Psalms 139:11

וָ֭אֹמַר אַךְ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ יְשׁוּפֵ֑נִי וְ֝לַ֗יְלָה א֣וֹר בַּעֲדֵֽנִי
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

וָ ֭אֹמַר
וָ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֭אֹמַר
Root word said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
Dictionary form: אָמַר · aw-MAHR

Verb — Qal, Sequential Imperfect (Wayyiqtol), first person singular simple action — "he did" story-telling past — try "and he ___ed" the built-in subject is "I"

In the KJV here: if i say
said ×947 saying ×718 and said ×688 saith ×527 and he said ×343 then said ×139 say ×122 and say ×119
More options
say — Most versatile; fits nearly any context or register.
declare — Emphasizes formal or authoritative pronouncement.
tell — Prefer when communication to an audience is stressed.
speak — Highlights the act of oral expression itself.
command — Use when the utterance carries directive force.
think — Fits internal or reflective speech contexts.

BDB557 H559

BDB556 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB558

אָמַר5287 verb utter, say (MI, Phoenician אמר, Aramaic אֲמַר, Ethiopic I. 2 shew, declare, Arabic command; perhaps √ אמר originally = be or make prominent, hence Hithpa`el below, אָמִיר; Sabean אמר lofty, epithet of king JHMordtmZMG 1876, 37; compare DlPr 28 who thinks original meaning hell, sichtbar sein, whence Assyrian amâru, see, & shew, declare, say) — Qal Perfect ׳א Gen 3:1 +, etc.; Imperfect יאֹמַר Gen 31:8 +; וַיּאֹ֫מֶר Gen 1:3 +; וַיּאֹמַ֑ר Gen 14:19 +; in Job always וַיּאֹ֑מַר Job 3:2 +; 3 feminine singular תּאֹמַר Gen 21:12 +; תּאֹמֵר֑ Prov 1:21 1 singular אֹמַר Gen 22:2 +; אוֺמְרָה Ps 42:10 וָאֹמַר Gen 20:13 +; וָאוֺמַר Neh 2:7; Neh 2:17; Neh 2:20 3 masculine plural יאֹמְדוּ Exod 4:1 + etc.; suffix יֹמְרוּךָ Ps 139:20 2 masculine plural תֹּמְדוּ 2Sam 19:14 ( compare Köi. p. 385); Imperative (אֱמָרֿ) אֱמֹר Gen 45:17 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute אָמוֺר Exod 21:5 +; construct אֱמֹר Ezek 25:8 +; (הַ)אֲמֹר Job 34:18 but read הָאֹמֵר ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Di, or better הֶאָמֹר Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative compare Ew :§ 328 d; suffix אָמְרִי Josh 6:10 +; אֲמָרְכֶם Jer 23:38 אֱמָרְכֶם Mal 1:7 +; לֵאמֹר Gen 1:22 +, etc.; Participle active אֹמֵר Gen 32:10 +, etc.; passive הֶאָמוּר Mic 2:7, but this grammatically indefensible, read הֶאָמוֺר, Infinitive absolute with ה interrogative, see DrExpositor, April, 1887, 263.

1. Say (subject God Gen 3:1 + or man Gen 32:5, serpent Gen 3:1, ass Num 22:28, horse יאֹמַר הֶאָח Job 39:25 etc.; inanimate things, personified Job 28:14 compare vJob 28:22 etc.; so in allegory or fable Judg 9:8; 2Kgs 14:9 etc.; especially in narration, וַיּאֹמֶר etc., Gen 4:6 + very often): mostly followed by thing said, either substantive Jer 14:17 (c. clause app.) Deut 27:16f.; Judg 12:6 pronoun Gen 44:16; 2Kgs 20:14 +; or (usually) clause Gen 1:3; Gen 3:1; Gen 37:20 + often (oratio recta [direct speech]); with adverb thus, so Gen 32:5; Num 20:14; 1Kgs 20:3; 1Kgs 20:5 + often; especially ׳כֹּה אָמַר י Exod 5:1; Exod 7:17; Exod 8:1; Exod 8:20; 1Chr 17:4 + often; the person addressed usually introduced by אֶל Gen 3:1; Gen 15:7; Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; 2Sam 3:7; 1Kgs 12:5; 1Kgs 12:23, or לְ Gen 3:13; Gen 4:15; 1Sam 20:2; 2Sam 2:21; 1Kgs 14:2 + often; rarer combinations are, בְּאָזְנֵי ׳א Isa 49:20 (compare Isa 5:9 & see דבר); לִפְנֵי ׳א Ezek 28:9 לְעֵינֵי ׳א Deut 31:7; Josh 10:12; Jer 28:11 בְּ ׳א Joel 2:17; Ps 126:2, where בְּ local; in all cases usually followed by direct object of words said, Exod 19:25 being very singular; Gen 4:8 the object-clause has probably fallen out, compare Vrss Di; = mention, name, designate Gen 22:2; Gen 22:3; Gen 43:27; Gen 43:29; Exod 32:13; Num 14:40; 1Sam 10:16; 1Sam 16:3; 2Sam 6:22; Neh 6:19 compare Ps 139:20 יֹמְרוּךָ לִמְזִמָּה speak of thee for falsehood (but many, as Hup Pe Dy Che, read יַמְרוּךָ); = tell, declare, proclaim, (followed by direct object only) Ps 40:11; Ezek 13:7 in reply to question = answer Exod 12:27; Josh 4:7; 1Kgs 9:9; Jer 5:19; Jer 22:9. The object spoken of may be referred to by אֶל 2Kgs 19:32; Jer 22:18; Jer 27:19, or לְ Gen 20:13 אִמְרִי לִֹי say of me, etc. Deut 33:9; Judg 9:54; Isa 5:20; Ps 3:3; Ps 71:10, very rarely by a simple accusative Isa 3:10 (where read probably for אִמְרוּ, אַשְׁרֵי), except after אֲשֶׁר where the words used follow (compare אֲשֶׁר 4 d) Gen 3:17; Num 10:29; Num 14:31; Deut 28:68; Judg 7:4; 1Sam 9:17; 1Sam 9:23b 1Kgs 8:29; Lam 4:20 compare Num 21:16; 2Kgs 17:12; 2Kgs 21:4, & (two extreme cases) Isa 8:12; Lam 2:15 (see DrSm i. 24, 5); ֶ˜האָמוּר Mic 2:7 read infinitive absolute with ה interrogative הֶאָמוֺר (see above) shall one say ? shall it be said ? After another verb of saying, introducing thing said: Deut 21:7; Deut 25:9; Deut 27:15; Song 2:10 +, even after אמר Gen 22:7; Lev 21:1; Jer 34:2; Esth 7:5 +; especially infinitive לֵאמֹר, after דבר Gen 8:15, צוה Gen 2:16, ענה Gen 44:16, ברך Gen 1:22, נשׁבע Gen 24:7, נדר Gen 28:20, etc.; after אמר 2Sam 3:18; 1Kgs 12:23; Ruth 4:4; 1Chr 21:18 +; after שׁלח 2Chr 35:21, שׁוּב Gen 32:7 compare also Gen 28:6; Gen 9:5; Gen 13:8; Gen 17:4; Deut 13:7; Judg 8:15; 1Sam 23:2; 1Kgs 13:3; Jer 32:3; Jer 37:9 +; also when subject of לֵאמֹר differs from that of pre-ceding clause Gen 31:1; Gen 38:13; Gen 38:24 etc.; after שׁמע Isa 37:9 = 2Kgs 19:9.

2. Say in the heart (= think) בלבב ׳א Deut 8:17 compare 1Kgs 12:26; Ps 10:6; Ps 10:11; Ps 10:13; Ps 14:1; Ps 35:25; Isa 14:13; Isa 47:8; Isa 47:10; Isa 49:21; Eccl 2:1; Eccl 2:15; Eccl 3:17; Eccl 3:18 לִלְבָבָם ׳א Hos 7:2 אֶללִֿבּוֺ ׳א Gen 8:21 said unto his heart (to himself), subject ׳י, compare 1Sam 27:1 אָֽמְרָה נַפֲשִׁי Lam 3:24 thence ׳א alone Gen 20:11; Gen 26:9; Num 24:11; Ruth 4:4; 1Sam 20:26; 2Sam 5:6; 2Sam 12:22; 2Kgs 5:11 followed by clause with כִּי Judg 15:2 in particular = desire מַהתּֿאֹמַר נַפְשְׁךָ 1Sam 20:4 compare Esth 2:13 followed by infinitive = purpose, Exod 2:14 thinkest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian ? Josh 22:33; 1Sam 30:6; 1Kgs 5:19; 2Chr 28:10; 2Chr 28:13 expect 2Sam 21:16 he expected to slay David 2Chr 13:8; 2Chr 32:1.

3. Promise (followed by infinitive) 1Chr 27:23; 2Chr 21:7; Esth 4:7 (id. + ל of person) 2Kgs 8:19; Neh 9:15 (followed by accusative of direct object + ל of person + infinitive of purpose) Neh 9:23.

4. Command (especially late) followed by אֶלֿ of per-son addressed, Num 15:38; 1Chr 21:18 followed by ל Josh 11:9; 2Sam 16:11; 2Kgs 4:24; Job 9:7; Ps 106:34 (see below אֲשֶׁר 8 e); followed by infinitive 1Sam 24:11; 1Chr 21:17; 2Chr 1:18; 2Chr 29:27; 2Chr 29:30; 2Chr 31:11; 2Chr 35:21; Esth 1:17; Esth 4:13; Esth 4:15; Esth 6:1; Esth 9:14 followed by infinitive + ל of pers, 2Chr 14:3; 2Chr 29:21; 2Chr 31:4; followed by accusative direct object 2Chr 29:24 the king commanded the burnt-offering and the sin-offering, compare 1Kgs 5:20; Esth 2:15 followed by clause with אשׁר = that Neh 13:19 id. + ל of person vNeh 13:22 followed by clause with כִּי Job 36:10 absolute 1Sam 16:16 (read however probably יאמרו for יאמר, compare Dr); also Ps 105:31; Ps 105:34; Ps 107:25; 1Chr 14:12; 2Chr 24:8; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:19 (all followed by verb consecutive); command by letter עִםהַֿסֵּפֶר ׳א Esth 9:25 (followed by imperfect); appoint, assign לוֺ ׳לֶחֶם א 1Kgs 11:18 = threaten followed by infinitive Deut 9:25; Ps 106:23. Niph`al Perfect נֶאֱמַר Dan 8:26 Imperfect יֵאָמֵר Gen 22:14 +; יֵאָ֫מֶר לוֺ Isa 4:3 יֵאָמַ֑ר Gen 10:9 +; וַיֵּאָמַ֑ר Josh 2:2 be said, told Gen 10:9; Gen 22:14; Ps 87:5; Jer 4:11; Jer 16:14 (all absolute, indefinite subject, of current saying); so said in a book Num 21:14 be related, told, of vision Dan 8:26 said, told to (followed by ל indirect object) Josh 2:2; Hos 2:1 (twice in verse); Zeph 3:16 either so, or told concerning Num 23:23; Ezek 13:12 (אֶלֿ); יֵאָמֵר לָכֶם = ye shall be called (it shall be said to you) Isa 61:6 (|| תִּקָּרְאוּ), compare Isa 4:3; Isa 19:18; Isa 32:5 (|| יִקָּרֵא ל) Isa 62:4 (twice in verse); hence be called, of Tophet לֹאיֵֿאָמֵר עוֺד הַתֹּפֶת Jer 7:32 subject שֵׁם Gen 32:29; Job 34:31 כִּי אֶלאֵֿל הֶאָמַר, Rabb (compare AV) treat הֵאָמַר as Niph`al Infinitive for לְהֵאָמֵר, but against grammar; the form as it stands is Qal Perfect, אֶלאֵֿל being prefixed to the interrogative for emphasis (compare Jer 22:15; Jer 23:26; Neh 13:27), see Dr§ 9 Di and others; Hoffm., however, reads הֵאָמֵר infinitive absolute = imperative 'so must one speak (it be spoken) to God.' Hiph`il Perfect avow, avouch Deut 26:17 הֶאֱמַרְתָּ הַיּוֺם לִהְיוֺת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים ׳אֶתיֿ; vDeut 26:18 ׳וי הֶאֱמִירְךָ היום להיות לוֺ לְעַם (literally cause to declare, i.e. through agency of Moses; on this & other interpretations see Di). Hithpa`el Imperfect יִתְאַמְּרוּ Ps 94:4 subject כָּלפֹּֿעֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן act proudly, boast (|| יַבִּיעוּ יְדַבְּרוּ עָתָק probably also 2 masculine plural תִּתְיַמָּ֑רוּ Isa 61:6 (in good sense, followed by בְּ of thing gloried in) ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 & compare ᵐ5; GesComm. so De Che Köi. 457 f. (from [ימר] exchange Thes Hi Kn Ew Di; but see ימר, מור).

BDB9309 H560 H559

BDB9308 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9310

אֲמַר71 verb say, tell, command (Biblical Hebrew אָמַר); —

Pe Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳א Dan 2:12 +, אֲמַ֑ר Dan 7:1 3 feminine singular אֲמֶ֫רֶר Dan 5:10 (K§ 38, 1 a); 1 singular אַמְרֵת Dan 4:5 1 plural אֲאַ֫רְנָא Dan 5:4; Dan 5:9, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יֵאמַר (K§ 41) Dan 2:7 +; 2 masculine plural תֵּאמְרוּן Jer 10:11, etc.; Imperative masculine singular אֱמַר Jer 2:4 +; masculine plural אֱמַרוּ Jer 2:9 Infinitive לְמֵאמַר vJer 2:9, לְמֵמַ֑ר Ezra 5:11 (K§ 41 a); Participle אְמַר Dan 2:5 + often, plural אָֽמְרִין Dan 3:4; Ezra 5:3 +; —
1. say (often in phrase answer and say): followed by oratio recta [direct speech] (only), Dan 2:7; Dan 2:10 + 13 t. Daniel; Ezra 5:11 + ל person Dan 2:5; Dan 3:14 + 14 t. Daniel [plural with indefinite subject for passive Dan 4:28], Ezra 5:15 + קְָדָס person Dan 2:9; Dan 5:17; Dan 6:13; Dan 6:14 + כֵּן Dan 4:11; Dan 7:23, כֵּן with ל person Ezra 5:8; Dan 2:24; Dan 2:25; Dan 6:7, compare Dan 7:5 + כְּנֵמָא with ל person Ezra 5:4; Ezra 5:9 + כִּדְנָךְ with ל person Jer 10:11 followed by accusative of thing + עַל person against whom Dan 3:29.
2. relate, tell: followed by accusative of thing Dan 4:6; Dan 4:15; Dan 7:1, + ל person Dan 2:4; Dan 2:9; Dan 2:7; Dan 7:16 (accusative of thing omitted), + קְָדָם person Dan 2:36; Dan 4:4; Dan 4:5.
3. command: followed by infinitive Dan 2:12; Dan 2:46 + 6 t. Daniel; followed by finite verb Dan 5:29; Dan 6:17; Dan 6:23 followed by ל person + or. rect. Dan 3:4 [pl. with indefinite subject, for passive, K§ 76 e, so Dan 4:23].

said, saying, saith, say, spake, …
ʾāmar
to say (used with great latitude)
  • to say, speak, utter
    • (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
      • "(Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called"(Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly"(Hiphil) to avow, to avouch

אַךְ
אַךְ
Particle indeed, surely
Dictionary form: אַךְ · ak

Particle — Affirmation

In the KJV here: surely
surely ×30 but ×27 only ×26 nevertheless ×10 yet ×10 notwithstanding ×7 howbeit ×5 also ×4
More options
certainly — Strong affirmation; best for emphatic, assertive contexts.
indeed — Slightly softer affirmation; natural in modern prose.
only — Restrictive sense; use when limiting or qualifying a statement.
but — Contrastive or adversative nuance; signals a turn or exception.
yet — Concessive nuance; pairs well with preceding positive clause.
however — Formal modern alternative to 'nevertheless' or 'notwithstanding'.

BDB395 H389

BDB394 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB396

אַךְ159 adverb (perhaps from the same demonstr, root found also in כִּי, כֹּה, כֵּן).

1. surely.
2. with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows:
  a. in contrast to what precedes, howbeit;
  b. in contrast with other ideas generally, only
1. asseverative, often introducing with emphasis the expression of a truth (or supposed truth) newly perceived, especially in colloquial language, surely, no doubt (doch wohl); Gen 26:9 אַךְ הִנֵּה אִשְׁתְּךָ הִוא of a surety, lo, she is thy wife ! Gen 29:14; Gen 44:28; Judg 3:24; Judg 20:39; 1Sam 16:6 surely the anointed of ׳י is before him ! 1Sam 25:21; Jer 5:4; Ps 58:12; Ps 73:1; Ps 73:13 but also in other cases, though rarely, Isa 34:14; Isa 34:15; Zeph 3:7; Ps 23:6; Ps 139:11; Ps 140:14; Job 16:7; Job 18:21 & rather singularly Exod 12:15; Exod 31:13; Lev 23:27; Lev 23:39 (all P).
2. restrictive:
  a. in contrast to what precedes, howbeit, yet, but : Gen 9:4 howbeit, flesh with the life thereof . . . ye shall not eat, Gen 20:12; Exod 21:21; Lev 21:23; Lev 27:26; Num 18:15; Num 18:17; 2Sam 3:13; Jer 10:24 correct me, אַךְ בְּמִשְׁפָּט but with judgment, Job 2:6; Job 13:15 sometimes with an adversative force, as Isa 14:15; Isa 43:24 before an imperative (minimizing the request), Gen 23:13 only, if thou wilt, I pray thee, hear me ! Gen 27:13; Judg 10:15; 1Sam 18:17; 1Kgs 17:13 and elsewhere So 1Sam 8:9 אַךְ כִּי (see כִּי; and compare πλὴν ὅτι).
  b. in contrast to other ideas generally : — (α) Gen 7:23; Gen 18:32 אַךְ הַפַּעַם only this once (so Exod 10:17 and elsewhere) Exod 34:15; Exod 12:16 (note accents), 1Sam 18:8 וְעוֺד לוֺ אַךְ תַמְּלוּכָה and there yet remains for him only the kingdom, 1Sam 21:5; Isa 45:14 אַךָ בְּךָ אֵל only in thee is God! Ps 62:2 etc. Job 14:22; Ps 37:8 fret not thyself אַךְ לְהָרֵעַ (which leadeth) only to do evil, Prov 11:24 he that withholdeth more than is meet אַךְ לְמַחְסוֺר (tendeth) only to penury, Prov 14:23; Prov 21:5; Prov 22:16 (β) attaching itself closely to the following word (usually an adjective, rarely a verb), only, i.e. exclusively, altogether, utterly Deut 16:15 and thou shalt be אַךְ שָׂמֵחַ altogether rejoicing, Deut 28:29 (compare vDeut 28:33 רַק) Isa 16:7 אַךְ נְכָאִים utterly stricken, Isa 19:11; Jer 16:19 nought but lies, Jer 32:30; Hos 12:12; Job 19:13 אַךְ זָרוּ are wholly estranged (with play on אַכְזָר cruel).
  c. as an adverb of time (with infinitive absolute), twice: Gen 27:30 אַךְ יָצאֹ יָצָא יַעֲקֹבוְ֗֗֗עֵשָׂו בָּא only just (or scarcely) had Jacob gone out, . . . and (= when) Esau came in, Judg 7:19. — וְאַח thrice : Gen 9:5 and only (second limitation of vGen 9:3); Num 22:20 but only; Josh 22:19 but howbeit.

Note. — In some passages the affirmative and restrictive senses agree equally with the context; and authorities read the Hebrew differently. Thus only = nought but, altogether, is adopted by Ges Ew Hi De in Ps 23:6; Ps 62:10; Ps 73:1; Ps 73:13 by Ew Hi De in Ps 39:6; Ps 39:7 (Che surely); by Ges Ew De in Ps 39:12 (but Hi Che surely); by Ew Hi in Ps 73:18 (De Che surely); by Ges Hi De in Ps 139:11 (Ew doch). Isa 45:14 Ges Ew Hi Di only; but De Che of a truth.

only, surely, but, yet, nevertheless, …
ʾak
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
  • indeed, surely (emphatic)
    • "howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
חֹ֣שֶׁךְ
Root word darkness, dark, obscurity, night
Dictionary form: חֹשֶׁךְ · hoh-SHEK

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: the darkness
darkness ×21 of darkness ×10 in darkness ×8 the darkness ×6 in the dark ×4 with darkness ×3 and darkness ×2 in the darkness ×2
More options
darkness — Most direct rendering; works in nearly all contexts.
dark — Nominal use; natural in phrases like 'in the dark'.
obscurity — Prefer when emphasizing hiddenness or anonymity.
gloom — Evokes oppressive or foreboding atmosphere; poetic contexts.
shadow — Softer nuance; suits metaphorical or protective imagery.
night — Use only when context clearly equates darkness with nighttime.

BDB3219 H2822

BDB3218 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3220

ח֫שֶׁךְ noun masculineExod 10:21 darkness, obscurity — absolute חשֶׁךְ Gen 1:2 + 75 t. (+ Ezek 8:12 strike out Co A B etc.); construct id. Exod 10:22 suffix חָשְׁכִּי Ps 18:29 = 2Sam 22:29 —

1. darkness (opposed to אוֺר) literal Gen 1:2; Gen 1:4 (P), Isa 45:7; Job 26:10; Eccl 2:13, compare in imprecation Job 3:4; Job 3:5 (וצלמות ׳ח) = לילה Gen 1:5; Gen 1:18 (P), compare Josh 2:5 (JE), Isa 45:19; Job 17:12; Job 24:16; Job 38:19; Ps 104:20 darkness in mines Job 28:3 of extraordinary darkness, in Egypt Exod 10:21 (twice in verse) (E); אֲֿפֵלָה׳ח Exod 10:22 (E), Ps 105:28, from pillar of cloud Exod 14:20 at Mt. Sinai Deut 4:11; Deut 5:20 of clouds of theophany 2Sam 22:12 = Ps 18:12 of darkness in death, or She'ô l, 1Sam 2:9; Job 10:21 (וצלמות ׳אֶרֶץ ח), Job 17:13; Job 18:18; Ps 88:13; Prov 20:20 (׳אִישׁוֺן ח = extreme of darkness).
2. = secret place(s) Isa 45:3; Job 12:22 (|| צלמות); = hiding-place Job 34:22 (|| id.), compare Ps 139:11; Ps 139:12 — on Ezek 8:12, see above
3. figurative,
  a. = distress Isa 5:30; Isa 9:1; Isa 29:18 (figurative of blindness), Isa 42:7; Isa 49:9; Isa 58:10; Isa 59:9; Isa 60:2; Lam 3:2; Mic 7:8; Ps 18:29 = 2Sam 22:29; Job 15:22; Job 15:23; Job 15:30; Job 20:26; Job 22:11; Job 23:17; Job 29:3; Ps 107:10; Ps 107:14 (in both || צלמות), Ps 112:4; Eccl 5:16; Eccl 11:8.
  b. = dread, terror, symbolic of judgment Amos 5:18; Amos 5:20; Zeph 1:15; Nah 1:8; Ezek 32:8; Joel 2:4; Joel 3:4.
  c. = mourning Isa 47:5.
  d. = perplexity Job 5:14; Job 12:25; Job 19:8 confusion Ps 35:6.
  e. = ignorance Job 37:19; Eccl 2:14. feminine = evil, sin Isa 5:20 (twice in verse); Prov 2:13.
  g. = obscurity Eccl 6:4 (twice in verse).

BDB9549 H2822

BDB9548 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9550

חשׁך (see Biblical Hebrew חֹשֶׁךְ darkness, √ חשׁך).

darkness, dark, obscurity, night
ḥōšek
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
  • darkness, obscurity
    • darkness
      • "secret place

יְשׁוּפֵ ֑נִי
יְשׁוּפֵ
Root word bruise, cover, breaketh
֑נִי
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: שׁוּף · shoop

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: shall cover
he breaketh ×1 shall bruise ×1 shall cover ×1 shalt bruise his ×1
More options
crush — Conveys decisive, forceful destruction; broadly useful.
bruise — Modernized KJV form; suits bodily or painful injury contexts.
strike — Emphasizes a sudden, targeted blow; good for combat imagery.
wound — Highlights resulting injury rather than the act itself.
snap — Suits breaking with a sharp, sudden force; vivid register.
overwhelm — Fits 'cover' sense; implies total overpowering of an enemy.

BDB8555 H7779

BDB8554 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8556

[שׁוּף] verb bruise (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic שׁוּף, שְׁפַף, rub off, away, grind (Exod 32:20 ᵑ7 ᵑ9 for טָחַן); see especially DrGn; > Di and others think || form of I. שׁאף); —

Qal Imperfect 3 masculine singular + 2 masculine singular הוּא יְשׁוּפְךָ ראֹשׁ וְּאַתָּה תְּשׁוּפֶנּוּ עָקֵב Gen 3:15 אֲשֶׁרבִּֿשְׂעָרָה יְשׁוּפֵנִי Job 9:17 אַךְ השֶׁךְ יְשׁוּפֵנִי Ps 139:11 meaning unsuitable, read perhaps with Ew and others יְשׂוּבֵּנִי cover, screen, me.

שׁוֺפַךְ see שׁוֺבַךְ. שׁוּפָמִי see שְׁפוּפָם below שׁפף.

bruise, cover, breaketh
šûp
properly, to gape, i.e., snap at; figuratively, to overwhelm
  • to bruise, crush, gape upon, desire?, seize?, strike out?
    • (Qal) to fall upon, bruise

וְ ֝לַ֗יְלָה
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝לַ֗יְלָה
Root word night, nights, season, seasons, midnight
Dictionary form: לַיִל · la-YIL

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: me even the night
night ×45 by night ×39 and night ×21 in the night ×19 nights ×15 the night ×12 of the night ×8 this night ×8
More options
night — Default rendering; fits nearly every context.
nighttime — Emphasizes the time period rather than a single night.
darkness — Poetic contexts where night symbolizes obscurity or threat.
midnight — Use when context specifies the deep or middle of night.
after dark — Idiomatic; suits narrative action happening under cover of night.
season of night — Rare; captures the plural/cyclical sense of recurring nights.

BDB4409 H3915

BDB4408 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4410

לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל242 noun masculineGen 40:5 night (Late Hebrew id.; MI15 (ב)ללה; Aramaic לֵילָא, , ; Arabic , ; Ethiopic all = night; Assyrian lîlâtu, evening DlHWB; meaning of √ dubious; form probably לילי, and ending הָ֯ radical, and not ה locative, NöM 127 DlProl. 128 Ges«GKC:90»§ 90, 2. with R. Köii. p. 57, R. 1); — absolute לַ֫יְלָה Gen 19:33 + 214 t. + 2 t. Qr. (see below); לָ֑יְלָה Gen 1:5 + 3 t.; לַ֫יִל Isa 16:3 + Prov 31:18; Lam 2:19 Kt (Qr לַיְלָה); לֵיל Isa 15:1 (twice in verse); Isa 21:1 construct לֵיל Exod 12:42; Isa 30:29 plural absolute לֵילוֺת 1Sam 30:12 + 4 t.; construct id., Isa 21:8 + 5 t.; —

1. literally night, opposed to day, Gen 8:22 (J), Deut 1:33 + very often (see יוֺם); alternation of day and night divinely ordained Gen 1:5 (P), Jer 33:20 (twice in verse); Jer 33:25 +; ׳מִיּוֺם עַדלֿ Isa 38:12; Isa 38:18 i.e within one whole day; as close of day, ׳עַדלֿ 2Chr 35:14 as time of sacred (לֵיל) חָג Isa 30:29 of suffering and weeping לֵילוֺת עָמָל Job 7:3, compare Ps 6:7; Ps 77:3 etc.; of pious desires, prayer, praise, meditation, etc (sometimes || by day) Isa 26:9; Job 35:10; Ps 1:2; Ps 22:3; Ps 42:9; Ps 77:7; Ps 88:2; Ps 92:3; Ps 119:5 (twice in verse), compare Ps 16:7; Ps 17:8 of night-service in Temple Ps 134:1 of sudden assault, or destruction, Isa 15:1; Jer 6:5; Obad 1:5; Job 27:20; Job 34:20; Job 34:25; Job 36:20 divided into watches Ps 90:4 לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים Exod 12:42 see below שׁמר; with number, denoting duration of time, forty days and forty nights Gen 7:4; Gen 7:12; Exod 24:18; Exod 34:28; Deut 9:9; Deut 9:11; Deut 9:18; Deut 9:25; Deut 10:10; 1Kgs 19:8 three days and three nights (שְׁלשָׁה לֵילוֺת) 1Sam 30:12; Jonah 2:1 seven days and seven nights (שִׁבְעַת לֵילוֺת) Job 2:13 ; ׳חֲלוֺם הַלּ Gen 20:3; Gen 31:24 (both E), 1Kgs 3:5 ׳מַרְאֹת הַלּ Gen 46:2 (E); ׳חֶזְיוֺן ל Job 20:8; Job 33:15, ׳חֶזְיֹנוֺת ל Job 4:13, ׳חֲלוֺם חֲזוֺן ל Isa 29:7 (compare Mic 3:6 below) ; ׳בִּןלֿ Jonah 4:10 (twice in verse) see בֵּן
8. b. Chiefly in adverb. phrase: — ׳בַּחֲצִי הַלּ at midnight Exod 12:29 + (see חֲצִי, חָצוֺת b), compare ׳בְּתוֺךְ הַלּ 1Kgs 3:20, ׳בְּאִישׁוֺן ל Prov 7:9 ; הַזֶּה ׳בַּלּ Exod 12:8; Exod 12:12 on this night (P; the night of which one is speaking); הַהוּא ׳בַּלּ on that night Gen 19:35 (J) + often, (P only Num 14:1); הוּא ׳בַּל Gen 19:33; Gen 30:16 so ׳הַלּ alone 1Sam 14:34, but strike out ᵐ5 We Kit, compare Dr; Klo Bu read ליהוה; ׳הַלּ to-night Gen 19:5; Gen 19:34; Gen 30:15 (all J), Num 22:8; Num 22:19 (E), Josh 2:2; Josh 4:3 (both J E), 2Sam 17:1; 2Sam 17:16; 2Sam 19:8; Ruth 1:12; Ruth 3:2; Ruth 3:13, opposed to מָחָר tomorrow 1Sam 19:11 ׳הַלּ = this night just past, last night 1Sam 15:16 (compare Dr); ׳כָּלהַֿלּ all night Hos 7:6 (opposed to בֹּקֶר), Exod 14:20; Exod 14:21 (J), Num 11:32; Josh 10:9 (both J E), Judg 16:2 (twice in verse); Judg 19:25; 1Sam 15:11; 1Sam 31:12; 2Sam 2:29; 2Sam 2:32; 2Sam 4:7 opposed to כלהֿיום ההוא (of continuous action) 1Sam 19:24; 1Sam 28:20; Isa 62:6, opposed to יומם Ps 78:14 ׳בְּכָללֿ Ps 6:7 every night (probably); compare כָּלהַֿלֵּילוֺת Isa 21:8 all the nights (opposed to יוֺמָם) ; especially לַיְלָה by night Num 22:20 (E) Josh 8:3 (JE), Deut 16:1; Num 9:16 (P) + 51 t.; of these Gen 14:15 and Exod 13:21; Exod 13:22 (J) + 25 t. opposed to יוֺמָם, covering all the time; otherwise Judg 6:27 (opposed to יוֺמָם); לַיְלָה וָיוֺם night and day 1Kgs 8:29; Isa 27:3; Esth 4:16 less often לֵילוֺת Ps 16:17 ׳הַלּ by night 2Kgs 25:4 (׳ל in || Jer 52:7), Zech 1:8; Neh 4:16 (opposed to הַיּוֺם) ; ׳בַּלּ id., Jer 6:5 + 18 t. (chiefly late; often opposed to בַּיּוֺם, יוֺמָם, etc.); בַּלֵּילוֺת Ps 92:3 (opposed to בַּבֹּקֶר, Ps 134:1; Song 3:1; Song 3:8 בְּלַיְלָה Neh 9:19 (opposed to בְּיוֺמָם ); בְּלֵיל Isa 15:1 (twice in verse) ׳כַּל as at night Job 5:14 (opposed to צָהֳרָ֑יִם ).
2. figurative שִׁיתִי כַּלַיִל צִלֵּךְ Isa 16:8 simile of shadow of Zion as protection; more often in gloomy sense, of avenging calamity without divine guidance or comfort לַיְלָה מֵחָזוֺן Mic 3:6 personal distress Job 35:10 judgment perhaps also Job 36:20 (Ew De Di Da; night of death Bu; 'unintelligible' Siegf); מַהמִּֿלַּיְלָה מַהמִּֿלֵּיל Isa 21:11 i.e. what hour of the night of calamity is it? compare vIsa 21:12 (opposed to בֹּקֶר).

BDB9645 H3915 H3916

BDB9644 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9646

[לֵילָא] noun [masculine] night (see Biblical Hebrew לַ֫יְלָה); — emphatic לֵילְיָא Dan 2:19; Dan 5:30; Dan 7:2; Dan 7:7; Dan 7:13.

night, nights, season, seasons, midnight
layil
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
  • night
    • night (as opposed to day)
      • "of gloom, protective shadow (figuratively)

א֣וֹר
א֣וֹר
Root word light, day, lights, morning, sun, …
Dictionary form: אוֹר · ore

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: shall be light
light ×23 the light ×13 and the light ×6 for light ×5 as the light ×4 for a light ×4 in the light ×4 is light ×3
More options
light — Modernized from KJV; universally applicable, most neutral.
radiance — Emphasizes luminous quality; suits poetic or hymnic contexts.
brightness — Highlights intensity; good for glory or divine-light passages.
daylight — Concrete, temporal nuance; fits dawn or morning contexts.
gleam — Softer, momentary flash; suits lightning or brief light imagery.
illumination — Abstract or metaphorical; suits wisdom or guidance contexts.

BDB237 H216

BDB236 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB238

אוֺר121 noun masculineGen 1:3 (feminineJob 36:32; Jer 13:16) light (Assyrian urru = ûru Dlw). — absolute Gen 1:3 +; construct Judg 16:2 +; suffix אוֺרִי Ps 27:1, etc.; plural אוֺרִים Ps 136:7 —

1. light as diffused in nature, light of day Gen 1:3; Gen 1:4; Gen 1:5 (P) Job 3:9; Job 38:19 +.
2. morning light, dawn, אוֺר הַבֹּקֶר light of the morning Judg 16:2; 1Sam 14:36; 1Sam 25:34; 1Sam 25:36; 2Sam 17:22; 2Kgs 7:9; Mic 2:1 בֹּקֶר ׳א 2Sam 23:4 (poem of David); ׳עַדהָֿא Judg 19:26 (compare עַדהַֿבֹּקֶר vJudg 19:25); לָאוֺר Job 24:14 מִןהָֿאוֺר עַד מַחֲצִית הַיּוֺם from dawn till mid-day, Neh 8:3 compare Prov 4:18.
3. light of the heavenly luminaries; הַלְּבָנָה ׳א, || הַחַמָּה ׳א moonlight & sunlight Isa 30:26 כּוֺכְבֵי אוֺר stars of light Ps 148:3 מְאוֺרֵי אוֺר luminaries of light Ezek 32:8 אוֺרִים = מְאוֺרִים Ps 136:7 so עֲלֵיאֿוֺר in sunshine Isa 18:4 the sun itself Job 31:26.
4. daylight אוֺר רְשָׁעִים light of the wicked Job 38:15 (their work-day being the night); יוֺם אוֺר a day of light Amos 8:9 (= a clear, sunshiny day).
5. lightning Job 36:32; Job 37:3; Job 37:11; Job 37:15 compare Hab 3:11.
6. light of lamp Prov 13:9; Jer 25:10 of crocodile's hot breath Job 41:10.
7. light of life חַיִּים ׳א Job 33:30; Ps 56:14 compare אוֺר Job 3:16; Job 3:20.
8. light of prosperity Job 22:28; Job 30:26; Ps 97:11; Lam 3:2.
9. light of instruction נֵר מִצְוָה וְתוֺרָה אוֺר Prov 6:23 the commandment is a lamp and instruction a light; so the Messian. servant is אוֺר גּוֺיִם Isa 42:6; Isa 49:6 compare עַמִּים ׳א Isa 51:4 the advent of Messiah is shining of great light Isa 9:1 (twice in verse).
10. light of face אוֺר פָּנִים = bright, cheerful face (of men) Job 29:24 betokening king's favour Prov 16:15 (compare עֵינַיִם ׳א Ps 38:11); of God = his shining, enlightening, favouring face Ps 4:7; Ps 44:4; Ps 89:16.
11. Yahweh is יִשְׂרָאֵל ׳א Isa 10:17, as source enlightenment & prosperity; light & salvation Ps 27:1 light to guide Mic 7:8 compare Ps 43:3 everlasting light of Zion, instead of sun & moon Isa 60:19; Isa 60:20 house of Jacob is to walk in his light Isa 2:5.

light, day, lights, morning, sun, …
ʾôr
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
  • light
    • light of day
      • "light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars)"day-break, dawn, morning light"daylight"lightning"light of lamp"light of life"light of prosperity"light of instruction"light of face (figuratively)"Jehovah as Israel's light

בַּעֲדֵֽ נִי
בַּעֲדֵֽ
Preposition for, upon, through, about, at, …
נִי
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: בְּעַד · beh-AD

Preposition

In the KJV here: about me
for ×36 through ×7 at ×5 himself and for ×5 upon ×5 and for ×4 within ×3 about ×2
More options
on behalf of — Best for intercessory or protective contexts.
for — General-purpose; modernizes the most common KJV rendering.
through — Spatial sense; motion passing through something.
around — Enclosing or surrounding sense, e.g. a barrier or fence.
concerning — When the preposition introduces a topic or subject.
over — Covering or protective sense; use with shielding imagery.

BDB1206 H1157

BDB1205 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1207

בַּ֫עַד105 substantive properly separation, with a genitive, in separation from, in usage a preposition away from, behind, about, on behalf of (Arabic , of time, after) — absolute Song 4:1; Song 4:3; Song 6:7, elsewhere construct בְּעַד, with suffix בַּעֲדִי Exod 8:24 +, בַּעֲדֵנִי Ps 139:11 בַּעַדְךָ Gen 20:7 +; בַּעֲדוֺ etc.; 1 plural בַּעֲדֵנוּ, Amos 9:10 בַּעֲדֵינוּ; בַּעַדְכֶם 1Sam 7:5 +; בַּעֲדָם Lev 9:7 +; —

1. literal
  a. with verbs of falling, letting down, leaning forward so as to look out, through (literally away from) a window, etc.: Josh 2:15 and she let him down by a cord בְּעַד הַחַלּוֺן away from the window, i.e. out through it, 1Sam 19:12; 2Sam 20:21; 2Kgs 1:2 and A. fell בְּעַד הַשְּׂבָּכָה out through the lattice; Gen 26:8; Judg 5:28 out through the window נִשְׁקְפָה she looked forth (literally leant forward), 2Sam 6:26 +; pregnantly Job 22:13 will he judge בְּעַד עֲרָפֶל (looking) out through the thick clouds ? Conversely Joel 2:9 in through the windows they come (the locusts) as a thief.
  b. idiomatic with verbs of shutting, especially סָגַר בְּעַד to shut behind or upon — whether oneself, Judg 9:51 and they entered the tower וַיִּסְגְּרוּ בַּעֲדָם and shut (the doors) upon themselves (that is, from the inside), 2Kgs 4:4; 2Kgs 4:5; 2Kgs 4:33; Isa 26:20 or another, Gen 7:16 בַּעֲדוֺ ׳וַיִּסְגֹּר י and ׳י shut behind or upon him (that is, from the outside), i.e. shut him in, Judg 3:23 (the suffix in בַּעֲדוֺ referrring to Eglon), 2Kgs 4:21 (but
N.B. persons leaving a room shut the door אַחֲרֵי themselves Gen 19:6; 2Sam 13:17; 2Sam 13:18): see also Judg 3:22; 1Sam 1:6 בְּעַד רַחְמָהּ ׳סָגַּר י (compare Gen 20:18 עָצַר בְּעַד רֶחֶם), Job 9:7 חָתַם בְּעַד to seal up, Job 1:10; Job 3:23 שׂוּךְ (הֵסֵךְ) בְּעַד to make a hedge about, Lam 3:7 גָּדַר בְּעַד to fence about. Somewhat peculiarly Lam 9:10 (who say,) Evil will not draw near, or come in front בַּעֲדֵינוּ so as to be about us (but Gr עָדֵינוּ unto us), Joel 2:8 (of the locusts) בְּעַד הַשֶּׁלַח יִפֹּ֑לוּ (probably) in among the weapons they throw themselves (i.e. they pass about and between them without being injured or having their course impeded), 1Sam 4:18 and Eli fell backward בְּעַד יַד הַשַּׁעַר, i.e. (si vera 1.) about the side of the gate: but text dubious; see Dr. Without a verb Jonah 2:7 the earth, בְּרִיחֶיהָ בַעֲדִי her bars were upon me (or about me) for ever, Ps 139:11 night shall be the light about me, Ps 3:4 thou מָגֵּן בַּעֲדִי art a shield about me. Hence
  c. after a verb of protecting, Zech 12:8 in that day בְּעַד יושׁב ׳יָגֵןי ירושׁלם will ׳י give protection about, etc.
2. metaph. on behalf of (ὑπέρ); very frequently after הִתְפַּלֵּל Gen 20:7; Num 21:7; 1Sam 7:5; Ps 72:15 +; also with other verbs of entreating Exod 8:24; 1Sam 7:9, or consulting (דָּרַשׁ) Isa 8:19; 2Kgs 22:13; Jer 21:2 with כִּפֶּר atone Exod 32:30; Lev 9:7; Lev 11:6; Lev 11:11 +, עָשָׂה (= offer) Ezek 45:22: see also 2Sam 10:12; 2Sam 12:16; Isa 37:4; Jer 7:16; Jer 11:4; Ezek 22:30; Prov 20:16; Prov 27:13; Ps 138:8; Job 2:4 עוֺר בְּעַד עוֺר (see עוֺר), Job 6:22. Almost = for the sake of, an account of Prov 6:26; Jer 11:14 (but ᵐ5. ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7 and many MSS. בְּעֵת רָעָתָם, compare vJer 11:12; Jer 15:11). Isa 32:14 hill and watch-tower הָיָה בְעַד מְעָרוֺת are come to be on behalf of (i.e. take the place of, serve as) caves for ever: but use is singular, and בְּעַד is probably only dittograph from מער in מערות (so Gr). — With מִן, ׳מִבַּעַד לְ (compare ׳מִמַּעַל לְ, ׳מִתַּחַת לְ): Song 4:1; Song 4:3; Song 6:7 thine eyes are doves מִבַּעַד לְצַמָּתֵךְ from behind thy veil. compare on בַּעַד GrätzMonatsschrift, 1879, 49 ff.

for, upon, through, about, at, …
bĕʿad
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
  • behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about
    • through (of action)
      • "behind (with verbs of shutting)"about (with verbs of fencing)"on behalf of (metaphorically especially with Hithpael)

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
וָ֭אֹמַר Dechi — a lesser break אַךְ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ יְשׁוּפֵ֑נִי Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝לַ֗יְלָה Revia Mugrash — a lesser break א֣וֹר בַּעֲדֵֽנִי Silluq — end of the verse

וָאֹמַר אַךְ-חֹשֶׁךְ יְשׁוּפֵנִי וְלַיְלָה אוֹר בַּעֲדֵֽנִי׃
11
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Cross References

Job 12:22

מְגַלֶּה עֲמֻקוֹת מִנִּי-חֹשֶׁךְ וַיֹּצֵא לָאוֹר צַלְמָֽוֶת׃
22
He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.

Jeremiah 23:24

אִם-יִסָּתֵר אִישׁ בַּמִּסְתָּרִים וַאֲנִי לֹֽא-אֶרְאֶנּוּ נְאֻם-יְהוָה הֲלוֹא אֶת-הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת-הָאָרֶץ אֲנִי מָלֵא נְאֻם-יְהוָֽה׃
24
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Psalms 94:7

וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֹא יִרְאֶה-יָּהּ וְלֹא-יָבִין אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹֽב׃
7
Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

Psalms 10:11

אָמַר בְּלִבּוֹ שָׁכַֽח אֵל הִסְתִּיר פָּנָיו בַּל-רָאָה לָנֶֽצַח׃
11
He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

Job 22:12

הֲֽלֹא-אֱלוֹהַּ גֹּבַהּ שָׁמָיִם וּרְאֵה רֹאשׁ כּוֹכָבִים כִּי-רָֽמּוּ׃
12
Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

Isaiah 29:15

הוֹי הַמַּעֲמִיקִים מֵֽיהוָה לַסְתִּר עֵצָה וְהָיָה בְמַחְשָׁךְ מַֽעֲשֵׂיהֶם וַיֹּאמְרוּ מִי רֹאֵנוּ וּמִי יֹדְעֵֽנוּ׃
15
Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Psalms 139:10
Read Psalms 139
Psalms 139:12