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Psalms 55:18 — Word Study

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WLCפָּ֘דָ֤ה בְשָׁל֣וֹם נַ֭פְשִׁי מִקֲּרָב־ לִ֑י כִּֽי־ בְ֝רַבִּ֗ים הָי֥וּ עִמָּדִֽי׃

BSAeveningʻereb morningbôqer middaytsôhar to musesîyach to roarhâmâh to hearshâmaʻ voiceqôwl

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 55
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 18 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 ('i.ma.Di) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 55:18quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist expresses confidence that God will rescue his soul from the turmoil of battle.
Who is speakingThe psalmist, reflecting on his distress and God's deliverance.
Where we areIn a lament, the psalmist cries out to God amidst opposition and conflict.
The hard wordפָּדָ֤ה
Take awayGod's peace offers refuge amid strife.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbעֶרֶב 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 55:18

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

Context — A Psalm of Lamentgenerated

17Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.
18He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
19God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God.
20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.

Psalm 55:18 reflects a moment of deep distress for the psalmist, who feels besieged by enemies. Despite this turmoil, he expresses faith in God's ability to redeem his soul, highlighting a theme of divine rescue. This psalm emphasizes the contrast between human opposition and God's protective peace, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of conflict and divine intervention.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 3:6–7I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
2Psalm 27:1–3The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?
3Psalm 57:3He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.
4Psalm 118:10–12All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
52 Samuel 18:28Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” And he bowed facedown before the king. He continued, “Blessed be the LORD your God! He has delivered up the men who raised their hands against my lord the king.”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word פָּדָ֤ה, pa.Dahgenerated

The verb פָּדָה (pa.Dah) means to ransom or redeem. It suggests a transaction where a price is paid to secure freedom, often in the context of God's deliverance of His people from danger or captivity.

In this verse, it underscores the act of God rescuing the psalmist's soul, indicating a complete and profound deliverance from distress.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered consistently across translations, with all versions acknowledging God's redemptive action.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main action is governed by the verb פָּדָ֤ה, He redeems, which is followed by a noun phrase נַ֭פְשִׁי, my soul, and a prepositional phrase בְשָׁל֣וֹם, in peace. This structure emphasizes the relationship between God's action and the state of the psalmist's soul.

The sentence flows from the declaration of redemption to the context of peace amidst conflict, illustrating the psalmist's reliance on God in times of trouble.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew פָּדָה is rendered as ἑσπέρας (he spared), which narrows the focus to the act of sparing or saving. This choice reflects a slightly different nuance, suggesting preservation rather than a transactional redemption.

The use of ἑσπέρας indicates a broader interpretation of God's protective role, emphasizing His mercy in times of trouble.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalm 55:18 speaks of the psalmist's trust in God to rescue his soul from conflict. He acknowledges the many who oppose him but finds peace in God's deliverance. This verse invites readers to consider how they experience God's protection in their own struggles.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that God redeems my soul?

It signifies God's action to rescue and deliver the psalmist from distress, providing peace amidst turmoil.

How does this verse relate to the theme of opposition?

The verse acknowledges the reality of opposition while affirming God's power to deliver, highlighting a trust in divine support.

What is the significance of peace in this context?

Peace represents a state of tranquility and safety that God provides, even in the midst of conflict and strife.

Why does the psalmist mention many opposing him?

This emphasizes the intensity of his struggle and the need for divine intervention, showcasing the contrast between human opposition and God's support.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I experienced God's peace during difficult times?
  2. How can I trust in God's deliverance when facing opposition?
  3. What does it mean for me to seek God's rescue in my life?
  4. How can I share my experiences of God's redemption with others?

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

Augustine of Hippo comments on this psalm, highlighting the contrast between the rebellious and the faithful in the congregation.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 55 354–430
Therefore, my Brethren, those that in the very congregation of these walls ye see to be rebellious men, proud, seeking their own, lifted up; not having a zeal for God that is chaste, sound, quiet, but ascribing to themselves much;
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 55 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 55:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me,.... That is, God had preserved his life, and delivered him safe and sound from many a battle which was fought against him,

Read John Gill on Psalms 55 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. -Third strophe. His confident hope, resting upon the grounds stated in the previous prayer. Verse 16,17.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 55 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

He hath delivered my soul: either this is an argument whereby he encourageth himself now to trust God, because of former deliverances; or lie speaks of a future deliverance as a thing done, because of the certainty of it. In peace; or, into peace. He hath restored me from the state of war to my former peace and tranquillity. For there were many with me; for there were more with me than against me; even the holy angels, whom God employed to defend and deliver me. See 57:3. 3. Or, for (or rather though, as this particle is oft rendered) there were many with me, or about me, or against me, as this particle is rendered, 94:16, and in other places. So he speaks here of his enemies; which seems…

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 55 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me.Ver. 18. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle] This he speaketh upon his prayer, by the force of his faith; as being assured of victory before the battle was fought or stroke struck, as they say. For there were many with me] i.e. God’ s holy angels, as 2 Kings 6:16-17. Vel multi ex Israele orantes pro Davide, sic Aben Ezra.

Read John Trapp on Psalms 55 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) From the battle.—The reading of the LXX. is preferable, “from these drawing near to me.” For there were many with me.—This is only intelligible if we insert the word fighting. “For there were many fighting with me,” i.e., “against me.” But the text seems corrupt.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 55 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 18. He hath delivered my soul] My life he has preserved in perfect safety from the sword; for there were many with me: "for in many afflictions his WORD was my support." - Targum. Or David may refer to the supernatural assistance which was afforded him when his enemies were so completely discomfited.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 55 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16–23. In this division of the Psalm the storm of indignation dies away, and the Psalmist’s trustful confidence revives.

Read Cambridge on Psalms 55 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

He hath delivered my soul in peaee - The Hebrew is, “He has redeemed;” so also the Septuagint and Vulgate. The meaning is, He has “rescued” me, or has saved me from my enemies.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 55 →

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

He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.

NETBNew English Translation2006

He will rescue me and protect me from those who attack me, even though they greatly outnumber me.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many that strove with me.

RVARevised Version, American1894

He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for they were many that strove with me.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

He hath deliuered my soule in peace from the battel, that was against me: for many were with me.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle against me: for there were many about me.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

He hath ransomed in peace my soul From him who is near to me, For with the multitude they were with me.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

He has ransomed my soul in peace || From him who is near to me, || For with the multitude they were with me.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

(55:19) He delivereth my soul in peace from the battle against me; for in multitudes are they [contending] with me.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

He will safely rescue my life from the battle that was against me, for those who fought against me were many.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

He rescues me, keeping me safe and sound from my attackers, because there are so many against me.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

He has taken my soul away from the attack which was made against me, and given it peace; for great numbers were against me.

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.

clauseverbפָּ֘דָ֤הhe.will.ransomprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְinשָׁל֣וֹםpeacenoun phrase · objectנַ֭פְשִׁlifeיmyprepositional phrase · prepositionalמִfromnoun phraseקֲּרָבbattleprepositional phraseלִ֑toיmeכִּֽי(dm)clauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְ֝(in).manyרַבִּ֗ים[people]verbהָי֥וּthey.areprepositional phrase · prepositionalעִמָּדִֽwithיme

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 largely agree in content, with 7 of the 9 words matched. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but its overall message aligns with the Hebrew text, affirming the theme of divine rescue.

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

פָּ֘דָ֤ה בְשָׁל֣וֹם נַ֭פְשִׁי מִקֲּרָב־ לִ֑י כִּֽי־ בְ֝רַבִּ֗ים הָי֥וּ עִמָּדִֽי׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
פָּ֘דָ֤הἑσπέραςבְשָׁל֣וֹםπρωὶנַ֭פְשִׁיμεσημβρίαςמִקֲּרָב־διηγήσομαιלִ֑יκαὶכִּֽי־εἰσακούσεταιבְ֝רַבִּ֗יםμου

7 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

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


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

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

Psalms 55:18פָּדָהhe will ranhe will ransomפָּדָהשָׁלוֹםin peacein peaceשָׁלוֹםנֶ֫פֶשׁlife mylife myנֶ֫פֶשׁקְרָבfrom battlefrom battleקְרָבנִיto meto meנִיכִּיforforכִּירַבmany [peoplmany [people]רַבהָיָהthey arethey areהָיָהעִםwith mewith meעִםשָׁלֵםto completto completeשָׁלֵםנָפַשׁbe refreshbe refreshedנָפַשׁקָרֵבto presentto present: comקָרֵברָבַבto multiplto multiplyרָבַבהָוָאto fallto fallהָוָאעִםwithwithעִםבְּכוֹרfirstbornfirstbornבְּכוֹריֵהוּאJehuJehuיֵהוּאבָּקַשׁto seekto seekבָּקַשׁחַיalivealiveחַימִלְחָמָהbattlebattleמִלְחָמָהיוֹםdaydayיוֹםיָדַעto knowto knowיָדַענְבוּזַרְאֲדָןNebuzaradaNebuzaradanנְבוּזַרְאֲדָןטַבָּחguardguardטַבָּחרִיבto contendto contendרִיבחֶ֫סֶדkindnesskindnessחֶ֫סֶד
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 55:18

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.

he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
פָּ֘דָ֤הpa.Dah he will ransom H6299 Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
59× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To pay a price to set someone free, like a ransom to rescue a person. It's used in the Bible to describe God redeeming his people.
Tyndale gloss
to ransom
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

פָּדָה (padah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to ransom or redeem. It encompasses actions like delivering or rescuing, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being ransomed or allowing someone to be ransomed. The entries highlight its use in contexts of release and preservation, but do not specify any particular verses.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

פָּדָה vb. ransom

Qal ransom

Niph. she hath not been at all ransomed (from bondage)

Hiph. he shall let her be ransomed.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6299 פָּדָה ransom

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6299 padah paw-daw'

a primitive root; to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release,

preserve:--X at all, deliver, X by any means, ransom, (that

are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, X surely.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּדָה (pa.dah) — to ransom.

1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver

1a) (Qal) to ransom

1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed

1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed

1d) (Hophal) redeemed

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singular
HVqp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ran'-sum (the noun occurs in the English Bible 12 times (Ex 21:30 the King James Version pidhyon; Ex 30:12; Job 33:24; 36:18; Pr 6:35; 13:8; 21:18; Isa 43:3, kopher; Mt 20:28; Mr 10:45, lutron; 1Ti 2:6, antilutron); the verbal form occurs 4 times (Isa 35:10; Ho 13:14, padhah; Isa 51:10 the King…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ransom

The price or payment made for our redemption, as when it is said that the Son of man “gave his life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28; comp. Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:23, 24; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Gal. 3:13; 4:4, 5: Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Tim. 2:6; Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. In all these passages the same idea is expressed). This word is derived from the Fr.…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of a man' s life Ex 21:30; 30:12; Job 36:18; Ps 49:7,8; Pr 6:35; 13:8; Ho 13:14

→ FIGURATIVE Job 33:24; Isa 35:10; 51:10; Mt 20:28; 1Ti 2:6

See JESUS

See SAVIOUR

See REDEMPTION

he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
בְשָׁל֣וֹםve.sha.Lom in peace H7965 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
237× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Tyndale gloss
Peace
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שָׁלוֹם (shalom) conveys a range of meanings including completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace. It can refer to physical safety and health, as well as emotional states like tranquility and friendship, particularly in human relationships and with God. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be complete' and is used in various contexts, including greetings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׁלוֹם 237 n.m. completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

completeness in no.

safety, soundness, in body

welfare, health, prosperity

peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment

peace, friendship

peace from war

as adj. those at peace with him

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7965 שָׁלוֹם completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7965 shalowm shaw-lome'

or shalom {shaw-lome'}; from 7999; safe, i.e. (figuratively)

well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health,

prosperity, peace:--X do, familiar, X fare, favour, + friend,

X great, (good) health, (X perfect, such as be at)

peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty),

salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, X wholly.

see HEBREW for 07999

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׁלוֹם (sha.lom) — peace.

: peace

1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

1a) completeness (in number)

1b) safety, soundness (in body)

1c) welfare, health, prosperity

1d) peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment

1e) peace, friendship

1e1) of human relationships

1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship

1f) peace (from war)

1g) peace (as adjective)

שָׁלוֹם (ye.ho.vah sha.lom) — Peace.

This name means completeness, peace

Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

שָׁלוֹם (sha.lom) — peace: well-being.

: well-being

1) completeness, soundness, welfare, peace

1a) completeness (in number)

1b) safety, soundness (in body)

1c) welfare, health, prosperity

1d) peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment

1e) peace, friendship

1e1) of human relationships

1e2) with God especially in covenant relationship

1f) peace (from war)

1g) peace (as adjective)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pes (shalom; eirene):

1. In the Old Testament:

Is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul. The Hebrew word is shalom (both adjective and substantive), meaning, primarily, "soundness," "health," but coming also to signify "prosperity," well-being in general, all good in relation to both man and God. In early times, to a people harassed by foes, peace was the primary blessing. In Ps 122:7, we have "peace" and "prosperity," and in 35:27; 73:3, shalom is translated "prosperity." In 2Sa 11:7 the King James Version, David asked of Uriah "how Joab did" (margin "of the peace of Joab"), "and how the people did (the Revised Version (British and American) "fared," literally, "of the peace of the people"), and…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ EXEMPLIFIED

By Abraham Ge 13:8,9

Abimelech Ge 26:29

Mordecai Es 10:3

David Ps 120:7

See CHARITABLENESS

See NATION, PEACE OF

→ SOCIAL Ge 45:24; Le 26:6; Job 5:23,24; Ps 34:14; 120:6,7; 133:1; Pr 12:20; 15:17; 16:7; 17:1,14; 20:3; Ec 4:6; Isa 2:4; 45:7; Jer…

- God is the author of

Ps 147:14; Isa 45:7; 1Co 14:33

- RESULTS FROM

. Heavenly wisdom

Jas 3:17

. The government of Christ

Isa 2:4

. Praying for rulers

1Ti 2:2

. Seeking the peace of those with whom we dwell

Jer 29:7

- Necessary to the enjoyment of life

Ps 34:12,14; 1Pe 3:10,11

- GOD BESTOWS UPON THOSE WHO

. Obey him

Le 26:6

. Please him

he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
נַ֭פְשִׁיNaf.shi life my H5315 Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
754× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Tyndale gloss
soul
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion

= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

The נפשׁ becomes a living being

The נפשׁ is specif.

The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

נ׳ in D

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

. The נפשׁ becomes a living being

. The נפשׁ is specif.

. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

. נ׳ in D

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5315 nephesh neh'-fesh

from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of

(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,

accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,

appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,

X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),

(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,

mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,

thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,

thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

see HEBREW for 05314

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

1g1) uncertain

1h) activity of the will

1h1) uncertain

1i) activity of the character

1i1) uncertain

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HNcfsc/Sp1bs — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HNcfsc/Sp1bs
he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
מִקֲּרָב־mi.ka.rov- from battle H7128 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
9× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A battle or war, often referring to a hostile encounter between two or more groups, like the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6:1-27. This word emphasizes the intensity and conflict of the encounter.
Tyndale gloss
battle
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קְרָב (qrab) refers to a hostile encounter, specifically a battle or war. It is derived from the root meaning to approach or confront. The term is noted in both Hebrew and its Aramaic equivalent, indicating a consistent theme of conflict.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קְרָב n.[m.] battle, war (hostile approach)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7128 קְרָב

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7128 qrab ker-awb'

from 7126; hostile encounter:--battle, war.

see HEBREW for 07126

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קְרָב (qe.rav) — battle.

battle, war

Aramaic equivalent: qe.rav (קְרָב "war" H7129)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

See WAR.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Shouting in Jud 7:20; 1Sa 17:20

→ Priests in 2Ch 13:12

→ Prayer before

By Asa 2Ch 14:11

By Jehoshaphat 2Ch 20:3-12

→ See ARMIES

→ See WAR

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
לִ֑יLi to me H9030 Preposition · suffix
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נִי (ni) — me.

Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HRd/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HRd/Sp1bs
he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
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
HTc — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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

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

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
בְ֝רַבִּ֗יםve.ra.Bim many [people] H7227 Preposition
454× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Tyndale gloss
many
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רַב 429 adj. much, many, great

(oft. opp. מְעַט)

much: of substances

esp. of collectives, numerous

pl. many

רַב as subst. coll. pers.

cstr. = abounding in

מִן comp. = more numerous than

רַב = abundant, enough

as adv. much, exceedingly

less oft. great

base

רַב 49 n.m. chief

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances

. esp. of collectives, numerous

. pl. many

. רַב as subst. coll. pers.

. cstr. = abounding in

. + מִן comp. = more numerous than

. רַב = abundant, enough

. as adv. much, exceedingly

. less oft. great

H7227b רַב chief

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7227 rab rab

by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,

number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),

captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,

one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,

things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)

much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,

populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).

see HEBREW for 07231

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רַב (rav) — many.

adj

1) much, many, great

1a) much

1b) many

1c) abounding in

1d) more numerous than

1e) abundant, enough

1f) great

1g) strong

1h) greater than

adv

1i) much, exceedingly

רַב (rav) — chief.

captain, chief

Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)

רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.

Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)

§ captain, chief

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Aampa — Preposition
HR/Aampa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…

he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
הָי֥וּha.Yu they are H1961 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
3,562× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Tyndale gloss
to be
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָיָה (hayah) is a primitive root meaning to exist or become, and it encompasses a range of meanings including to happen, occur, and come to pass. It is often used in narrative contexts, particularly in phrases like "and it came to pass." The word can also denote a state of being or existence, and it appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָיָה 3570 vb. fall out, come to pass, become, be

Qal

Fall out, happen

occur, take place, come about, come to pass

esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass

וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

Come into being, become

abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

sq. prep.

become

sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

sq. pred. adj.

become like

sq. pred. לְ pers.

sq. לְ pred.

oft. c. לְ pred. לְ pers.

with עַל and לְ

sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming)

exist, be in existence

abide, remain, continue

with word of locality, be in or at a place, be situated, stand, lie

as copula, joining subj. & pred.

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1961 הָיָה fall out, come to pass, become, be .. . . Fall out, happen

. occur, take place, come about, come to pass

. esp. & very oft., come about, come to pass . . וַיְהִי and it came to pass that, most often (c. 292 t.)

. rarely also Pf. c. וְ conj. וְהָיָה

. less oft. וְהָיָה Pf. consec. and it shall come to pass, or frequentat. came to pass (repeatedly, etc.)

. Come into being, become . . abs., in lively narrative, arise, appear, come

. sq. prep.

. become . sq. pred. noun (to be viewed as implicit accus.)

. sq. pred. adj.

. become like

. sq. pred. + לְ pers.

. sq. לְ pred.

. oft. c. לְ pred. + לְ pers.

. with עַל and לְ

. sts. c. לְ pers. only = became the property of, come into the possession of

. Be (often with subbordinate idea of becoming) . exist, be in existence

. abide, remain, continue

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1961 hayah haw-yaw

a primitive root (compare 1933); to exist, i.e. be or become,

come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or

auxiliary):--beacon, X altogether, be(-come), accomplished,

committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint,

fall, + follow, happen, X have, last, pertain, quit

(one-)self, require, X use.

see HEBREW for 01933

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָיָה (ha.yah) — to be.

1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out

1a) (Qal)

1a1) ---

1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass

1a1b) to come about, come to pass

1a2) to come into being, become

1a2a) to arise, appear, come

1a2b) to become

1a2b1) to become

1a2b2) to become like

1a2b3) to be instituted, be established

1a3) to be

1a3a) to exist, be in existence

1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time)

1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality)

1a3d) to accompany, be with

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about

1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HVqp3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
he will ransom in peace life my from battle to me for many [people] they are with me
עִמָּדִֽי׃'i.ma.Di with me H5978 Preposition · suffix
42× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means 'with me', showing accompaniment, like in Psalm 23:4 where David says God is with him even in difficult times.
Tyndale gloss
with me
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עִם (*im*) means 'with' and is used to indicate companionship, aid, or joint actions. It can also imply opposition in contexts of contest or combat. The entries suggest a range of meanings, including proximity, possession, and metaphorical uses, such as 'in spite of.' There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עִם prep. with

of fellowship and companionship

of aid

Of actions done jointly with another

If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against

Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another

Of a common lot together with the wicked

Of equality or resemblance generally aid

Of time, as long as

Of a locality, close to, beside

Of persons, עִם is spec.

in the house or family or service of

In possession of

In the custody or care of

Beside = except

With = friendly with

Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one

Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5978 עִם with

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5978 `immad im-mawd'

prol. for 5973; along with:--against, by, from, + me, +

mine, of, + that I take, unto, upon, with(-in.)

see HEBREW for 05973

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עִמָּדִי (im.mad) — with me.

with

A grammatical form of im (עִם "with" H5973A)

§ 1) with

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffix
HR/Sp1bs
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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