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Psalms 22:11 — Word Study

Depth

WLCאַל־ תִּרְחַ֣ק מִ֭מֶּנִּי כִּי־ צָרָ֣ה קְרוֹבָ֑ה כִּי־ אֵ֥ין עוֹזֵֽר׃

BSAuponʻal to throwshâlak wombrechem bellybeṭen motherʼêm godʼêl you(m.s.)ʼattâh

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 22
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 (o.Zer) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 22:11quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist pleads for God's presence in a time of trouble, expressing a deep sense of abandonment.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, feeling distressed and alone, calls out to God.
Where we areThis verse is part of a lament, where the psalmist articulates their suffering and need for divine help.
The hard wordעוֹזֵֽר׃
Take awayThe psalmist's plea highlights the urgency of their situation and the absence of human support.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectמִן verbהוּא The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Psalms 22:11

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 — A Lament for Helpgenerated

10From birth I was cast upon You; from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
11Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.

Psalms 22:11 is a heartfelt cry from the psalmist, who feels abandoned in a moment of distress. This lament reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where the speaker expresses their vulnerability and reliance on God in times of trouble. The surrounding verses depict a scene of anguish and isolation, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and support, as seen in Psalm 22:10 and Psalm 22:12.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 10:1Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?
2Psalm 13:1–3How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
3Psalm 35:22O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me.
4Psalm 38:21Do not forsake me, O LORD; be not far from me, O my God.
5Psalm 69:1–2Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word עוֹזֵֽר׃, o.Zergenerated

The word עָזַר (azar) is a verb meaning to help or assist. It is derived from a primitive root that conveys the idea of surrounding or protecting. This word captures the essence of providing support, particularly in the context of divine assistance during times of need.

In this verse, the psalmist expresses a desperate need for help, indicating that there is no one else available to provide support. The use of the participle form emphasizes the ongoing nature of this need, highlighting the urgency of the situation.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, with all versions recognizing the psalmist's plea for help in a time of trouble.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb תִּרְחַ֣ק (tirchak), meaning 'you be far,' governs the main clause, while the prepositional phrase מִ֭מֶּנִּי (mi.meni) indicates the source of the psalmist's plea. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the psalmist's distress and the perceived distance of God.

The sentence is built around the psalmist's urgent request, with the clauses reflecting a cause-and-effect relationship: the trouble is near, and thus the need for divine presence is critical.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates עוֹזֵֽר׃ as θεός (Theos), meaning 'God.' This choice emphasizes the divine nature of the help sought, suggesting a broader theological interpretation of the psalmist's plea for assistance.

This rendering indicates a focus on God's role as the ultimate helper, aligning with the psalmist's recognition of human helplessness in times of distress.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 22:11 expresses a deep plea from the psalmist, who feels abandoned in a time of trouble. The speaker calls out to God, asking Him not to be far away, as they face distress and have no one else to help them. This verse captures the essence of reliance on divine support during moments of anguish.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the psalmist mean by 'Be not far from me'?

The psalmist is expressing a deep need for God's presence and assistance during a time of trouble, indicating a feeling of abandonment.

Why does the psalmist say 'there is no one to help'?

This reflects the psalmist's sense of isolation and desperation, emphasizing that in their time of distress, they feel there is no human support available.

What kind of trouble is the psalmist referring to?

The trouble mentioned likely encompasses various forms of distress, including emotional, physical, or spiritual anguish, as seen throughout the context of the psalm.

How does this verse relate to other psalms of lament?

This verse is similar to other psalms where the authors express feelings of abandonment and seek God's help, such as in Psalm 10:1 and Psalm 13:1-3.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I feel distant from God, and how can I seek His presence?
  2. How can I support others who may feel abandoned or in trouble?
  3. What does it mean for me to rely on God as my helper in times of distress?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's assistance during challenging times?

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

Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the themes of divine assistance and the experience of suffering, highlighting the psalmist's plea for help.

Eusebius of CaesareaPROOF OF THE GOSPEL 10:8.501 c. 260–340
It is surely the very climax of affliction to have no helper. For Christ went for the salvation of the souls in hades that had so long awaited his arrival.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 22 →
Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 22 354–430
"You are My God," "depart not from Me; for trouble is hard at hand" [Psalms 22:11].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 22 →
Diodorus of TarsusCOMMENTARY ON Psalms 22 d. c. 390
He did well to focus his attention on providence in general, asking … “Who is the one who shaped me in the womb, who is the one who brought me from the womb,
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 22 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 22:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Be not far from me,.... Who had been so near unto him, as to take him out of the womb, and to take the care of him ever since; this is to be understood not with respect to the omnipresence of God,

Read John Gill on Psalms 22 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Be not far from me. The of the trouble, which is all but sinking Him down, is mournfully contrasted with God being FAR off.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 22 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Be not far from me, to wit, as to affection and succour. Trouble is near at hand, and ready to swallow me up; and therefore if thou dost not speedily deliver me, it will be too late; which is an argument that David oft useth, as 88:11, &c. There is none to help; thy help therefore will be the more seasonable, because it is most hecessary, and thou wilt have the more of glory by it, because it will appear that it is thy work alone.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 22 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble [is] near; for [there is] none to help.Ver. 11. Be not far from me, for trouble is near] And so it is high time for thee to put forth a helping hand. Hominibus profanis mirabilis videtur haec ratio, to profane persons, this seemeth to be a strange reason, saith an interpreter; but it is a very good one, as this prophet knew, who therefore makes it his plea. For there is none to help] Set in, therefore, O Lord, and help, at a dead lift, poor me, who am forsaken of all other hopes.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 22 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 11. Be not far from me; for trouble is near] A present God is a present blessing. We always need the Divine help; but more especially when troubles and trials are at hand.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 22 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

11–21. The Psalmist pleads for help with intenser earnestness. The virulence of his foes increases. Strength and endurance are exhausted.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 22 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Be not far from me - Do not withdraw from me; do not leave or forsake me. For trouble is near - Near, in the sense that deep sorrow has come upon me; near, in the sense that I am approaching a dreadful death.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 22 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

11. Contains two urgent reasons for immediate help. None to help— Hebrew, Because there is not a helper. See Isaiah 63:3; Isaiah 63:5.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 22 →

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

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near. For there is no one to help.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Do not remain far away from me, for trouble is near and I have no one to help me.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; For there is none to help.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Be not farre from me, because trouble is neere: for there is none to helpe me.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Be not far from me, For adversity is near, for there is no helper.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Do not be far from Me, || For adversity is near, for there is no helper.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(22:12) Oh be not far from me [now]; for distress is near; for there is none to help.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Do not be far away from me, for trouble is near; there is no one to help.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Do not be distant from me, because trouble is close by and no one else can help.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Be not far from me, for trouble is near; there is no one to give help.

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.

clauseadverbialאַלdo.notverbתִּרְחַ֣קbe.farprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִ֭מֶּfromנִּיmeכִּי(dm)clausesubjectצָרָ֣הtroublepredicateקְרוֹבָ֑ה[is].nearכִּי(dm)clausepredicateאֵ֥יןthere.[is].notsubjectעוֹזֵֽרa.helper

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


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

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in their wording for this verse, with all nine words matched in the Hebrew and Greek. This consistency highlights the preservation of the text across different traditions.

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

אַל־ תִּרְחַ֣ק מִ֭מֶּנִּי כִּי־ צָרָ֣ה קְרוֹבָ֑ה כִּי־ אֵ֥ין עוֹזֵֽר׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אַל־ἐπὶתִּרְחַ֣קσὲמִ֭מֶּנִּיἐκכִּי־μήτραςצָרָ֣הἐκקְרוֹבָ֑הκοιλίαςכִּי־μητρόςאֵ֥יןμουעוֹזֵֽר׃θεός

9 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.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Psalms 22:11אַלmay notmay notאַלרָחַקyou be faryou be farרָחַקמִן־from mefrom meמִן־כִּיforforכִּיבַּצָּרָהtroubletroubleבַּצָּרָהקָרֹב[is] near[is] nearקָרֹבכִּיforforכִּיאַ֫יִןthere notthere notאַ֫יִןעָזַר[is] a help[is] a helperעָזַרקָרֵבto presentto present: comקָרֵבלֹאnotnotלֹאמֵןstringstringמֵןצַרnarrownarrowצַראַ֫יִןwhere?where?אַ֫יִןיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעחָתַתto to be dto to be dismayחָתַתיָרֵאto fearto fearיָרֵאעָ֫וֶלinjusticeinjusticeעָ֫וֶלרָחַקto removeto removeרָחַקיָתַרto remainto remainיָתַרעֵתtimetimeעֵתיָשַׁעto saveto saveיָשַׁערָחֹקdistantdistantרָחֹקאֵידcalamitycalamityאֵידכְּמוֹlikelikeכְּמוֹכָּשַׁלto stumbleto stumbleכָּשַׁל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Psalms 22:11

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.

may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
אַל־'al- may not H408 Particle
724× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

408 'al al

a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified

negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,

nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing

(worth), rather than.

see HEBREW for 03808

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַל (al) — not.

1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)

1a) do not, let not (with a verb)

1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)

1c) not, no (with substantive)

1d) nothing (as substantive)

Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTn — Particle
HTn
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
תִּרְחַ֣קtir.Chak you be far H7368 Verb · Qal · jussive second person masculine singular
57× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Tyndale gloss
to remove
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word רָחַק (rachaq) is a primitive root meaning to be or become far or distant. It encompasses various forms, including intransitive meanings like receding and transitive meanings such as removing or sending away. The entries indicate uses in different stems, including Qal (to be distant), Piel (to send far away), and Hiphil (to cause to be distant).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָחַק vb. be, or become, far, distant

Qal be far, distant

Pi. send far away

Hiph.

dir. caus. make, or exhibit, distance, be gone for

indir. caus. remove, put far away

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7368 רָחַק be, or become, far, distant

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7368 rachaq raw-khak'

a primitive root; to widen (in any direction), i.e.

(intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or

figuratively, of place or relation):--(a-, be, cast, drive,

get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw)

far (away, off), loose, X refrain, very, (be) a good way

(off).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָחַק (ra.chaq) — to remove.

v

1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away

1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant

1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far

1c2) to remove, put far away

2) (Niphal) loose

v inf (as adv)

3) at a distance

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqj2ms — Verb · Qal · jussive second person masculine singular
HVqj2ms
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
מִ֭מֶּנִּיMi.me.ni from me H4480 Preposition · suffix
1,189× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Tyndale gloss
from
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not

with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal

from, against

מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

of position, off, on the side of, on

Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

Partitively

Of time—

as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

towards, to

(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

In comparisons, beyond, above

מן is prefixed to an infin.:

with causal force, from, on account of, through

after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

with a temporal force, since, after

Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

In compounds:

base

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against

. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from

. of position, off, on the side of, on

. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex

. Partitively

. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since

. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after

. towards, to

. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to

. In comparisons, beyond, above

. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through

. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.

. with a temporal force, since, after

. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4480 min min

or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)

{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;

hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as

follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason

of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,

since, X then, through, X whether, with.

see HEBREW for 04482

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִן־ (min) — from.

prep

1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than

1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of

1b) out of

1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)

1b2) (of material from which something is made)

1b3) (of source or origin)

1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)

1d) from, since, after (of time)

1e) than, more than (in comparison)

1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or

1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)

1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)

conj

2) that

Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

מֵן (men) — portion.

n.m.

portion

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp1bs
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
כִּי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

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

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

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

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

that if

for if

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

limiting the prec. clause, except

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

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

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

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

. Because, since

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

. for if

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

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

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

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

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
צָרָ֣הtza.Rah trouble H6869 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
73× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Tyndale gloss
dearth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word צָרָה (*tsarah*) is built from the root meaning tightness or trouble. It covers a range of meanings including dearth, distress, and adversary, as well as specifically referring to a rival wife. The entries note its use in contexts of adversity and anguish, with a specific reference to 1 Samuel 1:6.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּצָּרָה n.f. dearth, destitution

base

צָרָה 72 n.f. id. [r.dz.ac] straits, distress

base

[צָרָה] n.f. vexer, rival-wife;—sf. 1 S 1:6.

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6869a בַּצָּרָה dearth, destitution H6869b צָרָה id. [6862b] H6869c צָרָה vexer, rival-wife

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6869 tsarah tsaw-raw'

feminine of 6862; tightness (i.e. figuratively, trouble);

transitively, a female rival:--adversary, adversity,

affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble.

see HEBREW for 06862

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּצָּרָה (bats.tsa.rah) — dearth.

death, destitution

צָרָה (tsa.rah) — distress.

straits, distress, trouble

צָרָה (tsa.rah) — vexer.

vexer, rival wife

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsa — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ BORROWING Mt 6:25-34; Mr 5:35,36; Joh 14:1; 16:6,7; Php 4:6; 1Pe 5:7

See AFFLICTION

See SUFFERING

→ INSTANCES OF

Israelites at the Red Sea Ex 14:10-12

About water Ex 15:23-25; 17:2,3; Nu 20:1-13

Food Ex 16:2,3; Nu 11:4-33

When Moses waited upon the mountain Ex 32:1

may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
קְרוֹבָ֑הke.ro.Vah [is] near H7138
77× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Tyndale gloss
near
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָרֹב (qarowb) means 'near' and can refer to proximity in place, time, or personal relationships, including kinship. It is derived from the root meaning to approach or be allied. The term appears in various contexts, such as describing the nearest city or a neighbor, as well as in relation to God.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קָרֹב, קָרוֹב 78 adj. near;—

of city, the nearest

of pers.:

the nearest to; his neighbour.

abs.

of near relationship

near to י׳

near to י׳ in ceremon. function

of God (י׳)

of word

of time

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7138 קָרֹב, קָרוֹב near

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7138 qarowb kaw-robe'

or qarob {kaw-robe'}; from 7126; near (in place, kindred or

time):--allied, approach, at hand, + any of kin,

kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is)

next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly).

see HEBREW for 07126

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָרֹב (qa.rov) — near.

1) near

1a) of place

1b) of time

1c) of personal relationship

1c1) kinship

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HAafsa
HAafsa
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
כִּי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

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

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

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

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

that if

for if

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

limiting the prec. clause, except

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

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

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

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

. Because, since

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

. for if

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

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

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

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

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

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

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

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

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

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
אֵ֥ין'ein there not H369 Noun common · masculine singular construct
789× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Tyndale gloss
nothing
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought

to nothing, as nothing

cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

in circumst. clauses

with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

with prefixes

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing

. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not

. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not

. in circumst. clauses

. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …

. with prefixes

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

369 'ayin ah'-yin

as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not

exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative

particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,

in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,

thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),

well-nigh, without. Compare 370.

see HEBREW for 0370

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.

1) nothing, not, nought n

1a) nothing, nought neg

1b) not

1c) to have not (of possession) adv

1d) without w/prep

1e) for lack of

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcmsc — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
may not you be far from me for trouble [is] near for there not [is] a helper
עוֹזֵֽר׃o.Zer [is] a helper H5826 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
81× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Tyndale gloss
to help
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עָזַר (azar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to help or succour. It is built from a primitive root that conveys the idea of surrounding or protecting. The entries indicate its use in various forms: Qal (to help), Niphal (to be helped), and Hiphil (to help). The word captures the essence of providing support or aid.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[עָזַר] 82 vb. help, succour

Qal help

Niph. I am helped

Hiph. v. Qal.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5826 [עָזַר] help, succour

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5826 `azar aw-zar'

a primitive root; to surround, i.e. protect or aid:--help,

succour.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עָזַר (a.zar) — to help.

1) to help, succour, support

1a) (Qal) to help

1b) (Niphal) to be helped

1c) (Hiphil) to help

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqrmsa — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
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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