Psalms 89:28

Hebrew Bible (Masoretic) numbering: 89:29
לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם אֶשְׁמָר ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ
My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
Connections

Isaiah 55:3

הַטּוּ אָזְנְכֶם וּלְכוּ אֵלַי שִׁמְעוּ וּתְחִי נַפְשְׁכֶם וְאֶכְרְתָה לָכֶם בְּרִית עוֹלָם חַֽסְדֵי דָוִד הַנֶּאֱמָנִֽים׃
3
Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Jeremiah 33:20

כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה אִם-תָּפֵרוּ אֶת-בְּרִיתִי הַיּוֹם וְאֶת-בְּרִיתִי הַלָּיְלָה וּלְבִלְתִּי הֱיוֹת יֽוֹמָם-וָלַיְלָה בְּעִתָּֽם׃
20
Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

Acts 13:32

καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμᾶς εὐαγγελιζόμεθα τὴν πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ἐπαγγελίαν γενομένην
32
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

2 Samuel 7:15

וְחַסְדִּי לֹֽא-יָסוּר מִמֶּנּוּ כַּֽאֲשֶׁר הֲסִרֹתִי מֵעִם שָׁאוּל אֲשֶׁר הֲסִרֹתִי מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ׃
15
But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

2 Samuel 23:5

כִּֽי-לֹא-כֵן בֵּיתִי עִם-אֵל כִּי בְרִית עוֹלָם שָׂם לִי עֲרוּכָה בַכֹּל וּשְׁמֻרָה כִּֽי-כָל-יִשְׁעִי וְכָל-חֵפֶץ כִּי-לֹא יַצְמִֽיחַ׃
5
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Psalms 89:33

וְחַסְדִּי לֹֽא-אָפִיר מֵֽעִמּוֹ וְלֹֽא-אֲשַׁקֵּר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃
33
Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

Psalms 111:9

פְּדוּת׀ שָׁלַח לְעַמּוֹ צִוָּֽה-לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמֽוֹ׃
9
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

Psalms 111:5

טֶרֶף נָתַן לִֽירֵאָיו יִזְכֹּר לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתֽוֹ׃
5
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

Isaiah 54:10

כִּי הֶֽהָרִים יָמוּשׁוּ וְהַגְּבָעוֹת תְּמוּטֶינָה וְחַסְדִּי מֵאִתֵּךְ לֹֽא-יָמוּשׁ וּבְרִית שְׁלוֹמִי לֹא תָמוּט אָמַר מְרַחֲמֵךְ יְהוָֽה׃
10
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
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Psalms 89:28
Masoretic Phrasing
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.
לְ֭עוֹלָ֗ם Revia Gadol — a lesser break אֶשְׁמָר ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י Revia Mugrash — a lesser break נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ Silluq — end of the verse
Search every verse
Word Parts
לְ ֭עוֹלָ֗ם
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
֭עוֹלָ֗ם
Root word ever, everlasting, old, perpetual, evermore, …
Dictionary form: עוֹלָם · oh-LAWM
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar R/Ncmsa
Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state
לְ Speech Preposition
עוֹלָם Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute
In English
In the KJV here: for him for evermore
for ever ×138 ever ×59 endureth for ever ×45 of old ×11 an everlasting ×9 everlasting ×8 and ever ×7 evermore ×7
More options
eternal — Best for God's nature or timeless theological statements.
everlasting — Modernized KJV staple; slightly more poetic than 'eternal'.
forever — Natural, contemporary; ideal for promises and covenants.
ancient — Use when referring to distant past, not future duration.
age-long — Captures indefinite duration without implying strict infinity.
perpetual — Suits legal or covenantal contexts stressing continuity.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB6119 H5769 H5865

BDB6118 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6120

עוֺלָם439 noun masculine long duration, antiquity, futurity; — ׳ע Gen 9:12 + 405 t.; עֹלָם Gen 3:22 + 19 t.; עֵילוֺם 2Chr 33:7, read probably עוֺלָם (for other explanations see note in KitHpt); suffix עֹלָמוֺ Eccl 12:5 plural עוֺלָמִים Isa 26:4 + 7 t., עֹלָמִים Ps 145:13 + 2 t.; construct עוֺלְמֵי Isa 45:17 —

1. of past time:
  a. ancient time: ׳יְמֵי ע days of old Isa 63:9; Isa 63:11; Amos 9:11; Mic 5:1; Mic 7:14; ׳יְמוֺת ע Deut 32:7 ׳עַם ע Isa 44:7 ancient people; ׳גּוֺי מֵע Jer 5:15 ׳חָרְבוֺת ע old waste places Isa 58:12; Isa 61:4, compare Ezek 26:20 b; ׳פִּתְחֵי ע ancient gates Ps 24:7; Ps 24:9 ׳ארח ע Job 22:15 ׳נתבות ע Jer 6:16 ׳שְׁבִילֵי ע Jer 18:15 ׳גבול ע Prov 22:28; Prov 23:10 ׳במות ע Ezek 36:2 ׳מִן (מֵ)ע from of old Isa 64:3; Jer 2:20; Joel 2:2, of the fathers Josh 24:2, the prophets Jer 28:8, the ancient נפלים Gen 6:4 (Ezek 32:27 ᵐ5 Co for מערלים; but 1Sam 27:8 read מִטֵּלָם for מעולם We Dr HPS); ׳בהם ע long in them Isa 64:4 (text dubious).
  b. ׳מֵתֵי ע the long dead Ps 143:3; Lam 3:6 so ׳עַם ע Ezek 26:20.
  c. of God, ׳מֵע: former acts Isa 46:9 as redeemer Isa 63:16 of love Ps 25:6, judgment Ps 119:52, dominion Isa 63:19 long silence Isa 42:14; Isa 57:11
**ᵐ5 ᵑ9 CheHpt Du Marti read מֵעְלִם for מֵעוֺלָם, compare I. [עָלַם] Hiph`il Ps 10:1.; his wisdom personified Prov 8:23 his existence Ps 93:2.
  d. of things: ׳גבעות ע ancient hills Gen 49:26 (J), Hab 3:6 (|| הרריעֿד), Deut 33:15 (|| הררי קדם).
  e. plural שְׁנוֺת עולמים Ps 77:6 years of ancient times; דורות עולמים Isa 51:9 לעלמים Eccl 1:10 = in olden times.
2. a. indefinite futurity, with preposition for ever, always (sometimes = during the lifetime); עֶבֶד עולם slave for ever Deut 15:17; 1Sam 27:12; Job 40:28 ׳עָבַד לע serve for ever Exod 21:6 (E), Lev 25:46 ׳עד ע 1Sam 1:22 ׳גְּאֻלַּת ע Lev 25:32 redemption at any time; ׳הֲרַת ע Jer 20:17 ever pregnant (womb); ׳כְּלִמַּת ע vJer 20:11 of persecutors of Jeremiah; ׳חרפת ע Jer 23:40 ׳שַׁלְוֵי ע Ps 73:12 alway at ease; ׳יְחִי לע (יחיה) may the king live alway 1Kgs 1:31; Neh 2:3 compare אֹרֶךְ יָמִים עולם ועד Ps 21:5 ישׁד עולם לפני אלהים Ps 61:8 so of the pious, לא ימוט ׳לע Ps 15:5 בל ימוט Prov 10:30, compare Ps 30:7 other phrase: Ps 37:27; Ps 37:28; Ps 41:13; Ps 55:23; Ps 61:8; Ps 73:26; Ps 121:8; Prov 10:25 אשׁירה ׳ע Ps 89:2 I will sing for ever (as long as I live), compare Ps 52:10; Ps 115:18; Ps 145:1; Ps 145:2 ׳הוֺדה ע Ps 30:13; Ps 44:9; Ps 52:11; Ps 79:13 other emotions and activities continuous through life Ps 5:12; Ps 31:2 = Ps 71:1; Ps 75:10; Ps 86:12; Ps 119:44; Ps 119:93; Ps 119:98; Ps 119:111; Ps 119:112; Mic 4:5, compare ׳לע Mic 2:9.
  b. = continuous existence, (1) of things: the earth, הָאָרֶץ לְעוֺלָם עֹמֶדֶת Eccl 1:4 other phrase: Ps 78:69; Ps 104:5, heavens and contents Ps 148:6, ruined cities Isa 25:2; Isa 32:14; Ezek 26:21; Ezek 27:36; Ezek 28:19, ruined lands Jer 18:16; Jer 25:9; Jer 25:12; Jer 49:13; Jer 49:33; Jer 51:26; Jer 51:62; Ezek 35:9; Zeph 2:9 ׳לעד עד ע Isa 30:8 for a witness for ever, in a book; (2) of nations: לעולם אהיה Isa 47:7 (Babylon loqu.), compare Ps 81:16; Obad 1:10 ׳ישׁב לע of Judah Joel 4:20 (3) families Ps 49:12; Isa 14:20 the dynasty of Saul 1Sam 13:13 house of Eli 1Sam 2:30 (4) national relations: איבת ׳ע continual enmity Ezek 25:15; Ezek 35:5 of exclusion from ׳קהל י, ׳עד ע Deut 23:4 = Neh 13:1 various relations Isa 32:17; Isa 34:10 ׳חרפת ע perpetual reproach Ps 78:66, of dynasty of David 2Sam 3:28; 2Sam 12:10; 1Kgs 2:33, families v1Kgs 2:33; 2Kgs 5:27; Ps 106:31; Jer 35:6.
  c. of divine existence: אל עולם Gen 21:33 (J); ׳אלהי ע Isa 40:28 ׳חי אנכי לע Deut 32:40 ׳חֵי הע Dan 12:7 of divine name, ׳זה שׁמי לְע Exod 3:15 (E), compare 2Chr 33:7 (see above); blessing and praise of it 2Sam 7:26 = 1Chr 17:24; Ps 72:19; Ps 135:13 of ׳י himself Ps 89:53 attributes, אהבה Jer 31:3; 1Kgs 10:9 חסד Isa 54:8; Ps 89:2; Ps 138:8 חַסְדּוֺ ׳לע 1Chr 26:34; 1Chr 26:41; 2Chr 5:13; 2Chr 7:3; 2Chr 7:6; 2Chr 20:21; Ezra 3:11; Ps 100:5; Ps 106:1; Ps 107:1; Ps 118:1; Ps 118:2; Ps 118:3; Ps 118:4; Ps 118:29; Ps 136:1 + 25 t., Jer 33:11 כבוד Ps 104:31 אמת Ps 117:2; Ps 146:6 צדק Ps 119:142 עצה Ps 33:11 reign Exod 15:18 (E), Ps 10:16; Ps 66:7; Ps 92:9; Ps 146:10; Jer 10:10; Mic 4:7 ישׁב ׳יהוה לע Ps 9:8; Ps 29:10; Ps 102:13; Lam 5:19 presence in Zion 1Chr 23:25; Isa 33:14; Isa 60:19; Isa 60:20; Ezek 37:28; Ezek 43:7; Ezek 43:9 his salvation Isa 51:6; Isa 51:8 ׳זרעת ע Deut 33:27 everlasting arms; ׳כל אשׁר יעשׂה האלהים יהיה לע Eccl 3:14.
  d. of God's covenant: ׳בְּרִית ע everlasting covenant Gen 9:16; Gen 17:7; Gen 17:13; Gen 17:19; Exod 31:16; Lev 24:8; Num 18:19 (all P), 2Sam 23:5; 1Chr 16:17 = Ps 105:10; Isa 24:5; Isa 55:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 32:40; Jer 50:5; Ezek 16:60; Ezek 37:26 covenant with Noah, ׳לְדֹרֹת ע Gen 9:12 (P); God remembers it 1Chr 16:15 = Ps 105:8; Ps 111:5 will not break it, ׳לע Judg 2:1 ׳אוֺת ע Exod 31:17 (P); ׳אוֺת עד ע Deut 28:46.
  e. of God's laws: דבר(יםׅ Isa 59:21; Ps 119:89 משׁפט Ps 119:160 עדות vPs 119:144 vPs 119:152 ׳חק ע Exod 29:28; Exod 30:21 (E), Lev 6:11; Lev 6:15; Lev 7:34; Lev 10:15; Lev 24:9; (P), also Jer 5:22 (of bounds of sea); ׳חק עד ע Exod 12:24 (J), ׳חֻקַּת ע vExod 12:14 vExod 12:17; Exod 27:21; Exod 28:43; Exod 29:9; Lev 3:17; Lev 7:36; Lev 10:9; Lev 16:29; Lev 10:31; Lev 10:34; Lev 17:7; Lev 23:14; Lev 23:21; Lev 23:31; Lev 23:41; Lev 24:3; Lev 24:8; Num 10:8; Num 15:15; Num 18:23; Num 19:10; Num 19:21 (P) (most of these in fact specifically Jewish and temporary); temple to bear God's name, ׳עד ע 1Kgs 9:3 = 2Chr 7:16 ׳לע 2Kgs 21:7; 2Chr 33:4 consecrated ׳לע 2Chr 30:8 its ceremonies ׳לע 2Chr 2:3 Levitical priesthood, לשׁרתו ׳עד ע, 1Chr 15:2 Aaronic priesthood, ׳לברך בשׁמ ׳עד ע 1Chr 23:13 (twice in verse). feminine of God's promises: his word, ׳יקום לע Isa 40:8 promised dynasty of David, עד ׳(ה)ע 2Sam 7:13; 2Sam 7:16 (twice in verse); 2Sam 7:25 = 1Chr 17:12; 1Chr 17:14 (twice in verse); 1Chr 17:23, Ps 18:51 = 2Sam 22:51; 1Kgs 2:33; 1Kgs 2:45; 1Chr 22:10; Ps 89:5 ׳לע 1Kgs 9:5; 1Chr 28:4; 1Chr 28:7; 2Chr 13:5; Ps 89:29; Ps 89:37; 2Sam 7:29 (twice in verse) = 1Chr 17:27 (twice in verse); of holy land 1Chr 28:8, ׳אֲחֻזַּת ע Gen 17:8; Gen 48:4; Lev 25:34 (P); given ׳לע Exod 32:13 (J) 2Chr 20:7 ׳עד ע Gen 13:15, inherited ׳לע Isa 60:21; Ps 37:18 ׳עד ע Isa 34:17 dwelt in ׳עד ע Ezek 37:25 other blessings, ׳לע Deut 5:26; Hos 2:21 ׳עד ע Deut 12:28; 2Sam 7:24 = 1Chr 17:22; Ps 133:3 ׳שִׂמְחַת ע Isa 35:10; Isa 51:11; Isa 61:7 ׳דֶּרֶח ע Ps 139:24 ׳שׁם ע Isa 56:5; Isa 63:12 ׳אות ע Isa 55:13 ׳נאון ע Isa 60:15 Jerusalem to abide ׳לע Jer 17:25; Ps 125:1, compare Jer 31:40 ׳עד ע Ps 48:9.
  g. of relations between God and his people, ׳לע 1Chr 29:18; Ps 45:18; Ps 85:6; Ps 103:9; Ps 145:21; Isa 57:16; Jer 3:5; Jer 3:12; Lam 3:31; Joel 2:26; Joel 2:27 ׳עד (ה)ע Ps 28:9; Mal 1:4.
  h. of Messianic dynasty and king: ׳(ל)ע Ps 110:4 having divine throne Ps 45:7 name endures Ps 72:17 established Ps 89:38 God blesses him Ps 45:3 of his reign, ׳מעתה ועד ע Isa 9:6.
  i. = indefinite, unending future: live ׳לע Gen 3:22 = Job 7:16 יִחְיוּ ׳הנביאים הלע Zech 1:5 the prophets, can they live for ever ? compare ׳חדל לע Ps 49:9 with negative never Ezra 9:12; Prov 27:24.
  j. after death: ׳שׁנת ע Jer 51:39; Jer 51:57 ׳בית ע Eccl 12:5 ׳חַיֵּי ע Dan 12:2 ׳דראון ע vDan 12:2 also vDan 12:3; Jonah 2:7; Eccl 2:16; Eccl 9:6.
  k. = age (duration) of the world: את העלם נתן בְּלִבָּם Eccl 3:11 the age of the world he hath set, etc. (compare especially Late Hebrew; others i).
1. plural intensive everlastingness, eternity: תשׁועת עולמים Isa 45:17 צדק עלמים Dan 9:24 צור עולמים Isa 26:4 (RVm rock of ages); מלכוּת כל עלמים Ps 145:13 also Ps 61:5; Ps 77:8; 1Kgs 8:13 = 2Chr 6:2. masculine special phrase: (מן) מ(ה)עולם (ו)עד (ה)עולם from everlasting to everlasting, of ׳י Ps 90:2, ׳חסד י Ps 103:17 benedictions 1Chr 16:36 = Ps 106:48; Neh 9:5; 1Chr 29:10; Ps 41:14 the land given למן עולם ועד עולם Jer 7:7; Jer 25:5 מעתה ועד עולם from now and for ever Ps 115:18; Ps 121:8 (i.e. as long as one lives); of people's hope in God Ps 131:3 dynasty of David Isa 9:6 of God's acts, words, etc. Mic 4:7; Isa 59:21; Ps 125:2, compare Ps 113:2 — see further I. עַד p. 723.

עֵילוֺם see עוֺלָם. עֲלָמוֺת see עַלְמָה, II. עלם.

עַלמֿוּת, עַלמֿוּת לַבֵן see עַלְמָה, II. עלם.

BDB9773 H5957 H5769

BDB9772 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9774

עָלַם noun [masculine] perpetuity, antiquity (see Biblical Hebrew III> עלם, עוֺלָם); — ׳ע absolute Dan 3:33 +, construct Dan 7:18 emphatic עָֽלְמָא Dan 2:20 +; plural עָֽלְמִין Dan 2:4 +, emphatic עָֽלְמַיָּא Dan 2:44; Dan 7:18 — perpetuity in the future: ׳מַלְכוּת ע Dan 3:33; Dan 7:27, compare Dan 4:31; Dan 7:14 ׳ע as adverb for ever Dan 4:31 עַדעָֽֿלְמָא וְעַדעָֿלַם עָֽלְמַיָּא Dan 7:18 plural ׳לְע for ever Dan 2:4; Dan 2:44; Dan 2:44; Dan 3:9; Dan 5:10; Dan 6:7; Dan 6:22; Dan 6:27 antiquity, מִןיֿוֺמָת עָֽלְמָא Ezra 4:15; Ezra 4:19 of limitless time both past and future: ׳וְעַדעֿ ׳מִןעֿ Dan 2:20.

Strong's Definition H5769
ever, everlasting, old, perpetual, evermore, …
ʿôlām
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always
  • long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world
    • ancient time, long time (of past)
      • "(of future)
      • for ever, always
        • "continuous existence, perpetual"everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Variations 31 forms of this word
Translations 111 English renderings
Search every verse
Word Parts
אֶשְׁמָר
אֶשְׁמָר
Root word keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …
Dictionary form: שָׁמַר · shaw-MAHR
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar Vqi1cs
Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), first person singular simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "I"
אֶשְׁמָר Speech Verb Stem Qal Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person First Person Number Singular
In English
In the KJV here: will i keep
keep ×28 kept ×24 and keep ×23 to keep ×23 take heed ×16 and to keep ×7 observe ×7 ye shall keep ×6
More options
keep — Most versatile rendering; suits commands and ongoing obligations.
observe — Best for law/covenant contexts: observe the sabbath.
guard — Physical or protective watching over something or someone.
watch over — Caring, attentive oversight; warm, pastoral register.
heed — Prefer when the nuance is careful attention or warning.
preserve — Suits divine protection contexts: God preserves his people.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8848 H8104

BDB8847 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8849

I. שָׁמַר465 verb keep, watch, preserve (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician שמר in proper name and (Punic) = watchman; Tel Amarna šimiru is perhaps overseer (Canaanism), WklNo. 80, i. 23; Mandean סמירא preserved NöM 46; compare Arabic converse by night, stay awake (see LagBN 105); BaNB 175 f.; ES 43 infers from eyelid (compare [שְׁמֻרָה] below), and Arabic support, aid, protect (l = r), that two √ √ are combined in Hebrew; but proof insufficient); —

Qal425 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 37:11 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמֹר 1Sam 2:9 +, יִשְׁמָרֿ Jer 5:24 +, suffix 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמְרֶנּוּ Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 3 feminine singular suffix תִּשְׁמוּרֵ֑ם Prov 14:3 (read תִּשְׁמְרוּם, see Ges«GKC:47g»§ 47g Toy), etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁמֹר Job 2:6 +, שָׁמְרָה 1Chr 29:18 +; masculine plural שִׁמְרוּ Josh 6:18 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁמוֺר Deut 5:12 +; construct שְׁמֹר Gen 3:24 +, suffix שָׁמְרָהּ Gen 2:15, etc.; Participle active שֹׁמֵר 1Sam 1:12 +, etc.; passive שָׁמוּר Eccl 5:12 (1Sam 9:24 see below), etc.; — [Synon. I. נָצַר, נָטַר, q. v.]:
1. a. keep, have charge of, garden Gen 2:15 (J), ark 1Sam 7:1, property in trust Exod 22:6; Exod 22:9 (E), compare 1Sam 25:31 tend flock Gen 30:31 (E), compare Zech 3:7; Num 3:8 (P); so perhaps (object omitted) Hos 12:13 (where ׳שׁ chosen for parallelism Now Marti and others); Participle הֲשֹׁמֵר אָחִי אָנֹ֑כִי Gen 4:9 (J), ׳שׁ of sheep 1Sam 17:20, הַכֵּלִים ׳שׁ v1Sam 17:22, הַכְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14; 2Chr 34:22, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:8; Esth 2:15, compare vEsth 2:14, etc.
  b. keep, guard, captives Josh 10:18 (J), 1Kgs 20:39, דֶּרֶךְ Gen 3:24 (J); keep watch and ward, אֶל person for whom 1Sam 26:15 (Ps 59:10 see 3 end), עַל person vPs 59:16; Prov 6:22 בַּנַּעַר 2Sam 18:12 have a care of (read לִי for מִי ᵐ5 and modern); in hostile sense, אֶל הָעִיר (in siege) 2Sam 11:16, חַטָאתִי עַל Job 14:16 (but read תַּעֲבֹר with ᵐ5 Ew Di Du and others [not Hi Bu]); absolute with מֵעַל Eccl 5:7 watcheth above, etc.; keep one's mouth, be prudent of speech Prov 21:33, compare Mic 7:5 keep = protect, save, one's life, נֶפֶשׁ Prov 13:3; Prov 16:17; Prov 19:16; Prov 22:5, another's Job 2:6 in Proverbs, accusative of person, subject wisdom, Job 4:6 she shall preserve thee, compare (+ מִן of evil) Job 6:24; Job 7:5 especially Participle watch, watchman, of city Isa 21:11 (twice in verse); Isa 21:12; Isa 62:5 (figurative), Song 3:3; Song 5:7 (twice in verse); Ps 127:1 הַמֶּלֶף ׳שׁ (in temple) Jer 35:4 + (see סַף), פֶּית הַמֶּלֶךְ ׳הַפּ 1Kgs 14:27 = 2Chr 12:10, הַשְּׁעָרִים ׳שׁ Neh 13:22, שֹׁמְרֵי הַבַּיִת (figurative) Eccl 12:3 ׳שׁ הַבַּיִתךֵסעוֺה ךֵהת פךֵךֵכ (of David's concubines) 2Sam 15:16; 2Sam 16:21; 2Sam 20:3 שֹׁמֵר הַכֵּלִים 1Sam 17:22, הַבְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14, חַפַּרְדֵּס ׳שׁ Neh 2:8, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:14; Esth 2:15, שֹׁמְרִים absolute Judg 7:19; Jer 51:12.
  c. hence watch for, wait for, accusative of person 1Sam 19:11 (to kill him), compare Ps 59:1 (title; accusative הַבַּיִת); with יֲקֵכַי Ps 56:7 = dog my steps, Ps 71:10; Jer 20:10 = watch (suspiciously) Job 10:14; Job 13:27; Job 33:11 absolute הַשֹּׁעמרִים Judg 1:24 wait for, נֶשֶׁף Job 24:15, לַבֹּקֶר Ps 130:6 (twice in verse).
  d. watch, observe, accusative of thing 1Sam 1:12; Eccl 11:4; Job 39:1; Jer 8:7 (of birds), with intelligence Isa 42:20; Ps 107:43 accusative of person Ps 37:37 (|| ראה), Zech 11:11 accusative of sin Ps 31:7; Ps 130:3 accusative of thing, for the purpose of avoiding, Ps 17:4.
2. a. keep, retain, of storing up (food) Gen 41:35 (E); absolute Eccl 3:6 (opposed to הִשְׁלִיךְ); treasure up (in memory) Gen 37:11 (E), compare Mal 2:7; 1Chr 29:18; Prov 4:21 (בְּתוֺךְ לְבָבֶ֑ךְ), Prov 22:18 (כְּבִטֱנ֑ךָ); retain wrath Amos 1:11 (read שָׁמֶר לָנֶצַח We Now GASm Marti; see also נָטַר 1) + (anger omitted) Jer 3:5 (|| נטר).
  b. keep within bounds, restrain, object שׁוֺר Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 (E); with accusative hand, מִן of evil Isa 56:2 figurative keep thy foot, with temporal clause Eccl 4:17 לְֿפִי מַחְסוֺם׳אֶשׁ Ps 39:2 (ᵐ5 Du and others אָשִׁימָה); apparently reflexive (= Niph`al), Josh 6:18 (+ מִןהַֿחֵרֶס), possibly sc. גַפְשְׁכֶם Di.
3. a. observe, celebrate, accusative of festival, etc., Exod 23:15 (E), Exod 34:18 (J), Exod 12:17 of day vExod 12:17 (P), of month Deut 16:1.
  b. keep Sabbath Deut 5:12; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:30; Lev 26:2 (all H), Exod 31:13; Exod 31:14; Exod 31:16 (P), Isa 56:4, also (+ מֵחַלְּלוֺ) vIsa 56:2 vIsa 56:6.
  c. of other obligations: keep convenant Ezek 17:14, especially convenant of ׳י Deut 29:8; 1Kgs 11:11 + 5 t., ׳שְׁבֻעַת י 1Kgs 2:43, perform vow Deut 23:24 keep commands Jer 35:18; Ezek 20:18 especially מִצָוֺת, תֻקִּים, יֲבֹדָה, etc., of ׳י (sometimes || נצר), Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10; Amos 2:4; 1Kgs 2:3; Ps 119:8; Ps 119:17; Ps 119:34 + very often (c. 120 t.); ׳דֶּרֶח י ׳שׁ Gen 18:19 (J) + 4 t., ׳דַּרְכֵי י 2Sam 22:22 = Ps 18:22, ׳י ׳ד omitted Judg 2:22 b; אָרְחוֺת צַדַּיקִים ׳שׁ Prov 2:20 (|| תֵּלֵח תְּלֵח בְּדֶרֶח טוֺבֹים), ׳שׁ דְּרָכַי (ways of wisdom) Prov 8:32 (Ps 17:4 see 1 d); keep discharge an office, כְּהֻנָּה Num 3:10; Num 18:7 (both P), absolute 2Chr 5:11 a function or duty, especially מִשְׁמֶרֶת ׳שׁ Lev 8:35; Num 1:53 + approximately 32 t. (see ׳מ below); accusative of obligation often omitted, especially D (and RD) keep and do Deut 4:6; Deut 7:12 + 8 t.; to do Deut 5:1; Deut 5:29 + 16 t. D + 3 t., etc.
  d. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom) Hos 12:7 (חֶסֶד וּמִשְׁפָּט), Isa 56:1; Prov 4:4; Prov 5:2; Prov 7:1; Prov 7:2 bad sense, observe vanities Ps 31:7. — Doubtful are: לִשְׁמֹר absolute Hos 4:10, very strange (conjectures in We Now Marti); שָׁמוּר 1Sam 9:24, HPS אֵחַרְנוּ, compare Now BuComm.; Ps 59:10 read עֻוִּי אֵלֶיךָ אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה (as vPs 59:18, ᵑ6 Che Bae).
4. sometimes ׳י subject:
  a. keep, preserve, protect, accusative of person, + ב of way, etc., Gen 28:15; Gen 28:20 (J), Exod 23:20 (E; of מַלְאָח), Ps 91:11 (׳מ), Josh 24:17 (E); accusative of person (or נפשׁ) only: 1Sam 30:23; Jer 31:9; Num 6:24 (P), Job 29:2; Ps 16:1 + 10 t. Psalms; + מִן Ps 121:7 + 2 t.; accusative רַהְּלַי 1Sam 2:9, compare Prov 3:26 (מִן); Participle שֹׁמְרֶ֑ךָ Ps 121:3; Ps 121:5, compare vPs 121:4, etc.; accusative of city Ps 127:1.
  b. with accusative בְּרִית, ל person Deut 7:12, + חֶסֶד vDeut 7:7 + 5 t., אֱמֶת לְעוֺלָם ׳הַשּׁ Ps 146:6 הַשְּׁבֻעָה Deut 7:8, etc.; passive of covenant (׳י agent) עֲרוּכָה בַכֹּל וּשְׁמֻרָה 2Sam 23:5 (legal terminology, Dr).
5. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest Jer 5:24 (ל person). Niph`al36 Perfect 3 masculine singular נִשְׁמַד 2Sam 20:10, etc.; Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Judg 13:13 2 masculine plural תִּשָּׁמַ֑רוּ Exod 23:13 Imperative masculine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Isa 7:4 הִדָמשּׁ֫מֶר (לְךָׅ Gen 24:6 +; feminine singular הִשָּֽׁמְרִי Judg 13:4, etc.; —
1. be on one's guard, with בַּחֶרֶב 2Sam 20:10 by reason of the sword, i.e. against it; with ב temporal 1Sam 19:2, שָׁם 2Kgs 6:10 take heed Exod 23:13 (E) Deut 2:4 with מִן person Exod 23:21 (E), Jer 9:3 מִן of thing Judg 13:13; Deut 23:10 מִן infinitive take care not to, etc. Gen 31:29 (E), 2Kgs 6:9 infinitive without מִן Exod 19:12 (J), but read probably מֵעֲלוֺת; followed by פֶּן lest Gen 24:6 (J) + 11 t. (especially Deuteronomy); with (וְ)אַל jussive Exod 10:23 (J), Judg 13:4; Job 36:21, with Imperative coordinate Isa 7:4. — Very often Imperative (24 t.), especially in phrase הִשָּׁמֶרלְֿךָ (12 t.), הִשָּֽׁטְרוּ לָכֶם (3 t.); + לְנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם Deut 4:15; Josh 23:11 (RD; + infinitive); + ׳בְּנַפ Jer 17:21 apparently ב pret. on peril of your life (compare ב III. 3 a), so perhaps also בְּרוּחֲכֶם Mal 2:15; Mal 2:16 (We Now).
2. keep oneself, refrain, abstain, מֵאִשָּׁה 1Sam 21:5.
3. be kept, guarded, Hos 12:14 (compare ׳שׁ of Jacob v.Hos 12:13); be preserved (by ׳י) Ps 37:28 (לִיוֺלָם), but read probably עַוָּלִים (לְעוֺלָם) נִשְׁמָ֑דוּ Hup-Ri (Now) Che Bae Du Dr. Pi`el Participle plural מְשַׁמְּרִים הַבְלֵישָֿׁוְא Jonah 2:9 those paying regard to false vanities (compare Qal Ps 31:7). Hithpa`el Imperfect 1 singular וָאֶשְׁתַּסֵּר מֵעֲוֺנַי Ps 18:24 I kept myself from, etc. = 2Sam 22:24 (verb cohortative); 3 masculine singular וְיִשְׁתַּמֵּר חֻקּוֺת עָמְרִי Mic 6:16, but read וְתִשְׁמֹר thou keepest, observest, We Now GASm.

Strong's Definition H8104
keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …
šāmar
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
  • to keep, guard, observe, give heed
    • (Qal)
      • to keep, have charge of
        • "to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
        • watch, watchman (participle)
        to watch for, wait for"to watch, observe"to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)"to keep (within bounds), restrain"to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)"to keep, preserve, protect"to keep, reserve
      (Niphal)
      • to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
        • "to keep oneself, refrain, abstain"to be kept, be guarded
      (Piel) to keep, pay heed"(Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Variations 142 forms of this word
Translations 241 English renderings
Search every verse
Word Parts
ל ֣וֹ
ל
Preposition keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …
֣וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: שָׁמַר · shaw-MAHR
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar R/Sp3ms
Preposition
ל Speech Preposition
וֹ Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular
In English
keep ×28 kept ×24 and keep ×23 to keep ×23 take heed ×16 and to keep ×7 observe ×7 ye shall keep ×6
More options
keep — Most versatile rendering; suits commands and ongoing obligations.
observe — Best for law/covenant contexts: observe the sabbath.
guard — Physical or protective watching over something or someone.
watch over — Caring, attentive oversight; warm, pastoral register.
heed — Prefer when the nuance is careful attention or warning.
preserve — Suits divine protection contexts: God preserves his people.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8848 H8104

BDB8847 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8849

I. שָׁמַר465 verb keep, watch, preserve (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician שמר in proper name and (Punic) = watchman; Tel Amarna šimiru is perhaps overseer (Canaanism), WklNo. 80, i. 23; Mandean סמירא preserved NöM 46; compare Arabic converse by night, stay awake (see LagBN 105); BaNB 175 f.; ES 43 infers from eyelid (compare [שְׁמֻרָה] below), and Arabic support, aid, protect (l = r), that two √ √ are combined in Hebrew; but proof insufficient); —

Qal425 Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׁ Gen 37:11 +, etc.; Imperfect 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמֹר 1Sam 2:9 +, יִשְׁמָרֿ Jer 5:24 +, suffix 3 masculine singular יִשְׁמְרֶנּוּ Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 3 feminine singular suffix תִּשְׁמוּרֵ֑ם Prov 14:3 (read תִּשְׁמְרוּם, see Ges«GKC:47g»§ 47g Toy), etc.; Imperative masculine singular שְׁמֹר Job 2:6 +, שָׁמְרָה 1Chr 29:18 +; masculine plural שִׁמְרוּ Josh 6:18 +, etc.; Infinitive absolute שָׁמוֺר Deut 5:12 +; construct שְׁמֹר Gen 3:24 +, suffix שָׁמְרָהּ Gen 2:15, etc.; Participle active שֹׁמֵר 1Sam 1:12 +, etc.; passive שָׁמוּר Eccl 5:12 (1Sam 9:24 see below), etc.; — [Synon. I. נָצַר, נָטַר, q. v.]:
1. a. keep, have charge of, garden Gen 2:15 (J), ark 1Sam 7:1, property in trust Exod 22:6; Exod 22:9 (E), compare 1Sam 25:31 tend flock Gen 30:31 (E), compare Zech 3:7; Num 3:8 (P); so perhaps (object omitted) Hos 12:13 (where ׳שׁ chosen for parallelism Now Marti and others); Participle הֲשֹׁמֵר אָחִי אָנֹ֑כִי Gen 4:9 (J), ׳שׁ of sheep 1Sam 17:20, הַכֵּלִים ׳שׁ v1Sam 17:22, הַכְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14; 2Chr 34:22, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:8; Esth 2:15, compare vEsth 2:14, etc.
  b. keep, guard, captives Josh 10:18 (J), 1Kgs 20:39, דֶּרֶךְ Gen 3:24 (J); keep watch and ward, אֶל person for whom 1Sam 26:15 (Ps 59:10 see 3 end), עַל person vPs 59:16; Prov 6:22 בַּנַּעַר 2Sam 18:12 have a care of (read לִי for מִי ᵐ5 and modern); in hostile sense, אֶל הָעִיר (in siege) 2Sam 11:16, חַטָאתִי עַל Job 14:16 (but read תַּעֲבֹר with ᵐ5 Ew Di Du and others [not Hi Bu]); absolute with מֵעַל Eccl 5:7 watcheth above, etc.; keep one's mouth, be prudent of speech Prov 21:33, compare Mic 7:5 keep = protect, save, one's life, נֶפֶשׁ Prov 13:3; Prov 16:17; Prov 19:16; Prov 22:5, another's Job 2:6 in Proverbs, accusative of person, subject wisdom, Job 4:6 she shall preserve thee, compare (+ מִן of evil) Job 6:24; Job 7:5 especially Participle watch, watchman, of city Isa 21:11 (twice in verse); Isa 21:12; Isa 62:5 (figurative), Song 3:3; Song 5:7 (twice in verse); Ps 127:1 הַמֶּלֶף ׳שׁ (in temple) Jer 35:4 + (see סַף), פֶּית הַמֶּלֶךְ ׳הַפּ 1Kgs 14:27 = 2Chr 12:10, הַשְּׁעָרִים ׳שׁ Neh 13:22, שֹׁמְרֵי הַבַּיִת (figurative) Eccl 12:3 ׳שׁ הַבַּיִתךֵסעוֺה ךֵהת פךֵךֵכ (of David's concubines) 2Sam 15:16; 2Sam 16:21; 2Sam 20:3 שֹׁמֵר הַכֵּלִים 1Sam 17:22, הַבְּגָדִים ׳שׁ 2Kgs 22:14, חַפַּרְדֵּס ׳שׁ Neh 2:8, הַנָּשִׁים ׳שׁ Esth 2:3; Esth 2:14; Esth 2:15, שֹׁמְרִים absolute Judg 7:19; Jer 51:12.
  c. hence watch for, wait for, accusative of person 1Sam 19:11 (to kill him), compare Ps 59:1 (title; accusative הַבַּיִת); with יֲקֵכַי Ps 56:7 = dog my steps, Ps 71:10; Jer 20:10 = watch (suspiciously) Job 10:14; Job 13:27; Job 33:11 absolute הַשֹּׁעמרִים Judg 1:24 wait for, נֶשֶׁף Job 24:15, לַבֹּקֶר Ps 130:6 (twice in verse).
  d. watch, observe, accusative of thing 1Sam 1:12; Eccl 11:4; Job 39:1; Jer 8:7 (of birds), with intelligence Isa 42:20; Ps 107:43 accusative of person Ps 37:37 (|| ראה), Zech 11:11 accusative of sin Ps 31:7; Ps 130:3 accusative of thing, for the purpose of avoiding, Ps 17:4.
2. a. keep, retain, of storing up (food) Gen 41:35 (E); absolute Eccl 3:6 (opposed to הִשְׁלִיךְ); treasure up (in memory) Gen 37:11 (E), compare Mal 2:7; 1Chr 29:18; Prov 4:21 (בְּתוֺךְ לְבָבֶ֑ךְ), Prov 22:18 (כְּבִטֱנ֑ךָ); retain wrath Amos 1:11 (read שָׁמֶר לָנֶצַח We Now GASm Marti; see also נָטַר 1) + (anger omitted) Jer 3:5 (|| נטר).
  b. keep within bounds, restrain, object שׁוֺר Exod 21:29; Exod 21:36 (E); with accusative hand, מִן of evil Isa 56:2 figurative keep thy foot, with temporal clause Eccl 4:17 לְֿפִי מַחְסוֺם׳אֶשׁ Ps 39:2 (ᵐ5 Du and others אָשִׁימָה); apparently reflexive (= Niph`al), Josh 6:18 (+ מִןהַֿחֵרֶס), possibly sc. גַפְשְׁכֶם Di.
3. a. observe, celebrate, accusative of festival, etc., Exod 23:15 (E), Exod 34:18 (J), Exod 12:17 of day vExod 12:17 (P), of month Deut 16:1.
  b. keep Sabbath Deut 5:12; Lev 19:3; Lev 19:30; Lev 26:2 (all H), Exod 31:13; Exod 31:14; Exod 31:16 (P), Isa 56:4, also (+ מֵחַלְּלוֺ) vIsa 56:2 vIsa 56:6.
  c. of other obligations: keep convenant Ezek 17:14, especially convenant of ׳י Deut 29:8; 1Kgs 11:11 + 5 t., ׳שְׁבֻעַת י 1Kgs 2:43, perform vow Deut 23:24 keep commands Jer 35:18; Ezek 20:18 especially מִצָוֺת, תֻקִּים, יֲבֹדָה, etc., of ׳י (sometimes || נצר), Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10; Amos 2:4; 1Kgs 2:3; Ps 119:8; Ps 119:17; Ps 119:34 + very often (c. 120 t.); ׳דֶּרֶח י ׳שׁ Gen 18:19 (J) + 4 t., ׳דַּרְכֵי י 2Sam 22:22 = Ps 18:22, ׳י ׳ד omitted Judg 2:22 b; אָרְחוֺת צַדַּיקִים ׳שׁ Prov 2:20 (|| תֵּלֵח תְּלֵח בְּדֶרֶח טוֺבֹים), ׳שׁ דְּרָכַי (ways of wisdom) Prov 8:32 (Ps 17:4 see 1 d); keep discharge an office, כְּהֻנָּה Num 3:10; Num 18:7 (both P), absolute 2Chr 5:11 a function or duty, especially מִשְׁמֶרֶת ׳שׁ Lev 8:35; Num 1:53 + approximately 32 t. (see ׳מ below); accusative of obligation often omitted, especially D (and RD) keep and do Deut 4:6; Deut 7:12 + 8 t.; to do Deut 5:1; Deut 5:29 + 16 t. D + 3 t., etc.
  d. observe = follow dictates of (prudence, justice, kindness, wisdom) Hos 12:7 (חֶסֶד וּמִשְׁפָּט), Isa 56:1; Prov 4:4; Prov 5:2; Prov 7:1; Prov 7:2 bad sense, observe vanities Ps 31:7. — Doubtful are: לִשְׁמֹר absolute Hos 4:10, very strange (conjectures in We Now Marti); שָׁמוּר 1Sam 9:24, HPS אֵחַרְנוּ, compare Now BuComm.; Ps 59:10 read עֻוִּי אֵלֶיךָ אֲזַמֵּ֑רָה (as vPs 59:18, ᵑ6 Che Bae).
4. sometimes ׳י subject:
  a. keep, preserve, protect, accusative of person, + ב of way, etc., Gen 28:15; Gen 28:20 (J), Exod 23:20 (E; of מַלְאָח), Ps 91:11 (׳מ), Josh 24:17 (E); accusative of person (or נפשׁ) only: 1Sam 30:23; Jer 31:9; Num 6:24 (P), Job 29:2; Ps 16:1 + 10 t. Psalms; + מִן Ps 121:7 + 2 t.; accusative רַהְּלַי 1Sam 2:9, compare Prov 3:26 (מִן); Participle שֹׁמְרֶ֑ךָ Ps 121:3; Ps 121:5, compare vPs 121:4, etc.; accusative of city Ps 127:1.
  b. with accusative בְּרִית, ל person Deut 7:12, + חֶסֶד vDeut 7:7 + 5 t., אֱמֶת לְעוֺלָם ׳הַשּׁ Ps 146:6 הַשְּׁבֻעָה Deut 7:8, etc.; passive of covenant (׳י agent) עֲרוּכָה בַכֹּל וּשְׁמֻרָה 2Sam 23:5 (legal terminology, Dr).
5. keep, reserve, weeks of harvest Jer 5:24 (ל person). Niph`al36 Perfect 3 masculine singular נִשְׁמַד 2Sam 20:10, etc.; Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Judg 13:13 2 masculine plural תִּשָּׁמַ֑רוּ Exod 23:13 Imperative masculine singular תִּשָּׁמֵד Isa 7:4 הִדָמשּׁ֫מֶר (לְךָׅ Gen 24:6 +; feminine singular הִשָּֽׁמְרִי Judg 13:4, etc.; —
1. be on one's guard, with בַּחֶרֶב 2Sam 20:10 by reason of the sword, i.e. against it; with ב temporal 1Sam 19:2, שָׁם 2Kgs 6:10 take heed Exod 23:13 (E) Deut 2:4 with מִן person Exod 23:21 (E), Jer 9:3 מִן of thing Judg 13:13; Deut 23:10 מִן infinitive take care not to, etc. Gen 31:29 (E), 2Kgs 6:9 infinitive without מִן Exod 19:12 (J), but read probably מֵעֲלוֺת; followed by פֶּן lest Gen 24:6 (J) + 11 t. (especially Deuteronomy); with (וְ)אַל jussive Exod 10:23 (J), Judg 13:4; Job 36:21, with Imperative coordinate Isa 7:4. — Very often Imperative (24 t.), especially in phrase הִשָּׁמֶרלְֿךָ (12 t.), הִשָּֽׁטְרוּ לָכֶם (3 t.); + לְנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם Deut 4:15; Josh 23:11 (RD; + infinitive); + ׳בְּנַפ Jer 17:21 apparently ב pret. on peril of your life (compare ב III. 3 a), so perhaps also בְּרוּחֲכֶם Mal 2:15; Mal 2:16 (We Now).
2. keep oneself, refrain, abstain, מֵאִשָּׁה 1Sam 21:5.
3. be kept, guarded, Hos 12:14 (compare ׳שׁ of Jacob v.Hos 12:13); be preserved (by ׳י) Ps 37:28 (לִיוֺלָם), but read probably עַוָּלִים (לְעוֺלָם) נִשְׁמָ֑דוּ Hup-Ri (Now) Che Bae Du Dr. Pi`el Participle plural מְשַׁמְּרִים הַבְלֵישָֿׁוְא Jonah 2:9 those paying regard to false vanities (compare Qal Ps 31:7). Hithpa`el Imperfect 1 singular וָאֶשְׁתַּסֵּר מֵעֲוֺנַי Ps 18:24 I kept myself from, etc. = 2Sam 22:24 (verb cohortative); 3 masculine singular וְיִשְׁתַּמֵּר חֻקּוֺת עָמְרִי Mic 6:16, but read וְתִשְׁמֹר thou keepest, observest, We Now GASm.

Strong's Definition H8104
keep, kept, observe, heed, keepeth, …
šāmar
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
  • to keep, guard, observe, give heed
    • (Qal)
      • to keep, have charge of
        • "to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life
        • watch, watchman (participle)
        to watch for, wait for"to watch, observe"to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory)"to keep (within bounds), restrain"to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow)"to keep, preserve, protect"to keep, reserve
      (Niphal)
      • to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware
        • "to keep oneself, refrain, abstain"to be kept, be guarded
      (Piel) to keep, pay heed"(Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Variations 142 forms of this word
Translations 241 English renderings
Search every verse
Word Parts
חַסְדִּ ֑י
חַסְדִּ
Root word mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, mercies, goodness, …
֑י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: חֵסֵד · hay-SADE
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar Ncmsc/Sp1cs
Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word
חַסְדִּ Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Construct
י Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person First Person Number Singular
In English
In the KJV here: my mercy
his mercy ×45 mercy ×28 kindness ×21 thy lovingkindness ×8 and mercy ×7 thy mercy ×7 of thy mercy ×6 kindly ×5
More options
faithful love — Most scholarly modern default; captures covenant loyalty dimension.
steadfast love — Common in academic translations (RSV, NRSV); emphasizes reliability.
loving kindness — Two-word modernization of KJV compound; warm, devotional register.
mercy — Prefer when context stresses pardon or compassion over covenant.
kindness — Best for interpersonal, non-theological contexts (e.g. Ruth).
loyalty — Use when covenant obligation is the primary emphasis.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2965 H2617

BDB2964 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2966

חֶ֫סֶד: 247 noun masculine2Sam 16:17 goodness, kindness; — absolute ׳ח Gen 24:12 + 85 t.; חָ֑סֶד Gen 39:21 + 12 t.; construct חֶסֶד 1Sam 20:14 + 8 t.; suffix חַסְדִּי Ps 59:18 + 120 t. suffixes; plural חֲסָדִים Gen 32:11 construct חַסֵדֵי Isa 55:3 + 5 t. (BaerJes p. 79 Ges«GKC:93»§ 93, R, 1. F.); suffix חֲסָדַי Neh 13:14 + 10t. suffixes; (not in H or P). I. of man:

1. kindness of men towards men, in doing favours and benefits 1Sam 20:15; 2Sam 16:17; Ps 141:5; Prov 19:22; Prov 20:6 יהוה ׳ח 1Sam 20:14 the kindness of ׳י (such as he shews, Thes MV; that sworn to by oath to Yahweh Mich Dathe; shewn out of reverence to Yahweh Th Ke); compare אלהים ׳ח 2Sam 9:3 ׳תּוֺרַתאח Prov 31:26 instruction in kindness, kindly instruction עָשָׂה חֶסֶד עִמָּדִי do or shew kindness (in dealing) with me Gen 20:13; Gen 40:14 (E), 1Sam 20:14; 2Sam 10:2 (עִמִּי in || 1Chr 19:2); with עִם Gen 21:23 (E), Gen 24:12; Gen 24:14; Josh 2:12 (twice in verse); Judg 1:24 (J), Judg 8:35; 1Sam 15:6; 1Sam 2:5; 1Sam 3:8; 1Sam 9:1; 1Sam 9:3a = 1Chr 19:2a, 1Chr 19:2b 2Chr 24:22 with עַל 1Sam 20:8 with לְ 1Kgs 2:7 לפני ׳נשׂא ח obtain kindness before Esth 2:9; Esth 2:17 ׳היטיב ח Ruth 3:10.
2. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy Prov 20:28; Job 6:14 אישׁ חסד merciful man Prov 11:17 (opposed to אַכְזָרִי); ׳מַלְכֵּי ח merciful kings 1Kgs 20:31 ׳עשׂה ח Ps 109:16 in this sense usually with other attributes (see also below II.
2.); || אמת Hos 4:1; Isa 16:5 ואמת ׳ח Prov 3:3; Prov 14:22; Prov 16:6; Prov 20:28 ואמת ׳עשׂה ח Gen 24:49; Gen 47:29; Josh 2:14 (J; RV gives thse under 1); || צדקה Hos 10:12 ׳צדקה וח Prov 21:21 || משׁפט Mic 6:8 ומשׁפט ׳ח Hos 12:7 || חוֺנֵן Ps 109:12 ורחמים ׳ח Zech 7:9; Dan 1:9. — (On Hos 6:4; Hos 6:6 see 3 below)
3. (rarely) affection if Israel to ׳י love to God, piety: נְעוּרַיִךְ ׳ח Jer 2:2 priety of thy youth (|| love of thine espousals to Yahweh); possibly also חַסְדְּכֶם כַּעֲנַןבֹּֿקֶר Hos 6:4 your piety is like a morning cloud (fleeting), and כִּי חֶסֶד חָפַצְתִּי וְלאֹזָֿ֑בַח Hos 6:6 for piety I delight in and not in peace-offering (|| דעת אלהים, compare 1Sam 15:22); — so Wü Now Hi (1Sam 15:4) Che; Ke Hi (1Sam 15:6) al. below 2 (or 1); — נַנְשֵׁי חֶסֶד men of piety Isa 57:1 (|| צַדִּיק); plural pious acts 2Chr 32:32; 2Chr 35:26; Neh 13:14.
4. lovely appearance: כָּלחַֿסְדּוֺ כְּצִיץ הַשָֹּׁדֶה Isa 40:6 all its loveliness as the flower of the field (so Thes Hi De Che Di and others; but δόξα ᵐ5 1Pet 1:24 & gloria ᵑ9 favour an original reading הוֺדוֺ Lo or כְּבֹדוֺ Ew, see BrMP 375; Du הֲדָרוֺ). II. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescendig to the needs of his creatures. He is חַסְדָּם their goodness favour Jonah 2:9 חַסְדִּי Ps 144:2 אֱלֹהֵי חַסְדִּי God of my kindness Ps 59:18 in vPs 59:11 read אֱלֹהַי חַסְדּוֺ my God with his kindness ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Ew Hup De Pe Che Bae; his is the kindness Ps 62:13 it is with him Ps 130:7 he delights in it Mic 7:18.
1. specifically lovingkindness:
  a. in redemption from enemies and troubles Gen 19:19; Gen 39:21 (J), Exod 15:13 (song), Jer 31:3; Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9; Ps 21:8; Ps 31:17; Ps 31:22; Ps 32:10; Ps 33:22; Ps 36:8; Ps 36:11; Ps 42:9; Ps 44:27; Ps 48:10; Ps 59:17; Ps 66:20; Ps 85:8; Ps 90:14; Ps 94:18; Ps 107:8; Ps 107:15; Ps 107:21; Ps 107:31; Ps 143:8; Ps 143:12; Job 37:13; Ruth 1:8; Ruth 2:20 men should trust in it Ps 13:6; Ps 52:10 rejoice in it Ps 31:8 hope in it Ps 33:18; Ps 147:11.
  b. in preservation of life from death Ps 6:5; Ps 86:13; Job 10:12.
  c. in quickening of spiritual life Ps 109:26; Ps 119:41; Ps 119:76; Ps 119:88; Ps 119:124; Ps 119:149; Ps 119:159.
  d. in redemption from sin Ps 25:7; Ps 51:3.
  e. in keeping the covenants, with Abraham Mic 7:20 with Moses and Israel שׁמר הַבְּרִית וְ(הַ)חֶסֶד keep-eth the covenant and the lovingkindness Deut 7:9; Deut 7:12; 1Kgs 8:23 = 2Chr 6:14; Neh 1:5; Neh 9:32; Dan 9:4 with David and his dynasty 2Sam 7:15 = 1Chr 17:13; 2Sam 22:51 = Ps 18:51, 1Kgs 3:6 (twice in verse) = 2Chr 1:8; Ps 89:29; Ps 89:34 with the wife Zion Isa 54:10.
2. חֶסֶד is grouped with other divine attributes: חסד ואמת kindness (lovingkindness) and fidelity Gen 24:27 (J), Ps 25:10; Ps 41:11; Ps 40:12; Ps 57:4; Ps 61:8; Ps 85:11; Ps 89:15; Ps 115:1; Ps 138:2 ואמת עם ׳עשׂה ח 2Sam 2:6; 2Sam 15:20 (ᵐ5, see Dr); with אֶתֿ Gen 24:49 ואמת ׳רַב ח Exod 34:6 (JE), Ps 86:15 also || אמת Mic 7:20; Ps 26:3; Ps 117:2 || אֱמוּנָה Ps 88:12; Ps 89:3; Ps 92:3 ׳אמונה וח Ps 89:25 ואמונה ׳ח Ps 98:3 || רחמים Ps 77:9 ורחמים ׳ח Jer 16:5; Hos 2:21; Ps 103:4 ומשׁפט ׳ח Jer 9:23; Ps 101:1 || צדקה Ps 36:11 ׳טוב וח Ps 23:6.
3. the kindness of God is
  a. abundant: רַבחֶֿסֶד abundant, plenteous in kindness (goodness) Num 14:18 (J), Neh 9:17 (Qr), Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Ps 86:5; Ps 103:8 (compare Exod 34:6 J E; Ps 86:15); רֹב חַסְדְּךָ Neh 13:22; Ps 5:8; Ps 69:14; Ps 106:7 (ᵐ5 ᵑ9 Aq Targan, to be preferred to ᵑ0 חֲסָדֶיךָ); רֹב חֲסָדָו֯ Lam 3:32; Ps 106:45 (Kt ᵐ5 in both to be preferred).
  b. great in extent: ׳נֹּדֶל חִ greatness of thy mercy Num 14:19 (J); ׳נְּדָו֯וֺלחֿ Ps 145:8 it is kept for thousands Exod 34:7 (JE), Jer 32:18, especially of those connected with lovers of ׳י, Exod 20:6 = Deut 5:10 for 1000 generations Deut 7:9 it is great as the heavens Ps 57:11; Ps 103:11, compare Ps 36:6; Ps 108:5 the earth is full of it Ps 33:5; Ps 119:64.
  c. everlasting: לעולם חסדוֺ Jer 33:11; 1Chr 16:34; 1Chr 16:41; 2Chr 5:13; 2Chr 7:3; 2Chr 7:6; 2Chr 20:21; Ezra 3:11; Ps 100:5; Ps 106:1; Ps 107:1; Ps 118:1; Ps 118:2; Ps 118:3; Ps 118:4; Ps 118:29; Ps 136:1 (26 t.); חסדךָ לעולם Ps 138:8 מעולם ׳ח ועד עולם Ps 103:17 עולם ׳ח Isa 54:8 אל כּל ׳ח היום Ps 52:3.
  d. good: כִּיטֿוֺב חַסְדְּךָ Ps 69:17; Ps 109:21 כי טוב חסדךָ מחיים Ps 63:4.
4. plural mercies, deeds of kindness, the historic displays of lovingkindness to Israel: shewn to Jacob Gen 32:11 (R); but mostly late Isa 63:7; Ps 25:6; Ps 89:2 כְּרֹב חסִדיו Isa 63:7, see 3 a; promised in the Davidic covenant Psalm Isa 89:50 חַסְדֵי דָוִיד mercies to David Isa 55:3; 2Chr 6:42 mercies in general Lam 3:22; Ps 17:7; Ps 107:43f. — חֶסֶד in proper name, masculine ׳בןחֿ see below בֵּן. On Lev 20:17; Prov 14:34 see חֶסֶד below II. חסד.

BDB2970 H2617

BDB2969 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2971

II. חֶ֫סֶד noun masculine shame, reproach, only absolute: — הוּא ׳ח Lev 20:17 (H) it is a shame (shameful thing); לְאֻמִּים חַטָּאת ׳ח Prov 14:34 sin is a reproach to peoples.

Strong's Definition H2617
mercy, kindness, lovingkindness, mercies, goodness, …
ḥēsēd
kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
  • goodness, kindness, faithfulness
    • "a reproach, shame
Variations 54 forms of this word
Translations 104 English renderings
Mercy
Search every verse
Word Parts
וּ ֝בְרִיתִ ֗י
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝בְרִיתִ
Root word covenant, league, confederacy, confederate
֗י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: בְּרִית · beh-REET
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar C/Ncfsc/Sp1cs
Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word
וּ Speech Conjunction
בְרִיתִ Speech Noun Type Common Gender Feminine Number Singular State Construct
י Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person First Person Number Singular
In English
In the KJV here: and my covenant
of the covenant ×61 my covenant ×43 a covenant ×39 covenant ×35 the covenant ×21 his covenant ×11 a league ×5 thy covenant ×4
More options
covenant — Standard theological term; preferred in religious/biblical contexts.
agreement — Neutral, accessible; good for general or secular audiences.
treaty — Best for political or inter-group pacts between parties.
alliance — Emphasizes mutual loyalty and partnership between groups.
pact — Concise and modern; suits solemn but non-technical contexts.
pledge — Highlights the binding promise aspect of the relationship.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB1315 H1285

BDB1314 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1316

בְּרִית285 noun feminine covenant (|| Aramaic קְיָם, διαθήκη; constitutio) — ׳ב Gen 9:13 + 199 t.; suffix בְּרִיתִי Gen 6:18 + 50 t.; בְּרִיתְךָ Deut 33:9 בְּרִיתֶ֑ךָ Ps 44:18 + 11 t.; בְּרִיתְכֶם Isa 28:18 בְּרִיתֵךְ Ezek 16:61 בְּרִיתוֺ Exod 2:24 = 18 t.; — pact, compact, covenant. I. between men.

1. trety, alliance, league: Abraham and Amorites Gen 14:13 Edom and its allies Obad 1:7 with Philistines Gen 21:27; Gen 21:32 (E) Gen 26:28 (J); Jacob and Laban Gen 31:44 (J); Joshua and Gibeonites Josh 9:6; Josh 9:7; Josh 9:11; Josh 9:15; Josh 9:16 (J); Israel and Canaanites Exod 23:32; Exod 34:12; Exod 34:15 (JE) Deut 7:2; Judg 2:2 Ammonites and Jabesh 1Sam 11:1 Solomon and Hiram 1Kgs 5:26 Ahab and Benhadad 1Kgs 20:34 Syria and Israel 1Kgs 15:19 = 2Chr 16:3 Nebuchadnezzar and Zedekiah Ezek 17:13-19 nations against Israel Ps 83:6 nations with Egypt Ezek 30:5 Ephraim and Assyria Hos 12:2 Judah and Israel Ezek 16:61 Judah and Tyre Amos 1:9 Assyria and Judah Isa 33:8 נגיד ברית a prince in league (with him) Dan 11:22 (so He Ew; Hi Meinh Bev reference to high priest Onias III, & translate prince of covenant, compare AV RV); figurative, with death Isa 28:15; Isa 28:18 with stones of the field Job 5:23.
2. constitution, ordinance, between monarch and subjects: David and Abner 2Sam 3:12; 2Sam 3:13; 2Sam 3:21 David and the elders of Israel 2Sam 5:3 = 1Chr 11:3 Zedekiah and his people Jer 34:8-18 hostile prince and Israelites Dan 9:27.
3. agreement, pledge: Jehoiada and captains 2Kgs 11:4 = 2Chr 23:1 with onself Job 31:1 with Leviathan to be a servant Job 40:28 between man and man Hos 10:4 compare בעל ברית Judg 8:33; Judg 9:4 = אל ברית Judg 9:46.
4. alliance of friendship between David and Jonathan 1Sam 18:3; 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 23:18 compare Ps 55:21.
5. alliance of marriage Prov 2:17; Mal 2:14. — In all cases כרת ברית is the technical phrase for making covenant except Jer 34:10 באו בברית; Dan 9:27 הגביר ברית לְ. Various prepositions are used, most often לְ Exod 23:32 +, but also עִם Gen 26:28 +, אֵת 2Sam 3:12 +, בֵּין 2Chr 16:3. II. between God and man.
1. alliance of friendship (|| סוֺד) Ps 25:14.
2. covenant, as a divine constitution or ordinance with signs or pledges (see אוֺת).
  a. with Noah Gen 9:9-17 (P) Isa 54:10; Jer 33:20; Jer 33:25 a divine promise that there would be no other deluge.
  b. with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Gen 15:18 (J) Gen 17:2-21; Exod 2:24; Exod 6:4; Exod 6:5; Lev 26:42 (P) 2Kgs 13:23; 1Chr 16:15 = Ps 105:8; Ps 105:10; Neh 9:8; Jer 34:18 a promise to multiply their seed, give them the land of Canaan, and make them a blessing to the nations.
  c. with Israel at Sinai = Horeb, with a covenant sacrifice Exod 19:5; Exod 24:7; Exod 24:8 (E) Exod 34:10; Exod 34:27; Exod 34:28 (J) Exod 31:16; Lev 2:13 (P) Lev 24:8; Lev 26:9; Lev 26:15; Lev 26:25; Lev 26:44; Lev 26:45 (H) Deut 4:13 renewed in plains of Moab Deut 28:69 with blessings and curses Deut 29:20 frequently referred to in other books 2Chr 34:32; Ps 25:10; Ps 44:18; Ps 50:5; Ps 50:16; Ps 74:20; Ps 78:10; Ps 78:37; Ps 103:18; Ps 106:45; Ps 111:5; Ps 111:9; Isa 56:4; Isa 56:6; Jer 1:2; Jer 1:3; Jer 1:6; Jer 1:8; Jer 1:10; Jer 14:21; Jer 22:9; Jer 31:32; Ezek 16:8; Ezek 16:59; Ezek 16:60; Ezek 44:7; Dan 9:4; Dan 11:28; Dan 11:30; Dan 11:32; Hos 6:7; Hos 8:1; Zech 9:11; Zech 11:10 a divine constitution given to Israel with promises on condition of obedience and penalties for disobendience, in the form of tables of the covenant Deut 9:9; Deut 9:11; Deut 9:15, inscribed with the ten words, placed in ׅ׳ארון ברית(י the ark of the covenant Num 10:33 + 40 t. (see ארון; in 1Sam 4:3; 1Sam 4:4 (twice in verse); 1Sam 4:5 omits ברית after ארון ᵐ5 We Dr); set forth in דברי הברית words of the covenant Exod 34:28 (J) Deut 28:69; Deut 29:8; 2Kgs 23:3 (= 2Chr 34:31) Jer 11:2-8 written in ספר הברית the book of the covenant Exod 24:7 (E compare Exod 34:27 J) 2Kgs 23:2; 2Kgs 23:21 (compare 2Chr 34:30).
  d. with Phinehas Num 25:12; Num 25:13 (P), a constitution, establishing an everlasting priesthood in his line; compare ברית הכהנים Neh 13:29 & ברית הלוי Mal 2:4; Mal 2:8.
  e. with Joshua and Israel Josh 24:25 (E), an ordinance or constitutional agreement to serve Yahweh only. feminine with David Ps 89:4; Ps 89:29; Ps 89:34; Ps 89:39; Ps 132:12; Jer 33:21 (compare 2Sam 7 = 1Chr 17); a divine promise to the seed of David of an everlasting kingdom, the relation of sonship, and the superintendence of the temple (compare Ps 2.)
  g. Jehoiada and the people 2Kgs 11:17 = 2Chr 23:3, a constitutional agreement to be the people of Yahweh.
  h. Hezekiah and the people 2Chr 29:10, a constitutional agreement to reform the worship.
  i. Josiah and the people 2Kgs 23:3, a constitutional agreement to obey the book of the covenant.
  j. Ezra and the people Ezra 10:3, a constitutional agreement to put away foreign wives and observe the Law.
  k. the prophetic covenant, a divine promise through a series of prophets to establish a new constitution ברית חדשׁה Jer 31:31, with new institutions and precepts Isa 42:6; Isa 49:8; Isa 55:3; Isa 59:21; Isa 61:8; Jer 31:31; Jer 31:33; Jer 32:40; Jer 50:5; Ezek 16:60; Ezek 16:62; Ezek 20:37; Ezek 34:25; Ezek 37:26; Hos 2:20. In Isa2 the Messianic servant is ברית עם Isa 42:6; Isa 49:8, compare מלאך הברית Mal 3:1. III. Phrases.
1. covenant making: כרת ברית Gen 15:18; Exod 34:10; Exod 34:27 (J) Josh 24:25 (E) Deut 5:2; Deut 5:3; Deut 28:69; Deut 29:13; Deut 29:24; 1Kgs 5:26; 2Kgs 11:17; 2Kgs 17:35; 2Kgs 17:38; 2Kgs 23:3; 2Chr 21:7; 2Chr 23:3; 2Chr 23:16; 2Chr 29:10; 2Chr 34:30; Ezra 10:3; Neh 9:8; Ps 50:5; Ps 89:4; Isa 55:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 11:10; Jer 31:31; Jer 31:32; Jer 31:33; Jer 32:40; Jer 34:13; Ezek 34:25; Ezek 37:26; Hos 2:20 הקים ברית establish a covenant Gen 6:18; Gen 9:9; Gen 9:11; Gen 9:17; Gen 17:7; Gen 17:19; Gen 17:21; Exod 6:4 (P) Ezek 16:60; Ezek 16:62, but confirm covenant Lev 26:9 (?;H) Deut 8:18 נתן ברית Gen 17:2; Num 25:12 (P); שׂם ברית 2Sam 23:5 (poetry); עבר בברית Deut 29:11 בא בברית 2Chr 15:12; Ezek 16:8 צוה ברית Ps 111:9 נשׂא ברית על פי Ps 50:16. (compare further on these DrJ Ph xi. 1882, 210 ff.)
2. covenant keeping: on the part of man שׁמר ברית 1Kgs 11:11; Neh 1:5; Neh 9:32; Ps 78:10; Ps 103:18; Ps 132:12; Dan 9:4, נצר ברית Deut 33:9; Ps 25:10, מחזיקים בברית Isa 56:4; Isa 56:6 on the part of God זכר ברית Gen 9:15; Gen 9:16; Exod 2:24; Exod 6:5 (all P), Lev 26:42 (3 t. in verse) (H; on suffix compare Di Ges«GKC:128»§ 128, 1 R b) vLev 26:45 (H) Ps 105:8; Ps 106:45; Ps 111:5; 1Chr 16:15; Ezek 16:15; Ezek 16:60. Thus we have נאמנת Ps 89:29 ברית עולם Gen 9:16; Gen 17:7; Gen 17:13; Gen 17:18; Gen 17:19; Exod 31:16; Lev 24:8; Num 18:19; Num 25:13 (P) 2Sam 23:5 (poetry) 1Chr 16:17 (= Ps 105:10) Isa 24:5; Isa 55:3; Isa 61:8; Jer 32:40; Jer 50:5; Ezek 16:60; Ezek 37:26 ברית מלח Lev 2:13; 2Chr 13:5; 2Chr 21:7 (a cov't. with sacrificial meal and salt; on cov't. with salt in Arabia compare WeSkizzen iii. 124); ברית שׁלום Num 25:12 (P) Isa 54:10; Ezek 34:25; Ezek 37:26 הברית והחסד Deut 7:9; Deut 7:12; 1Kgs 8:23 (= 2Chr 6:14) Neh 1:5; Neh 9:32; Dan 9:4 ברית קדשׁ Dan 11:28; Dan 11:30 מסרת הברית Ezek 20:37.
3. covenant violation: עבר ברית Deut 17:2; Josh 7:11; Josh 7:15; Josh 23:16 (D) Judg 2:20; 2Kgs 18:12; Hos 6:7; Hos 8:1 הפר ברית Gen 17:14; Lev 26:15; Lev 26:44 (H) Deut 31:16; Deut 31:20 (J) Judg 2:1; Isa 24:5 (twice in verse); Jer 11:10; Jer 14:21; Jer 31:32; Jer 33:20; Jer 33:21; Ezek 16:59; Ezek 17:18; Ezek 17:19; Ezek 44:7; Zech 11:10 עזב ברית 1Kgs 19:10; 1Kgs 19:14; Jer 22:9; Dan 11:30 מאס ברית 2Kgs 17:15 נאר ברית Ps 89:39 חלל ברית Ps 89:34; Mal 2:10 שׁקר בברית Ps 44:18 שׁכח ברית Deut 4:23; Deut 4:31; Jer 50:5.

בְּרוֺשׁ, בְּרוֺת see below ברשׁ.

בָּרוּת see below I. ברה.

בֵּרוֺ֫תָה, בֵּרֹתי see below באר.

Strong's Definition H1285
covenant, league, confederacy, confederate
bĕrît
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
  • covenant, alliance, pledge
    • between men
      • treaty, alliance, league (man to man)
        • "constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects)"agreement, pledge (man to man)"alliance (of friendship)"alliance (of marriage)
      between God and man
      • alliance (of friendship)
        • "covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges)
    (phrases)
    • covenant making
      • "covenant keeping"covenant violation
Variations 40 forms of this word
Translations 51 English renderings
Covenant
Search every verse
Word Parts
נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת
נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת
Root word believed, faithful, believe, sure, established, …
Dictionary form: אָמַן · aw-MAHN
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar VNrfsa
Verb — Niphal, Participle Active, feminine singular, absolute state passive or reflexive — "it was done" / "he did it to himself" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"
נֶאֱמֶנֶת Speech Verb Stem Niphal Type Participle Active Gender Feminine Number Singular State Absolute
In English
In the KJV here: shall stand fast with him
believe ×11 the faithful ×4 be established ×3 be verified ×3 believed ×3 faithful ×3 and believed ×2 and faithful ×2
More options
trust — Broad relational sense; fits most narrative and poetic contexts.
believe — Cognitive assent; good for propositional or creedal statements.
faithful — Adjectival/stative use; describes consistent reliability over time.
reliable — Neutral, modern tone; suits wisdom or legal contexts.
confirmed — For the Niphal 'be established/verified' sense.
nurse — Rare Qal sense of caring/carrying; literal, physical context only.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB527 H539 H547

BDB526 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB528

I. [אָמַן] verb confirm, support (compare Arabic , etc., see below; Sabean אמן in derivatives & proper names compare CISiv.1,10 DHMZMG 1885,598; Aramaic אֲמַן, in Haph`el, Ethiopic , Assyrian in derivatives) — only Qal Participle אֹמֵן —

1. as verb support, nourish 2Kgs 10:1; 2Kgs 10:5; Esth 2:7,
2. as substantive foster-father Num 11:12 (J) Isa 49:23.
3. אֹמֶנֶת foster-mother, nurse Ruth 4:16; 2Sam 4:4.
4. אֹמְנוֺת pillars, supporters of the door 2Kgs 18:16. Participle passive a. הָאֱמֻנִים those brought up (in scarlet) Lam 4:5.
  b. אֱמוּנִים intransitive faithful (as firm, stable) as substantive masculine faithful ones Ps 12:2 (> ᵐ5 ᵑ6 and others faithfulness) 2Sam 20:19 (compare Arabic be faithful, trust in, be secure); Ps 31:24 faithful ones ׳י Keepeth, ׳אֱמוּנִים נֹצֵר י; but ׳א is here taken by ᵐ5 Ri De Che as abstract noun see אֵמֻן. Niph`al נֶאֱמַן Prov 11:13 + (6 t); Imperfect יֵאָמֵן, יֵאָ֫מֶן 1Kgs 8:26 + (9 t.); Participle נֶאֱמָן Prov 25:13 + ( 16 t.) נֶאֱמָנָה Isa 1:21 + ( 4 t.); נֶאֱמֶנֶת Ps 89:29 נֶאֱמָנִים Prov 27:6 + (9 t.); נֶאֱמָנוֺת Deut 28:59. 1. carried by a nurse Isa 60:4.
2. made firm, sure, lasting: place Isa 22:23; Isa 22:25 name 1Chr 17:24 waters Isa 33:16; Jer 15:18 an event Hos 5:9 sickness mercy Isa 55:3.
3. confirmed, established, sure: kingdom 2Sam 7:16 house, dynasty 1Sam 2:35; 1Sam 25:28; 1Kgs 11:38; 1Chr 17:23 prophet Samuel 1Sam 3:20 compare word-play אִם לֹא תַאֲמִינוּ לֹא תֵאָמֵנוּ = if ye believe not (have not firm confidence) ye will not be confirmed Isa 7:9 וְתֵאָמֵנוּ ׳הַאֲמִינוּ בי = believe in Yahweh and ye will be confirmed 2Chr 20:20. 4. verified, confirmed: words of God 1Kgs 8:26; 2Chr 1:9; 2Chr 6:17 his precepts Ps 111:7 testimonies Ps 19:8; Ps 93:5 covenant Ps 89:29 words of men Gen 42:20 (E). 5. reliable, faithful, trusty: persons 1Sam 2:35; 1Sam 22:14; Job 12:20; Ps 89:38; Ps 101:6; Prov 25:13; Isa 8:2; Neh 13:13 a city Isa 1:21 האל הנאמן the faithful God Deut 7:9 compare Isa 49:7 נֶאֱמַן רוּחַ faithful in spirit (disposition) Prov 11:13 לְבָבוֺ נֶאֱמָן his heart faith-ful Neh 9:8 עֵד אֱמֶת וְנֶאֱמָן true and faithful witness Jer 42:5 נאמנים פצעי אוהב faithful the wounds of a loving one Prov 27:6 with נֵת Ps 78:8 עִם Hos 12:1 בְּ of thing Ps 78:37 בְּכָלבֵּֿיתִי in all my house (of Moses) Num 12:7 (E). Hiph`il הֶאֱמִין Gen 45:26 + (18 t.); Imperfect יַאֲמִין, יַאֲמֵן Job 15:31 + (30 t.); Imperative הַאֲמִינוּ 2Chr 20:20 + (2 t.); Participle מַאֲמִין Deut 1:32; Josh 25:16.
1. stand firm Job 39:24 (with negative of the horse when the trumpet sounds Di De MV RVm; but neither believeth RV, hardly trusts Da). 2. trust, believe:
   (a) absolute Exod 4:31 (J) Isa 7:9; Isa 28:16; Hab 1:5; Ps 116:10; Job 29:24
   (b) with ל of person, trust to, believe Gen 45:26 (E) Exod 4:1; Exod 4:8 (J) Jer 40:14; 2Chr 32:15 with God Deut 9:23; Isa 43:10 ל of thing Exod 4:8; Exod 4:9 (J) Ps 106:24; 1Kgs 10:7; 2Chr 9:6; Isa 53:1; Prov 14:15
   (c) with ב of person, trust in, believe in Exod 19:9 (J) 1Sam 27:12; 2Chr 20:20; Job 4:18; Job 15:15; Prov 26:25; Jer 12:6; Mic 7:5 the usual construction with God Gen 15:6 (E) Exod 14:31; Num 14:11 (J) Num 20:12 (P) Deut 1:32; 2Kgs 17:14; 2Chr 20:20; Ps 78:22; Jonah 3:5 with ב of thing Deut 28:66; Job 15:31; Job 24:22; Job 39:12; Ps 78:32; Ps 106:12; Ps 119:66
   (d) with כִּי trust or believe that Exod 4:5 (J) Job 9:16; Lam 4:12
   (e) so with infin. Job 15:22; Ps 27:13 also trust to do a thing, almost = allow, Judg 11:20.

BDB9308 H539 H540

BDB9307 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9309

[אֲמַן] verb Haph`el trust (Biblical Hebrew); — Perfect 3 masculine singular חֵימִן בֵּאלָחֵהּ Dan 6:24 Passive participle מְחֵימַן trusty, trustworthy, of person Dan 6:5, interpretation Dan 2:45.

Strong's Definition H539
believed, faithful, believe, sure, established, …
ʾāman
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain
  • to support, confirm, be faithful
    • (Qal)
      • to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish
        • foster-father (subst.)
          • "foster-mother, nurse"pillars, supporters of the door
      (Niphal)
      • to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm
        • to be carried by a nurse
          • "made firm, sure, lasting"confirmed, established, sure"verified, confirmed"reliable, faithful, trusty
      (Hiphil)
      • to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in
        • stand firm
          • "trust, believe
Variations 69 forms of this word
Translations 79 English renderings
Word Parts
לֽ וֹ
לֽ
Preposition to, for
וֹ
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Vowels & Accents
Hebrew Alephbet
Grammar R/Sp3ms
Preposition
לֽ Speech Preposition
וֹ Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular
In English
it ×144 him ×95 them ×83 thee ×59 me ×53 unto him ×35 you ×28 he ×22
Psalms 89:27
Read Psalms 89
Psalms 89:29