רָדַף

From the study of Proverbs 21:21

Range of meaning

To pursue, chase, run after: used of armies pursuing a defeated enemy (Gen 14:14–15; Josh 10:19), of hunting, and of persecution (Ps 7:1). Used figuratively for eagerly going after a goal: 'Justice, justice you shall pursue' (Deut 16:20); 'seek peace and pursue it' (Ps 34:14).

Against the English

BSB and YLT 'pursue(s)' keep the force. KJV 'followeth after' and WEB 'follows after' sound much milder, like trailing behind someone, and lose the sense of an energetic chase.

How it drifted

'Follow after' was a strong phrase in 1611 ('to follow after' = to pursue), but in modern English it suggests passively going along behind.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deut 16:20 (ṣedeq ṣedeq tirdōp̄); Prov 15:9 'he loves the one who pursues righteousness'; Ps 23:6 'goodness and ḥesed will pursue me'; Hos 2:7 (2:9 Heb), Israel 'will pursue her lovers but not overtake them, seek them but not find them'. Hosea pairs 'pursue' with 'find' as Proverbs 21:21 does, but there it is to say the chase comes to nothing.

From the study of Isaiah 51:1

Range of meaning

To chase, pursue or run after. It is often used in a military or hostile sense (Pharaoh pursuing Israel, Exod 14; enemies pursuing, Lev 26:17). Metaphorically it means to strive after something eagerly: "seek peace and pursue it" (Ps 34:14), "whoever pursues righteousness and kindness" (Prov 21:21).

Against the English

KJV and WEB say "follow after". That is accurate in older English but can sound passive today, like trailing behind. "Pursue" (BSB, YLT) keeps the energy of a chase.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 16:20 and Proverbs 21:21 use it with tsedeq. Hosea 6:3 has "let us pursue knowing YHWH". The Greek equivalent diōkō is used the same way (LXX here: hoi diōkontes to dikaion), and Paul uses that language in Romans 9:30–31 and Philippians 3:12–14.

From the study of Isaiah 5:11

Range of meaning

To pursue, chase, run after: enemies in war (Genesis 14:15; Exodus 14:4), prey, persecutors. Figuratively it can mean pursuing a goal, whether good ('pursue justice', Deuteronomy 16:20; 'pursue peace', Psalm 34:14) or bad ('pursue bribes', Isaiah 1:23).

Against the English

KJV/WEB 'follow' is too weak. It sounds like 'go along after'. BSB 'in pursuit of', ESV 'run after' and YLT 'pursue' keep the energy.

How it drifted

'Follow' in 1611 could still mean 'chase', but today it has softened.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 16:20 'Justice, justice you shall pursue'; Isaiah 1:23 the princes 'chase after rewards'; Hosea 6:3 'let us press on (pursue) to know YHWH'.