ta.makh denotes taking hold of something, whether to retain it, support it, or seize it.

The attested uses chiefly describe taking or keeping hold of persons, objects, or matters; they also describe sustaining what is held and, in hostile settings, being seized or captured. The clauses range from hands on a spindle and a staff-holder to upheld hands, upheld steps, and the wicked caught in sin's cords.

1. Taking or keeping hold · dominant

   In Proverbs 31:19, Qal perfect forms describe her hands and palms in relation to the distaff and spindle; the APB renders that her palms “grasp the spindle.” In Proverbs 3:18, a Qal active participle identifies those who “hold fast” to her, while Genesis 48:17 uses a Qal sequential imperfect as Joseph takes his father's hand to move it.

   Proverbs 31:19Proverbs 3:18Genesis 48:17Amos 1:5Amos 1:8Proverbs 4:4
2. Supporting or upholding · common

   In Exodus 17:12, the Qal perfect plural refers to Aaron and Hur acting on Moses' hands, which the APB renders “supported his hands.” Isaiah 41:10 has a first-person Qal perfect in the promise “I also uphold you,” and Psalm 17:5 places an infinitive absolute with the speaker's steps so that the feet are not shaken.

   Exodus 17:12Isaiah 41:10Isaiah 42:1Psalm 16:5Psalm 17:5
3. Seizing or being caught · occasional

   In Proverbs 5:22, the Niphal imperfect places the wicked in the cords of sin, and the APB renders him “grasped.” Proverbs 5:5 likewise depicts Sheol acting upon her steps, while Proverbs 28:17 uses a Qal jussive in the warning that no one should “lay hold of him.”

   Proverbs 5:22Proverbs 5:5Proverbs 28:17Proverbs 11:16

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across these verses, the APB variously uses “supported,” “uphold,” “grasp,” “hold fast,” “seize,” and “captured.” These renderings show the surrounding clauses' presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent for every occurrence.