Psalms 18:11

יָ֤שֶׁת חֹ֨שֶׁךְ סִתְר֗וֹ סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥יו סֻכָּת֑וֹ חֶשְׁכַת מַ֝֗יִם עָבֵ֥י שְׁחָקִֽים
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

יָ֤שֶׁת
יָ֤שֶׁת
Root word set, make, put, laid, lay, …
Dictionary form: שִׁית · sheet

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: he made
and laid ×4 make ×4 i will make ×3 set ×3 i will set ×2 put ×2 they have set ×2 and apply ×1
More options
place — Broad, neutral; fits most placement/positioning contexts.
set — Modernized KJV staple; good for formal or deliberate positioning.
put — Casual and direct; suits everyday or concrete actions.
appoint — Prefer when establishing a role, status, or decree.
lay — Best for physical laying down or resting something on a surface.
fix — Good for directing attention or intention, e.g. 'fix one's gaze'.

BDB8650 H7896

BDB8649 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8651

שִׁית verb put, set (NöBeitr. z. Semitic Sprachwiss, 39 f.; compare Phoenician שת Lzb375; Ecclus שית Passive participle Eccl 31:27 (?); see also (Nöl.c. 41) Syriac quality, appearance); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular שָׁת Gen 4:25 +, 3 feminine singular שָׁ֫תָה 1Sam 4:20 +, 2 masculine singular שַׁ֫תָּה Ps 8:7 שַׁ֫תָּ Ps 90:8, suffix שַׁתַּ֫נִי Ps 88:7; Ps 88:9, 1 singular שַׁ֫תִּי Ps 73:28 +; 3 plural שָׁ֫תוּ Exod 33:4 + 3 t., metaplastic יָשִׁית Ps 49:15; Ps 73:9 (other forms not found); Imperfect 3 masculine singular יָשִׁית Exod 21:22 +, jussive יָשֵׁת Job 9:33, וַיָּ֫שֶׁת Gen 30:40 +; 3 feminine singular suffix וַתְּשִׁתֵ֫חוּ Ruth 4:16, תְּשִׁיתֵ֫מוֺ Ps 21:10 +, 1 singular suffix אֲשִׁתֶ֫נּוּ 1Kgs 11:34 Imperative masculine singular שִׁית Prov 27:23, שִׁיתָ֫ה Ps 9:21; Ps 141:3 feminine singular שִׁ֫תִי Jer 31:21, etc.; Infinitive absolute שֹׁת Isa 22:7 construct שִׁית Job 30:1 +; Passive participle וְשִׁית (Jer 13:16 Qr, but read Kt יָשִׁית); suffix שִׁתִי Exod 10:1 —
1. put, lay hand upon, עַל, Gen 46:4 (E), Gen 48:14; Gen 48:17 (J), Job 9:33; Ps 139:5 with עִם in evil partnership, Exod 23:1 (E); put ornaments, עַל person, Exod 33:4 (J); compare 1Sam 2:8; Isa 15:9; Job 22:24; Ruth 3:15 lay child into (ב) bosom Ruth 4:16 put wisdom, ב location, Job 38:36, compare Prov 26:24 אָשִׁית עֵצוֺת בְּנַפְשִׁי Ps 13:3, i.e. take counsel, plan; ׳סַחְסִי בי Ps 73:28 put things תַּחַת רַגְלָיו Ps 8:7 lay (penalty) עַל person Exod 21:22 (E), sin Num 12:11 (E), compare (with אֲשֶׁר = where) Ps 84:4 nearly = give (נתן), accusative + ל person Gen 4:25 (J; explanation of name שֵׁת), appoint Ps 9:21.
2. a. set, station, sheep לְבַדּוֺ Gen 30:40, compare לֹא שָׁתָם עַל vGen 30:40 (J); accusative of person = appoint (עַל over) Gen 41:33 (E); set לָמוֺ person (ל 3 b) + ב location Ps 73:18, so (accusative) Ps 88:7 and (object person omitted) Ps 12:6, set crown לְראֹשׁוֺ Ps 21:4, set one (מִן partitive) לְכִסֵּא Ps 132:11 set person among (ב person) 2Sam 19:29; Jer 3:19, compare (עִם) Job 30:1 set watch לְפִי Ps 141:3, snares לִי Ps 140:6, enmity, בֵּין person Gen 3:15 (J); iniquities לְנֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ Ps 90:8, compare Ps 101:3 set, direct face, אֶל location Num 24:1 (J), eyes לִנְטוֺת בָּאָרָץ Ps 17:11.
  b. in phrase לֵב לְ ׳שׁ set one's mind to, give heed, attention (compare שׂוּם 2 b), Exod 7:23 (E), 2Sam 13:20; Jer 31:21; Ps 48:14; Prov 22:17; Prov 27:23, with אֶל Job 7:17, absolute 1Sam 4:20; Ps 62:11; Prov 24:32 I reflected.
  c. set, fix, נְּבוּל Exod 23:31 (E; with מִן ֗֗֗ עַד), תָּשִׁית לִי חֹק Job 14:13 wouldst fix me a limit, Job 38:11 (וּפאֹ יָשִׁית בִּגְאוֺן גַּלָּיךָ De and others here shall one fix it [the boundary, חֹק, vJob 38:10] = it shall be fixed against, etc.: but explanation very forced: Me Kau ׳יִשָּׁבֵר ג, Bi Bu ׳יִשְׁבֹּת ג
3. constitute, make one something, 2 accusative, 1Kgs 11:34 I will make him prince, Isa 5:6; Isa 26:1; Jer 22:6; Ps 21:7; Ps 84:7; Ps 88:9 ( + למוֺ indirect object), Ps 110:1; 2Sam 22:12 || Ps 18:12 תְּשִׁיתֵמוֺ שֶׁ֑כֶם Ps 21:13 = thou wilt make them (all) shoulder, make them turn their back, flee (compare Ps 18:41); accusative + ל make something into Jer 2:15 = Jer 50:3; Jer 13:16; Ps 45:17 ( + ב location); accusative + כ compare make one like Hos 2:5 (|| שִׂים), Isa 16:3; Ps 21:10; Ps 83:12; Ps 83:14 accusative only, make, prepare, feast Jer 51:39, compare שָׁת קָצִיר לָח Hos 6:11 (read possibly שִׁית, passive participle), make darkness Ps 104:20 = perform signs, ב location Exod 10:1 (J).
4. internally transitive, = take one's stand (compare שִׂים 4 a) הַפָּרָשִׁים שֹׁת שָׁתוּ הַשָּׁ֑עְרָה Isa 22:7 with ׳עַליֿ (against) Ps 3:7. — יָשִׁית מִמֶּנִּי Job 10:20 (Kt; > Qr Imperative וְשִׁית) is dubious, יָשִׁית = יָשֵׁת: De direct (attention) away from me, compare Di (ellipsis of יָד, פָּנִים, or לֵב), Du (sc. יָד; reads Imperative); Lag (so Bu) proposes יִשְׁבֹּת, Siegf (יָדוֺ) יָוֵב, ᵐ5 Beer (best) שְׁעֵה (Job 7:19), with יְמֵי חֶלְדִּי (ᵐ5 Bu Be Du) for יָמַי יחדל probably rightly. Hoph`al (or Qal passive Ges«GKC:53u»§ 53u), Imperfect 3 masculine singular יוּשַׁת Exod 21:30 (E) if a ransom be imposed עָלָיו, vExod 21:30.

BDB8652 H8352 H7896 H8357

BDB8651 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8653

שֵׁת proper name, masculine third son of Adam; Gen 4:25 (where explained from √ שִׁית), vGen 4:26; Gen 5:3; Gen 5:4; Gen 5:6; Gen 5:7; Gen 5:8; 1Chr 1:1 Σηθ — In כָּלבְּֿנֵישֵֿׁת Num 24:17 (poem in J), read probably שֵׁאת tumult (compare Lam 3:47), or שְׁאֵת (see below נשׂא), compare Gray. — II. שֵׁת, see II. שׁתה.

set, make, put, laid, lay, …
šît
to place (in a very wide application)
  • to put, set
    • (Qal)
      • to put, lay (hand upon)
        • "to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to"to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform"to take one's stand"to lay waste
      (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: 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

סִתְר ֗וֹ
סִתְר
Root word secret, secretly, covert, place, privily, …
֗וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: סֵתֶר · say-TER

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: his secret place
in secret ×4 secretly ×4 art my hiding place ×2 in the covert ×2 in the secret ×2 a backbiting ×1 and a covert ×1 are a covering ×1
More options
hiding place — Concrete refuge sense; common in psalms of trust.
shelter — Warm, protective nuance; suits poetic or protective contexts.
concealment — Abstract noun; good for covert or hidden-action contexts.
secret place — Modernizes KJV phrase; retains sacred/intimate overtone.
cover — Brief, versatile; suits military or protective imagery.
privacy — Best when secrecy rather than protection is the focus.

BDB5724 H5643

BDB5723 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5725

סֵ֫תֶר noun [masculine] covering, hiding-place, secrecy; — absolute ׳ס Judg 3:19 +, ס֑תֶר 2Sam 12:12; Prov 25:23, סֶ֑תֶר Ps 139:15 construct סֵ֫תֶר 1Sam 25:20 +; suffix סִתְרוֺ Ps 18:12 (insert also || 2Sam 22:12 ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Th Bu HPS), סִתְרִי Ps 119:114 plural סְתָרִים Prov 9:17 —

1. covering, cover, הָהָר ׳בְּס 1Sam 25:20 under cover of the mountain, concealed by it; of clouds as covering for ׳י (shutting out his view) Job 22:14, of darkness (i.e. dark clouds) as ׳י's hiding-place (in theoph.) Ps 18:12 (= 2Sam 22:12 see above), so רַ֑עַם ׳ס 2Sam 81:8 hiding-place of thunder; of adulterer פָּנִים ׳ס יָשִׂים Job 24:15 i.e. disguiseth himself.
2. a. hidng-place, 1Sam 19:2; Isa 28:17 הַמַּדְרֵגָה ׳ס Song 2:14 (in figurative; || חַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע), of hippopotamus Job 40:21 figurative of Israel as shelter to Moab with מִפְּנֵי Isa 16:6, of ideal Israelite, as זֶרֶם ׳ס Isa 32:2, especially of ׳י as shelter: אָהֳלוֺ ׳ס Ps 27:5, פָּנֶיךָ ׳ס Ps 31:21, כְּנָפֶיךָ ׳ס Ps 61:5, עֶלְיוֺן ׳ס Ps 91:1, לִי ׳אַתָּה ס Ps 32:7 compare Ps 119:114.
  b. secret place, of womb Ps 139:15 (|| תַּחְתִּיּוֺת אָ֑רֶץ).
3. secrecy: ׳דְּבַרסֿ Judg 3:19 a matter of secrecy, secret matter; plural abstract intensive לֶחֶם סְתָרִים Prov 9:17 bread of utter secrecy (i.e. gained stealthily, || מַיִם גְּנוּבִים); לְשֹׁן סָ֑תֶר Prov 25:23 tongue of secrecy, i.e. slanderous; elsewhere ׳בַּסּ in secrecy, secretly Deut 13:7; Deut 27:15; Deut 27:24; Deut 28:57; Deut 2:12; Deut 38:16; Deut 40:15; Deut 48:16; Deut 31:27; Ps 101:5.

BDB5725 H5643

BDB5724 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5726

סִתְרָה noun feminine shelter, protection, יְהִי עֲלֵיכֶם ׳ס Deut 32:38 (read perhaps יהיו, compare Dr) let them (the strange gods) be over you as a shelter.

secret, secretly, covert, place, privily, …
sēter
a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense)
  • (n m) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy
    • covering, cover
      • "hiding place, shelter, secret place"secrecy
      • secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
    (n f) shelter, protection

סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥י ו
סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥י
Root word about, side, compass, round, circuits
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: סָבִיב · saw-BEEB

Noun — Common, both plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: round about
round about ×161 on every side ×15 thereof round about ×14 are round about ×12 it round about ×9 were round about ×7 about ×6 round about him ×5
More options
surrounding — Versatile adjective/participle; fits most contexts naturally.
around — Clean preposition/adverb for motion or position contexts.
on all sides — Emphasizes completeness or encirclement; vivid in military scenes.
encircling — Active, dynamic feel; good for siege or boundary descriptions.
nearby — Softer spatial sense; use when 'around' feels too precise.
in every direction — Highlights totality; suits panoramic or cosmic descriptions.

BDB5477 H5439 H4036 H5437

BDB5476 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5478

סָבִיב336 substantive, used mostly as adverb and preposition, circuit, round about: — construct סְבִיב Amos 3:11 plural construct סְבִיבֵי Jer 32:44; Jer 33:13, suffix סְבִיבֶיךָ etc. (10 t.), much oftener סְבִיבוֺת Exod 7:24 + 22 t., סְבִיבוֺתַי, תֶיךָ-, etc., Deut 17:14, etc. (48 t.): —

1. in singular —
  a. as substantive 1Chr 11:8 מןהֿמלוא וְעַדהַֿסָּבִיב and to the parts round about.
  b. as adverb accusative סָבִיב (in) a circuit, i.e. round about, Gen 23:17 בְּכָלגְּֿבֻלוֺ סָבִיב Exod 19:12; Exod 25:11; Exod 25:24; Exod 25:25; Lev 1:5; Lev 1:11 עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ סָבִיב, Judg 20:29; 1Kgs 3:1; 1Kgs 5:11; Ps 3:7 שָׁתוּ עָלָ֑י ׳אֲשֶׁר ס, Ps 12:9; Ps 34:8 + often; sometimes doubled, for the sake of emphasis, 2Chr 4:3; Ezek 8:10 ׳ס ׳עַל הַקִּיר ס, Ezek 37:2; Ezek 40:5 and often in Ezek 40-43.
  c. as preposition:
   (a) Psalms, Amos 3:11 צַר וּסְבִיב הָאָרֶץ distress, and that in the circuit of (= round about) the land (but read probably with ᵑ6 יְסֹבֵב will encircle).
   (b) ׳סָבִיב לְ Exod 16:13; Exod 40:33; Num 1:50; Num 1:53; Num 2:2; Judg 7:21; 1Kgs 6:5; 1Kgs 18:32; 1Kgs 18:35; Ezek 41:10; Ezek 14:16; Job 19:12; Ps 34:8; Ps 78:28; Ps 125:2 (twice in verse) סָבִיב לְעַמּוֺ ׳י, Ps 128:3; Song 3:7; Nah 3:8.
   (c) strangely, סָבִיב אֵת 1Kgs 6:5 (omitted by ᵐ5), Ezek 43:17.
  d. מִסָּבִיב42, from round about, from every side, Ezek 16:33; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 23:22; Ezek 37:21, but usually (מִן 1 c) = on every side, Jer 4:17 הָיוּ עָלֶיהָ מִסָּבִיב, Isa 42:25 ׳וַתְּלַהֲטֵהוּ מ, Joel 4:11; Joel 4:12 Psalms מָגוֺר מִסָּבִיב terror on every side ! Jer 6:25; Jer 20:3; Jer 20:10; Jer 46:5; Jer 49:29; Ps 31:14, compare Lam 2:22 especially in the Deuteronomic phrases ׳אוֺיְבִים מ, or ׳הֵנִיחַ מ (sometimes in combination), as Deut 12:10 ׳והניח לכם מכלאֿויביכם מ, Deut 25:19; Josh 21:42 ׳לָהֶם מ ׳וַיָּנַח י, Josh 23:1; Judg 2:14; Judg 8:34; 1Sam 12:11 +; מִסָּבִיב לְ from round about, Num 16:24; Num 16:27. — On 1Sam 14:21; 2Sam 24:6; Job 10:8 see סָבַב.
2. In plur.: —
  a. סְבִיבִים:
   (a) in masculine sense, those round about, Ps 76:12 כָּלסְֿבִיבָיו יֹבִילוּ שַׁי, Ps 89:8; Jer 48:17; Jer 48:39.
   (b) in neuter sense, the parts round about, Jer 49:5 מִכָּלסְֿבִיבָ֑יִךְ, בִּסְבִיבֵי ירושׁלם Jer 32:44; Jer 33:13; Jer 21:14 וְאָֽכְלָה כָּלסְֿבִיבֶיהָ, Jer 46:14 with the force of a perp., Ps 50:3 וסביביו נשׂערה מאד, Ps 97:2; Lam 1:17.
  b. סְבִיבוֺת
   (a) as substantive (α) circuits, Eccl 1:6 ועל סביבותיו שָׁב הָרוּחַ; (β) the parts round about, Num 22:4 ילחכו הקהל אתכֿלסְֿבִיבֹתֵינוּ, Jer 17:26; Jer 50:32 (compare Jer 21:14 above); with reference to their inhabitants, Ps 44:19 = Ps 79:4 ׳לעג וקלס לסב, Ezek 16:57; Ezek 28:24; Dan 9:16.
   (b) with the force a preposition Exod 7:24 סְבִיבֹת הַיְאֹר literally (in) the circuits of the Nile = round about the Nile, Num 11:24; Num 11:31; Num 11:32; Num 35:2 סְבִיבֹתֵיהֶם, Judg 7:18; 1Sam 26:5; 1Sam 26:7; 2Kgs 6:17 סביבֹת אלישׁע, Ps 18:12; Ps 27:6 על אֹיְבַי סביבותי, etc.; often idiomatic preceded by אשׁר, as Gen 33:5 הערים אשׁר סביבותיהם Gen 41:48; Lev 25:44; Num 16:34; Deut 6:14; Deut 13:8; Deut 17:14; Deut 21:2 +. In the same sense מִסְּבִיבוֺתָם Ezek 28:26.

about, side, compass, round, circuits
sābîb
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
  • (subst) places round about, circuit, round about
    • "(adv) in a circuit, a circuit, round about"(prep) in the circuit, from every side

סֻכָּת ֑וֹ
סֻכָּת
Root word booths, tabernacles, pavilions, tabernacle, pavilion, …
֑וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: סֻכָּה · sook-KAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: his pavilion
of tabernacles ×9 in booths ×4 booths ×3 in the pavilions ×2 a tabernacle ×1 and as a booth ×1 as a cottage ×1 him a booth ×1
More options
shelter — Broad, modern; works for temporary or protective structures.
booth — Closest modern equivalent; ideal for festival/harvest contexts.
hut — Informal; emphasizes humble, makeshift construction.
canopy — Highlights covering/shade function over enclosure.
tent-shelter — Hyphenated compound clarifies temporary, portable nature.
pavilion — Slightly elevated register; suits royal or grand settings.

BDB5582 H5521

BDB5581 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5583

סֻכָּה noun feminine thicket, booth (properly of inter-woven boughs compare Neh 8:15); — absolute ׳ס Isa 1:8 +; construct סֻכָּת Amos 9:11 suffix סֻכָּתוֺ Job 36:29; Ps 18:12, and so read || 2Sam 22:12 (for ᵑ0 סֻכּוֺת; De Hup-Now HPS); usually plural סֻכֹּת Gen 33:17 +; סֻכּוֺת 2Sam 11:11 +; —

1. thicket, lurking-place of lions Job 38:40 (compare [סֹךְ]
1.).
2. booth, rude or temporary shelter, for cattle Gen 33:17 (J; distinct from בַּיִת), but also for warriors in the field 2Sam 11:11; 1Kgs 20:12; 1Kgs 20:16 for watchers in vineyards Isa 1:8 (simile) Job 27:18 (simile of frailty), for man's shelter from sun Jonah 4:5, compare (figurative) Isa 4:6; Ps 31:21, probably also Ps 27:5 (see [ סֹךְ]); in poetry of fallen house (dynasty) of David Amos 9:11 of clouds as (temporary) enclosure (AV 'pavilion') of ׳י in storm Ps 18:12 = 2Sam 22:12; Job 36:29.
3. specifically of booths, made of boughs, in which people lived at harvest-feast Lev 23:42 (twice in verse); Lev 23:43 (H), Neh 8:14; Neh 8:15; Neh 8:16; Neh 8:17 (twice in verse), hence called חַג הַסֻכּוֺת Deut 16:13; Deut 16:16; Deut 31:10; Lev 23:34 (P), Zech 14:16; Zech 14:18; Zech 14:19; 2Chr 8:13; Ezra 3:4.

booths, tabernacles, pavilions, tabernacle, pavilion, …
sukkâ
a hut or lair
  • thicket, covert, booth
    • thicket
      • "booth (rude or temporary shelter)

חֶשְׁכַת
חֶשְׁכַת
Root word dark
Dictionary form: חֶשְׁכָה · hesh-KAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: him were dark
him were dark ×1
More options
darkness — Most natural English noun; broadly applicable.
dark — Concise adjectival noun; suits poetic or terse contexts.
gloom — Emphasizes oppressive or heavy quality of darkness.
obscurity — Highlights lack of visibility or clarity; more abstract.
shadow — Softer image; suits metaphorical or figurative passages.

BDB3221 H2825 H2824

BDB3220 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3222

חֲשֵׁכָה noun feminine darkness (chiefly in poetry) — ׳ח Gen 15:12 + 2 t., so read also probably Mic 3:6 (for ᵑ0 חָֽשְׁכָה); חֲשֵׁיכָה Ps 139:12 construct חֶשְׁכַּת Ps 18:12 plural חֲשֵׁכִים Isa 50:10 — darkness, opposed to light (אוֺרָה) Ps 139:12 supernatural, גדולה ׳ח Gen 15:12 (JE); חֶשְׁכַּתֿ מַיִם Ps 18:12 in theoph. (but || 2Sam 22:12 חַשְׁרַתמֿים a mass of water); figurative = lack of understanding Ps 82:5 = distress Isa 8:22 (|| צָרָה), Isa 50:10.

dark
ḥeškâ
darkness
  • darkness, obscure, low

מַ֝֗יִם
מַ֝֗יִם
Root word water, waters, watersprings, washing, waterflood, …
Dictionary form: מַיִם · ma-YIM

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: waters
the waters ×92 water ×89 waters ×64 of water ×43 the water ×33 of waters ×19 in water ×15 with water ×14
More options
water — Most versatile; suits singular, collective, or general references.
waters — Prefer for seas, rivers, or poetic/cosmic imagery.
flood — Use when context emphasizes overwhelming or destructive flow.
spring water — Clarifies a natural source when context demands specificity.
washing water — Suits ritual purification or cleansing contexts.

BDB4535 H4325

BDB4534 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4536

II. [מוֺ] = מַי water.

BDB4612 H4325

BDB4611 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4613

[מַי]580 noun masculine2Sam 14:14 only plural מַ֫יִם waters, water (Late Hebrew id.; MI23 [ין]מ; SI5 המים; Aramaic מַיָּא, מַיִּין, Assyrian mû, plural mê, also mâmu DlHWB 394; Arabic Ethiopic , plural ; Sabean [מו], מום plural מון, Minaean [מה], plural מהן DHM6th Or. Congr. (Leiden) ii. 1, 451 f. (see on these forms BaZMG xiii.1888, 341 ff.)); — מַ֫יִם (מָ֑יִם) Gen 1:2 +; הַמַּ֫יְמָה Exod 7:15; Exod 8:16 construct מֵי Gen 7:7 + 71 t.; מֵימֵי Exod 4:9 + 10 t. + Qr 2Kgs 18:27 = Isa 36:12 suffix מֵימַי Hos 2:7 + 1Sam 25:11 (but read here יֵינִי ᵐ5 Ew Th We Klo Dr Kit Bu); מֵימֶ֫יךָ Exod 23:25 + 3 t.; מֵימָיו Num 20:8 + 6 t.; מֵימֶיהָ Jer 6:7; Jer 50:38 מֵימֵינוּ Lam 5:4 מֵימֵיהֶם Exod 7:19 + 4 t.; — waters, water (c. adjective plural Gen 26:19; Exod 15:10; Lev 14:5; Lev 14:6; Lev 14:50 + often, so always with adjective; also with plural participle Num 5:18; Num 5:19; Num 5:24; 2Kgs 3:20 +; with plural pronoun Num 20:13; Num 27:14; 2Kgs 2:21 +; compare suffix Josh 4:18 before plural verb Gen 1:9; Gen 1:20; Gen 1:21; Gen 7:17 + often; after plural verb Josh 3:13; Isa 28:17; Prov 9:17; Ezek 31:4 +; rarely with singular verb; before, Gen 9:15; Lev 11:34; Num 20:2; Num 24:7; Num 33:14; 2Kgs 3:9 after, Num 19:13; Num 19:20); —

1. a. water of a spring or well (עַיִן, בְּאֵר) Gen 16:7; Gen 24:11; Gen 24:13 (twice in verse); Gen 24:43; Exod 15:27 (twice in verse) (J), Gen 21:19; Gen 21:25; Num 20:17; Num 21:16 (E), etc.; for drinking, also Amos 4:8; Amos 8:11; Jonah 3:7 + often; out of rock Exod 17:6 (E), Num 20:8 (twice in verse); Num 20:10; Num 20:11 (P), Deut 8:15 etc.; מֵי מְרִיבָה (RSSemitic i. 165; 2nd ed. 181) Num 20:13; Num 20:24; Num 27:14 (P), Deut 33:8; Ps 81:8; Ps 106:32 compare Deut 32:51; Ezek 47:19; Ezek 48:28 for washing (hands, feet, person) Gen 18:4; Gen 24:32; Gen 43:24 (J), 2Kgs 3:11; Exod 29:4; Exod 30:20; Lev 15:5; Lev 15:6 + (P); (victims) Lev 1:9; Lev 1:13; Lev 8:21 (P); (vessels) Lev 6:21; Lev 12:32; Lev 12:34 (P); (garments) Lev 15:17; Num 19:8 (P); for cooking Exod 12:9 (P), compare Isa 64:1; Ezek 24:3 (symbolic); for purification Num 8:7 (מֵי חַטָּאת) Num 19:9 (מֵי נִדָּה), compare vNum 19:13 vNum 19:18 vNum 19:20 vNum 19:21 vNum 19:31; Num 31:23 (twice in verse) (all P), Ezek 36:25 (figurative).
  b. of a river, Nile Exod 2:10; Exod 4:9 (twice in verse) (J), Jer 2:18 etc.; Jordan Josh 3:8 (D), vJosh 3:15 vJosh 3:16 (JE), etc.; Euphrates Isa 8:7 (figurative), Jer 2:18 Ezekiel's river Ezek 47:1 (twice in verse); Ezek 47:2 +, etc.; of streams, canals, etc., especially, as condition of fertility Deut 8:7; Deut 10:7; Isa 1:30; Prov 30:16; 2Kgs 3:17 +, etc.
  c. of sea Amos 5:8; Amos 9:6 Red Sea Exod 15:8; Exod 15:10; Exod 15:19 (song), Exod 14:21; Exod 14:22; Exod 14:26 + (P), Josh 2:10 (D), etc.
  d. of flood Gen 7:7; Gen 7:10; Gen 8:3; Gen 8:7; Gen 8:8; Gen 8:9; Gen 8:11 (J), Gen 6:17; Gen 7:6; Gen 7:17; Gen 7:18 (twice in verse); Gen 7:19; Gen 8:5; Gen 9:11; Gen 9:15 (P); so מֵינֹֿחַ Isa 54:9 (twice in verse) waters of Noah.
  e. subterranean Exod 20:4 (E), Deut 4:18; Deut 5:8, compare Job 26:5; Ps 136:6. feminine in clouds Jer 10:13; Job 26:8; Ps 29:3 (twice in verse); Ps 104:3; Ps 148:4, etc.
  g. of rain Judg 5:4; 2Sam 21:10; Deut 11:11; Ps 65:10; Job 5:10 (|| מָטָר), etc.
  h. of dew Judg 6:38.
  i. primÊval deep Gen 1:2; Gen 1:6 (P).
2. with proper names, of location (q. v.), to denote springs, streams, or seas belonging to, near, such places: מֵימֵי מִצְרַיִם Exod 7:19; Exod 8:2 מֵי מְרִיבָה (see above 1 a); מֵי מֵרוֺם Josh 11:5; Josh 11:7 מֵי עֵיןשֶֿׁמֶשׁ Josh 15:7 מֵי נֶפְתּוֺחַ Josh 15:9; Josh 18:15 מֵי יְרִיחוֺ Josh 16:1 מֵי מְגִּדּוֺ Judg 5:19 מֵי נִמְרִ(י)ם Isa 15:6; Jer 48:34 מֵי דִימוֺן Isa 15:9 compare מֵי הַשִּׁלֹּחַ Isa 8:6 מֵימֵי גִּיחוֺן הָעֶלְיוֺן 2Chr 32:30 compare also proper name, of a location מִשְׂרְפוֺת מַיִם Josh 11:8; Josh 13:6.
3. special uses are: מֵי רַגְלַיִם water of the feet = urine 2Kgs 18:27 = Isa 36:12 compare מַדְמֵנָה בְּמֵי Isa 25:10 Kt in water of a dunghill (> Qr בְּמוֺ); מַיִם לַחַץ water (which is) distress, because drunk in imprisonment 1Kgs 22:27 (|| לֶחֶם לַחַץ) = 2Chr 18:26 בְּמֵישָֿׁ֑לֶג in snow-water Job 9:30 Qr (Kt במו; Me Hoffm Siegf כְּמוֺ), מֵימֵי שֶׁלֶג Job 24:19 מַיִם קְדשִׁים Num 5:17 holy water (compare RSSem.165, 2nd ed.181, but text dubious, see Di); מֵי הַמָּרִים bitter water Num 5:18; Num 5:19; Num 5:23; Num 5:24 compare Exod 15:23 (כִּי מָרִים הֵם), opposed to וַיִּמְתְּקוּ הַמַּיִם vExod 15:25 and the waters were sweetened; מֵי חַטָּאת, מֵי נִדָּה see above 1 a; מַיִם חַיִּים living (i.e. running) water Lev 14:5; Lev 14:6; Lev 14:50; Lev 14:51; Lev 14:52; Num 19:17, also (figurative) Zech 14:8 (compare Ezek 47), and (figurative) Jer 2:13; Jer 17:13. See also below (compare Num 21:17; Num 21:18 see RSSem.i.127.157; 2nd ed.135,176).
4. among figurative uses are:
  a. of distress Isa 43:2; Ps 66:12 (|| אֵשׁ), Ps 69:2; Lam 3:54 usually many waters 2Sam 22:17 = Ps 18:17, compare Job 22:11; Ps 32:6; Ps 144:7, or deep waters Ps 69:3; Ps 69:15, compare vPs 69:16 also מֵירֿאֹשׁ water of gall Jer 8:14; Jer 9:14; Jer 23:15.
  b. פֶּרֶץ מַיִם 2Sam 5:20 = 1Chr 14:11 of outbursting force.
  c. מַיִם שְׁאוֺן Isa 17:12; Isa 17:13 of rushing nations.
  d. of what is impetuous, violent, overwhelming Isa 28:2; Isa 28:17; Hos 10:7; Job 27:20; Ps 124:4; Ps 124:5; Ps 88:18 simileof impetuousness פַּחַז כַּמַּיִ ם Gen 49:4.
  e. (as running away) of heart in timidity Josh 7:5, compare Ps 22:16, of knees Ezek 7:17; Ezek 21:12. feminine of transitoriness Job 11:16; Job 24:18; Ps 58:8.
  g. of refreshment Isa 32:2; Isa 49:10 spiritual Isa 12:3.
  h. מֵי מְנֻחוֺת Ps 23:2 in figure of rest and peace, compare Jer 31:9.
  i. of reckless bloodshed (poured out like water) Ps 79:3 compare pouring away (and not eating) blood Deut 12:16; Deut 12:24; Deut 15:23.
  j. בְּאֵר מַיִם חַיִּים Song 4:15 figurative of bride; מַיִם מִבּוֺרֶ֑ךָ Prov 5:15 of enjoyment of one's own wife; of harlotry מַיִם גְּנוּבִים Prov 9:17 stolen waters.
  k. of outpoured wrath of ׳י Hos 5:10.
1. of abundant justice Amos 5:24 masculine of outpoured feelings Job 3:24 שִׁפְכִי כַמַּיִם לִבֵךְ Lam 2:19. — Isa 48:1 read probably מִמְּעֵי for ᵑ0 מִמֵּי, so Secker Du CheHpt Skinner, compare Di.

water, waters, watersprings, washing, waterflood, …
mayim
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
  • water, waters
    • water
      • "water of the feet, urine"of danger, violence, transitory things, refreshment (figuratively)

עָבֵ֥י
עָבֵ֥י
Root word clouds, cloud, thick, thickets, clay
Dictionary form: עָב · awb

Noun — Common, both plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: and thick clouds
the clouds ×6 of the clouds ×3 and thick clouds ×2 as a cloud ×2 cloud ×2 with clouds ×2 and like a cloud ×1 as a thick cloud ×1
More options
cloud — Most versatile; suits weather, theophany, and metaphor contexts.
thick cloud — Emphasizes density and opacity; good for storm or divine glory scenes.
storm cloud — Highlights dramatic, threatening atmosphere; vivid in poetry.
dark cloud — Stresses gloom or obscurity; useful for judgment passages.
thicket — Use only when context clearly indicates dense vegetation, not sky.
dense mass — Abstract option covering both cloud and thicket senses broadly.

BDB5753 H5672 H5645

BDB5752 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5754

עֲבִי noun [masculine] thickness; — construct נַּבֵּי מָגִנָּיו ׳ע Job 15:26 the thickness (stoutness) of the bosses of his shields (in figurative); suffix עָבְיוֺ its thickness, of the molten sea 1Kgs 7:26 = 2Chr 4:5 of pillar Jer 52:21. — 2Chr 4:17 see following — Under עבה belongs perhaps also בְּעַב הֶעָנָן Exod 19:9 (read בַּעֲבִי ?) in the thickness of the clouds, compare BuThLz 1892 (3), 63 Köii 1, 86.

BDB5847 H5645 H5646 H5672

BDB5846 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5848

II. עָב33 noun masculineIsa 19:1 and (1Kgs 18:44 KöSynt. 103) feminine dark cloud, cloud-mass, thicket; — ׳ע absolute 1Kgs 18:44 +, construct Isa 18:4; Prov 16:15 plural עָבִים Judg 5:4 +, עָבוֺת 2Sam 23:4 + 2Sam 77:18 construct עָבֵי 2Sam 22:12; Ps 18:12 suffix עָבָיו Ps 18:13 (but probably strike out, see עבר Qal near the end); —

1. dark cloud:
  a. rain-cloud Judg 5:4; Isa 5:6; 1Kgs 18:44; 1Kgs 18:45 + 9 t.
  b. as high Isa 14:14; Job 20:6, + Ezek 19:11; Ezek 31:3; Ezek 31:10; Ezek 31:14 (reading בְָוֺת, see עֲבֹת).
  c. chariot of ׳י Isa 19:1; Ps 104:3 covering his eyes Job 22:14.
  d. casting shadow Isa 25:5, compare 2Sam 23:4.
  e. as swift Isa 60:8, and transient Isa 44:22; Job 30:15 (all simile). feminine disposed by God Job 36:29; Job 37:16.
  g. טַל ׳ע Isa 18:4 cloud of dew, dew-mist (simile).
2. (cloud-) mass, שְׁחָקִים ׳ע 2Sam 22:12 masses of clouds (enwrapping ׳י) = Ps 18:12 (Ps 13 see above).
3. thicket as refuge Jer 4:29 (perhaps under Aramaic influence). — עַב Exod 19:9 see עֲבִי below עבה. I. עָב see above

clouds, cloud, thick, thickets, clay
ʿāb
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 Chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
  • darkness, cloud, thicket
    • dark cloud
      • "cloud mass"thicket (as refuge)

שְׁחָקִֽים
שְׁחָקִֽים
Root word clouds, skies, sky, heaven, dust
Dictionary form: שַׁחַק · sha-HAHK

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: of the skies
the clouds ×8 is in the clouds ×2 of the skies ×2 the skies ×2 and let the skies ×1 and the clouds ×1 as the small dust ×1 in heaven ×1
More options
sky — Broad, everyday term; suits most poetic contexts.
cloud — Use when the imagery focuses on cloud masses.
heaven — Elevated register; fits liturgical or divine contexts.
skies — Plural; evokes expanse, good for cosmic/hymnic passages.
dust — Rare sense; only when fine-particle imagery is explicit.
atmosphere — Neutral, modern; emphasizes the physical expanse above.

BDB8602 H7834

BDB8601 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8603

שַׁ֫חַק noun masculineProv 9:20 dust, cloud (as fine, thin); — ׳שׁ absolute Ps 89:7; Ps 89:38, construct Isa 40:15 plural שְׁחָקִים Deut 33:25 +; —

1. fine dust, מאֹזְנַיִם ׳שׁ Isa 40:15 (simile of insignificance).
2. (thin) cloud, usually plural (often || שָׁמַיִם), Deut 33:26 (poem), Isa 45:8; Jer 51:9; Job 35:5; Job 36:28; Job 37:21; Job 38:37; Ps 36:6; Ps 57:11; Ps 68:35; Ps 77:18; Ps 78:23; Ps 108:5 opposed to תְּהוֺם Prov 3:20; Prov 8:28 ׳עָבֵי שׁ 2Sam 22:12 = Ps 18:12 = heavens, sky Job 37:18 (with חִרְקִיעַ), and (singular) Ps 89:7; Ps 89:38.

שִׁחֹר see שִׁיחוֺר.

clouds, skies, sky, heaven, dust
šaḥaq
a powder (as beaten small); by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament
  • dust, cloud
    • fine dust
      • "(thin) cloud

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.
יָ֤שֶׁת חֹ֨שֶׁךְ סִתְר֗וֹ Revia Gadol — a lesser break סְבִֽיבוֹתָ֥יו סֻכָּת֑וֹ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here חֶשְׁכַת מַ֝֗יִם Revia Mugrash — a lesser break עָבֵ֥י שְׁחָקִֽים Silluq — end of the verse

יָשֶׁת חֹשֶׁךְ׀ סִתְרוֹ סְבִֽיבוֹתָיו סֻכָּתוֹ חֶשְׁכַת-מַיִם עָבֵי שְׁחָקִֽים׃
11
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
Cross References

Deuteronomy 4:11

וַתִּקְרְבוּן וַתַּֽעַמְדוּן תַּחַת הָהָר וְהָהָר בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ עַד-לֵב הַשָּׁמַיִם חֹשֶׁךְ עָנָן וַֽעֲרָפֶֽל׃
11
And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

Psalms 97:2

עָנָן וַעֲרָפֶל סְבִיבָיו צֶדֶק וּמִשְׁפָּט מְכוֹן כִּסְאֽוֹ׃
2
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

Psalms 91:1

יֹשֵׁב בְּסֵתֶר עֶלְיוֹן בְּצֵל שַׁדַּי יִתְלוֹנָֽן׃
1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 81:7

בַּצָּרָה קָרָאתָ וָאֲחַלְּצֶךָּ אֶעֶנְךָ בְּסֵתֶר רַעַם אֶבְחָֽנְךָ עַל-מֵי מְרִיבָה סֶֽלָה׃
7
Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

Joel 2:2

יוֹם חֹשֶׁךְ וַאֲפֵלָה יוֹם עָנָן וַעֲרָפֶל כְּשַׁחַר פָּרֻשׂ עַל-הֶֽהָרִים עַם רַב וְעָצוּם כָּמֹהוּ לֹא נִֽהְיָה מִן-הָעוֹלָם וְאַֽחֲרָיו לֹא יוֹסֵף עַד-שְׁנֵי דּוֹר וָדֽוֹר׃
2
A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

Psalms 27:5

כִּי יִצְפְּנֵנִי׀ בְּסֻכֹּה בְּיוֹם רָעָה יַסְתִּרֵנִי בְּסֵתֶר אָהֳלוֹ בְּצוּר יְרוֹמְמֵֽנִי׃
5
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalms 18:10
Read Psalms 18
Psalms 18:12