חָסָה (cha.sah)
cha.sah
to seek refuge
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chasah describes the act of fleeing for protection, often visualized as taking shelter under someone’s wings or shadow. In the Old Testament, it appears frequently in poetic books like Psalms and Proverbs to express a desperate need for safety. The imagery is concrete: just as a bird seeks cover from a storm, the believer runs to God when danger approaches.
This physical act of hiding becomes a metaphor for spiritual trust. When the text says one trusts in the Lord, it implies relying on His power to shield them from harm. For example, Psalm 91:4 speaks of God covering his people with his feathers, linking the idea of refuge directly to divine care. The word suggests that safety is found not by fighting alone, but by entering into the protective presence of another.
The sources note a significant usage in Proverbs 14:32, where the righteous person "confides" or seeks refuge in God even at death. This highlights that true trust remains steady regardless of circumstances. Unlike temporary shelters that fail, this reliance on God offers a permanent foundation. The verb captures both the urgency of danger and the peace found in divine protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life often feels like a storm where safety is hard to find. The Hebrew word chasah captures the instinct to run toward protection when danger looms. It describes seeking shelter under the wings of another, trusting that their presence offers more security than any human effort. This image reminds us that we do not have to face our fears alone.
In Psalm 91, this trust is visualized as hiding under God’s feathers. It is a picture of intimate care and strength. When you feel overwhelmed, the text invites you to rest in that divine covering. Your safety comes from relying on His faithfulness rather than your own ability to fight every battle.
This refuge remains steady even when circumstances change. Proverbs 14:32 notes that the righteous have this shelter even in death. It is a constant foundation. You can approach God with honesty about your fears, knowing He offers a safe place for your soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I have taken refuge4×
- to/ take refuge3×
- I take refuge2×
- you will take refuge1×
- those/ [who] seek refuge1×
- they will take refuge1×
- they have taken refuge1×
- take refuge1×
- of [those who] take refuge1×
- for <the>/ [those who] take refuge1×
- and/ to/ seek refuge1×
- and/ they will take refuge1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/חֲס֥וֹת3×
- חָסִ֥יתִי2×
- חָסִ֑יתִי2×
- תֶּחְסֶ֑ה1×
- לַֽ/חֹסִ֥ים1×
- יֶחֱס֖וּ1×
- חוֹסִ֑ים1×
- חָסָ֥יוּ1×
- חָסִ֗יתִי1×
- חָ֥סוּ1×
- חָ֝סִ֗יתִי1×
- חֲס֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
This verse connects the physical act of taking refuge to the intimate image of being covered by God's feathers, emphasizing protective care.
-
Psalms 118:8
It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man.
Here the word highlights the practical wisdom of choosing divine trust over human authority when facing uncertainty.
-
Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
This occurrence shows that this refuge is not just for immediate danger but provides a lasting hope even in the face of death.
-
Psalms 11:1
For the Chief Musician. By David. In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
David uses this term to reject the advice to flee from God, instead choosing to stay and trust in Him despite external threats.