Psalms 80:18 — Word Study
WLCוְלֹא־ נָס֥וֹג מִמֶּ֑ךָּ תְּ֝חַיֵּ֗נוּ וּבְשִׁמְךָ֥ נִקְרָֽא׃
BSAto behâyâh handyâd uponʻal manʼîysh Ben]jaminyâmîyn uponʻal sonbên the man (Adam)ʼâdâm to strengthenʼâmats
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְלֹא־ | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| נָס֥וֹג | we will turn back | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common plural |
| מִמֶּ֑ךָּ | from you | Preposition, suffix |
| תְּ֝חַיֵּ֗נוּ | you will give life us | Verb piel imperfect second person masculine singular, suffix |
| וּבְשִׁמְךָ֥ | and on name your | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| נִקְרָֽא׃ | we will call | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name. |
| KJV | So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. |
| ASV | So shall we not go back from thee: Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name. |
| YLT | And we do not go back from Thee, Thou dost revive us, and in Thy name we call. |
| WEB | So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name. |
| BBE | So will we not be turned back from you; keep us in life, and we will give praise to your name. |
Where they part company is תְּחַיֵּ֗נוּ — see How Translations Differ.
The structure features a main clause followed by two subordinate phrases, emphasizing the sequence of requests and commitments.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbהוּא
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 80:18
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 Plea for Restorationgenerated
Psalm 80:18 is part of a larger context where the psalmist laments the state of Israel, asking God to revive them so they can remain faithful. This plea follows a description of God's judgment and the suffering of His people, highlighting their dependence on Him for life and restoration. The surrounding verses emphasize the need for God's intervention and the hope for renewal.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 79:13 | Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank You forever; from generation to generation we will declare Your praise. |
| 2 | John 6:66–69 | From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. |
| 3 | Hebrews 10:38–39 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” |
| 4 | Psalm 85:6 | Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? |
| 5 | Psalm 119:25–37 | My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תְּחַיֵּ֗נוּ, te.chai.Ye.nugenerated
The verb חָיָה (chayah) means to live or to give life, indicating a deep desire for revival. It is used here in the piel stem, suggesting an active role in imparting life, which underscores the urgency of the plea for restoration.
In this verse, the psalmist implores God to grant life to His people, indicating that without divine intervention, they cannot sustain their faithfulness. The emphasis on revival reflects a recognition of their need for God's power to restore both physically and spiritually.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses revive and call on Your name.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is נָס֥וֹג, we will turn back, which governs the overall structure. This verb is followed by a series of phrases that express the actions and desires of the people: a negation of turning away, a plea for revival, and a commitment to call on God's name.
The sentence structure reflects a progression of thought: first, the refusal to turn away, followed by a request for life, and concluding with the intention to call upon God. This highlights the interconnectedness of their faith and reliance on God.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word תְּחַיֵּ֗נוּ is rendered as σου which means 'your.' This choice indicates a focus on the personal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for divine action.
The translation reflects a narrowing of the Hebrew meaning, as it shifts from a direct request for life to a broader appeal for God's presence and support.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 80:18 expresses a heartfelt request from the people of Israel, asking God not to let them turn away from Him. They seek revival and promise to call on His name, showing their dependence on Him for life and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To be revived means to be given new life or restored to a state of vitality, both physically and spiritually, as the people seek God's intervention.
Calling on God's name signifies a recognition of His authority and character, expressing trust and dependence on Him for help and guidance.
Turning away from God implies a rejection of His ways and a movement towards disobedience or apostasy, which the psalmist seeks to avoid.
This verse reflects a deep relationship where the people acknowledge their need for God, expressing both a commitment to remain faithful and a plea for His life-giving presence.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need revival and renewal from God?
- How can I actively call on God's name in my daily life?
- What does it mean to me to not turn away from God?
- How can I encourage others to seek revival and restoration in their relationship with God?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 80:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo will not we go back from thee,.... From thy fear, as the Targum; or from thy service, as Kimchi; doing as above would encourage them to stand before the Lord, and worship him; which they could not
Read John Gill on Psalms 80 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySo will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name. So will not we go back from thee. No longer can Israel say as in Psalms 44:18.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 80 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThis glorious favour of thine shall oblige us to love and serve thee, and trust in thee so long as we have a being, and no more to revolt from thee to idolatry or wickedness, as we have too oft done. Quicken us; revive and restore us to our former tranquillity and happiness.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 80 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 80:18 So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.Ver. 18. So will not we go back] A promise of gratitude, which is usually annexed to prayers for deliverance.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 80 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. So will not we go back from thee] We shall no more become idolaters: and it is allowed on all hands that the Jews were never guilty of idolatry after their return from the Babylonish captivity. Quicken us] Make us alive, for we are nearly as good as dead. We will call upon thy name.] We will invoke thee. Thou shalt be for ever the object of our adoration, and the centre of all our hopes.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 80 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. So shall we not go back from thee (R.V.), bound to Thee by a fresh tie of allegiance. quicken us] The restoration of our national life (Hosea 6:2) will evoke a fresh response of grateful praise.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 80 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSo will not we go back from thee - That is, if thou wilt thus interpose; if thou wilt deliver the nation; if thou wilt help him whom thou hast placed over it, giving him wisdom and valor, we will
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 80 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible18. So will not we go back—With these earnest petitions graciously answered we shall no more backslide. Quicken us—Cause us to live; equal to, “Preserve alive thy work.” Habakkuk 3:2
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 80 →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
Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.
So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name.
Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.
Then we will not turn away from you. Revive us and we will pray to you!
Tyndale line
So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
So shall we not go back from thee: Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name.
So shall we not go back from thee: quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name,
So will we not go back from thee: revive us, and we will call upon thy name.
So will not we goe backe from thee: reuiue thou vs, and we shall call vpon thy Name.
Strictly literal
So will we not go back from thee. Revive us, and we will call upon thy name.
And we do not go back from Thee, Thou dost revive us, and in Thy name we call.
And we do not go back from You, || You revive us, and in Your Name we call.
(80:19) Then will we not swerve from thee: revive us again, and we will call on thy name.
Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.
Simplified
Then we will not turn away from you. Revive us so we can pray to you.
So will we not be turned back from you; keep us in life, and we will give praise to your name.
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 and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with five out of six words matching. The Septuagint's structure differs, but it conveys a similar plea for revival and calling upon God's name.
וְלֹא־ נָס֥וֹג מִמֶּ֑ךָּ תְּ֝חַיֵּ֗נוּ וּבְשִׁמְךָ֥ נִקְרָֽא׃
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 80:18
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.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
HC/Tn — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
סוּג (soog) is a Hebrew verb meaning to move away or backslide. It conveys the idea of retreating, either literally or figuratively, such as turning away from a commitment. The verb appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of turning back or being repulsed. It is related to the concept of apostasy.
[סוּג, seldom שׂוּג] vb. move away, backslide
Qal backslide, prove recreant to י׳
Niph.
refl. turn oneself away, turn back
be turned or driven back, be repulsed
Hiph.
usu. of displacing, moving back a boundary mark
remove, carry away
Hoph. and justice is driven back
base
H5472 [סוּג, seldom שׂוּג] move away, backslide
5472 cuwg soog
a primitive root; properly, to flinch, i.e. (by implication)
to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to
apostatize):--backslider, drive, go back, turn (away, back).
סוּג (sug) — to turn.
1) to move, go, turn back, move away, backslide
1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to turn oneself away, turn back
1b2) to be turned or driven back, be repulsed
Also means: sug (שׂוּג "to turn back" H7734)
HVqi1cp — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common pluralHVqi1cp
The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.
מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not
with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal
from, against
מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
of position, off, on the side of, on
Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
Partitively
Of time—
as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
towards, to
(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
In comparisons, beyond, above
מן is prefixed to an infin.:
with causal force, from, on account of, through
after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
with a temporal force, since, after
Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
In compounds:
base
H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against
. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
. of position, off, on the side of, on
. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
. Partitively
. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
. towards, to
. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
. In comparisons, beyond, above
. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through
. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
. with a temporal force, since, after
. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
4480 min min
or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)
{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;
hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as
follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason
of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,
since, X then, through, X whether, with.
see HEBREW for 04482
מִן־ (min) — from.
prep
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
1b) out of
1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
1b2) (of material from which something is made)
1b3) (of source or origin)
1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
1d) from, since, after (of time)
1e) than, more than (in comparison)
1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
conj
2) that
Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
מֵן (men) — portion.
n.m.
portion
HR/Sp2ms — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2ms
חָיָה (chayah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to live or have life, encompassing both literal and figurative senses. It includes various nuances such as reviving, preserving life, and restoring health. The entries detail its use in different stems, with Qal focusing on living and being quickened, while Piel and Hiphil emphasize giving life and reviving. No specific verse references are provided.
חָיָה 283 vb. live
Qal 203
live
be quickened, revive
Pi.
preserve alive, let live
give life
quicken, revive, refresh
Hiph.
preserve alive, let live
quicken, revive
base
H2421 חָיָה live .. live
. be quickened, revive
. . preserve alive, let live
. give life
. quicken, revive, refresh
. . preserve alive, let live
. quicken, revive
2421 chayah khaw-yaw'
a primitive root (compare 2331, 2421); to live, whether
literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive:--keep
(leave, make) alive, X certainly, give (promise) life, (let,
suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken,
recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, (X God) save
(alive, life, lives), X surely, be whole.
see HEBREW for 02331
see HEBREW for 02421
חָיָה (cha.yah) — to live.
1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to live
1a1a) to have life
1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive
1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon
1a1d) to live (prosperously)
1a2) to revive, be quickened
1a2a) from sickness
1a2b) from discouragement
1a2c) from faintness
1a2d) from death
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to preserve alive, let live
1b2) to give life
1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh
1b3a) to restore to life
1b3b) to cause to grow
1b3c) to restore
1b3d) to revive
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to preserve alive, let live
1c2) to quicken, revive
1c2a) to restore (to health)
1c2b) to revive
1c2c) to restore to life
HVpi2ms/Sp1bp — Verb piel imperfect second person masculine singular · suffixHVpi2ms/Sp1bp
US, pronoun objective case of we.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Us , pron. [OE. us, AS. s; akin to OFries. & OS. s, D. ons, G. uns, Icel. & Sw. oss, Dan. os, Goth. uns, L. nos we, us, Gr. we, Skr. nas us. . Cf. Nostrum, Our.] The persons speaking, regarded as an object; ourselves; — the objective case of we. See We. “Tell us a tale.” Chaucer.
Give us this day our daily bread. Matt. vi. 11.
Us, pron. oblique case of we
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
HC/R/Ncmsc/Sp2ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/R/Ncmsc/Sp2ms
The Hebrew word קָרָא (qara') is a primitive root meaning to call, proclaim, or read. It encompasses a range of actions including calling out, crying for help, reading aloud, and summoning. The word can also imply being called or named in various contexts. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
קָרָא 724 vb. call, proclaim, read
Qal
call, cry, utter a loud sound
call, cry
call unto some one
cry for help
proclaim
read aloud
read to oneself
summon
call = name
Niph.
reflex.
pass. be called
Pu. be called
base
H7121 קָרָא call, proclaim, read .. . call, cry, utter a loud sound
. call, cry
. . call unto some one
. cry for help
. proclaim
. . read aloud
. read to oneself
. summon
. call = name
. . reflex.
. pass. be called
. be called
7121 qara' kaw-raw'
a primitive root (rather identical with 7122 through the idea
of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly,
address by name, but used in a wide variety of
applications):--bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for,
forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite,
mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(- ation),
pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
see HEBREW for 07122
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call to.
: call_to/invite/entreat
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow
1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to call oneself
1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named
1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
קָרָא (qa.ra) — to call: call by.
: call_by/name
1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound
1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God)
1a3) to proclaim
1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read
HVqi1cp — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common pluralHVqi1cp
Call
(1.) To cry for help, hence to pray (Gen. 4:26). Thus men are said to “call upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14; Rom. 10:12; 1 Cor. 1:2).
(2.) God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office (Ex. 31:2; Isa. 22:20; Acts 13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered grace (Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 22:4).
