Psalms 73:23 — Word Study
WLCוַאֲנִ֣י תָמִ֣יד עִמָּ֑ךְ אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ בְּיַד־ יְמִינִֽי׃
BSAYet Iʼănîy [continually, always] am alwaystâmîyd with Youʻim [together, in close relationship] You holdʼâchaz■ [grasp, take hold of] my rightyâmîyn [strongest, most capable] handyâd [an open hand; strength, a side or share]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַאֲנִ֣י | and I | Conjunction, pronoun |
| תָמִ֣יד | continually | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עִמָּ֑ךְ | [am] with you | Preposition, suffix |
| אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ | you take hold | Verb, Qal, perfect second person masculine singular |
| בְּיַד־ | on [the] hand of | Preposition, noun common both singular construct |
| יְמִינִֽי׃ | right my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. |
| KJV | Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. |
| ASV | Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand. |
| YLT | And I [am] continually with Thee, Thou hast laid hold on my right hand. |
| WEB | Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. |
| BBE | But still I am ever with you; you have taken me by my right hand. |
Where they part company is אָחַז — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence presents a main clause followed by a prepositional phrase that clarifies the action of holding.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲנִי
verbאָחַז
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 73:23
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 Assurance of God's Presencegenerated
Psalms 73:23 reveals the psalmist's deep awareness of God's unwavering presence. After reflecting on his own foolishness, he acknowledges that despite his previous ignorance, he is now always in a close relationship with God. This assurance leads him to recognize God's guiding hand in his life, as he looks forward to the future with confidence in God's counsel and glory.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 16:8 | I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. |
| 2 | Psalm 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. |
| 3 | Psalm 139:1–12 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. |
| 4 | Genesis 17:1 | When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless. |
| 5 | Matthew 1:23 | “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us” ). |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אָחַז, 'a.Chaz.tagenerated
The verb אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp or take hold of something. It conveys a sense of possession and security, indicating that God actively holds the psalmist's hand, providing strength and support.
This form is a perfect tense, suggesting a completed action with ongoing implications. The psalmist emphasizes that God is not only present but also actively involved in his life, ensuring he is never alone.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb אָחַז governs the main clause, indicating the action of God holding the psalmist's hand. The structure is straightforward, with the subject אֲנִי at the beginning, followed by adverbial and prepositional phrases that clarify the relationship and action.
The sentence flows from the psalmist's declaration of his constant presence with God to the assurance of God's supportive action, creating a cohesive thought about divine companionship.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word אָחַז is rendered as ἐκράτησας (ekratēsas), which also means to hold or grasp. This choice maintains the emphasis on God's active role in holding the psalmist's hand, reinforcing the theme of divine support.
The translation choice reflects a consistent understanding of God's protective and guiding nature, aligning with the original Hebrew intent.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 73:23 shows the psalmist expressing his awareness of God's constant presence. He acknowledges that God holds his right hand, symbolizing strength and support. This verse highlights the close relationship between the psalmist and God, emphasizing that he is never alone.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies God's active support and guidance in the psalmist's life, providing strength and assurance.
The psalmist feels secure and supported, knowing that he is in a close relationship with God.
It implies that God's presence is constant and unwavering, providing ongoing support.
In biblical terms, the right hand often symbolizes strength, power, and favor.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I recognize God's presence in my daily life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper relationship with God, knowing He is always with me?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's guidance and support?
- How can I share the assurance of God's presence with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers referenced this verse to emphasize the relationship between the believer and God, illustrating how divine presence offers strength and guidance.
What is, "I knew not"? "As it were a beast I became to You, and I am always with You" [Psalms 73:23]. There is a great difference between this man and others.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 73 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 73:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleNevertheless, I am continually with thee,.... Upon the heart of God, in his hands, under his eye, under his wings of protection and care, and not suffered to depart from him finally and totally; he
Read John Gill on Psalms 73 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. -He condemns his past beastlike folly and expresses his assurance of God's presence and guidance, notwithstanding his folly. Verse 21.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 73 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleNevertheless; notwithstanding all my temptations, and my gross folly in yielding to them. I am continually with thee; either, 1. In a way of duty. Yet I did not depart from thee, nor from thy ways; but did at last conquer them, and firmly cleave unto thee by faith. Or rather, 2. In a way of mercy and favour, of which he speaks in the next clause of this and in the following verse. Although I gave thee just cause to east me off, yet thou didst continue thy gracious presence with me, and thy care and kindness to me. And this phrase, with thee, seems to have some emphasis in it, as being opposed to the other with thee, . I was a beast with thee, such was my folly and wickedness; and yet I was…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 73 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 73:23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.Ver. 23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee] Or, yet I was always with thee, sc. when at worst. Infirmities discard us not. The marriage knot is not dissolved by every falling out; nor the league between princes broken by the wrongs done by pirates. Thou hast holden me by my right hand] That I should not utterly fall from thee; there was still a supporting grace, Quando pes meus vacillabat (Aben Ezra).
Read John Trapp on Psalms 73 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. I am continually with thee] I now see that myself and my people are under thy guardian care; that we are continually upheld by thee; and while in thy right hand, we shall not be utterly cast down.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 73 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15–28. Faith triumphant in the conviction of an ultimate judgement and the consciousness of the supreme blessedness of fellowship with God.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 73 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleNevertheless, I am continually with thee - I am kept by thee in the land of the living; I am permitted to abide in thy presence; I am allowed to hope in thy mercy.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 73 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee—Notwithstanding my unreasonable and even brutish conduct, yet “all this while I have been particularly considered and cared for, and in a special and
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 73 →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
Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
Tyndale line
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden my right hand.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast held me by my right hand.
Yet I was alway with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Strictly literal
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden my right hand;
And I [am] continually with Thee, Thou hast laid hold on my right hand.
And I [am] continually with You, || You have laid hold on my right hand.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast seized hold of me by my right hand.
Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.
From the Latin
Forget not the voices of thy enemies: the pride of them that hate thee ascendeth continually.
Simplified
Yet I'm always with you; you hold me by the hand.
But still I am ever with you; you have taken me by my right hand.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads וַאֲנִ֣י תָמִ֣יד עִמָּ֑ךְ אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ בְּיַד־ יְמִינִֽי׃, while the Septuagint matches 5 of the 6 words, indicating a strong agreement between the two texts in conveying the psalmist's message.
וַאֲנִ֣י תָמִ֣יד עִמָּ֑ךְ אָ֝חַ֗זְתָּ בְּיַד־ יְמִינִֽי׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 73:23
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.
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Conj | Pron — Conjunction · pronounHC/Pp1bs
תָּמִיד (tamiyd) refers to continuity or perpetuity, often used adverbially to mean continually or constantly. It is derived from a root meaning to stretch, indicating indefinite extension. The term is also associated with the regular daily sacrifice in the Old Testament, emphasizing its constant nature.
תָּמִיד n.m. continuity
earliest and oftenest as adv., continually
as subst.
base
H8548 תָּמִיד continuity . earliest and oftenest as adv., continually
. as subst.
8548 tamiyd taw-meed'
from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance
(as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as
adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); ellipt. the
regular (daily) sacrifice:--alway(-s), continual
(employment, -ly), daily, ((n-))ever(-more), perpetual.
תָּמִיד (ta.mid) — continually.
1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch
1a) continually, continuously (as adverb)
1b) continuity (subst)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.
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
מֵעִם 72 from with or beside
base
H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship
. 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
H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside
5973 `im eem
from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction
with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;
often with prepositional prefix (and then usually
unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X
long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from
(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,
with(-al).
see HEBREW for 06004
עִם (im) — with.
1) with
1a) with
1b) against
1c) toward
1d) as long as
מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.
1a) beside, except
1b) in spite of
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp, take hold of, or seize. It has various forms, including Qal (to grasp), Niphal (to be caught), Piel (to enclose), and Hophal (to be fastened). The entries highlight its use in contexts of possession and holding, but do not provide specific verse references.
אָחַז 68 vb. grasp, take hold of, take possession
Qal grasp, take hold of
Niph. be caught
Pi. enclose, overlay
Hoph. fastened
base
H270 אָחַז grasp, take hold of, take possession .grasp, take hold of
. be caught
. enclose, overlay
270 'achaz aw-khaz'
a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of
holding in possession):--+ be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay,
take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get,
have or take) possess(-ion).
אָחַז (a.chaz) — to grasp.
1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession
1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of
1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled
1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay
1d) (Hophal) fastened
V-Qal-Perf-2ms — Verb · Qal · perfect second person masculine singularHVqp2ms
hold: In the American Standard Revised Version frequently "stronghold" (Jud 9:49; 1Sa 22:4; 24:22; 2Sa 5:17; 23:14; 1Ch 11:16; 12:16). See FORTIFICATION. In Re 18:2 for the King James Version "cage" (phulake) the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes, as in first clause, "hold," and in the margin "prison."
Hold
A fortress, the name given to David’s lurking-places (1 Sam. 22:4, 5; 24:22).
יָד (yad) means 'hand' and can also refer to strength or power in a figurative sense. It encompasses various technical uses, such as a sign or monument, parts or shares, and even specific components in construction, like axle-trees and supports for the laver. The word is versatile, appearing in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
יָד 1604 n.f. hand
hand
Fig. = strength, power
Fig. = side
יָד is used in various special, technical senses:—
sign, monument
part, fractional part or share
time, repetition
axle-trees
stays, supports for laver
tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
a (beckoning) hand
יַד with prep.
base
H3027 יָד hand . hand
. Fig. = strength, power
. Fig. = side
. יָד is used in various special, technical senses:— . sign, monument
. part, fractional part or share
. time, repetition
. axle-trees
. stays, supports for laver
. tenons on sides of boards of tabernacle
. a (beckoning) hand
. יַד with prep.
3027 yad yawd
a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power,
means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed
one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of
applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate
and remote (as follows):--(+ be) able, X about, + armholes,
at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad,
(broken-)handed, X by, charge, coast, + consecrate, +
creditor, custody, debt, dominion, X enough, + fellowship,
force, X from, hand(-staves, -y work), X he, himself, X in,
labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, X mine,
ministry, near, X of, X order, ordinance, X our, parts, pain,
power, X presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay,
draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, X thee, X by
them, X themselves, X thine own, X thou, through, X throwing,
+ thumb, times, X to, X under, X us, X wait on, (way-)side,
יָד (yad) — hand.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: power.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.)
1d) (various special, technical senses)
1d1) sign, monument
1d2) part, fractional part, share
1d3) time, repetition
1d4) axle-trees, axle
1d5) stays, support (for laver)
1d6) tenons (in tabernacle)
1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure)
1d8) wrists
יָד (yad) — hand: themselves.
: hand/arm[anatomy]
1) hand
1a) hand (of man)
1b) strength, power (fig.)
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular constructHR/Ncbsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word יָמִין (*yamiyn*) means 'right hand' or 'right side,' and it can also refer to the direction south, as the right hand points south when facing east. It is derived from the root word for 'to be strong' and covers various contexts, including body parts and directional references.
יָמִין 137 n.f. right hand
right hand
of situation on, or direction toward the right
of other parts of the body
= south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
base
H3225 יָמִין right hand . right hand
. of situation on, or direction toward the right
. of other parts of the body
. = south, because when facing east the right hand is toward the south
3225 yamiyn yaw-meen'
from 3231; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or
other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally,
the south:--+ left-handed, right (hand, side), south.
see HEBREW for 03231
יָמִין (ya.min) — right.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
Also means: ya.min (יָמִין ": south" H3225H)
יָמִין (ya.min) — right: south.
1) right, right hand, right side
1a) right hand
1b) right (of direction)
1c) south (the direction of the right hand when facing East)
יָמִין (ya.min) — [Ben]jamin.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18;
son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354);
brother of: Joseph (H3130);
half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783);
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs