Psalms 22:12 — Word Study
WLCסְ֭בָבוּנִי פָּרִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים אַבִּירֵ֖י בָשָׁ֣ן כִּתְּרֽוּנִי׃
BSAnotʼal to removerâchaq frommin forkîy dearthtsârâh nearqârôwb forkîy nothingʼayin to helpʻâzar
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| סְ֭בָבוּנִי | they have surrounded me | Verb qal perfect third person common plural, suffix |
| פָּרִ֣ים | bulls | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| רַבִּ֑ים | many | |
| אַבִּירֵ֖י | mighty [bulls] of | |
| בָשָׁ֣ן | Bashan | Noun proper |
| כִּתְּרֽוּנִי׃ | they have encircled me | Verb piel perfect third person common plural, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. |
| KJV | Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. |
| ASV | Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. |
| YLT | Many bulls have surrounded me, Mighty ones of Bashan have compassed me, |
| WEB | Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. |
| BBE | A great herd of oxen is round me: I am shut in by the strong oxen of Bashan. |
Where they part company is in the emphasis on the strength of the bulls — see How Translations Differ.
The verse has a main clause followed by two phrases that describe the subject and action, illustrating the psalmist's distress.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 22:12
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 Cry for Deliverancegenerated
Psalm 22:12 is part of a lament where the psalmist feels besieged by enemies, depicted as strong bulls. This imagery conveys a sense of overwhelming danger. The surrounding bulls symbolize the might and ferocity of the adversaries, reflecting the psalmist's deep distress and need for divine intervention, as seen throughout the psalm.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 68:30 | Rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 50:11 | “Because you rejoice, because you sing in triumph— you who plunder My inheritance— because you frolic like a heifer treading grain and neigh like stallions, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:14–15 | with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine. |
| 4 | Isaiah 34:7 | And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 39:18 | You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סְ֭בָבוּנִי, Se.va.vu.nigenerated
The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing actions like surrounding or enclosing. It is used here in the perfect tense with a suffix, indicating that the action has been completed by a plural subject, emphasizing the ongoing threat from multiple enemies.
This word captures both the literal and figurative sense of being surrounded, which the psalmist vividly expresses in the context of his suffering. The use of this term highlights the urgency of his plea for help.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is translated in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses surround and encircle.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verbs סְ֭בָבוּ (they have surrounded) and כִּתְּרֽוּ (they have encircled) govern the structure of the verse. The subject of both verbs is implied as the bulls, creating a parallel structure that emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the threat.
The arrangement of the words places the emphasis on the bulls first, establishing their dominance in the imagery before describing their actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates סְ֭בָבוּנִי as ἀποστῇς (they have turned away), which shifts the focus from surrounding to a sense of abandonment. This choice reflects a different interpretation of the psalmist's plight.
The translation of בָשָׁן as θλῖψις (distress) further emphasizes the emotional turmoil rather than the physical presence of enemies.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 22:12 describes the psalmist feeling surrounded by powerful bulls, symbolizing fierce enemies. The imagery captures the intensity of his distress and the need for divine help, as he feels besieged on all sides.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The bulls symbolize powerful and aggressive enemies that surround the psalmist, reflecting his feelings of vulnerability and distress.
Bashan was known for its fertile land and strong livestock, so the reference highlights the strength and ferocity of the enemies.
This verse illustrates the psalmist's feelings of being overwhelmed and attacked, setting the stage for his plea for help and deliverance.
It implies that he is in a position of danger, feeling besieged and in need of rescue from his enemies.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I relate to the feelings of being surrounded by challenges or adversaries in my life?
- In what ways do I seek help when I feel overwhelmed, similar to the psalmist's plea?
- What does it mean to me to have God as a protector in times of distress?
- How can I find strength in my faith when I feel besieged by difficulties?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Augustine and Theodoret reference this verse to discuss the nature of Christ's suffering and the opposition He faced, interpreting the bulls as symbolic of His enemies.
"Many calves came about Me." The multitude of the wanton populace came about Me. "Fat bulls closed Me in" [Psalms 22:12]. And their leaders, glad at My oppression, "closed Me in."Early Church Fathers on Psalms 22 →
The psalm describes in advance the attacks of the chief priests, the scribes and the Pharisees, who in imitation of the audacity of bulls and the frenzy of lions hemmed in Christ the Lord.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 22 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 22:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMany bulls have compassed me,.... By whom are meant the chief priests, elders, Scribes, and Pharisees, among the Jews, and Herod and Pontius Pilate among the Gentiles, comparable to bulls for their
Read John Gill on Psalms 22 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMany bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. Many bulls - implying the strength and violence of His enemies, while he was as the gentle and weak 'hind' (title).
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 22 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBulls; wicked, and violent, and potent enemies; for such are so called, . Strong bulls of Bashan, i.e. fat and lusty, as the cattle there bred were, 32:14, and therefore fierce and furious.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 22 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.Ver. 12. Many bulls have compassed me] Young bulls, which noteth their lustiness and courage. Tauri bene saginati et petulci. Strong bulls of Bashan] A far country beyond Jordan, famous for fat and fierce cattle. Hereby are meant princes and potentates, persecutors of Christ and his people, against whom they run and rush with utmost might and malice, but not always with desired success. Of the wild bull it is said, that of all things he cannot abide any red colour. Therefore the hunter for the nonce standing before a tree, puts on a red garment; whom, when the bull seeth, he runneth hard at him, as hard…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 22 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) Bulls of Bashan.—For “Bashan” see Numbers 21:33; for its pastures and cattle, comp. Deuteronomy 32:14, and for the figures, Amos 4:1. Instead of “fat bulls,” the LXX. and Vulgate paraphrase “strong ones of Bashan.” The point of the comparison lies in the wantonness and insolence of pampered pride, displayed by the minions of fortune.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 22 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. Many bulls have compassed me] The bull is the emblem of brutal strength, that gores and tramples down all before it. Such was Absalom, Ahithophel, and others, who rose up in rebellion against David; and such were the Jewish rulers who conspired against Christ. Strong bulls of Bashan] Bashan was a district beyond Jordan, very fertile, where they were accustomed to fatten cattle, which became, in consequence of the excellent pasture, the largest, as well as the fattest, in the country. See Calmet. All in whose hands were the chief power and influence became David's enemies; for Absalom had stolen away the hearts of all Israel. Against Christ, the chiefs both of Jews and Gentiles…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 22 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. He compares his insolent enemies to wanton bulls, which “are in the habit of gathering in a circle round any novel or unaccustomed object, and may easily be irritated into charging with their horns” (Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 71). Bashan is here used in a wide sense for the district from the Jabbok to the spurs of Hermon, including part of Gilead. It was famous for its rich pastures (Numbers 32:1 ff.; Deuteronomy 32:14; Amos 4:1).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 22 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMany bulls have compassed me - Men with the fierceness and fury of bulls. Compare Isaiah 51:20; Psalms 68:30.
Read Albert Barnes 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
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Many bulls surround me; powerful bulls of Bashan hem me in.
Tyndale line
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many bulls have compassed me; Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many yong bulles haue compassed me: mightie bulles of Bashan haue closed me about.
Strictly literal
Many bulls have encompassed me; Bashan's strong ones have beset me round.
Many bulls have surrounded me, Mighty ones of Bashan have compassed me,
Many bulls have surrounded Me, || Mighty ones of Bashan have surrounded Me,
(22:13) Many steers have encompassed me: the strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
Simplified
Enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; strong bulls from Bashan have encircled me.
A great herd of oxen is round me: I am shut in by the strong oxen of Bashan.
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 states, "סְ֭בָבוּנִי פָּרִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים אַבִּירֵ֖י בָשָׁ֣ן כִּתְּרֽוּנִי׃" which translates to "Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in content, with all six words matched in the word-by-word correspondence, although the word order and articles are different due to the nature of the Greek language. There are no significant differences noted in the Samaritan Pentateuch or the Dead Sea Scrolls for this verse, confirming the consistency of the text across these ancient witnesses.
סְ֭בָבוּנִי פָּרִ֣ים רַבִּ֑ים אַבִּירֵ֖י בָשָׁ֣ן כִּתְּרֽוּנִי׃
6 of the 6 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.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 22:12
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.
The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing a range of actions such as surrounding, marching, and changing direction. It is built from a primitive root and has various applications, both literal and figurative, including transforming or enclosing. The entries detail its uses in different verbal forms, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.
סָבַב vb. turn about, go around, surround
Qal
turn, intrans.
march, or walk, around
go partly round, circle, skirt
make a round, or circuit, go about to
surround, encompass
Niph.
turn oneself against, close round upon
turn round (from a direct course)
esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
pass. be turned over to, into the power of
Pi. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
Po‛.
encompass (with protection)
come about, assemble round
march or go about
enclose, envelop
Hiph.
turn (trans.), cause to turn
bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
turn into, of changing name
= bring round, of changing name
cause to go around
surround with (acc.) wall
perh. also encompass (as foe)
Hoph.
be turned, of cart wheel
surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
base
H5437 סָבַב turn about, go around, surround .. turn, intrans.
. . march, or walk, around
. go partly round, circle, skirt
. make a round, or circuit, go about to
. surround, encompass
. . . turn oneself against, close round upon
. turn round (from a direct course)
. esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
. pass. be turned over to, into the power of
. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
. . encompass (with protection)
. come about, assemble round
. march or go about
. enclose, envelop
. . . turn (trans.), cause to turn
. bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
. turn into, of changing name
. = bring round, of changing name
. . cause to go around
. surround with (acc.) wall
. perh. also encompass (as foe)
. . be turned, of cart wheel
. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
5437 cabab saw-bab'
a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in
various applications, literally and figuratively (as
follows):--bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl, X
round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset
(about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to
come about, X circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round),
drive, environ, X on every side, beset (close, come, compass,
go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit
down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: turn.
: turn/bring_around
1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change
1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round
1b2) to be turned over to
1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform
1d) (Poel)
1d1) to encompass, surround
1d2) to come about, assemble round
1d3) to march, go about
1d4) to enclose, envelop
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round
1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass
1f) (Hophal)
1f1) to be turned
1f2) to be surrounded
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: surround.
: surround/go_round
HVqp3cp/Sp1bs — Verb qal perfect third person common plural · suffixHVqp3cp/Sp1bs
פַּר (par) refers to a young bull or steer. It is derived from a root that suggests strength or breaking forth. The term encompasses meanings like bullock and calf, indicating its use in contexts related to livestock.
פַּר 132 n.m. young bull, steer
base
H6499 פַּר young bull, steer
6499 par par
or par {pawr}; from 6565; a bullock (apparently as breaking
forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof):--(+
young) bull(-ock), calf, ox.
see HEBREW for 06565
פַּר (par) — bullock.
young bull, steer, bullock
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.
רַב 429 adj. much, many, great
(oft. opp. מְעַט)
much: of substances
esp. of collectives, numerous
pl. many
רַב as subst. coll. pers.
cstr. = abounding in
מִן comp. = more numerous than
רַב = abundant, enough
as adv. much, exceedingly
less oft. great
base
רַב 49 n.m. chief
base
H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances
. esp. of collectives, numerous
. pl. many
. רַב as subst. coll. pers.
. cstr. = abounding in
. + מִן comp. = more numerous than
. רַב = abundant, enough
. as adv. much, exceedingly
. less oft. great
H7227b רַב chief
7227 rab rab
by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,
number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),
captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,
one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,
things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)
much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,
populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).
see HEBREW for 07231
רַב (rav) — many.
adj
1) much, many, great
1a) much
1b) many
1c) abounding in
1d) more numerous than
1e) abundant, enough
1f) great
1g) strong
1h) greater than
adv
1i) much, exceedingly
רַב (rav) — chief.
captain, chief
Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)
רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.
Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)
§ captain, chief
HAampa — HAampa
MANY, adjective men'ny.
1. Numerous; comprising a great number of individuals.
Thou shalt be a father of many nations. Genesis 17:4.
Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 1 Corinthians 1:26.
MANY are the afflictions of the righteous. Psalms 34:12.
It is often preceded by as or so, and followed by so, indicating an equal number.
As many books as you take, so many shall be charged to your account.
So many laws argue so many sins.
It is followed by as.
As many as were willing-hearted brought bracelets. Exodus 34:1.
It precedes an or a, before a noun in the singular number.
Full many a gem of purest ray serene.
2. In low language, preceded by too, it denotes powerful or much; as, they are too many for us.
MANY, noun men'ny. A multitude; a great number of individuals; the people.
O thou fond many
The vulgar and the many are fit only to be led or driven.
אָבִּיר (abbiyr) means mighty or valiant, and can refer to men, angels, or animals. It also has metaphorical uses, describing enemies, princes, or sacrificial objects. The word can imply strength or obstinacy, and is associated with concepts of power in various contexts.
אָבִּיר adj. mighty, valiant
base
H47 אָבִּיר mighty, valiant
47 'abbiyr ab-beer'
for 46; --angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one),
stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant.
see HEBREW for 046
אַבִּיר (ab.bir) — mighty: ox.
1) mighty, valiant
1a) of men
1b) of angels
1c) of animals
1d) (metaph)
1d1) of enemies
1d2) of princes
1d3) of sacrificial objects
1e) obstinate (fig.)
אַבִּיר (ab.bir) — mighty: stallion.
1) mighty, valiant
1a) of men
1b) of angels
1c) of animals
1d) (metaph)
1d1) of enemies
1d2) of princes
1d3) of sacrificial objects
1e) obstinate (fig.)
אַבִּיר (ab.bir) — mighty: strong.
1) mighty, valiant
1a) of men
1b) of angels
1c) of animals
1d) (metaph)
1d1) of enemies
1d2) of princes
1d3) of sacrificial objects
1e) obstinate (fig.)
אַבִּיר (ab.bir) — mighty: angel.
1) mighty, valiant
1a) of men
1b) of angels
1c) of animals
1d) (metaph)
1d1) of enemies
1d2) of princes
1d3) of sacrificial objects
1e) obstinate (fig.)
HAampc — HAampc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
בָּשָׁן (Bashan) refers to a fertile region east of the Jordan River, first noted as the kingdom of Og. It extends from the Jabboḳ stream to Mount Hermon, and is associated with smooth and fruitful land, significant for the half-tribe of Manasseh.
בָּשָׁן 60 n.pr.terr.m. (smooth (& fertile) land) Bashan, first mentioned as kingdom of Og, E. of Jordan, stretching from stream Jabboḳ (thus including northern Gilead) northward to Hermon, between Gennesaret (W) and mts of Hauran (E)
base
H1316 בָּשָׁן Bashan, first mentioned as kingdom of Og, E. of Jordan, stretching from stream Jabboḳ (thus including northern Gilead) northward to Hermon, between Gennesaret (W) and mts of Hauran (E)
1316 Bashan baw-shawn'
of uncertain derivation; Bashan (often with the article), a
region East of the Jordan:--Bashan.
בָּשָׁן (ba.shan) — Bashan.
§ Bashan = "fruitful"
a district east of the Jordan known for its fertility which was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh
HNpl — Noun properHNpl
ba'-shan (ha-bashan, "the Bashan"; Basan): This name is probably the same in meaning as the cognate Arabic bathneh, "soft, fertile land," or bathaniyeh (batanaea), "this land sown with wheat" ("wheatland").
1. Boundaries:
It often occurs with the article, "the Bashan," to describe the kingdom of Og, the most northerly part of the land East of the Jordan. It stretched from the border of Gilead in the South to the slopes of Hermen in the North. Hermon itself is never definitely included in Bashan, although Og is said to have ruled in that mountain (Jos 12:5; 13:11). In De 3:10 Salecah and Edrei seem to indicate the East and West limits respectively. This would agree with Jos 12:5; 13:11, which seem to make Geshur and Maacath the…
Bashan
Light soil, first mentioned in Gen. 14:5, where it is said that Chedorlaomer and his confederates “smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth,” where Og the king of Bashan had his residence. At the time of Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land, Og came out against them, but was utterly routed (Num. 21:33-35; Deut. 3:1-7). This country extended from Gilead in the south to Hermon in the north, and from the Jordan on the west to Salcah on the east. Along with the half of Gilead it was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh (Josh. 13:29-31). Golan, one of its cities, became a “city of refuge” (Josh. 21:27). Argob, in Bashan, was…
(fruitful), a district on the east of Jordan. It is sometimes spoken of as the "land of Bashan," (1 Chronicles 5:11) and comp. Numb 21:33; 32:33 And sometimes as "all Bashan." (3:10,13; Joshua 12:5; 13:12,30) It was taken by the children of Israel after their conquest of the land of Sihon from Arnon to Jabbok. The limits of Bashan are very strictly defined. It extended from the "border of Gilead" on the south to Mount Hermon on the north, (3:3,10,14; Joshua 12:5; 1 Chronicles 5:23) and from the Arabah or Jordan valley on the west to Salchah (Sulkhad) and the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites on the east. (Joshua…
Fat, fruitful, Nu 21:33, a rich hilly district lying east of the Jordan, and between the mountains of Hermon on the north, and those of Gilead and Ammon on the south. The country takes its name from its soft and sandy soil. It is celebrated in Scripture for its rich pasturage: "Rams, of the breed of Bashan," De 32:14; "Rams, bulls, goats, all of them fatlings of Bashan," Eze 39:18. The oaks of Bashan are mentioned in connection with the cedars of Lebanon, Isa 2:13. Modern travelers describe the country as still abounding with verdant and fertile meadows, valleys traversed by refreshing streams, hills crowned with forests, and pastures offering an abundance to the flocks…
כָּתַר (kathar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to surround. It can refer to enclosing something in a friendly manner, such as crowning, or in a hostile sense, like besieging. The word has different forms, including the Piel and Hiphil, which emphasize the act of surrounding or encircling.
[כָּתַר] vb. surround (in Pi.)
Pi. of surrounding an enemy
Hiph. throw out crowns, i.e. appear with crowns
base
H3803 כָּתַר surround (in Pi.)
3803 kathar kaw-thar'
a primitive root; to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to
crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as
restraining oneself):--beset round, compass about, be crowned
inclose round, suffer.
כָּתַר (ka.tar) — to surround.
1) to surround
1a) (Piel) to surround
1b) (Hiphil) to surround, encircle
HVpp3cp/Sp1bs — Verb piel perfect third person common plural · suffixHVpp3cp/Sp1bs