Ecclesiastes 10:12

דִּבְרֵ֥י פִי חָכָ֖ם חֵ֑ן וְשִׂפְת֥וֹת כְּסִ֖יל תְּבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Connections

ὁ λόγος ὑμῶν πάντοτε ἐν χάριτι ἅλατι ἠρτυμένος εἰδέναι πῶς δεῖ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἀποκρίνεσθαι

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Καὶ πάντες ἐμαρτύρουν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐθαύμαζον ἐπὶ τοῖς λόγοις τῆς χάριτος τοῖς ἐκπορευομένοις ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγον Οὐχ οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ υἱός Ἰωσὴφ

And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

Proverbs 22:11

אֹהֵב ‫(טהור)‬ טְהָר-לֵב חֵן שְׂפָתָיו רֵעֵהוּ מֶֽלֶךְ׃

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Proverbs 15:2

לְשׁוֹן חֲכָמִים תֵּיטִיב דָּעַת וּפִי כְסִילִים יַבִּיעַ אִוֶּֽלֶת׃

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Ephesians 4:29

πᾶς λόγος σαπρὸς ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν μὴ ἐκπορευέσθω ἀλλ' εἴ τις ἀγαθὸς πρὸς οἰκοδομὴν τῆς χρείας ἵνα δῷ χάριν τοῖς ἀκούουσιν

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Proverbs 10:13

בְּשִׂפְתֵי נָבוֹן תִּמָּצֵא חָכְמָה וְשֵׁבֶט לְגֵו חֲסַר-לֵֽב׃

In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Proverbs 10:20

כֶּסֶף נִבְחָר לְשׁוֹן צַדִּיק לֵב רְשָׁעִים כִּמְעָֽט׃

The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Job 4:3

הִנֵּה יִסַּרְתָּ רַבִּים וְיָדַיִם רָפוֹת תְּחַזֵּֽק׃

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Proverbs 22:17

הַט אָזְנְךָ וּשְׁמַע דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְלִבְּךָ תָּשִׁית לְדַעְתִּֽי׃

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Proverbs 10:31

פִּֽי-צַדִּיק יָנוּב חָכְמָה וּלְשׁוֹן תַּהְפֻּכוֹת תִּכָּרֵֽת׃

The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Proverbs 18:6

שִׂפְתֵי כְסִיל יָבֹאֽוּ בְרִיב וּפִיו לְֽמַהֲלֻמוֹת יִקְרָֽא׃

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 15:23

שִׂמְחָה לָאִישׁ בְּמַעֲנֵה-פִיו וְדָבָר בְּעִתּוֹ מַה-טּֽוֹב׃

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 19:5

עֵד שְׁקָרִים לֹא יִנָּקֶה וְיָפִיחַ כְּזָבִים לֹא יִמָּלֵֽט׃

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Psalms 64:8

וַיַּכְשִׁילוּהוּ עָלֵימוֹ לְשׁוֹנָם יִתְנֹדֲדוּ כָּל-רֹאֵה בָֽם׃

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Psalms 71:15

פִּי׀ יְסַפֵּר צִדְקָתֶךָ כָּל-הַיּוֹם תְּשׁוּעָתֶךָ כִּי לֹא יָדַעְתִּי סְפֹרֽוֹת׃

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

Proverbs 25:11

תַּפּוּחֵי זָהָב בְּמַשְׂכִּיּוֹת כָּסֶף דָּבָר דָּבֻר עַל-אָפְנָֽיו׃

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 10:10

קֹרֵֽץ עַיִן יִתֵּן עַצָּבֶת וֶאֱוִיל שְׂפָתַיִם יִלָּבֵֽט׃

He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

Psalms 37:30

פִּֽי-צַדִּיק יֶהְגֶּה חָכְמָה וּלְשׁוֹנוֹ תְּדַבֵּר מִשְׁפָּֽט׃

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

Psalms 40:9

בִּשַּׂרְתִּי צֶדֶק׀ בְּקָהָל רָב הִנֵּה שְׂפָתַי לֹא אֶכְלָא יְהוָה אַתָּה יָדָֽעְתָּ׃

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalms 140:9

רֹאשׁ מְסִבָּי עֲמַל שְׂפָתֵימוֹ יְכַסֵּֽמוֹ׃

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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Ecclesiastes 10:12

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Niqqud

Cantillation

Masoretic Phrasing

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.

דִּבְרֵ֥י פִי חָכָ֖ם Tipeha — a lesser break חֵ֑ן Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְשִׂפְת֥וֹת כְּסִ֖יל Tipeha — a lesser break תְּבַלְּעֶֽנּוּ Silluq — end of the verse

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Word Parts

פִי

Root word mouth, commandment, edge, according, word, …

Dictionary form: פֶּה · peh

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmsc

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

פִי	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Construct

In English

In the KJV here: mouth

mouth ×30 the commandment ×26 the mouth ×26 my mouth ×23 his mouth ×21 thy mouth ×18 of his mouth ×17 according to ×14

More options

mouth — Most literal; use for the physical organ or speech.

command — When פֶּה means an authoritative order or directive.

word — Softer than 'command'; suits spoken declarations or sayings.

edge — Used with swords or blades; 'the edge of the sword'.

according to — Idiomatic prepositional sense; matches proportional or conforming contexts.

speech — Highlights oral/verbal communication rather than the organ itself.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB6536 H6310 H6366 H6374

פֶּה₄₈₅ noun masculine^{Josh 9:2} mouth (probably biliteral [פו, פי] Sta^{§ 183}; Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; Phoenician לפי according to; Assyrian pû, mouth; Arabic , , ; Ethiopic ; Syriac according to; but also Arabic , , , Biblical Aramaic פֻּם, ᵑ7 פּוּמָא; Syriac ; Mandean פומא Nö^{M § 87}); — absolute ׳פ Exod 4:10 +, construct פִּי Isa 1:20 +; suffix 1 singular פִּי Gen 45:12 +, 2 masculine singular פִּיךָ Gen 41:40 +, 3 masculine singular פִּיו Gen 25:28 +, פִּיהוּ Exod 4:15 +, 3 masculine plural פִּיהֶם Judg 7:6 +, פִּימוֺ Ps 17:10 + 2 t., etc.; plural פִּיּוֺת Prov 5:4, (שְׁנֵי) פֵיוֺת Judg 3:16, פִּיפִיּוֺת Isa 41:15; Ps 149:6 פִּים 1Sam 13:21 (corrupt, see Dr and others); —

1. a. mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking Gen 25:28; Judg 7:6; 1Sam 14:26; 1Sam 14:27; Neh 9:20; Prov 19:24 = Prov 26:15 +; figurative as finding things sweet Job 20:12; Ps 119:103 figurative of earth Gen 4:11, swallowing Korah, etc. Num 16:30; Num 16:32; Num 26:10; Deut 11:6 figurative also of Sh®°ôl, וּפָֽעֲרָה פִיהָ Isa 5:14, compare Ps 69:16.
b. external organ, וַיָּשֶׂם פִּיו עַלפִּֿיו 2Kgs 4:34; Prov 30:20 of kissing 1Kgs 19:18; Song 1:2, וַתִּשַּׁק יָדִי לְפִי Job 31:27 compare phrase שִׂים יָד עַלפֶּֿה (of keeping silence) Judg 18:19; Mic 7:16; Job 21:5, compare Job 29:9; Job 40:4; Prov 30:32 of mocking triumph ׳פָּעַר עָלַי בְּפ Job 16:10 עַל ׳הִרְחִיב פ Ps 35:21; Isa 57:4, also רָחַב פִּי עַל 1Sam 2:1.
c. of ׳י in theoph., sending out fire 2Sam 22:9 = Ps 18:9.

2. a. much oftener, as organ of speech, of man: ׳פ speaks Gen 45:12; 2Sam 1:16; Isa 9:16; Job 9:20; Job 15:5; Job 15:6; Ps 37:30 +; speak בְּמוֺפִֿי Job 19:16 open ׳פ, ׳אֶליֿ Judg 11:35; Judg 11:36, absolute Job 3:1; Job 33:2 +; shut ׳פ (be silent) Isa 52:15, compare ׳חָשַׂךְ פ Job 7:11, and (of iniquity, personified) ׳קָצַף פ Job 5:16; Ps 107:42 guard ׳פ, Prov 13:3 (נָצַר), Prov 21:23 (שָׁמַר), compare ׳שָׁמַר פִּתְחֵי פ Mic 7:5, also Ps 39:2 (see שׁמר); words, etc., are in (ב) mouth 2Sam 17:5; 2Sam 18:25; Deut 30:14; 1Kgs 17:24 ׳שִׂים דְּבָרִים בְּפ 2Sam 14:3; 2Sam 14:19; Exod 4:15, also (God subject) Num 22:38; Num 23:12; Num 23:16 +; of utterance ׳יָצָא מִפּ Judg 11:36; Num 30:3; Num 32:24; +; depart from mouth (cease to be mentioned) ׳מוּשׁ מִפּ Josh 1:8; Isa 59:21, compare ׳נִכְרַת מִפּ Jer 7:28, לֹא יִשָּׁמַע עַלפִּֿיךָ Exod 23:13 ׳אִמְרֵי פ Deut 32:1 words of my mouth, so Job 8:2; Ps 19:15; Ps 54:4 ׳דְּבְרֵי פ Ps 36:4; Eccl 10:12 of agency, ׳כְּפּ by the mouth of 2Chr 36:21; 2Chr 36:22 = ׳מִפּ Ezra 1:1 דִּכֶּר פִּיו עִםפִּֿיו Jer 32:4 speak mouth to mouth = Jer 34:3 ׳פ = speech, sayings Isa 29:13; Ps 49:14; Eccl 10:3 ׳כְּבַד פ Exod 4:10 heavy of speech (not eloquent); ׳אֶהְיֶה עִםפֿ vExod 4:12 vExod 4:15, i.e. aid thee in speaking; ׳יִהְיֶהלְּֿךָ לְפ vExod 4:16 he shall be mouth for thee; מִפִּיו יִקְרָא אֵלַי Jer 36:18, i.e. dictate; ׳כָּתַב מִפּ see כָּתַב 1 b (3); bad qualities ascribed to it, ׳עִקְּשׁוּת פ Prov 4:24; Prov 6:12 פִּי תַהְפֻּכוֺת Prov 8:13 פֶּה חָלָק Prov 26:28 ׳אַלתַּֿגְדֵּל פ Obad 1:12, compare Mic 6:12; Ezek 35:13.
b. as laughing Job 8:21; Ps 126:2 panting Ps 119:131.
c. of God; his mouth speaks Isa 1:20; Isa 40:5; Jer 9:11 +; he speaks ׳בְּפ 1Kgs 8:15; 1Kgs 8:34 word proceeds ׳מִפּ Deut 8:3; Isa 45:23 +; פֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה אֲדַכֵּר כּוֺ Num 12:8 he creates בְּרוּחַ פִּיו Ps 33:6 he executes judgment כְּשֵׁבֶט פִּיו Isa 11:4 especially = command: ׳עָבַר אֶתפִּֿי י 1Sam 15:24; Num 14:41, compare Num 22:18; Prov 8:29 ׳פ (אֶתֿ) מָרָה 1Sam 12:14; 1Sam 12:15; Num 20:24; 1Kgs 13:21 +; compare 6 d. d. of idols, Ps 115:5; Ps 136:16; Ps 136:17.
e. of musical instrument = sound Amos 6:5 (compare 6 d).

3. of animals: bird Gen 8:11 (carrying), Isa 10:14 (chirping); ass Num 22:28 (speaking); bear, lion 1Sam 17:35 (seizing), Amos 3:12 (id.), hippop. Job 40:23 (drinking), crocodile Job 41:11; Job 41:13 (breathing flame); also of human foes, under figure of ravenous beasts Ps 22:22; Ezek 21:27; Ezek 34:10 פָּצָה עַל ׳פ Ps 22:14; Lam 2:16; Lam 3:46 hence of edge of sword, חֶרֶב פִּיּוֺת Prov 5:4 a sword with edges (in simile), = ׳ח פִּיפִיּוֺת Ps 149:6 compare Judg 3:16 see also 6 c (2), below; בַּעַל פִּיפִיּוֺת Isa 41:15, of מוֺרַג.

4. mouth = opening, orifice; of well Gen 29:2; Gen 29:3 (twice in verse); Gen 29:8; Gen 29:10 cave Josh 10:18; Josh 10:22; Josh 10:27 ravine, abyss Jer 48:28 (si vera lectio, compare Gie); also of Sh®°ôl Ps 141:7 of a sack Gen 42:27; Gen 43:12; Gen 43:21; Gen 44:1; Gen 44:2; Gen 44:8 ephah Zech 5:8 high-priest's robe Exod 28:32 + 5 t., compare probably Ps 133:2 tunic Job 30:18 of a round opening also 1Kgs 7:31 (3 t. in verse) (on text and meaning see Benz Kit); of mouth of Nile Isa 19:7 (others brink); gate of city Prov 8:3 (but read perhaps לִפְנֵי, see Toy).

5. a. extremity, end פֶּה לָפֶה from end to end, of a temple 2Kgs 10:21 city 2Kgs 21:16, מִפֶּה אֶלפֶּֿה of land Ezra 9:11.
b. = portion, פִּי שְׁנַיִם Deut 21:17; 2Kgs 2:9; Zech 13:8.

6. with prepositions: —
a. אֶל פִּי, see below d (2).
b. כְּפִי:
(a) according to the command of, 1Chr 12:23
(b) according to the mouth of, i.e. in proportion to (compare Assyrian ki-i pi-i, Dl^{HWB 325}), Exod 16:21 they gathered it אִישׁ כְּפִי אָכְלוֺ each in proportion to his eating (Exod 16:16 vExod 16:18 לְפִי), Lev 25:52 כְּפִי שָׁנָיו according to the number of his years (compare vLev 25:16 לְפִי); Num 6:21; Num 7:5 אִישׁ כְּפִי עֲבֹדָתוֺ (so 2Chr 31:2), 2Chr 7:7; 2Chr 7:8; 2Chr 35:8 (all P); Job 33:6 הֵןאֲֿנִי כְפִיךָ לָאֵל I am in the proportion of thee as regards God, i.e. I stand towards God even as thou dost. As conjunction, כְּפִי אֲשֶׁר, Mal 2:9 כְּפי אֲשֶׁר אֵינְכֶם שֹׁמְרִים אֶתדְּֿרָכַי accusative asye do not keep, etc.; and without אשׁר Zech 2:4 כְּפִי אִישׁלֹֿא נָשָׂא ראֹשׁוֺ in such proportion that none did lift up his head (but We Now אֲשֶׁר for אִישׁ, that it, Judah, did not, etc.).
c. לְפִי, nearly the same with כְּפִי (see לְ 5 i b), but more common (compare Aramaic לְפוּם, ): (1) Gen 47:12 לְפִי הַטָּ֑ף, Exod 12:4 ye shall compute אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֺ each according to his eating (according to the quantity which his family will consume), Exod 16:16; Exod 16:18; Lev 25:16 לְפִי רֹב הַשָּׁנִים, vLev 25:16 vLev 25:51; Lev 27:16 לְפִי זַרְעוֺ, Num 26:54; Josh 18:4; 1Kgs 17:1 except לְפִי דְבָרִי, Hos 10:12 קִצְרוּ לְפִי חֶסֶד (|| לִצְדָקָה), Prov 12:8; Prov 27:2: followed by infinitive Num 9:17 לְפִי הֵעָלוֺת הֶעָנָן = accusative as the cloud was lifted up, Jer 29:10. (2) in the phrase לְפִי חֶרֶב according to the mouth, or measure, of the sword, i.e. as the sword devours, without quarter, Gen 34:26; Exod 17:13; Num 21:24 + often
d. עַל פִּי: (1) according to (עַל 1 f a) the mouth of, i.e.
(a) the command of, Gen 41:40; Gen 45:21; Exod 17:1; Exod 38:21; Num 3:16; Num 3:39 + (especially P), 2Kgs 23:35 (β) the evidence or sentence of, Deut 17:6 עַלפִּֿי עֵד אֶחָד, Deut 19:15; Deut 21:5 (on עַלפִּֿי הַנָּ֑בֶל Amos 6:5, see 2 e above). (2) according to the measure of, in accordance with, Gen 43:7 we told him על פי הדברים האלה according to these words (i.e. the questions Joseph asked), Exod 34:27 in accordance with these words, Lev 27:8 עלפֿי אשׁר תַּשִּׂיג יַד הנֹּדֵר according to what the hand of the vower can reach to, vLev 27:18 (compare לְפִי Lev 25:16; Lev 25:51), Deut 17:10; Deut 17:11; 2Sam 13:32 (but see שׂוּמָה), Prov 22:6 חֲנֹךְ לַנַּעַר על פי דרכו. In the same sense אֶל פִּי, Josh 15:13; Josh 17:4; Josh 21:3.

BDB9814 H6310 H6433

פֻּם noun masculine^{Dan 7:8} mouth (compare Biblical Hebrew פֶּה; on form see K^{§ 61, 2}) M^{§ 76f.}); — ׳פ absolute Dan 7:8; Dan 7:20, construct Dan 4:28 +, suffix פֻּמֵּהּ (on form see K^l.c. Nö^{Zur Gram. d. Class.} Arabic 15 (1896) (expansion of biliteral √), Ba^{ZMG xii (1887), 633 f.}) Dan 7:5 — mouth of king Dan 4:28, lions Dan 6:23, beast (in vision) Dan 7:5, horn (ib.) vDan 7:8 vDan 7:20 mouth of pit Dan 6:18.

פַּס see פסם. below

Strong's Definition H6310

mouth, commandment, edge, according, word, …

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to

mouth

mouth (of man)

Variations 85 forms of this word

Translations 165 English renderings

Mouth

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Word Parts

חָכָ֖ם

Root word wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …

Dictionary form: חָכָם · haw-KAWM

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Aamsa

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

חָכָם

Speech Adjective Type Adjective Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: of a wise mans

wise ×17 of the wise ×16 a wise ×15 the wise ×13 is wise ×7 that are wise ×3 the wise men ×3 and the wise ×2

More options

wise — Modernized KJV core rendering; broadly applicable across contexts.

sage — Elevated register; suits royal courts or honored counselors.

shrewd — Emphasizes practical, street-smart wisdom over moral virtue.

discerning — Highlights perceptive judgment; good for wisdom-literature passages.

skilled — Use when חָכָם denotes technical expertise, e.g. craftsmen.

prudent — Stresses careful forethought; fits proverbial, ethical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2735 H2450

חָכָם adjective wise, ׳ח Deut 4:6 + 67 t.; construct חֲכַם Isa 3:3 + 9 t.; plural חֲכָמִים Deut 1:13 + 39 t.; construct חַכְמֵי Exod 28:3 + 4 t.; suffix חֲכָמֶיךָ Isa 19:12 etc. + 8 t.; feminine חֲכָמָה 2Sam 14:2; 2Sam 20:16 construct חַכְמַת Exod 35:25 plural חֲכָמוֺת Jer 9:16 construct חַכְמוֺת Judg 5:29; Prov 14:1(but read חָכְמוֺת De) —

1. skilful in technical work; artificers Isa 3:3 sailors Ezek 27:8, so (probably) vEzek 27:9 mourning women Jer 9:16 artisans of tabernacle and temple and their furniture Exod 28:3; Exod 31:6; Exod 35:10; Exod 36:1; Exod 36:2; Exod 36:4; Exod 36:8 (P), 1Chr 22:15; 2Chr 2:6; 2Chr 2:12; 2Chr 2:13 (twice in verse); women in spinning Exod 35:25 (P); goldsmiths and other artisans Jer 10:9 makers of idol-images Isa 40:20.

2. wise in the administration of affairs: Joseph in Egypt Gen 41:33; Gen 41:39 (E); heads of tribes Deut 1:13; Deut 1:15; Judg 16:19 David 2Sam 14:20, of Solomon 1Kgs 2:9; 1Kgs 3:12; 1Kgs 5:21 = 2Chr 2:11 the prince of Tyre, in satire Ezek 28:3 of kings in general Prov 20:26 class of political advisers of Judah Isa 29:14; Jer 18:18, apparently also Isa 5:21 of Egypt Isa 19:11 (twice in verse); Isa 19:12, Edom Obad 1:8, the nations Jer 10:7 so of God Isa 31:2.

3. shrewd, crafty, cunning: Jonadab 2Sam 13:3 the princesses Judg 5:29 אשׁה חכמה wise woman 2Sam 14:2; 2Sam 20:16 generally, Jer 9:22 intelligent animals Prov 30:24 בערמם ׳לכד ח taking the cunning in their craft Job 5:13 חכם בעיני wise in one's own eyes Prov 3:7; Prov 26:5; Prov 26:12; Prov 26:16; Prov 28:11 חכמי לב wise of mind (in their own mind) Job 37:24.

4. plural class of learned and shrewd men, including astrologers, magicians and the like, of Egypt Gen 41:8 (E), Exod 7:11 (P; compare Isa 19:11 (twice in verse); Isa 19:12); Babylon Isa 44:25; Jer 50:35; Jer 51:57 Persia Esth 1:13; Esth 6:13.

5. prudent, towards king Prov 16:14 in controversies Prov 11:29; Prov 29:8; Prov 29:9; Prov 29:11 religious affairs Hos 13:13; Hos 14:10; Jer 4:22; Jer 8:8; Jer 8:9; Deut 4:6; Deut 32:6; Ps 107:43 אישׁ ׳ח Jer 9:11.

6. wise, ethically and religiously,. in Wisdom Literature:
a. as adjective, חֲכַם לֵב wise of mind Prov 10:8; Prov 16:21 לֵב חָכָם Eccl 8:5 of the son Prov 10:1 = Prov 15:20; Prov 13:1; Prov 23:24; Eccl 2:19 ׳ילד ח Eccl 4:13 wise boy; ׳גבר ח Job 34:34 wise man; ׳מוכיח ח wise reprover Prov 25:12.
b. = substantive: (1) as a wise learner in school of wisdom, he fears God and departs from evil Prov 14:16 is silent Prov 17:28 hearkens to counsel Prov 12:15 hears and increases in learning Prov 1:5 his ear seeketh knowledge Prov 18:15 he receives it Prov 21:11 and stores it up Prov 10:14 his ears hearken to the reproof which giveth life Prov 15:31 and he becomes wiser through it Prov 9:8; Prov 9:9. (2) as a wise teacher, a sage, he does not answer with windy knowledge Job 15:2 he tells the experience of the past Job 15:48 has knowledge Job 34:2 teaches it Eccl 12:9 disperses it Prov 15:7 his tongue is health Prov 12:18 it utters knowledge aright Prov 15:2 his mind instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips Prov 16:23 his words are gracious Eccl 10:12 it is good to hear his rebuke Eccl 7:5 his instruction is a fountain of life Prov 13:14 one walking with him becomes wiser Prov 13:20. The חכמים recall the Greek σόφοι, having their schools, pupils (בֵן), discipline (מוּסָר), principles and collections of wisdom, דברי חכמים Prov 1:6; Prov 22:17 (compare Prov 24:23), Eccl 9:17; Eccl 12:11 God himself is חכם לבב Job 9:4. (3) the wise are prosperous: true, in sceptical view of Ecclesiastes, they have no advantage over the fool Eccl 6:8 but die as the fool Eccl 2:16 (twice in verse); Ps 49:11 they will not be able to find the works of God Eccl 8:17 like others are in the hands of God Eccl 9:1 they do not secure bread Eccl 9:11 but elsewhere reverse is true: precious treasure is in his dwelling Prov 21:20 his lips preserve him Prov 14:3 they inherit glory Prov 3:35 wealth is their crown Prov 14:24 the wise man is strong Prov 24:5; Eccl 7:19 his eyes are in his head Eccl 2:14 his mind is at his right hand Eccl 10:2 he interprets things Eccl 8:1 (4) the wise man is a blessing to others: he wins men Prov 11:30 scales the city of the mighty Prov 21:22 though poor he delivers the city Eccl 9:15 is a reproof to scorners Prov 15:12 his mind is in the house of mourning Eccl 7:4 injustice makes him foolish Eccl 7:7 Job finds no wise men among his cruel friends Job 17:10.

BDB9525 H2445 H2450

[חַכִּים]₁₄ noun masculine wise man (see Biblical Hebrew חכם); — plural absolute חַכִּימִין Dan 2:21 elsewhere of the class possessed of occult learning in Babylonian V:27, emphatic מַיָא- vDan 2:13; Dan 5:15 construct מֵי- Dan 2:12. Dan 12:14 + 7 t. Daniel.

Strong's Definition H2450

wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …

ḥākām

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

wise, wise (man)

skilful (in technical work)

Variations 31 forms of this word

Translations 63 English renderings

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Word Parts

חֵ֑ן

Root word grace, favour, gracious, pleasant, precious

Dictionary form: חֵן · hane

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Ncmsa

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

חֵן	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: are gracious

grace ×31 favour ×24 of grace ×3 a gracious ×1 and grace ×1 and pleasant ×1 are gracious ×1 crying grace ×1

More options

favor — Most natural modern equivalent; fits social and divine contexts.

grace — Retains theological resonance; modernized from KJV form.

goodwill — Emphasizes benevolent disposition of the one granting favor.

charm — Best when describing personal attractiveness or pleasing quality.

kindness — Highlights relational warmth; suits interpersonal contexts.

appeal — Use when the word describes something's pleasing or winning quality.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB2938 H2580

I. חֵן noun masculine^{Ps 45:3} favour, grace; — ׳ח Gen 6:8 + 67 t.; suffix חִנּוֺ Gen 39:21 —

1. favour, grace, elegance:
a. of form and appearance, of a woman || יֹ֑פִי Prov 31:30 אֵשֶׁת חֵן Prov 11:16 זונה טובת חן Nah 3:4 of a doe Prov 5:19 precious stone אבן חן Prov 17:8 of ornaments Prov 1:9 = Prov 4:9; Prov 3:22.
b. of speech, lips Ps 45:3; Prov 22:11 words Eccl 10:12.

2. favour, acceptance:
a. with men Prov 13:15; Prov 22:1; Eccl 9:11.
b. with God Zech 4:7 (twice in verse); Zech 12:10 chiefly in phrases: מצא חן בעיני find favour in the eyes of: (I) men Gen 30:27; Gen 32:6; Gen 33:8; Gen 33:10; Gen 33:15; Gen 34:11; Gen 39:4; Gen 47:25; Gen 47:29; Gen 50:4; Num 32:5 (all J); Deut 24:1; Ruth 2:2; Ruth 2:10; Ruth 2:13; 1Sam 1:18; 1Sam 16:22; 1Sam 20:3; 1Sam 20:29; 1Sam 25:8; 1Sam 27:5; 2Sam 14:22; 2Sam 16:4; 1Kgs 11:19; Esth 5:8; Esth 7:3 (2) of God Gen 6:8; Gen 18:3; Gen 19:19; Exod 33:12; Exod 33:13 (twice in verse); Exod 33:16; Exod 33:17; Exod 34:9; Num 11:11; Num 11:15 (all J); Judg 6:17; 2Sam 15:25; Prov 3:4 absolute מצא חן (with man) Prov 28:23 (with God) Jer 31:2 מֹצא חן לפניו Esth 8:5 (i.e. of the king); נתן חן בעיני give favour in the eyes of (I) man Gen 39:21; Exod 3:21; Exod 11:3; Exod 12:36 (J); absolute נתן חן of man Ps 84:12 (2) of God Prov 3:34 נשׂא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי obtain favour in the eyes of Esth 2:15 of the king Esth 5:2 so וַתִּשָּׂאחֵֿן וָחֶסֶד לְפָנָיו Esth 2:17.

Strong's Definition H2580

grace, favour, gracious, pleasant, precious

ḥēn

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

favor, grace, charm

favor, grace, elegance

Variations 5 forms of this word

Translations 13 English renderings

Grace

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Word Parts

וְ שִׂפְת֥וֹת

וְ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

שִׂפְת֥וֹת

Root word lips, bank, brim, edge, language, …

Dictionary form: שָׂפָה · saw-PAW

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar C/Ncfpc

Noun — Common, feminine plural, construct state plural — usually add "-s"; "___ of …" — bound to the next word

וְ	Speech Conjunction
שִׂפְתוֹת	Speech Noun Type Common Gender Feminine Number Plural State Construct

In English

In the KJV here: but the lips

lips ×20 my lips ×11 his lips ×10 the bank ×8 the lips ×7 of his lips ×6 the edge ×6 of my lips ×5

More options

lip — Primary anatomical sense; most broadly applicable.

edge — Prefer for spatial/geographical contexts like riverbanks.

bank — Best for river or water's edge contexts.

shore — Use specifically for sea or lake margins.

language — Prefer when the sense is speech community or tongue.

speech — Use when emphasizing spoken words or manner of talking.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB8298 H8193

שָׂפָה₁₇₆ noun feminine [masculine Exod 28:32, edge, compare Albr^{ZAW xvi (1896), 76}], lip, speech, edge; — absolute ׳שׂ Gen 11:1 +, construct שְׂפַת vGen 11:7 +; suffix שְׂפָתוֺ 1Kgs 7:23 +, etc.; oftener dual שְׂפָתַיִם Isa 6:5 +, construct שִׂפְתֵי Ps 12:4 +; suffix שְׂפָתַי Jer 17:16 +, suffix 3 masculine plural שְׂפָתֵימוֺ Ps 59:13; Ps 140:4; Ps 140:10, etc.; plural (in poetry and late) construct שִׂפְתוֺת Eccl 10:12, suffix שִׂפְתוֺתֶיךָ etc. Ps 45:3; Ps 59:8; Isa 59:3; Song 4:3; Song 4:11; Song 5:13 —

1. lip:
a. usually (c. 108 t.) human organ of speech (often || פֶּה, לָשׁוֺן rarely [only late poetry] חֵךְ: 10 t. Job; 25 t. Psalms; 45 t. Proverbs): (1) Isa 29:13; Lev 5:4 (P), Job 13:6; Mal 2:6; Ps 12:5; Prov 5:3 +; ׳דַּל שׂ Ps 141:3 (see דָּל); ׳אִישׁ שׂ Job 11:2 = a talker, ׳אֱוִיל שׂ Prov 10:8 = one talking folly, so vProv 10:10 (ᵑ0; but see Toy); טְמֵא שְׂפָתַיִם Isa 6:5 (twice in verse) compare vIsa 6:7; Dan 10:16 ׳עֲרַל שׂ Exod 6:12; Exod 6:30 (P; unskilled in speech); ׳עִקֵּשׁ שׂ Exod 19:1 ׳פֹּתֶה שׂ Exod 20:19 see [ פָּתָה] p. 834; ׳מוֺצָא שׂ i.e. utterance, Deut 23:24; Jer 17:16; Num 30:13 (P), Ps 89:35, ׳רוּחַ שׂ Isa 11:4 (of Messianic king), ׳דְּבַר שׂ Ps 59:13; Prov 14:23 +, = mere, empty, word 2Kgs 18:20 = Isa 36:5 ׳תְּבוּאַת שׂ Prov 18:20, ׳נוב שׂ Isa 57:19 (thanksgiving), compare Hos 14:3 (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 and most פְּדִי for פָּרִים); of flattery, ׳חֵלֶק שׂ Prov 7:21, שְׂפַת חֲלָקוֺת Ps 12:3; Ps 12:4 compare שִׂפְתֵי מִרְמָה Ps 17:1, שֶׁקֶר ׳שׂ Ps 31:9 + 4 t., שְׂפַת אָוֶן Prov 17:4 poison beneath (compare לָשׁוֺן) Ps 140:4 (figurative); ׳פֶּשַׁע שׂ Prov 12:13 ׳לְזוּת שׂ Prov 4:24 אֱמֶת ׳שׂ Prov 12:19, יָ֑תֶר ׳שׂ Prov 17:7, צֶדֶק ׳שׂ Prov 16:13, דַּעַת ׳שׂ Prov 14:7; Prov 20:15 ׳חֵן שׂ Prov 22:11 שָׂפָה בְרוּרָה Zeph 3:9 רְנָנוֺת ׳שׂ Ps 63:5 i.e. lips that shout for joy; with verbs: ׳פָּתַח שׂ (to speak) Job 11:5; Job 30:20 (Gi vJob 30:21), compare Ps 51:17, ׳מִפְתַּח שׂ Prov 8:6 ׳פָּשַׁק שׂ Prov 13:3 i.e. prate; מָֽלְאוּ זַעַם ׳שׂ Isa 30:27 ׳שׂ subject of דִּבֶּר Isa 59:3; Prov 24:2 ׳נָשָׂא עַלשֿׂ Ps 16:14 ׳קָרַץ שׂ Prov 16:30 = backbite; ׳אָטַם שׂ Prov 17:28 = keep silence, so ׳חָשַׂךְ שׂ Prov 10:19, כָּלָא ׳שׂ Ps 40:10. (2) lips moving in speech, with נוּעַ 1Sam 1:13, נִיד Job 16:5. (3) transition to meaning speech, עָלָה עַלשְֿׂפַת לָשׁוֺן Ezek 36:3 = ability to speak Job 12:20.
b. organ of laughter Job 8:21.
c. of insulting grimace ׳הִפְטִיר בְּשׂ Ps 22:8.
d. quivering in terror Hab 3:16.
e. feature of beauty Song 4:3 (scarlet). feminine place of bridle 2Kgs 19:28 = Isa 37:29 (see מֶתֶג).
g. receiving kiss Prov 24:26 compare Song 4:11 and (in figurative) Song 7:10.
h. of divine speech, ׳מִצְוַת שׂ Job 23:12, ׳דְּבַר שׂ Ps 17:4.

2. language (see לָשׁוֺן), Gen 11:1; Gen 11:6; Gen 11:7 (twice in verse); Gen 11:9; Ps 81:6 ׳עַם עִמְקֵי שׂ Ezek 3:5; Ezek 3:6; Isa 33:19, ׳לַעֲגֵי שׂ Isa 28:11 שְׂפַת כְּנַעַן Isa 19:18 (i.e. Hebrew).

3. edge: shore of sea Gen 22:17 (J) + 7 t.; bank of river Gen 41:3; Gen 41:17 (E) + 5 t., of wady (נַחַל) Deut 2:36 + 7 t.; lip (bank) of אָבֵל מְחוֺלָה Judg 7:22 compare GASm^{G 400}; brim of vessel 1Kgs 7:23 (twice in verse) + 7 t.; edge of altar Ezek 43:13 of curtains (in pairs) Exod 26:4 (twice in verse) (P) + 6 t.; of חשֶׁן, toward ephod Exod 28:26 = Exod 39:19 (P); of round opening in robe (יִהְיֶה) לְפִיו ׳שׂ Exod 28:32 = Exod 39:23 (P).

Strong's Definition H8193

lips, bank, brim, edge, language, …

śāpâ

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

lip (as body part)

Variations 49 forms of this word

Translations 71 English renderings

Lips

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Word Parts

כְּסִ֖יל

Root word fool, fools, foolish

Dictionary form: כְּסִיל · keh-SEEL

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Aamsa

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

כְּסִיל

Speech Adjective Type Adjective Gender Masculine Number Singular State Absolute

In English

In the KJV here: of a fool

of fools ×16 of a fool ×7 a fool ×6 the fool ×5 but a foolish ×3 a foolish ×2 a fools ×2 and ye fools ×2

More options

fool — Core rendering; suits most prose and poetry contexts.

dullard — Emphasizes stubborn mental obtuseness, not mere silliness.

blockhead — Colloquial; captures the kĕsîl's thick-headed obstinacy vividly.

simpleton — Highlights naive, unreflective character; slightly gentler register.

senseless person — Transparent periphrasis; useful when audience is unfamiliar with 'fool'.

numbskull — Informal; reserves for satirical or rhetorical passages only.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB4120 H3684

I. כְּסִיל₇₀ noun masculine stupid fellow, dullard, fool; — ׳כ Ps 49:11 + 44 t.; plural כְּסִילִים Ps 94:8 + 25 t.; — || בער Ps 49:11; Ps 92:7; Ps 94:8, elsewhere only in Wisd Lt.; he hates knowledge Prov 1:22 delights not in understanding Prov 18:2 it is his sport to do mischief Prov 10:23 his heart proclaimeth אִוֶּלָת Prov 12:23 his mouth poureth it forth Prov 15:2, and feedeth on it Prov 15:14.

Strong's Definition H3684

fool, fools, foolish

kĕsîl

properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly

fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one

Variations 17 forms of this word

Translations 29 English renderings

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Word Parts

תְּבַלְּעֶֽ נּוּ

תְּבַלְּעֶֽ

Root word up, destroy, down, swallowed, devoured, …

נּוּ

Suffix — pronoun his / him / it

Dictionary form: בָּלַע · baw-LA

Vowels & Accents

Hebrew Alephbet

Grammar Vpi3fs/Sp3ms

Verb — Piel, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person feminine singular intensive — "he really / thoroughly did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "she (or it)"

תְּבַלְּעֶֽ	Speech Verb Stem Piel Type Imperfect (Yiqtol) Person Third Person Gender Feminine Number Singular
נּוּ	Speech Suffix Type Pronominal Person Third Person Gender Masculine Number Singular

Verb Chart

Full verb chart

In English

In the KJV here: will swallow up himself

and devoured ×2 and swallowed them up ×2 devoureth ×2 he hath swallowed up ×2 and destroy ×1 and he will destroy ×1 and swallow them up ×1 and swallowed them up together ×1

More options

swallow — Most direct modern equivalent; best for literal contexts.

devour — Vivid, aggressive consumption; suits predatory or violent imagery.

engulf — Implies total overwhelming; good for floods, chaos, or disaster.

consume — Broader destruction; fits fire, war, or abstract ruin.

destroy — Emphasizes end result over the act; suits judicial or divine judgment.

swallow up — Retains idiomatic completeness; use when totality must be stressed.

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

BDB1147 H1104

בָּלַע verb swallow down, swallow up, engulf (idea of quickness, suddenness) (Late Hebrew id., Arabic swallow, Ethiopic eat, Aramaic בְּלַע, ; Assyrian bêlû, Pi`el destroy Zim^{BP 27}) —

Qal Perfect בָּלַע Job 20:15, suffix בְּלָעַנִי Jer 51:34 (Qr, compare ᵐ5 Kt נוּ-); 3 feminine singular בָּֽלְעָה Num 16:30 3 plural suffix בְּלָעוּנוּ Ps 124:3 Imperfect יִבְלָ֑ע Job 20:18, וַיִּבְלַע Exod 7:12, suffix יִבְלָעֶנָּה Isa 28:4 3 feminine singular וַתִּבְלַע Num 16:32 + 2 t.; suffix תִּבְלָעֵנִי Ps 69:16, תִּבְלָעֵנוּ Num 16:34, וַתִּבְלָעֵם Deut 11:6, תִּבְלָעֵמוֺ Exod 15:12 3 masculine plural suffix יִבְלָעֻהוּ Hos 8:7 3 feminine plural וַתִּבְלַעְנָה Gen 41:7, וַתִּבְלַעְןָ Gen 41:24 1 plural suffix נִבְלָעֵם Prov 1:12 Infinitive לִבְלֹעַ Jonah 2:1 suffix בִּלְעִי Job 7:19 —

1. swallow down, with accusative Job 7:19; Isa 28:4, subject דָּג Jonah 2:1 subject שִׁבֳּלִים Gen 41:7; Gen 41:24 מַטֶּה Exod 7:12.

2. swallow up, engulf, subject אֶרֶץ Exod 15:12; Num 16:30; Num 16:32; Num 16:34; Num 26:10; Deut 11:6; Ps 106:17 figurative of greed Job 20:15 (object חַיִל; opposed to קיא vomit); of violence, extortion Prov 1:12 (כִּשְׁאוֺל); of devastation by enemy Hos 8:7; Jer 51:34; Ps 124:3 over-whelming by calamity Ps 69:16 (subject מצולה); of full enjoyment, profit Job 20:18 (no object) Niph`al Perfect נִבְלַע Hos 8:8, נִבְלְעוּ Isa 28:7 — swallowed up, i.e. devastated Hos 8:8 engulfed by wine (yet compare Pi`el Isa 3:12) Isa 28:7 (מןהֿיין ׳נ, || שָׁגוּ בַשֵּׁכָר). Pi`el Perfect בִּלַּע Isa 25:8 + 3 t.; וּבִלַּע consecutive Isa 25:7 3 plural בִּלֵּ֑עוּ Isa 3:12 1 plural בִּלָּ֑עְנוּ Lam 2:16, suffix בִּלַּעֲנוּהוּ Ps 35:25 Imperfect יְבַלַּעֿ Prov 19:28, suffix 3 masculine singular יְבַלְּעֶנּוּ Job 8:18; Prov 21:20 יְבַלְּעֵם Ps 21:10 3 feminine singular suffix 3 masculine singular תְּבַלְּעֶנּוּ Eccl 10:12 2 masculine singular תְּבַלַּע 2Sam 20:19, suffix וַתְּבַלְּעֵנִי Job 10:8 1 singular אֲבַלַּע 2Sam 20:20, אֲבַלֵּ֑עַ Isa 19:3 Imperative בַּלַּע Ps 55:10 Infinitive בַּלַּע Num 4:20; Hab 1:13, בַּלֵּ֑עַ Lam 2:8, suffix בַּלְּעוֺ Job 2:3 Participle suffix מְבַלְּעָ֑יִךְ Isa 49:19 —

1. swallow Num 4:20 (כְּבַלַּע as a swallowing = for an instant); elsewhere

2. swallow up, engulf, usually with accusative,
a. figurative of destruction, ruin, Isa 3:12 (object דֶּרֶךְ); (Ba from a √ II. בלע confound, compare Di; see also Isa 9:15; Isa 19:3; Isa 28:7; Ps 55:10; Ps 107:27); subject ׳י Lam 2:2; Lam 2:5 (twice in verse); Lam 2:8; Job 2:3; Job 10:8; Ps 21:10 (|| אכל), Isa 19:3 (object עֵצָה), i.e. confuse, confound; so Ps 55:10 בַּלַּע אֲדֹנָי פַּלַּג לְשׁוֺנָם confuse, Lord, divide their speech (compare בלל Gen 11:7; Gen 11:9 & see De Che); subject wicked men, enemies Ps 35:25; Isa 49:19 compare Lam 2:16 (absolute) Hab 1:13 object reflexive in sense Eccl 10:12 = annihilate Isa 25:7; Isa 25:8
b. literally = destroy 2Sam 20:19; 2Sam 20:20 (|| הִשְׁחִית); indefinite subject Job 8:18 ממקמו ׳יב;
c. figurative for greedily (seize, adopt) practise Prov 19:28, for extravagance, squandering Prov 21:20. Pu`al Imperfect יְבֻלַּע 2Sam 17:16, יְבֻלָּ֑ע Job 37:20 Participle מְבֻלָּעִים Isa 9:15 — be swallowed up, i.e. destroyed Job 37:20 compare פֶּןיְֿבֻלַּע לַמֶּלֶךְ 2Sam 17:16 (impersonal); ruined Isa 9:15 (yet compare below Pi`el) Hithpa`el Imperfect 3 feminine singular תִּתְבַּלָּ֑ע Ps 107:27 (subject חכמה) their wisdom is all gone, 'they are at their wit's end' (compare below Pi`el)

Strong's Definition H1104

up, destroy, down, swallowed, devoured, …

bālaʿ

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up

(Qal)

to swallow down

to swallow

Variations 44 forms of this word

Translations 45 English renderings

Ecclesiastes 10:11

Read Ecclesiastes 10

Ecclesiastes 10:13