אָסַף

From the study of Isaiah 58:8

Range of meaning

To gather, collect, bring in. As a military term, the 'gatherer' (meʾassef) is the rear guard that brings up the stragglers (Num 10:25; Josh 6:9, 13). It can mean to take someone into one's home or care (Judg 19:15, 18; Ps 27:10). It is also used for being 'gathered to one's people' at death, which is not the sense here.

Against the English

Most versions have 'rear guard'. KJV has 'rereward', an old spelling of 'rearward'. YLT has 'doth gather thee', and the Vulgate has colliget te, 'will gather you'. NLT turns it into 'protect you from behind'.

How it drifted

Readers today often take KJV 'rereward' for some kind of 're-reward'. It is simply 'rearward', the rear guard.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 52:12 is the close parallel: 'the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard (meʾassifkhem)'. Psalm 27:10 uses the same verb form as here for care: 'my father and mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in (yaʾasfeni)'.

From the study of Isaiah 49:5

Range of meaning

To gather or collect (harvest, troops, people). In the passive it means to be gathered or brought in. It is also used of being 'gathered to one's people' at death, and of taking someone in.

Against the English

English 'gathered' is accurate. The issue in this clause is textual: 'gathered to him' or 'not gathered'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isa 11:12 'he will gather (asaf) the outcasts of Israel'. Mic 2:12 and Ezek 11:17 use similar regathering language. It is standard vocabulary for the hope of return from exile.

From the study of Isaiah 4:1

Range of meaning

Gather, collect, bring in (a harvest, people). Also withdraw, take back, take away, and, in the expression "gathered to one's people", to die.

Against the English

"Take away" in all major versions gets the sense right. The Hebrew picture is gathering something up and removing it. KJV turns the command into a purpose clause ("to take away"), which is possible but flattens the women's urgent plea.

Used elsewhere in the period

Gen 30:23 (God "gathered away" Rachel's disgrace); 1 Sam 14:19 ("withdraw your hand"); Ps 26:9 ("do not gather my soul with sinners").