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 103:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleFor as the heaven is high above the earth,.... Which is the greatest distance known, or can be conceived of; the space between the heaven and the earth is seemingly almost infinite; and nothing can
Read John Gill on Psalms 103 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryFor as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 103 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSo much above their deserts and expectations, and above the mercy which one man showeth to another. Toward them that fear them; which clause he adds here, as also ,18, to prevent men’ s mistakes and abuses of God’ s mercy, and to dash the vain hopes of impenitent sinners in God’ s mercy.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 103 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.Ver. 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth] How high the third heaven is cannot be conjectured. But for the middlemost heaven (wherein the sun, moon, and stars are placed), how exceeding high it is may be guessed and gathered, in that the stars (whereof those of the first magnitude are said to be every one above a hundred and seven times as big again as the whole earth) do yet seem to us but as so many sparks or spangles. See Proverbs 25:3 Ephesians 4:10. So great is his mercy] The heavens are exceeding high above the earth, but God’ s mercy to his is above the heavens, Psalms…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 103 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(11) So great is his mercy toward.—Literally, Strong is his mercy upon (or, over). (Comp. Psalms 117:2.) The comparison in the first clause, and the use of this expression in Genesis 49:26 and 2 Samuel 11:23, suggests as the right rendering here For as the heaven is higher than the earth, So far (above what was expected) for them fearing him prevails his mercy. (For the same comparison, see Isaiah 55:7-9; and comp. Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 103 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 11. For as the heaven is high above the earth] Great and provoking as our crimes may have been, yet his mercies have, in their magnitude and number, surpassed these, as far as the heavens are elevated beyond the earth.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 103 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges11–14. The greatness and tenderness of Jehovah’s forgiving love.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 103 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleFor as the heaven is high above the earth - See the notes at Psalms 57:10. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:9.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 103 →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
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him.
For as the skies are high above the earth, so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers.
Tyndale line
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his lovingkindness toward them that fear him.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear him.
For as high as the heauen is aboue ye earth, so great is his mercie toward them that feare him.
Strictly literal
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving-kindness toward them that fear him.
For, as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him.
For as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, || His kindness has been mighty over those fearing Him.
For as high as heaven is above the earth, so mighty is his kindness toward those that fear him.
For as the skies are high above the earth, so great is his covenant faithfulness toward those who honor him.
From the Latin
All the beasts of the field shall drink: the wild asses shall expect in their thirst.
Simplified
For as high as the heavens are above the earth is the extent of his trustworthy love to those who honor him.
For as the heaven is high over the earth, so great is his mercy to his worshippers.
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.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Psalms 103:11 reads, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him." The Septuagint closely matches the Masoretic Text in meaning, although it presents the words in a different order and includes its own articles. The Dead Sea Scrolls, specifically 2Q14 and 4Q84, contain fragments that align with the Masoretic Text, but both scrolls have some words that are either partly restored or supplied by an editor, indicating minor variations in the text. Overall, the primary message remains consistent across these ancient witnesses, affirming the greatness of God's loving devotion for those who revere Him.
כִּ֤י כִגְבֹ֣הַּ שָׁ֭מַיִם עַל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ גָּבַ֥ר חַ֝סְדּ֗וֹ עַל־ יְרֵאָֽיו׃
8 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
כי כגבוה [שמים] [על] [הארץ] [גבר] [חסד׳ו] [על] [יראי׳ו]
1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 7 supplied entire by an editor.
כי כגבה [שמים] [על] [הארץ] גבר [חסד׳ו] [על] [יראי׳ו]
2 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 6 supplied entire by an editor.
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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 103:11
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.
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.'
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
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
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.
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
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…
גָּבַהּ (gabahh) is a Hebrew root meaning to be high or exalted. It can refer to physical height or a figurative sense of arrogance and pride. The word appears in various forms, including Qal, indicating a state of being lofty, and Hiphil, which means to elevate or exalt. There is a distinction in connotation, as it can imply both positive exaltation and negative haughtiness.
גָּבַהּ vb. be high, exalted
Qal
be high, lofty, tall
be exalted
lofty
Hiph. make high, exalt
base
H1361 גָּבַהּ be high, exalted
1361 gabahh gaw-bah'
a primitive root; to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be
haughty:--exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up,
mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward.
גָּבַהּ (ga.vah) — to exult.
1) to be high, be exalted
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be high, lofty, tall
1a2) to be exalted
1a3) to be lofty
1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense)
1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense)
1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (*shamayim*) is a dual noun meaning 'heavens' or 'sky.' It refers to the visible heavens where celestial bodies are found, as well as the abode of God. The dual form may suggest both the arch of the sky and the higher ether. It is noted in contexts such as Elijah's ascent in a whirlwind.
[שָׁמַי] n.m. only pl. שָׁמַיִם 421 heavens, sky
visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
phrases
as abode of God
Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
base
H8064 שָׁמַי only pl. שָׁמַיִם heavens, sky . . visible heavens, sky, where stars, etc., are
. phrases
. . as abode of God
. Elijah taken up הַשּׁ׳ in whirlwind
. הַשּׁ׳ personified in various relations
8064 shamayim shaw-mah'-yim
dual of an unused singular shameh {shaw-meh'}; from an unused
root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps
alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well
as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies
revolve):--air, X astrologer, heaven(-s).
שָׁמַיִם (sha.ma.yim) — heaven.
1) heaven, heavens, sky
1a) visible heavens, sky
1a1) as abode of the stars
1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc
1b) Heaven (as the abode of God)
Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
hev'-'n.
See ASTRONOMY.
Heaven
(1.) Definitions. The phrase “heaven and earth” is used to indicate the whole universe (Gen. 1:1; Jer. 23:24; Acts 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens,
(a) The firmament, as “fowls of the heaven” (Gen. 2:19; 7:3, 23; Ps. 8:8, etc.), “the eagles of heaven” (Lam. 4:19), etc.
(b) The starry heavens (Deut. 17:3; Jer. 8:2; Matt. 24:29).
There are four Hebrew words thus rendered in the Old Testament which we may briefly notice. Raki’a , Authorized Version, firmament. [FIRMAMENT] Shamayim . This is the word used in the expression "the heaven and the earth," or "the upper and lower regions." (Genesis 1:1) Marom , used for heaven in (Psalms 18:16; Isaiah 24:18; Jeremiah 25:30). Properly speaking it means a mountain as in (Psalms 102:19; Ezekiel 17:23) Shechakim , "expanses," with reference to the extent of heaven. (33:26; Job 35:5) St. Paul’s expression "third heaven," (
In the Bible, means primarily the region of the air and clouds, and of the planets and stars, but chiefly the world of holy bliss above the visible heavens. It is called "the third heaven," "the highest heaven," and "the heaven of heavens," expressions nearly synonymous. There holy beings are to dwell, seeing all of God that it is possible for creatures to see. Thither Christ ascended, to intercede for his people and prepare for them a place where all shall at length be gathered, to go no more out forever, Eph 4:10 Heb 8:1 9:24-28.
In this life we can know but little of the location and appearance of heaven, or of the employments and blessedness of its inhabitants. The Scriptures inform us that all sin, and every other evil, are forever excluded; no fruits of sin will be found…
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
urth ('adhamah, 'erets, 'aphar; ge, oikoumene):
In a hilly limestone country like Palestine, the small amount of iron oxide in the rocks tends to be oxidized, and thereby to give a prevailing reddish color to the soil. This is especially the case on relatively barren hills where there is little organic matter present to prevent reddening and give a more blackish tinge.
'Adhamah (compare 'adham, "a man," and Adam) is from 'adham, "to be red," and is used in the senses: "earth" (Ex 20:24), "land" (Ps 105:35), a "land" or country (Isa 14:2), "ground" (Ge 4:11), "the earth" (Ge 7:4).
Earth
(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah’. In Gen. 9:20 “husbandman” is literally “man of the ground or earth.” Altars were to be built of earth (Ex. 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules’ burden of earth (2 Kings 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil.
(2). As the rendering of ’erets, it means the whole world (Gen. 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (1:10). Erets also denotes a country (21:32); a plot of ground (23:15); the ground on which a man stands (33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (
The term is used in two widely-different senses: (1) for the material of which the earth’s surface is composed; (2) as the name of the planet on which man dwells. The Hebrew language discriminates between these two by the use of separate terms, adamah for the former, erets for the latter. Adamah is the earth in the sense of soil or ground, particularly as being susceptible of cultivation. (Genesis 2:7) Erets is applied in a more or less extended sense-- (1) to the whole world, (Genesis 1:1) (2) to land as opposed to sea, (Genesis 1:10) (3) to a country, (Genesis 21:32) (4) to a plot of ground, (Genesis 23:15) and (5) to…
In both Hebrew and Greek the same word is used to denote the earth as a whole, and a particular land. Only the context can enable us to decide in which of these senses it is to be taken in a given passage.
Thus in Mt 27:45 we might, so far as the original word is concerned, render either "there was darkness over all the land," or over all the earth. The expression "all the earth" is sometimes used hyperbolically for a large portion of it, Ezr 1:2. The word is used of the whole world, etc. In a moral sense, earthly is opposed to what is heavenly, spiritual and holy, Joh 3:31 1Co 15:47 Col 3:2
גָּבַר (gabar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be strong or mighty, and it encompasses a range of related actions such as prevailing, strengthening, and confirming covenants. It can also imply acting insolently or proudly, particularly in relation to God. The word appears in various forms across different contexts, including Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael.
גָּבַר vb. be strong, mighty
Qal
be strong, mighty
prevail
Pi. make strong, strengthen
Hiph. confirm a covenant
Hithp. shew himself a mighty one against; of wicked behave proudly toward
base
H1396 גָּבַר be strong, mighty .. be strong, mighty
. prevail
. make strong, strengthen
. confirm a covenant
. shew himself a mighty one against; of wicked behave proudly toward
1396 gabar gaw-bar'
a primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail,
act insolently:--exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty,
prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be
valiant.
גָּבַר (ga.var) — to prevail.
1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be strong, mighty
1a2) to prevail
1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to confirm, give strength
1c2) to confirm (a covenant)
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to show oneself mighty
1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
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.
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
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
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
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.
a reproach, shame
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
יָרֵא (yare') is an adjective and verb derived from the root יָרֵא (H3372), meaning 'to fear.' It encompasses meanings such as 'afraid' and 'reverent.' The entries indicate a moral aspect to fear, suggesting a sense of reverence alongside being fearful.
יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [j.df.aa] Pt.
base
H3373 יָרֵא adj. verb. v. supr. [3372] Pt.
3373 yare' yaw-ray'
from 3372; fearing; morally, reverent:--afraid, fear (-ful).
see HEBREW for 03372
יָרֵא (ya.re) — afraid.
fearing, reverent, afraid
Adj | Suff — SuffixHAampc/Sp3ms
