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Psalms 86:11 — Word Study

Depth

WLCה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי יְהוָ֨ה׀ דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָ אֲהַלֵּ֥ךְ בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ יַחֵ֥ד לְ֝בָבִ֗י לְיִרְאָ֥ה שְׁמֶֽךָ׃

BSATeach meyârâh [show, guide] Your wayderek [path, manner of life] O LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] that I may walkhâlak [go, proceed] in Your truthʼemeth [faithfulness, stability] Give me an undividedyâchad [united, single-minded] heartlêbâb [innermost being, mind, will, and emotions] that I may fearyârêʼ [revere, stand in awe of] Your nameshêm [identity, honor, and character]

Word
Listen & take awayPsalms 86
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 11 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 (she.Me.kha) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Psalms 86:11quick helps
In a sentenceThe psalmist asks God to teach him His ways so that he may live in truth and reverence.
Who is speakingDavid, addressing God directly as Yahweh.
Where we areIn a prayerful request for guidance and a united heart.
The hard wordיַחֵ֥ד
Take awayThe desire for a heart unified in devotion to God.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהָלַךְ 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 86:11

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 Prayer for Guidancegenerated

10For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
12I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
13For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol.

Psalms 86:11 is a heartfelt plea from David, asking God to teach him His ways so he can walk in truth. This verse emphasizes the importance of having a united heart to truly revere God's name, reflecting a deep desire for spiritual integrity and alignment with God's will.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Psalm 5:8Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.
2Psalm 25:4–12Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
3Psalm 27:11Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
4Psalm 119:33–73Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.
5Psalm 143:8–10Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.

The Key Word יַחֵ֥ד, ya.Chedgenerated

The verb יַחֵ֥ד (*ya.Ched*) means to unite or join together. It expresses a desire for a heart that is not divided, but wholly devoted to God. The imperative form indicates a strong request for this unity, showing the psalmist's earnestness in seeking a focused devotion.

This word appears only a few times in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the significance of unity in one's inner life. The context here suggests that a united heart is essential for truly fearing and honoring God.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses undivided for יַחֵ֥ד.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse features multiple clauses, with the main verb ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי, teach me, governing the request for guidance. Following this, there are clauses that express the desired outcomes: walking in truth and having a united heart.

The structure emphasizes the psalmist's plea for divine instruction and the resulting transformation of his inner being, highlighting the interconnectedness of knowledge, action, and devotion.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew verb ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי is rendered as με, indicating a direct plea for guidance. This choice reflects a personal and intimate request for divine instruction.

The use of ὁδῷ for דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָ suggests a focus on the path or way of life, consistent with the Hebrew meaning while also emphasizing the journey aspect of following God's ways.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Psalms 86:11 is a prayer where David asks God to teach him how to live according to His truth. He desires a heart that is united in devotion to God so that he can truly respect and honor God's name.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to have an undivided heart?

An undivided heart refers to a heart that is fully committed to God, without distractions or conflicting loyalties, allowing for true reverence and devotion.

Why is it important to walk in God's truth?

Walking in God's truth means living according to His principles and character, which leads to a fulfilling and righteous life.

How can I seek God's guidance in my life?

Seeking God's guidance involves prayer, reading scripture, and being open to His leading through the Holy Spirit and wise counsel.

What does it mean to fear God's name?

To fear God's name means to hold deep respect and awe for His identity, character, and authority, recognizing His power and holiness.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I feel divided, and how can I seek unity in my heart?
  2. How can I better align my actions with God's truth in my daily life?
  3. What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's name?
  4. How does understanding God's ways impact my relationship with Him?

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

Augustine of Hippo reflects on this verse, interpreting it as a call to follow Christ, who embodies the way, truth, and life.

Augustine of HippoExposition on Psalms 86 354–430
"Lead me, O Lord, in Your way, and I will walk in Your truth" [Psalms 86:11]. Your way, Your truth, Your life, is Christ. Therefore belongs the Body to Him, and the Body is of Him.
Early Church Fathers on Psalms 86 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Psalms 86:11 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

Teach me thy way, O Lord,.... The methods of thy grace, which thou hast taken, and dost take, in the salvation of men, in the contrivance, impetration, and application of it; or the way which thou

Read John Gill on Psalms 86 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 86 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Thy way; wherein thou wouldst have me to walk. As thou hast taught me by thy word, so also by thy Spirit enlighten my mind, that I may clearly discern thy will and my duty in all conditions and circumstances. In thy truth; in the way of thy precepts, which are true and right in all things, as he saith, , and the only true rule of thy worship, and the only true way to man’ s happiness. Unite my heart, engage and knit my whole heart to thyself and service, and deliver me from inconstancy and wavering, that I may not at any time, nor in the least degree, be withdrawn from thee, either to any corrupt worship, or to the love and pursuit of the lusts or vanities of this present evil world.

Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 86 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Psalms 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.Ver. 11. Teach me thy way] David knew much of God, and yet he desireth to be taught more; delivering himself up to God’ s discipline, and saying, as once Solon did, γηρασκωδεαιειπολλαδιδασκομενοςUnite my heart to fear thy name] i.e. To serve thee with simplicity and godly sincerity, 2 Corinthians 1:12, cleaving to thee with full purpose of heart, Acts 11:23, and attending upon thee without distraction, 1 Corinthians 7:35. As thou art God alone, so let my heart be toward thee alone. Behold, I find it divided, disjointed, and so disabled for duty (for anima dispersa fit minor), Oh do thou unite…

Read John Trapp on Psalms 86 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) A reminiscence of older psalms. In addition to the marginal references, see Psalms 26:3. Unite my heart—i.e., unite all my powers and concentrate them on Thy service. No doubt with recollection of Deu 6:5; Deuteronomy 10:12. Comp. also Jeremiah 32:39, on which apparently the expression is directly based. An undivided will is in morals and religion equally essential.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 86 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 11. Teach me thy way] Instruct me in the steps I should take; for without thy teaching I must go astray. Unite my heart] יחד לבבי yached lebabi, join all the purposes, resolutions, and affections of my heart together, to fear and to glorify thy name. This is a most important prayer. A divided heart is a great curse; scattered affections are a miserable plague. When the heart is not at unity with itself, the work of religion cannot go on. Indecision of mind and division of affections mar any work. The heart must be one, that the work may be one. If this be wanting, all is wrong. This is a prayer which becomes the mouth of every Christian.

Read AdamClarke on Psalms 86 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

11. Teach me thy way, O Lord] Word for word from Psalms 27:11. I will walk in thy truth] When Thou dost teach me Thy way. From Psalms 26:3. unite my heart to fear thy name] Let it be no longer divided between Thee and other attractions; let all its powers and affections be concentrated in reverence to Thee as Thou hast revealed Thyself in the works of creation and in acts of redemption. The unity and uniqueness of God demand unity of heart in His worshippers (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Deuteronomy 10:12). Such singleheartedness is frequently expressed by the phrases ‘a whole heart,’ ‘a perfect heart,’ but the verb unite is found here only in this sense. Doubtless it is an allusion to the promise in…

Read Cambridge on Psalms 86 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Teach me thy way, O Lord - That is, in the present emergency. Show me what thou wouldst have me to do that I may obtain thy favor, and thy gracious help.

Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 86 →

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

Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.

NETBNew English Translation2006

O Lord, teach me how you want me to live! Then I will obey your commands. Make me wholeheartedly committed to you!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth: Unite my heart to fear thy name.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and I will walke in thy trueth: knit mine heart vnto thee, that I may feare thy Name.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Teach me thy way, Jehovah; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Show me, O Jehovah, Thy way, I walk in Thy truth, My heart doth rejoice to fear Thy name.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Show me, O YHWH, Your way, || I walk in Your truth, || My heart rejoices to fear Your Name.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Teach me, O Lord, thy way; I will walk firmly in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Teach me your ways, Yahweh. Then I will walk in your truth. Unite my heart to reverence you.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Lord, please teach me your way, so I can depend on your trustworthiness. Make me single-minded, so I can consistently honor the kind of person you are.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Make your way clear to me, O Lord; I will go on my way in your faith: let my heart be glad in the fear of 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.

clauseclauseverbה֘וֹרֵ֤teachobjectנִיmenoun phrase · second objectדַּרְכֶּ֗wayךָyourclauseיְהוָ֨הO.Yahwehclauseverbאֲהַלֵּ֥ךְI.will.walkprepositional phrase · prepositionalבַּinnoun phraseאֲמִתֶּ֑truthךָyourclauseverbיַחֵ֥דunitenoun phrase · objectלְ֝בָבִ֗heartיmyprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְtoclauseverbיִרְאָ֥הfearnoun phrase · objectשְׁמֶֽnameךָyour

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text aligns closely with the Septuagint, with 7 of the 9 words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some variations, with several words restored by editors, but the overall message remains consistent with the Masoretic Text.

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

ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִי יְהוָ֨ה׀ דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָ אֲהַלֵּ֥ךְ בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָ יַחֵ֥ד לְ֝בָבִ֗י לְיִרְאָ֥ה שְׁמֶֽךָ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִיμεיְהוָ֨ה׀ὁδῷדַּרְכֶּ֗ךָκύριεבַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָσουיַחֵ֥דεὐφρανθήτωלְ֝בָבִ֗יμουשְׁמֶֽךָ׃σου

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.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q87a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[הור׳ני] [יהוה] [דרכ׳כה] [אהלך] [באמת׳כה] [יחד] [לבב׳י] לירא׳ה [שמ׳כה]

nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 8 supplied entire by an editor.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 11Q8a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

באמת׳כה [יחד] [לבב׳י] [לירא׳ה] [שמ׳כה]

5 words of the verse are on this fragment — 1 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.

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 86:11יָרָאteach meteach meיָרָאיהוהO YahwehO Yahwehיהוהדֶּ֫רֶךְway yourway yourדֶּ֫רֶךְהָלַךְI will walkI will walkהָלַךְאֱמֶתin truth yoin truth yourאֱמֶתיָחַדuniteuniteיָחַדלֵבָבheart myheart myלֵבָביָרֵאto fearto fearיָרֵאשֵׁםname yourname yourשֵׁםהָיָהto beto beהָיָהדָּרַךְto treadto treadדָּרַךְאָמַןbe faithfube faithfulאָמַןלבבto encourato encourageלבבשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםהָלַךְto walkto walkהָלַךְחֵץarrowarrowחֵץנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹןדֶּ֫רֶךְway: roadway: roadדֶּ֫רֶךְחֻקָּהstatutestatuteחֻקָּהחֶ֫סֶדkindnesskindnessחֶ֫סֶדשָׁלוֹםPeacePeaceשָׁלוֹםכִּיforforכִּישָׁלֵםcompletecompleteשָׁלֵםדָּרַשׁto seekto seekדָּרַשׁ
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 86:11

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.

teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
ה֘וֹרֵ֤נִיho.Re.ni teach me H3384 Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
80× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Amplified meaning
show, guide
Tyndale gloss
to shoot
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word יָרָא (*yarah*) encompasses meanings related to shooting, pouring, and throwing. It can refer to actions like shooting arrows or casting water, as well as figurative uses such as teaching or directing. The entries indicate that it has both a literal and a figurative range, with roots in the idea of flowing or pointing out.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָרָא] vb. shoot, pour

Qal shoot with arrows

Hiph. and they shot at; Pt. pl. the shooters, archers

Hoph. he that watereth shall himself also be watered

base

יָרָה vb. throw, shoot

Qal

throw, cast

cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar

shoot arrows

throw water, rain

Niph. shot through (with arrows)

Hiph.

throw, cast

shoot (arrows)

throw water, rain

point out, shew

direct, teach, instruct

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3384a יָרָא shoot, pour H3384b יָרָה throw, shoot .. throw, cast

. cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar

. shoot arrows

. throw water, rain

. shot through (with arrows)

. . throw, cast

. shoot (arrows)

. throw water, rain

. point out, shew

. direct, teach, instruct

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3384 yarah yaw-raw'

or (2 Chr. 26:15) yara; {yaw-raw'}; a primitive root;

properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to

lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot);

figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to

teach:--(+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew,

shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרָא (ya.ra) — to shoot.

1) to shoot, pour

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to shoot arrows

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to shoot at

1b2) part. shooter, archer

1c) to throw water, rain

יָרָה (ya.rah) — to show.

1) to point out, show

1b) to direct, teach, instruct

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperative second person masculine singular · suffix
HVhv2ms/Sp1bs
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
יְהוָ֨ה׀Yah.weh O Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

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

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

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

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

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

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

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

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

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

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

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

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
דַּרְכֶּ֗ךָdar.Ke.kha way your H1870 Noun common both singular construct · suffix
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Amplified meaning
path, manner of life
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner

way, road, path

journey

of direction, almost or quite = toward

way, manner

fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

of moral action and character

of duty

specif.: in good sense

oftener in bad sense

way of י׳

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path

. journey

. of direction, almost or quite = toward

. way, manner

. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings

. . of moral action and character

. of duty

. specif.: in good sense

. oftener in bad sense

. way of י׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1870 derek deh'-rek

from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of

life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because

of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,

passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),

whither(-soever).

see HEBREW for 01869

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.

: conduct/lifestyle

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.

This name means way, road

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.

This name means way, road

Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.

: direction

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.

: road/route

1) way, road, distance, journey, manner

1a) road, way, path

1b) journey

1c) direction

1d) manner, habit, way

1e) of course of life (fig.)

1f) of moral character (fig.)

דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.

: journey

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffix
HNcbsc/Sp2ms
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
אֲהַלֵּ֥ךְ'a.ha.Lekh I will walk H1980 Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
1,549× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Amplified meaning
go, proceed
Tyndale gloss
to go: walk
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk

Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך

lit.

of persons

Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

in like manner of inanimate things

The inf. abs. is often used

as in other vbs., quite independently

to intensify meaning of finite form

most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.

with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance

twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

quite by itself

13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

In combination with other verbal forms

Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:

pass away, die

Read the full entry →
Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons

. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations

. in like manner of inanimate things

. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently

. to intensify meaning of finite form

. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance

. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)

. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance

. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion

. quite by itself

. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.

. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.

. In combination with other verbal forms

Read the full entry →
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1980 halak haw-lak'

akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety

of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,

apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,

depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,

forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,

out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,

march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),

be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,

still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,

on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,

(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.

see HEBREW for 03212

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.

: went/go[away]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.

: come[nearer]

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

1c2) to walk about

1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.

: walk/move

1) to go, walk, come

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away

1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to walk

1b2) to walk (fig.)

1c) (Hithpael)

1c1) to traverse

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Piel · imperfect first person common singular
HVpi1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wok (peripatein): Aside from its frequent occurrence in the usual sense, the word "walk" is used figuratively of conduct and of spiritual states. (1) Observance of laws or customs: "Thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs" (Ac 21:21). (2) Of the spiritual life: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light" (1Joh 1:7); "That like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life" (Ro 6:4); "Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Ga 5:16); "For we walk by faith, not by sight"…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Is often figuratively used to denote a man’s mode of life, or his spiritual character, course, and relations, Eze 11:20. He may walk as a carnal or as a spiritual man, Ro 8:1; with God, or in ignorance and sin, Ge 5:24 1Jo 5:21; in the fire of affliction, Isa 43:2, or in the light, purity, and joy of Christ’s favor here and in heaven, Ps 89:15 Re 3:4.

teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
בַּאֲמִתֶּ֑ךָba.'a.mi.Te.kha in truth your H571 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Amplified meaning
faithfulness, stability
Tyndale gloss
truth: faithful
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֶת (emeth) encompasses concepts of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. It signifies reliability and stability, often in the context of ethical or religious knowledge. The word can also function as an adverb meaning 'in truth' or 'truly.' There is a consistent emphasis on its meanings related to certainty and trustworthiness across the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness

reliability, sureness

stability, continuance

faithfulness, reliableness

truth

adv. in truth, truly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness

. stability, continuance

. faithfulness, reliableness

. truth

. adv. in truth, truly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

571 'emeth eh'-meth

contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty,

truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment,

faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.

see HEBREW for 0539

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: faithful.

: faithful

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: true.

: true

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: certain.

: certain/fixed

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
יַחֵ֥דya.Ched unite H3161 Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
3× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to join or unite, used in the Bible to describe people coming together, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Amplified meaning
united, single-minded
Tyndale gloss
be joined
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָחַד (yachad) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be united or to join together. It has a range of uses, including both the Qal form, which indicates a state of being united, and the Piel form, which emphasizes the act of uniting. The term appears in contexts related to assembly and the unification of hearts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[יָחַד] vb. be united

Qal in their assembly let my glory not be united

Pi. unite my heart

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3161 [יָחַד] be united

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3161 yachad yaw-khad'

a primitive root; to be (or become) one:--join, unite.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָחַד (ya.chad) — be joined.

1) to join, unite, be joined, be united

1a) (Qal) to be united

1b) (Piel) to unite

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Impv-2ms — Verb · Piel · imperative second person masculine singular
HVpv2ms
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
לְ֝בָבִ֗יle.va.Vi heart my H3824 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
252× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Amplified meaning
innermost being, mind, will, and emotions
Tyndale gloss
heart
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart

seldom of things in the midst of the seas

usu. of men

the inner man in contrast with the outer

the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

specific ref. to mind

spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

spec. ref. to conscience

spec. ref. to moral character

= the man himself

spec. as seat of appetites

spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

seat of courage

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas

. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer

. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will

. specific ref. to mind

. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will

. spec. ref. to conscience

. spec. ref. to moral character

. = the man himself

. spec. as seat of appetites

. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions

. seat of courage

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3824 lebab lay-bawb'

from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also

like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,

courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X

unawares, understanding.

see HEBREW for 03823

see HEBREW for 03820

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.

1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding

1a) inner part, midst

1a1) midst (of things)

1a2) heart (of man)

1a3) soul, heart (of man)

1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory

1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)

1a6) conscience

1a7) heart (of moral character)

1a8) as seat of appetites

1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
לְיִרְאָ֥הle.yir.'Ah to fear H3372 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
315× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Amplified meaning
revere, stand in awe of
Tyndale gloss
to fear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָרֵא (yare') is a Hebrew verb meaning to fear or be afraid, encompassing a range of meanings from reverence and honor to causing terror. It appears in various forms, including Qal (to fear), Niphal (to be fearful), and Piel (to terrify). The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions, emphasizing awe and respect, particularly in relation to the divine.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָרֵא vb. fear

Qal

fear, be afraid

stand in awe of

fear, reverence, honour

Niph.

be fearful, dreadful

cause astonishment and awe

inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

Piel. make afraid, terrify

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3372 יָרֵא fear .. fear, be afraid

. stand in awe of

. fear, reverence, honour

. . be fearful, dreadful

. cause astonishment and awe

. inspire reverence, godly fear, and awe

. make afraid, terrify

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3372 yare' yaw-ray'

a primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to

frighten:--affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in)

fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), X see,

terrible (act, -ness, thing).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear.

: frightening(DANGER)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

יָרֵא (ya.re) — to fear: revere.

: awesome(god)

1) to fear, revere, be afraid

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to fear, be afraid

1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed

1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared

1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe

1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe

1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify

2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Also means: ya.re (יָרֵא ": frightening" H3372)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

fer (yir'ah, yare'; phobos, phobeo):

Terms, etc.:

"Fear" is the translation of many words in the Old Testament; the chief are: yir'ah, "fear," "terror," "reverence," "awe," most often "the fear of God," "fear of Yahweh" (Ge 20:11; 2Ch 19:9, etc.); also of "fear" generally (Job 22:4; Isa 7:25; Eze 30:13, etc.); yare', "to be afraid," "to fear," "to reverence" (Ge 15:1; Le 19:3,14; De 6:2, etc.); pachadh, "fear," "terror," "dread" (

teach me O Yahweh way your I will walk in truth your unite heart my to fear name your
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃she.Me.kha name your H8034 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
identity, honor, and character
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp2ms
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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