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Psalms 37:9 — Word Study

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WLCכִּֽי־ מְ֭רֵעִים יִכָּרֵת֑וּן וְקֹוֵ֥י יְ֝הוָ֗ה הֵ֣מָּה יִֽירְשׁוּ־ אָֽרֶץ׃

BSAForkîy [because of this reason] the evildoersrâʻaʻ [those who practice wickedness, do evil] will be cut offkârath [destroyed, eliminated] but those who hopeqâvâh [wait patiently, trust] in the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the Lord of covenant faithfulness] will inherityârash [possess, take ownership of] the landʼerets [the earth, a promised territory]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 37
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 9 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 ('A.retz) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 37:9quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse contrasts the fate of evildoers with the promise to those who hope in the LORD.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, addressing the faithful.
Where we areIn a section discussing the fate of the wicked versus the righteous.
The hard wordמְ֭רֵעִים
Take awayThe evildoers will be destroyed, while the faithful will inherit the land.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectרָעַע verbרָעַע 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 37:9

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

Context — The Fate of the Wicked and the Righteousgenerated

8Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.
9For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
10Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.
11But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

Psalm 37:9 contrasts the destiny of evildoers with that of those who place their hope in the LORD. The psalmist encourages the faithful to trust in God's justice, assuring them that while the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, they will ultimately be cut off. This theme is prevalent throughout the psalm, which emphasizes the security of the righteous and the fate of the wicked, as seen in surrounding verses like Psalm 37:8 and Psalm 37:10.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 37:35–36I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
2Psalm 55:23But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
3Job 20:23–29When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats.
4Job 27:13–14This is the wicked man’s portion from God— the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty.
5Psalm 37:11–12But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מְ֭רֵעִים, Me.re.'imgenerated

The word מְ֭רֵעִים (Me.re.'im) is a participle from the verb רָעַע (ra`a`), meaning to do evil or to practice wickedness. It describes those who actively engage in wrongdoing, highlighting their moral corruption.

As a masculine plural participle, it indicates a group of individuals characterized by their evil actions. This word serves to emphasize the collective nature of wickedness and its consequences in the context of divine justice.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree here, consistently rendering מְ֭רֵעִים as 'evildoers' across versions.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse features a main clause introduced by the conjunction כִּֽי־ (ki-), which establishes the reason for the following statements. The structure contrasts two groups: the evildoers and those who hope in the LORD.

The main verb יִכָּרֵת֑וּן (yi.ka.re.Tun) governs the fate of the evildoers, while the second clause describes the promise for those who wait on the LORD, emphasizing the different outcomes based on their actions.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word מְ֭רֵעִים is translated as πονηρευόμενοι (ponēreuomenoi), which conveys a similar meaning of engaging in wickedness. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of moral wrongdoing.

The Greek translation captures the essence of the Hebrew text, maintaining the focus on the fate of the wicked in contrast to the righteous.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 37:9 explains that evildoers will be cut off, while those who trust in the LORD will inherit the land. This verse assures the faithful that their hope in God will lead to a lasting reward, contrasting with the fate of the wicked.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that evildoers will be cut off?

It means that those who practice wickedness will face destruction and will not endure.

What is promised to those who hope in the LORD?

They are promised to inherit the land, indicating a reward for their faithfulness.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalm 37?

This verse reinforces the theme of divine justice, contrasting the temporary success of the wicked with the ultimate security of the righteous.

What does 'hope in the LORD' imply?

It implies a patient trust in God's faithfulness and a reliance on His promises.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways can I demonstrate my hope in the LORD in my daily life?
  2. How can I encourage others who may feel discouraged by the apparent success of evildoers?
  3. What does inheriting the land mean for me spiritually and practically?
  4. How can I cultivate patience while waiting on God's promises?

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

Early Church Fathers referenced this verse to discuss the consequences of wickedness and the rewards of faithfulness.

Clement of Rome1 CLEMENT 14 d. c. 99
Therefore it is right and proper, brothers, that we should be obedient to God rather than follow those who in arrogance and unruliness have set themselves up as leaders in abominable jealousy.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Ambrose of MilanVerse 9. c. 339–397
Therefore, do not listen to him, so that you do not act wickedly. For those who act wickedly will be exterminated. Those who do not have roots will be exterminated, like vegetables or hay.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →
Evagrius PonticusNOTES ON THE Psalms 36[37].9 345–399
Nothing else is destroyed but that which is cut off from God.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 37 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 37:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

For evildoers shall be cut off,.... Though they flourish for a while, they shall be cut down like the grass or flower of the field, or they shall be cut off as branches from a flourishing tree; they

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

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For evil-doers shall be cut off - therefore beware lest by anger and revenge thou takest thy portion with them.

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

Shall be cut off, to wit, from the earth, by comparing this with the next clause, and with . Their end shall certainly be most miserable. Shall inherit the earth, according to God’ s promise oft made to such; which also for the most part was literally fulfilled in that state of the church; and if it was not, it was fulfilled with far greater advantage in spiritual and eternal blessings.

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

Psalms 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.Ver. 9. For evildoers shall be cut off] Yea, they shall soon be cut off, Psalms 37:10, and so shall all such as, having a while fretted at them, do at length revolt to them; as David was ready to do, once at least, Psalms 73:12-14, and as some others did out and out, as they say, Psalms 37:10, therefore his people return hither to their temporal undoing at least. But those that wait upon the Lord] For deliverance in due season, and for accomplishment of the promises. All good people are such expectants, and should they die in a waiting condition (for comfort, I mean), yet are they…

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

Verse 9. They shall inherit the earth.] The word ארץ arets, throughout this Psalm, should be translated land, not earth; for it is most probable that it refers to the land of Judea; and in this verse there is a promise of their return thither.

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

9. the earth] Rather, as in Psalms 37:3, the land; and so in Psalms 37:11; Psalms 37:22; Psalms 37:29; Psalms 37:34. As the nations were “cut off” before Israel (Deuteronomy 12:29; Deuteronomy 19:1), that Israel might possess the Promised Land, so will the wicked be destroyed, that the true Israel may have undisturbed enjoyment of their inheritance. Cp. Psalms 25:13.

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

For evil-doers shall be cut off - See Psalms 37:2. This will be the termination of their course. They shall not ultimately prosper.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 37 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

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

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Wicked men will be wiped out, but those who rely on the Lord are the ones who will possess the land.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For evil-doers shall be cut off; But those that wait for Jehovah, they shall inherit the land.

RVARevised Version, American1894

For evil-doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the land.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

For evil doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

For euill doers shalbe cut off, and they that wait vpon the Lord, they shall inherite the land.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait on Jehovah, they shall possess the land.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

For evil doers are cut off, As to those waiting on Jehovah, they possess the land.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

For evildoers are cut off, || As for those waiting on YHWH, they possess the land.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

For evil-doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, these—shall truly inherit the land.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh will inherit the land.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly: I roared with the groaning of my heart.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

For the wicked will be destroyed, and those who trust in the Lord will take possession of the land.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

For the evil-doers will be cut off: but those who have faith in the Lord will have the earth for their heritage.

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)clausesubjectמְ֭רֵעִיםevil-doersverb phrase · verbיִכָּרֵת֑וּtheyןwill.be.cut.offוְandclauseclausenoun phraseקֹוֵ֥י[those.who].wait.forיְ֝הוָ֗ה(of).Yahwehclausesubjectהֵ֣מָּהtheyverbיִֽירְשׁוּthey.will.possessobjectאָֽרֶץ[the].land

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, "For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land." The Septuagint closely aligns with this, with 7 of the 8 words matching the Hebrew text, although the word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variations for this verse, indicating a strong consistency among the witnesses regarding the core message of the text.

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

כִּֽי־ מְ֭רֵעִים יִכָּרֵת֑וּן וְקֹוֵ֥י יְ֝הוָ֗ה הֵ֣מָּה יִֽירְשׁוּ־ אָֽרֶץ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־ὅτιמְ֭רֵעִיםπονηρευόμενοιיִכָּרֵת֑וּןἐχολεθρευθήσονταιוְקֹוֵ֥יδὲהֵ֣מָּהαὐτοὶיִֽירְשׁוּ־κληρονομήσουσινאָֽרֶץ׃γῆν

7 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 37:9כִּיforforכִּירָעַעevil-doersevil-doersרָעַעכָּרַתthey will bthey will be cuכָּרַתקָוָהand [those and [those who]קָוָהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוההֵ֫מָּהtheytheyהֵ֫מָּהיָרַשׁthey will pthey will posseיָרַשׁאֶ֫רֶץ[the] land[the] landאֶ֫רֶץבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדHouse of SHouse of Shepheבֵּית־עֵ֫קֶדהָיָהto beto beהָיָההֲלַךְto goto goהֲלַךְיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעיָטַבbe goodbe goodיָטַבבְּרִיתcovenantcovenantבְּרִיתאֲשֵׁרָהAsherahAsherahאֲשֵׁרָהיָחַלto wait: wto wait: waitיָחַלנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאמְרִיrebellionrebellionמְרִיסֵ֫פֶרscroll: doscroll: documenסֵ֫פֶריַרְדֵןJordanJordanיַרְדֵןכְּנַ֫עַןCanaanCanaanכְּנַ֫עַןמִצְרַ֫יִם(Sea of) E(Sea of) Egyptמִצְרַ֫יִם
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 37:9

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 evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
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'.
Amplified meaning
because of this reason
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 evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
מְ֭רֵעִיםMe.re.'im evil-doers H7489 Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
107× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Amplified meaning
those who practice wickedness, do evil
Tyndale gloss
be evil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רָעַע (ra`a`) is a Hebrew verb with meanings related to being evil or breaking. It encompasses a range of concepts from moral wickedness to physical shattering. The entries indicate that it can refer to causing harm or injury, as well as being displeasing or sad. There is a notable distinction in the lexicons regarding its use in ethical contexts versus physical breaking.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[רָעַע] 98 vb. denom. be evil, bad

Qal

be displeasing

be sad

be injurious, evil

be evil, wicked, ethically

Niph. suffer hurt

Hiph. 70

do an injury, hurt

do evil, wickedly

base

[רָעַע] vb. break

Qal

trans. can one break iron, iron out of the north ?

intrans. break = be broken

Hithpō‛. the earth is broken asunder

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7489a רָעַע vb. denom. be evil, bad H7489b רָעַע break

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7489 ra`a` raw-ah'

a primitive root; properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking

to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing,

i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally):--afflict,

associate selves (by mistake for 7462), break (down, in

pieces), + displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat,

man), show self friendly (by mistake for 7462), do harm, (do)

hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, X indeed, do mischief, punish,

still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse.

see HEBREW for 07462

see HEBREW for 07462

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָעַע (ra.a) — be evil.

1) to be bad, be evil

1a)(Qal)

1a1) to be displeasing

1a2) to be sad

1a3) to be injurious, be evil

1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically)

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to do an injury or hurt

1b2) to do evil or wickedly

1b3) mischief (participle)

רָעַע (ra.a) — to shatter.

1) to break, shatter

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to break

1a2) broken (participle)

1a3) to be broken

1b) (Hithpolel) to be broken, be broken in pieces, be broken asunder

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil — Verb · Hiphil · participle (active) masculine plural
HVhrmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

e-v'-l-doo'-erz mere`im; from ra`-a`; kakopoios, always plural:

Malefactors or offenders of God's law. Used generally of the ungodly, as, "Fret not thyself because of evil-doers." (Ps 37:1). Sometimes also of personal offenders: "He hath delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil-doers." (Jer 20:13).

for evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
יִכָּרֵת֑וּןyi.ka.re.Tun they will be cut off ! H3772 Verb niphal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
288× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.
Amplified meaning
destroyed, eliminated
Tyndale gloss
to cut: cut
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּרַת (karath) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cut off, cut down, or make a covenant. It encompasses a range of actions from physically cutting to forming alliances, often implying destruction or elimination. The verb appears in various forms, indicating different nuances such as being cut off or destroyed. Notably, it can also refer to the act of making a covenant, which traditionally involved cutting flesh.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּרַת 291 vb. cut off, cut down

Qal

cut off

cut down

hew, timber

cut, or make a covenant

Niph.

be cut off

be cut down

be chewed between the teeth

be cut off, in a more general sense fail

Pual

be cut off

be cut down

Hiph.

cut off, flattering lips

cut off, destroy the life of

cut down, destroy, cities

take away

permit to perish

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3772 כָּרַת cut off, cut down .. cut off

. cut down

. hew, timber

. cut, or make a covenant

. . be cut off

. be cut down

. be chewed between the teeth

. be cut off, in a more general sense fail

.. be cut off

. be cut down

. . cut off, flattering lips

. cut off, destroy the life of

. cut down, destroy, cities

. take away

. permit to perish

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3772 karath kaw-rath'

a primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by

implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant

(i.e. make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh

and passing between the pieces):--be chewed, be

con-(feder-)ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail,

feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league ((covenant)), X

lose, perish, X utterly, X want.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּרַת (ka.rat) — to cut: cut.

: cut/fell

1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut off

1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead

1a2) to cut down

1a3) to hew

1a4) to cut or make a covenant

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be cut off

1b2) to be cut down

1b3) to be chewed

1b4) to be cut off, fail

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to be cut off

1c2) to be cut down

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cut off

1d2) to cut off, destroy

1d3) to cut down, destroy

1d4) to take away

1d5) to permit to perish

1e) (Hophal) cut off

כָּרַת (ka.rat) — to cut: make(covenant).

: make(covenant)

1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut off

1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead

1a2) to cut down

1a3) to hew

1a4) to cut or make a covenant

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be cut off

1b2) to be cut down

1b3) to be chewed

1b4) to be cut off, fail

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb niphal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffix
HVNi3mp/Sn
for evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
וְקֹוֵ֥יve.ko.Vei and [those who] wait for H6960 Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Amplified meaning
wait patiently, trust
Tyndale gloss
to await
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָוָה (qavah) is a Hebrew verb that encompasses the meanings of waiting, expecting, and collecting. It can refer to eagerly waiting or lying in wait, as well as the act of gathering together. The word appears in different forms, including Qal and Piel, indicating various nuances of waiting and collecting.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קָוָה] vb. wait for

Qal those waiting for

Pi.

wait, or look eagerly, for

lie in wait for

wait (linger) for

base

[קָוָה] vb. collect;—Niph. be collected

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6960a קָוָה wait for . wait, or look eagerly, for

. lie in wait for

. wait (linger) for

H6960b קָוָה collect;—Niph. be collected

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6960 qavah kaw-vaw'

a primitive root; to bind together (perhaps by twisting),

i.e. collect; (figuratively) to expect:--gather (together),

look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָוָה (qa.vah) — to await.

1) to wait, look for, hope, expect

1a) (Qal) waiting (participle)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to wait or look eagerly for

1b2) to lie in wait for

1b3) to wait for, linger for

קָוָה (qa.vah) — to collect.

1) to collect, bind together

1a) (Niphal) to be collected

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal — Conjunction · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common
HC/Vqrmpc
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…

for evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
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 Lord of covenant faithfulness
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 evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
הֵ֣מָּהHe.mah they H1992 Pronoun
553× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Tyndale gloss
they(masc.)
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הֵ֫מָּה (hemmah) is a masculine plural pronoun meaning 'they.' The entries indicate that it can also mean 'these,' 'the same,' or refer to people in an emphatic context. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its usage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הֵ֫מָּה and הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) pron. 3 pl. masc. they

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1992 הֵ֫מָּה, הֵם (without appreciable distinction in usage, except prob. in so far as the longer or shorter form was better adapted to the rhythm of particular sentences) they

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1992 hem haym

or (prolonged) hemmah {haym'-maw}; masculine plural from

1981; they (only used when emphatic):--it, like, X (how, so)

many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, X so, X such,

their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye.

see HEBREW for 01981

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הֵ֫מָּה (hem.mah) — they(masc.).

they, these, the same, who

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HPp3mp — Pronoun
HPp3mp
for evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
יִֽירְשׁוּ־yi.re.shu- they will possess H3423 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
231× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Amplified meaning
possess, take ownership of
Tyndale gloss
to possess: possess
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָרַשׁ (*yarash*) is a verb meaning to take possession, inherit, or dispossess. It encompasses a range of actions from seizing and occupying land to impoverishing or ruining others. The entries indicate various forms of the verb, including Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, which express different nuances of possession and dispossession.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרַשׁ 229 vb. take possession of, inherit, dispossess

Qal

take possession of, esp. bu force, have as a possession, often with collat. idea of taking in place of others, succeeding to, inheriting

inherit, sq. acc. pers. = be one's heir

= impoverish

Niph. be (dispossessed =) impoverished, come to poverty

Pi. the fruit of thy ground shall the cricket get full possession

Hiph.

cause to possess or inherit

cause (others) to possess or inherit, then gen. dispossess

= impoverish

nearly = bring to ruin, destroy

take possession of a land

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3423 יָרַשׁ take possession of, inherit, dispossess .. take possession of, esp. bu force, have as a possession, often with collat. idea of taking in place of others, succeeding to, inheriting

. inherit, sq. acc. pers. = be one's heir

. = impoverish

. be (dispossessed =) impoverished, come to poverty

. the fruit of thy ground shall the cricket get full possession

. . cause to possess or inherit

. cause (others) to possess or inherit, then gen. dispossess

. = impoverish

. nearly = bring to ruin, destroy

. take possession of a land

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3423 yarash yaw-rash'

or yaresh {yaw-raysh'}; a primitive root; to occupy (by

driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place);

by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel,

to impoverish, to ruin:--cast out, consume, destroy,

disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, X

without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) +

magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make

to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon,

succeed, X utterly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרַשׁ (ya.rash) — to possess: possess.

: possess/inherit

1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take possession of

1a2) to inherit

1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor

1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty

1c) (Piel) to devour

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to possess or inherit

1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit

1d3) to impoverish

1d4) to dispossess

1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

יָרַשׁ (ya.rash) — to possess: take.

: take/conquer/drive_out

1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take possession of

1a2) to inherit

1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor

1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty

1c) (Piel) to devour

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to possess or inherit

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
for evil-doers they will be cut off ! and [those who] wait for Yahweh they they will possess [the] land
אָֽרֶץ׃'A.retz [the] land H776 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
2,504× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Amplified meaning
the earth, a promised territory
Tyndale gloss
land: soil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land

earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

earth, opp. to heaven, sky

earth = inhabitants of earth

land =

country, territory

district, region

trial territory

piece of ground

specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

= inhabitants of land

used even of Shᵉʼôl

ground, surface of ground

soil, as productive

אֶרֶץ in phrases

people of the land

in measurements of distance

the country of the plain, level or plain country

land of the living

end(s) of the earth

pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

. earth, opp. to heaven, sky

. earth = inhabitants of earth

. land = . country, territory

. district, region

. trial territory

. piece of ground

. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

. = inhabitants of land

. used even of Shᵉʼôl

. . ground, surface of ground

. soil, as productive

. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land

. in measurements of distance

. the country of the plain, level or plain country

. land of the living

. end(s) of the earth

. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

776 'erets eh'-rets

from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth

(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,

field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.

: country/field

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

1b2) district, region

1b3) tribal territory

1b4) piece of ground

1b5) land of Canaan, Israel

1b6) inhabitants of land

1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world

1b8) city (-state)

1c) ground, surface of the earth

1c1) ground

1c2) soil

1d) (in phrases)

1d1) people of the land

1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)

1d3) level or plain country

1d4) land of the living

1d5) end(s) of the earth

1e) (almost wholly late in usage)

1e1) lands, countries

1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.

: soil

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

((1) 'erets;

(2) 'adhamah;

(3) sadheh,

"a piece of land";

(4) ge, "earth";

(5) agros, "field";

(6) chora, "region";

(7) chorion, diminutive of chora;

(8) xeros, "dry land";

(9) 'ezrach, "native" the King James Version "born in the land," "born among you," the Revised Version (British and American) "home-born" (Le 19:34; 14:16; Nu 15:30); "like a green tree in its native soil" (Ps 37:35)):

'Erets occurs hundreds of times and is used in much the same way as 'adhamah, which also occurs often: e.g. "land of Egypt," 'erets mitsrayim (Ge 13:10), and 'adhmath mitsrayim (Ge 47:20). The other words occur less often, and are used in the…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Appeared on the third creative day Ge 1:9

→ Original title to, from God Ge 13:14-17; 15:7; Ex 23:31; Le 25:23

→ Bought and sold Ge 23:3-18; 33:19; Ac 4:34; 5:1-8

→ Sale and redemption of, laws concerning Le 25:15,16,23-33; 27:17-24; Nu 36:4; Jer 32:7-16,25,44; Eze 46:18

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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