Psalms 112:8 — Word Study
WLCסָמ֣וּךְ לִ֭בּוֹ לֹ֣א יִירָ֑א עַ֖ד אֲשֶׁר־ יִרְאֶ֣ה בְצָרָֽיו׃
BSAHis heartlêb [the seat of feelings, will, and intellect] is assuredçâmak [established, sustained] he does notlôʼ [will not] fearyârêʼ▸ [revere or be afraid] untilʻad [as far as, till the point when] he looks in triumphrâʼâh▸ [sees, gazes, victory, seeing his desire] on his foestsar [adversaries, enemies, those who hate him]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| סָמ֣וּךְ | [is] supported | Verb, Qal, participle (passive) masculine singular |
| לִ֭בּוֹ | heart his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| יִירָ֑א | he will be afraid | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| עַ֖ד | until | Preposition |
| אֲשֶׁר־ | that | Particle |
| יִרְאֶ֣ה | he will look | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בְצָרָֽיו׃ | on foes his | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. |
| KJV | His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. |
| ASV | His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, Until he see his desire upon his adversaries. |
| YLT | Sustained is his heart — he feareth not, Till that he look on his adversaries. |
| WEB | His heart is established. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries. |
| BBE | His heart is resting safely, he will have no fear, till he sees trouble come on his haters. |
Where they part company is סָמ֣וּךְ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause with two subordinate clauses, creating a clear progression from assurance to the absence of fear and finally to the anticipated victory.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbסָמַךְ
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 112:8
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 — The Blessings of the Righteousgenerated
Psalms 112:8 speaks of the steadfast heart of the righteous, which remains assured and free from fear. This assurance allows them to face challenges confidently, knowing that they will ultimately see victory over their adversaries. The surrounding verses highlight the overall theme of trust in the Lord and the blessings that come to those who are righteous, demonstrating a life characterized by faith and generosity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 27:14 | Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! |
| 2 | Psalm 31:24 | Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD. |
| 3 | Hebrews 13:9 | Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:33 | The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. |
| 5 | Psalm 59:10 | My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סָמ֣וּךְ, sa.Mukhgenerated
The word סָמַךְ (sa.Mukh) is a participle meaning 'supported' or 'established.' It conveys the idea of being upheld or sustained, suggesting a strong foundation. In this verse, it emphasizes the stability of the heart, indicating that it is firmly anchored and not easily shaken.
This participle is in the passive form, indicating that the heart is not merely self-sustained but is supported by an external source, likely referring to God's strength. The use of this term highlights the confidence that comes from divine support, allowing the righteous to face their foes without fear.
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 יִּירָא (yi.Ra') governs the overall structure of the verse, indicating the subject's state of fearlessness. The sentence is constructed with multiple clauses that describe the heart's condition and its response to adversaries.
The phrase סָמ֣וּךְ לִ֭בּוֹ serves as the subject, indicating that the heart is firmly supported. The subsequent clauses elaborate on the heart's assurance and its lack of fear until it sees victory, creating a layered understanding of confidence in the face of opposition.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates סָמ֣וּךְ as ἐστήρικται (estēriktai), meaning 'is established.' This choice reflects a similar sense of stability and support, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning.
The Greek term emphasizes the idea of being firmly set, which resonates with the overall theme of assurance found in the Hebrew text.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 112:8 describes a heart that is firmly supported and does not fear. It remains confident until it sees victory over its enemies. This verse is part of a larger passage that celebrates the blessings and stability of the righteous.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
An assured heart is one that is firmly supported and confident, free from fear in the face of challenges, trusting in God's provision.
The verse indicates that a heart that trusts in God will not fear its adversaries, showing a contrast between divine assurance and human fear.
Looking in triumph signifies a moment of victory and vindication, where the righteous can see their enemies defeated, reinforcing their faith and trust in God.
This verse encourages us to have a steadfast heart supported by faith, reminding us that we can face challenges without fear, knowing that God is with us.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more fully, like the heart described in this verse?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is assured and free from fear?
- What does it mean for me to look in triumph over my own challenges or adversaries?
- How can I support others in their struggles, helping them to find assurance in God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, using it to illustrate the steadfastness of the righteous heart in the face of adversity.
"His heart is established, and will not shrink, until he see beyond his enemies" [Psalms 112:8].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 112 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 112:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHis heart is established,.... With the doctrine of grace; which is food unto it, and by which it is strengthened and nourished; it is established in the faith of Christ, both in the grace of faith,
Read John Gill on Psalms 112 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHis heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 112 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAnd although his enemies be many, and mighty, and terrible, yet he shall confidently and cheerfully wait upon God, until he see their ruin and his own deliverance and safety.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 112 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 112:8 His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies.Ver. 8. His heart is established] Heb. underpropped, shored up. He shall not be afraid] Of any adverse power, Psalms 3:6; Psalms 27:1 Until he see his desire] Which his faith will once work out.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 112 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) Until he see.—See Note, Psalms 59:10, and comp. Psalms 112:8.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 112 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. His heart is established] סמוך לבו samuch libbo, "his heart is propped up;" he is buttressed up by the strength of his Maker.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 112 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. established] Cp. Psalms 111:8; Isaiah 26:3, where the word for trusting used in Psalms 112:7 also occurs. until &c.] If he is attacked he is confident that in due time his cause, which is the cause of God and right, will triumph. Cp. Psalms 91:8.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 112 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHis heart is established - Sustained; upheld. This is the same idea, though somewhat varied in form.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 112 →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
His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes.
His heart is established. He will not be afraid in the end when he sees his adversaries.
His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes.
His resolve is firm; he will not succumb to fear before he looks in triumph on his enemies.
Tyndale line
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, Until he see his desire upon his adversaries.
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his adversaries.
His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he seeth his desire upon his enemies.
His heart is stablished: therefore he will not feare, vntill he see his desire vpon his enemies.
Strictly literal
His heart is maintained, he is not afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his oppressors.
Sustained is his heart — he feareth not, Till that he look on his adversaries.
His heart is sustained—he does not fear, || Until he looks on his adversaries.
Well supported is his heart, he shall not be afraid, until he looketh on [the punishment of] his assailants.
His heart is tranquil, without fear, until he looks in triumph over his adversaries.
From the Latin
That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people.
Simplified
They are confident and brave, and see their enemies defeated.
His heart is resting safely, he will have no fear, till he sees trouble come on his haters.
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 112:8 states, 'His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes,' which translates to 'סָמ֣וּךְ לִ֭בּוֹ לֹ֣א יִירָ֑א עַ֖ד אֲשֶׁר־ יִרְאֶ֣ה בְצָרָֽיו׃' in Hebrew. The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text, with all 8 words matched in a word-by-word correspondence, although the order and articles differ due to the nature of the Greek translation. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q98f) also align with the Masoretic Text, as they preserve the same essential words, although some letters are supplied by an editor, indicating a close relationship without significant variation.
סָמ֣וּךְ לִ֭בּוֹ לֹ֣א יִירָ֑א עַ֖ד אֲשֶׁר־ יִרְאֶ֣ה בְצָרָֽיו׃
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.
[סמוך] [לב׳ו] [לא] [יירא] [עד] [אשר] [יראה] [בצרי׳ו]
nothing on the leather here — 8 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 112:8
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.
סָמַךְ (samakh) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lean, lay, rest, or support. It encompasses various actions such as propping up, sustaining, and bracing oneself. The word appears in different forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Piel, indicating different nuances of support and sustenance. Notably, it is used in contexts that can be both favorable and unfavorable.
סָמַךְ 48 vb. lean, lay, rest, support
Qal 41
lean or lay hand upon
intrans. thy wrath hath rested upon me
support, uphold, sustain
Niph. reflex. support, or brace oneself
Pi. sustain (refresh, revive) me with raisin-cakes.
base
H5564 סָמַךְ lean, lay, rest, support
5564 camak saw-mak'
a primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively);
reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or
unfavorable sense):--bear up, establish, (up-)hold, lay,
lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay
(self), sustain.
סָמַךְ (sa.makh) — to support.
1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against
1a2) to support, uphold, sustain
1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself
1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
V-Qal-Inf-c — Verb · Qal · participle (passive) masculine singularHVqsmsa
The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.
לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the sea
elsewhere of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific reference to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
[various]
for the man himself
as seat of appetites
as seat of emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.
ref
H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea
. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific reference to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. [various]
. for the man himself
. as seat of appetites
. as seat of emotions and passions
. seat of courage
H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash
3820 leb labe
a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very
widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;
likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,
consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),
(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X
heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X
themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,
wisdom.
see HEBREW for 03824
לֵב (lev) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
לֵב (lev) — Leb.
§ Leb- = "heart of"
(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
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.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
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.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.
יָרֵא vb. fear
Qal
fear, be afraid
stand in awe of
fear, reverence, honour
Niph.
be fearful, dreadful
cause astonishment and awe
inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe
Piel. make afraid, terrify
base
H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid
. stand in awe of
. fear, reverence, honour
. . be fearful, dreadful
. cause astonishment and awe
. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe
. make afraid, terrify
3372 yare' yaw-ray'
a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to
frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)
fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,
terrible (act, -ness, thing).
יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.
: frightening(DANGER)
1) to fear, revere, be afraid
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fear, be afraid
1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed
1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared
1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe
1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe
1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify
2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.
: awesome(god)
1) to fear, revere, be afraid
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to fear, be afraid
1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed
1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared
1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe
1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe
1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify
2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while
prep.
of space
Of time
Of degree
conj.
until
While
Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus
of space
Of time
Of degree
base
H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
. conj. . until
. While
. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
5704 `ad ad
properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or
conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,
or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,
while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,
at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),
(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,
till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
see HEBREW for 05703
עַד (ad) — till.
prep
1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as
1a) of space
1a1) as far as, up to, even to
1b) in combination
1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)
1c) of time
1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end
1d) of degree
1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like
conj
2) until, while, to the point that, so that even
Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Prep — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
HTr — ParticleHTr
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
look:
(1) The uses of the simple verb in English Versions of the Bible are nearly all good modern English. In Isa 5:2, however, "He looked that it should bring forth grapes"--"look" is used in the sense of "expect." Compare the King James Version of Sirach 20:14; Ac 28:6, "They looked when he should have swollen" (the Revised Version (British and American) "They expected that he would have swollen"). In 1 Macc 4:54, the King James Version has inserted "look" (omitted in the Revised Version (British and American)) as a simple interjection, without a corresponding word in the Greek
(2) "Look upon" means "fix one's attention on," and is often so used in English Versions of the Bible without further significance (Ec 2:11;
The Hebrew word צַר (tsar) is built from the root meaning 'narrow' or 'tight.' It encompasses a range of meanings including 'distress,' 'adversary,' and 'hard pebble' or 'flint.' The term can refer to physical tightness or metaphorical trouble, as well as an enemy or foe. It appears in contexts of anguish and tribulation, with a specific verse reference in Isaiah 5:28.
צַר adj. narrow, tight
base
צַר n.[m.] straits, distress
base
צַר 68 n.m. adversary, foe
base
צַר n.[m.] hard pebble, flint;—Is 5:28
ref
H6862a צַר narrow, tight H6862b צַר straits, distress H6862c צַר adversary, foe H6862d צַר hard pebble, flint
6862 tsar tsar
or tsar {tsawr}; from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place
(usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in
6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):--adversary,
afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,
narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
see HEBREW for 06887
see HEBREW for 06864
צַר (tsar) — narrow.
narrow, tight
צַר (tsar) — distress.
straits, distress
צַר (tsar) — enemy.
adversary, foe, enemy, oppressor
צַר (tsar) — hard.
hard pebble, flint
Prep | N-mp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
