Beset
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
used in Hebrews 12:1 , and translated "which doth so easily beset," lit. signifies "standing well (i.e., easily) around" (eu, "well," peri, "around," statos, "standing," i.e., easily encompassing). It describes sin as having advantage in favor of its prevailing.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): (v. t.) To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade.
(2): (imp. & p. p.) of Beset
(3): (v. t.) To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects.
(4): (v. t.) To occupy; to employ; to use up.
(5): (v. t.) To set upon on all sides; to perplex; to harass; - said of dangers, obstacles, etc.
King James Dictionary [3]
BESET', pret. and pp. beset.
1. To surround to inclose to hem in to besiege as, we are beset with enemies a city is beset with troops. Hence, 2. To press on all sides, so as to perplex to entangle, so as to render escape difficult or impossible.
Adam sore beset replied.
3. To waylay. 4. To fall upon.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [4]
bē̇ - set ´ (εὐπερίστατος , euperı́statos ): The most common sense of this word is "to surround." This is the thought in Psalm 139:5 , and teaches the omnipresence of God. Often wicked men find that the things which they have done so envelope them that they cannot escape ruin ( Hosea 7:2 ). The reference in Hebrews 12:1 is first of all against the sin of apostasy against which repeated warning is given in this book. But the warning is also against any sin that is especially dangerous to us. It, again and again, surrounds us like a besieging army. To surrender would be traitorous and disgraceful, since the Captain of the Lord's host is with us.
