Lexical Summary dechi: Rejection, thrusting away Original Word: דְּחִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance falling From dachah; a push, i.e. (by implication) a fall -- falling. see HEBREW dachah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dachah Definition a stumbling NASB Translation stumbling (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [דְּחִי] noun [masculine] stumbling, הִצַּלְתָּ ֗֗֗ רַגְלַי מִדֶּחִ֑י Psalm 56:14 = Psalm 116:8. Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range דְּחִי (dĕḥî) carries the idea of a push, a slip, or, by extension, a stumbling or downfall. In both of its occurrences it appears with the preposition “from,” portraying rescue out of imminent collapse—whether literal, emotional, or spiritual. Occurrences in Scripture Contextual Analysis Psalm 56 and Psalm 116 are personal thanksgiving psalms that move from distress to confidence. In each case the psalmist testifies that the LORD has intervened “from stumbling” (מִדֶּ֑חִי). The focus is not merely preservation of physical footing but deliverance from any circumstance that would topple the covenant believer’s faith, witness, or life. Psalm 56:13: “For You have delivered me from death, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” Psalm 116:8: “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.” Theological Themes 1. Preservation of Life and Faith: Deliverance “from death” and “from stumbling” form a paired assurance—God not only rescues from mortal danger but also steadies the believer’s path. Relation to Other Biblical Concepts • Uprightness: Proverbs often contrasts the “upright” whose “path is level” (Proverbs 4:11–12) with the wicked who stumble. דְּחִי highlights the latter danger avoided through divine help. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern travel was hazardous; uneven terrain and unseen obstacles made stumbling a real threat, particularly on night journeys. The psalmists employ this familiar danger metaphorically, affirming that the covenant God guards every step (compare Psalm 121:3). The imagery would resonate deeply with pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem’s temple and with soldiers reliant on firm footing in battle. Practical Ministry Application • Assurance in Trial: Believers may pray these verses when facing temptations or circumstances likely to overthrow their faith. Christological and Redemptive Anticipation The psalmists’ deliverance prefigures the ultimate preservation achieved in Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd secures His flock so that “no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). The guarantee that believers will not stumble irretrievably is grounded in Christ’s finished work and ongoing intercession. Intertextual Echoes in the New Testament While δέω and σκανδαλίζω are Greek counterparts rather than direct equivalents, the motif recurs: These references extend the Old Testament promise, showing that the God who safeguarded the psalmists continues to stabilize His people in the church age. Worship and Devotional Use • Memorization: Pairing Psalm 56:13 and Psalm 116:8 reinforces a theology of deliverance and gratitude. Forms and Transliterations מִ֫דֶּ֥חִי מִדֶּֽחִי׃ מדחי מדחי׃ mid·de·ḥî midDechi middeḥîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 56:13 HEB: הֲלֹ֥א רַגְלַ֗י מִ֫דֶּ֥חִי לְ֭הִֽתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵ֣י NAS: my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk KJV: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk INT: Indeed my feet stumbling may walk before Psalm 116:8 2 Occurrences |
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