Menu

Psalms 37:24 — Word Study

Depth

WLCכִּֽי־ יִפֹּ֥ל לֹֽא־ יוּטָ֑ל כִּֽי־ יְ֝הוָ֗ה סוֹמֵ֥ךְ יָדֽוֹ׃

BSAThoughkîy he fallsnâphal [stumble, trips up] he will notlôʼ be overwhelmedṭûwl [utterly cast down] forkîy the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] is holdingçâmak [supporting, upholding] his handyâd [with strength and direction]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 37
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 24 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 (ya.Do) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 37:24quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse assures that even when a person stumbles, they will not be completely cast down because God is supporting them.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on God's faithfulness.
Where we areIn a section emphasizing God's guidance and support for the righteous.
The hard wordיוּטָ֑ל, yu.Tal
Take awayGod's support provides strength and direction in times of trouble.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectיהוה verbנָפַל 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 37:24

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — God's Support for the Righteousgenerated

23The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
24Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.
25I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread.
26They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.

Psalms 37:24 reassures the reader that though a righteous person may stumble, they will not be completely cast down because the LORD is there to support them. This verse is part of a broader message about the steps of the righteous being ordered by God, as seen in the preceding verse, Psalms 37:23, and the following verses continue to highlight God's provision for the righteous.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 34:19–20Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.
2Psalm 40:2He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.
3Psalm 91:12They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
4Psalm 94:18If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
5Psalm 145:14The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

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


The Key Word יוּטָ֑ל, yu.Talgenerated

The verb יוּטָ֑ל (yu.Tal) is in the Hophal stem, indicating a passive action, meaning 'he will be thrown down' or 'he will be cast down.' This suggests a complete loss of stability or support, emphasizing the severity of falling.

In this context, the use of יוּטָ֑ל contrasts with the assurance that the righteous will not experience utter defeat, as they are upheld by God. The verb's form indicates that the action is not just a simple fall but a significant downfall, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree on the meaning of יוּטָ֑ל, using terms like overwhelmed (BSB), utterly cast down (KJV), and thrown down (YLT).


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse comprises two main clauses linked by the conjunction כִּֽי־ (ki-), which means 'for.' The first clause presents the condition of falling, יִפֹּ֥ל (yi.Pol), while the second clause describes the assurance of not being cast down, יוּטָ֑ל (yu.Tal), supported by God.

The structure emphasizes the relationship between the fall and God's support, indicating that the latter mitigates the former.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, יוּטָ֑ל is rendered as καταραξθήσεται, which carries a sense of being thrown down or cast away. This choice highlights the severity of the fall while maintaining the assurance of God's support.

The Greek translation reflects a similar understanding of the consequences of falling, aligning with the Hebrew intent but using a term that emphasizes the act of being thrown down.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 37:24 tells us that even if a person falls, they will not be completely cast down because the LORD is there to support them. This verse reassures the reader of God's constant presence and help in difficult times.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that the righteous will not be overwhelmed?

It means that even when they face difficulties or fail, God will provide the necessary support to keep them from being completely defeated.

How does God support the righteous?

God supports the righteous by guiding them, providing strength, and ensuring they do not fall into despair.

What can we learn from this verse about God's character?

This verse shows that God is a faithful protector who cares for those who trust in Him, ensuring they are not abandoned in their struggles.

Why is it significant that the verse mentions falling?

Mentioning falling highlights the reality of human weakness and the assurance that despite our failures, God's support remains steadfast.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I feel like I am stumbling, and how can I seek God's support?
  2. How does knowing that God supports me change my perspective on my failures?
  3. What are some practical ways I can lean on God during difficult times?
  4. How can I encourage others who may feel overwhelmed or unsupported?

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

Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, emphasizing God's sustaining support for the righteous and the importance of divine grace in overcoming challenges.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 37 354–430
"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds his hand" [Psalms 37:24].
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Theodoret of CyrusCOMMENTARY ON THE Psalms 37:8 c. 393–460
It is impossible for anyone to travel blamelessly the way of virtue without God’s grace. He works in association with those who have this intent: for the acquisition of virtue there is need of human zeal and divine assistance at one and…
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:24 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Though he fall,.... Into temptation, and by it into sins, and these very great ones; from a lively and comfortable exercise of grace, and a degree of steadfastness in the doctrine of grace: he shall

Read John Gill on Psalms 37 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 37 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Fall; either, 1. Into sin, as this word is used, ; or rather, 2. Into distress or trouble, as . Not be utterly cast down, i.e. not totally nor irrecoverably ruined.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 37 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.Ver. 24. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down] See Proverbs 24:16. If he fall, yet he falleth forward; and if he be cast down, yet be continueth not, Quum ruit non corruit (Vat.); so 2 Corinthians 4:9; as do the wicked, Ezekiel 32:4, whom God casteth into the briers, and there leaveth them. For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand] God’ s hand is still under his; and his goodness lower than they can fall. His supporting grace preserveth them from utter recidivation; his Almighty power, from utter destruction.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 37 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 24. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down] The original is short and emphatic כי יפל לא יוטל ki yippol, lo yutal, which the Chaldee translates, "Though he should fall into sickness, he shall not die;" for which the reason is given, because the Lord sustains by his hand. Though he may for a time fall under the power of his adversaries, as the Jews have done under the Babylonish captivity, he shall not be forsaken. The right hand of God shall sustain him in his afflictions and distresses; and at last God will give him a happy issue out of them all. Neither the text nor any of the Versions intimate that a falling into sin is meant; but a falling into trouble, difficulty, &c.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 37 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

24. shall not be utterly cast down] Or, shall not lie prostrate. Cp. Proverbs 24:16. upholdeth him with his hand] Better, as R.V. marg., upholdeth his hand. Cp. Psalms 37:17; Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 51:18.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 37 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Though he fall - That is, though he is sometimes disappointed; though he is not always successful; though he may be unfortunate - yet this will not be final ruin.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

24. Fall… cast down—The difference between the two words, or states, is that of temporary loss and of utter ruin.—Hengstenberg. Proverbs 24:16

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 37 →

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

Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Though he stumble, he shall not fall, for Yahweh holds him up with his hand.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Even if he trips, he will not fall headlong, for the Lord holds his hand.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Though he should fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Though he fall, hee shall not be cast off: for the Lord putteth vnder his hand.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for Jehovah upholdeth his hand.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

When he falleth, he is not cast down, For Jehovah is sustaining his hand.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

When he falls, he is not cast down, || For YHWH is sustaining his hand.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth his hand.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Though he stumbles, he will not fall down, for Yahweh is holding him with his hand.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Though they may trip up, they will not fall to the ground, for the Lord holds their hand.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Even if he has a fall he will not be without help: for the hand of the Lord is supporting him.

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.

כִּֽי(dm)clauseverbיִפֹּ֥לhe.will.fallclauseadverbialלֹֽאnotverbיוּטָ֑לhe.will.be.hurled.downכִּֽי(dm)clausesubjectיְ֝הוָ֗הYahwehverbסוֹמֵ֥ךְ[is].sustainingnoun phrase · objectיָדֽhandוֹhis

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 on the wording of this verse, with all eight words matched between the two texts. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the message regarding God's support for the righteous.

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

כִּֽי־ יִפֹּ֥ל לֹֽא־ יוּטָ֑ל כִּֽי־ יְ֝הוָ֗ה סוֹמֵ֥ךְ יָדֽוֹ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־ὅτανיִפֹּ֥לπέσῃלֹֽא־οὐיוּטָ֑לκαταραξθήσεταιכִּֽי־ὅτιיְ֝הוָ֗הκύριοςסוֹמֵ֥ךְἀντιστηρίζειיָדֽוֹ׃αὐτοῦ

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.

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 37:24כִּיforforכִּינָפַלhe will falhe will fallנָפַללֹאnotnotלֹאטוּלhe will be he will be throטוּלכִּיforforכִּייהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהסָמַךְ[is] suppor[is] supportingסָמַךְיָדhand hishand hisיָדהָיָהto beto beהָיָהכַּףpalmpalmכַּףפָּלַלto prayto prayפָּלַליָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעגּוֹרָלallottedallottedגּוֹרָלחָלָלslain: kilslain: killedחָלָליָכֹלbe ablebe ableיָכֹלעוֹדstillstillעוֹדחֲניִתspearspearחֲניִתיָם(Mt. Ephro(Mt. Ephron in יָםנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאזְרוֹעַarmarmזְרוֹעַעָזַרto helpto helpעָזַרחָזָקstrongstrongחָזָקנָצַלto rescueto rescueנָצַל
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 37:24

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.

for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
כִּֽי־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
Conj — 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
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
יִפֹּ֥לyi.Pol he will fall H5307 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
435× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Amplified meaning
stumble, trips up
Tyndale gloss
to fall: fall
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נָפַל (naphal) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to fall,' encompassing a wide range of applications, including falling by accident, experiencing violent death, or going to ruin. It can also refer to prostrating oneself, attacking, or causing someone to fall. The term appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often indicating physical or metaphorical downfall.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נָפַל 433 vb. fall, lie

Qal 366

fall, by accident

Esp. of violent death

fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.

fig. = experience calamity

fall, of a city

Fall prostrate

fall = prostrate oneself before

fall upon one's neck, in embrace

Fall upon = attack

desert or fall away to, go over to

Fig., of deep sleep

Other idiomatic uses

= lie; = lie prostrate

Hiph.

cause to fall

Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction

Esp. of casting lot

Fig., let drop, cause to fail

cause deep sleep to fall

Other idioms

Hithp. throw, or prostrate oneself

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5307 נָפַל fall, lie .. fall, by accident

. . Esp. of violent death

. fig. = go to ruin, perish, etc.

. fig. = experience calamity

. fall, of a city

. . Fall prostrate

. fall = prostrate oneself before

. fall upon one's neck, in embrace

. . Fall upon = attack

. desert or fall away to, go over to

. Fig., of deep sleep

. Other idiomatic uses

. = lie; = lie prostrate

. . cause to fall

. Of causing death; = overthrow, bring to destruction

. Esp. of casting lot

. Fig., let drop, cause to fail

. cause deep sleep to fall

. Other idioms

. throw, or prostrate oneself

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5307 naphal naw-fal'

a primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications

(intransitive or causative, literal or figurative):--be

accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide

(by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall

(away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have

(inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for 6419), lay

(along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be (X hast) lost,

lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make

to) rot, slay, smite out, X surely, throw down.

see HEBREW for 06419

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: fall.

: fall/drop/fail

1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fall

1a2) to fall (of violent death)

1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before

1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of

1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result

1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to

1a7) to lie, lie prostrate

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate

1b2) to overthrow

1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot

1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.)

1b5) to cause to fall

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon

1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself

1d) (Pilel) to fall

נָפַל (na.phal) — to fall: deserting.

: deserting

1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fall

1a2) to fall (of violent death)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fol (vb.): The idea of falling is most frequently expressed in Hebrew by naphal, but also by many other words; in Greek by pipto, and its compounds. The uses of the word in Scripture are very varied. There is the literal falling by descent; the falling of the countenance in sorrow, shame, anger, etc. (Ge 4:5,6); the falling in battle (Ge 14:10; Nu 14:3, etc.); the falling into trouble, etc. (Pr 24:16,17); prostration in supplication and reverence (Ge 17:3; Nu 14:5, etc.); falling of the Spirit of Yahweh (Eze 11:5

for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
לֹֽא־lo'- not H3808 Particle
5,170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֹא or לוֹא adv. not

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3808 lo' lo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֹא (lo) — not.

1) not, no

1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)

1b) not (with modifier-negation)

1c) nothing (subst)

1d) without (with particle)

1e) before (of time)

Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
יוּטָ֑לyu.Tal he will be thrown down H2904 Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singular
14× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to throw or cast something away, like when God casts out evil spirits in the Bible. It is used in various forms, such as to hurl or carry away. In the KJV, it is translated as carry away or cast out.
Amplified meaning
utterly cast down
Tyndale gloss
to cast
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טוּל (tul) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cast or hurl. It encompasses various forms, including to throw away or carry off, and can describe both active and passive actions, such as being thrown or hurled down. The entries indicate its use in different grammatical forms, but do not specify particular verses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[טוּל] vb. Pilp. etc., hurl, cast

Pilp. hurleth thee violently

Hiph. cast, cast out

Hoph.

be hurled

of inanimate thing, be cast, thrown

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2904 [טוּל] Pilp. etc., hurl, cast

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2904 tuwl tool

a primitive root; to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively)

to cast down or out:--carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth,

out), send out.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טוּל (tul) — to cast.

1) to hurl, cast

1a) (Pilpel) to throw away, carry away, hurl

1b) (Hiphil) to throw, cast, cast out

1c)(Hophal)

1c1) to be hurled, hurled down

1c2) to be cast, be thrown, be cast out, be thrown down

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVHi3ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
כִּֽי־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
Conj — 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
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
יְ֝הוָ֗הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
סוֹמֵ֥ךְso.Mekh [is] supporting H5564 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
48× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
supporting, upholding
Tyndale gloss
to support
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5564 סָמַךְ lean, lay, rest, support

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
for he will fall not he will be thrown down for Yahweh [is] supporting hand his
יָדֽוֹ׃ya.Do hand his H3027 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
1,619× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Amplified meaning
with strength and direction
Tyndale gloss
hand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָד 1604 n.f. hand

hand

Fig. = strength, power

Fig. = side

יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—

sign, monument

part, fractional part or share

time, repetition

axle-trees

stays, supports for laver

tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

a (beckoning) hand

יַד with prep.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3027 יָד hand . hand

. Fig. = strength, power

. Fig. = side

. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument

. part, fractional part or share

. time, repetition

. axle-trees

. stays, supports for laver

. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle

. a (beckoning) hand

. יַד with prep.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3027 yad yawd

a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,

means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed

one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of

applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate

and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,

at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,

(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +

creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,

force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,

labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,

ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,

power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,

draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by

them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,

+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָד (yad) — hand.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: power.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)

1d) (various special, technical senses)

1d1) sign, monument

1d2) part, fractional part, share

1d3) time, repetition

1d4) axle-trees, axle

1d5) stays, support (for laver)

1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)

1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)

1d8) wrists

יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.

: hand/arm[anatomy]

1) hand

1a) hand (of man)

1b) strength, power (fig.)

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

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

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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate