### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâshur**, represented by `{{H838}}`, refers to a **step** or **going**. Derived from a root word meaning to go, it appears 9 times in 9 unique verses. While it can denote a literal step, it is most often used metaphorically to describe a person's course of life, their conduct, and the stability of their walk.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H838}}` is frequently used to illustrate the condition of one's spiritual journey. A righteous person's stability is shown when God sets their feet upon a rock and establishes their **goings** [[Psalms 40:2]]. Conversely, the psalmist describes a moment of near failure, stating "my **steps** had well nigh slipped" [[Psalms 73:2]]. The word is used by Job to affirm his integrity, declaring that his foot has held fast to God's **steps** and he has not declined from His way [[Job 23:11]]. It is also a key term in prayers for divine support, as seen in the plea, "Hold up my **goings** in thy paths" [[Psalms 17:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of one's path and stability:
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action): This word often appears alongside ʼâshur to refer to the overall path a person follows. Job connects keeping God's "way" with holding to His "steps" [[Job 23:11]].
* `{{H4131}}` **môwṭ** (to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall): This term represents the opposite of a firm step and is used to describe the potential for failure. The prayer in [[Psalms 17:5]] is for God to secure one's goings so that their footsteps do not **slip**.
* `{{H3559}}` **kûwn** (to be erect; to set up, establish, fix, prepare): This word signifies the act of making something firm and secure. It is God who "established" the psalmist's "goings" after rescuing him from the pit [[Psalms 40:2]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (a precept or statute; law): The law of God is presented as the foundation that keeps a person's steps from faltering. When the **law** of God is in one's heart, none of his steps shall slide [[Psalms 37:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H838}}` is tied to the metaphor of life as a walk with God.
* **Divine Stability:** The security of a believer's walk does not come from their own strength but from God. He is the one who establishes our **goings** [[Psalms 40:2]] and holds up our path [[Psalms 17:5]].
* **Moral Integrity:** The word is a measure of a person's faithfulness. A heart that has not turned back from God is demonstrated by **steps** that have not declined from His way [[Psalms 44:18]].
* **Conscious Discipleship:** A person's walk requires careful attention. Unlike the simple who believes every word, a prudent man "looketh well to his **going**" [[Proverbs 14:15]], indicating a need for wisdom in choosing one's path.
* **Human Frailty:** The concept of slipping steps acknowledges human weakness and the constant danger of straying. The psalmist's near fall highlights a dependence on God for preservation on the path [[Psalms 73:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H838}}` is much more than a physical movement. It is a powerful biblical metaphor for the progression of a person's life, conduct, and spiritual journey. It illustrates the critical contrast between the instability of the human condition and the steadfastness that comes from a life founded on God's law and secured by His direct intervention.
TRV