Bible Dictionary
FETCH
To fetch generally means to bring, take, or obtain something. In some expressions it means to lead someone out, call for a person, or make a circuit or turn.
Definition
To fetch generally means to bring, take, obtain, call for, or lead someone out. In the expression “fetch a compass,” it means to turn, make a circuit, or go about. Biblical translations use the word for several different Hebrew and Greek expressions involving movement toward, into, or out of a place.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses fetch for bringing persons or objects, calling for someone, leading people out, and taking something away. It also occurs in older renderings of journeys that involved making a circuit or turning about. The Revised Version frequently replaces fetch with more specific terms such as bring, call for, turn, or make a circuit.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>Has generally the meaning of "to bring"; it is commonly the translation of Hebrew laqach, "to take" or "lay hold of," Hoph. "to be brought, seized or snatched away" (Ge 18:4, etc.; Ge 27:9; 42:16; 1Sa 4:3; 1Ki 17:10, etc.); twice of nasa', "to lift up" (2Ch 12:11, the American Standard Revised Version "bare"; Job 36:3); of bo', "to come in" (2Ch 1:17; Ne 8:15); of `alah, "to cause to come up" (1Sa 6:21; 7:1); of yatsa', "to cause to come out" (Nu 20:10, the American Standard Revised Version "bring forth"; Jer 26:23), and of a number of other words.</p><p>In the New Testament it is the translation of exago, "to lead out" (Ac 16:37, "Let them come themselves and fetch us out," the Revised Version (British and American) "bring"); "to fetch a compass" is the translation of cabhabh (Nu 34:5; Jos 15:3, the Revised Version (British and American) "turn," "turned about"; 2Sa 5:23, the Revised Version (British and American) "make a circuit"; 2Ki 3:9, the Revised Version (British and American) "made a circuit"); of perierchomai (aor. 2, perielthon), "to go about," "to wander up and down" (of a ship driven about; Ac 28:13, the Revised Version (British and American) "made a circuit," margin "some ancient authorities read cast loose").</p><p>The Revised Version (British and American) has "fetch" for "bring" (1Ki 3:24), for "call for" (Ac 10:5; 11:13); "fetched" for "called for" (Es 5:10), for "took out" (Jer 37:17); "fetched" for "took" (2Ch 8:18).</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>