REFUGE

ref'-uj: A place of resort and safety. The principal words in the Old Testament are machceh (Psalms 14:6; 46:1; 62:7-8; Isaiah 4:6, etc.), and manoc (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalms 59:16, etc.), both applied chiefly to God as a "refuge" for His people. For the King James Version "refuge" in Deuteronomy 33:27, the Revised Version (British and American) has "dwelling-place," and in Psalms 9:9, "high tower." Conversely, the Revised Version (British and American) has "refuge" for the King James Version "shelter" in Psalms 61:3, and "hope" in Jeremiah 17:17.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.