Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

לְ הָבִ֣ין
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
הָבִ֣ין
Root word understand, understanding, consider, understood, prudent, …
Dictionary form: בִּין · been

Verb — Hiphil, Infinitive Construct, construct state causative — "he made (someone) do" try "to ___" or "___ing"

In the KJV here: to understand
understand ×10 consider ×8 and understanding ×4 give me understanding ×4 to understand ×4 understood ×4 and consider ×3 of him that hath understanding ×3
More options
understand — Most direct equivalent; best default rendering.
discern — Emphasizes careful distinction; good for perceptual or moral contexts.
perceive — Highlights insight gained through observation or experience.
reflect on — Suitable when the nuance is deliberate, thoughtful consideration.
have insight — Captures the wisdom/intelligence dimension of the lemma.
take note of — Use when attention or careful regard is the primary sense.

BDB1035 H995 H4000

BDB1034 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1036

בִּין verb discern (ZMG 1883, 592 f.; Arabic become separated, be distinct, IV. speak perspicuously; Ethiopic 1. 2 consider, perceive, Aramaic make to understand, compare Sabean בין (the) wise, as epithet, MordtZMG 1876, 37) —

Qal Perfect בִּין Dan 10:1 בַּנְתָּה Ps 139:2 בִּינֹתִי Dan 9:2 Imperfect יָבִין Ps 19:13 + 25 t. וְיָבֵן Jer 9:11 + 2 t., וַיָּבֶן 1Sam 3:8 + 2 t.; אָבִינָה Ps 73:17 + 4 t.; יָבִינוּ Prov 28:5 + 12 t.; Imperative בִּין Dan 9:23 בִּינָה Ps 5:2 בִּינוּ Deut 32:7 + 2 t.; Infinitive absolute בִּין Prov 23:1 Participle בָּנִים Jer 49:7
1. perceive (with the senses); —
  a. eyes, accusative Prov 7:7, with לְ Job 9:11; Job 14:21; Job 23:8; Prov 14:15.
  b. ears, accusative Prov 29:19, with לְ Job 13:1.
  c. touch, accusative Ps 58:10. d. taste, acc. Job 6:30.
2. understand, know (with mind): —
  a. absolute Job 18:2; Job 38:20; Job 42:3; Ps 49:21; Ps 82:5; Prov 24:12; Isa 6:9; Isa 6:10; Isa 44:18; Dan 12:10; Hos 4:14; Hos 14:10 שׁמעתי ולא אבין I heard but I could not understand Dan 12:8.
  b. accusative Job 15:9; Job 23:5; Job 36:29; Prov 2:5; Prov 2:9; Prov 20:24; Prov 28:5; Ps 19:13; Ps 92:7; Jer 9:11 יבין משׁפט Job 32:9; Prov 28:5 יבין דעת Prov 29:7.
  c. with כִּי 1Sam 3:8; 2Sam 12:19; Isa 43:10.
  d. with infinitive & לְ, יבין לָדָֽעַת Isa 32:4
3. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention): —
  a. accusative Deut 32:7; Ps 5:2; Ps 50:22; Ps 94:7; Ps 94:8; Prov 23:1; Prov 21:29 (Qr) Dan 9:2; Dan 10:1.
  b. with לְ, Ps 73:17; Ps 139:2; Deut 32:29.
  c. with בְּ, Ezra 8:15; Neh 13:7; Dan 9:23.
  d. with אל, Ps 28:5.
  e. with עַל, Dan 11:30; Dan 11:37.
4. have discernment, insight, understanding Jer 49:7. Niph`al נְבֻנוֺתִי Isa 10:12 Participle נָבוֺן Gen 41:33 + 15 t.; plural נְבוֺנִים Jer 4:22, elsewhere נְבֹנִים Deut 1:13; Isa 5:22 (Baer) Eccl 9:11 נְבֹנָיו Isa 29:14 be intelligent, discreet, discerning, have understanding 1Sam 16:18; Prov 1:5; Prov 10:13; Prov 14:6; Prov 16:21; Prov 17:28; Prov 19:25; Eccl 9:11; Isa 3:3; Isa 5:21; Isa 10:13; Isa 29:14; Jer 4:22; Hos 14:10 לֵב נָבוֺן intelligent mind Prov 14:33; Prov 15:14; Prov 18:15 נָבוֺן וְחָכָם Gen 41:33; Gen 41:39 חכם ונבון Deut 4:6; 1Kgs 3:12 חכמים ונבנים Deut 1:13. Po. יְבוֺנְַנֵהוּ he attentively considereth him Deut 32:10. Hiph`il Perfect הֵבִין Job 28:33 + 5 t.; Imperfect יָבִין Isa 28:9 + 4 t.; וַיָּבֶן 2Chr 11:23; Dan 9:22 Infinitive הָבִין Ps 32:9 + 9 t.; Imperative הָבֵן Dan 8:16 + 12 t.; Participle מֵבִין Prov 28:7 + 26 t.; —
1. understand:
  a. absolute Isa 29:16; Isa 40:21; Isa 56:11; 1Kgs 3:11; Ps 32:9; Dan 8:17; Dan 10:12.
  b. accusative 1Chr 28:9; Job 28:23; Prov 1:2; Prov 1:6; Prov 8:5; Prov 14:8; Isa 28:19; Dan 8:23; Mic 4:12 מֵבִין one with understanding Prov 8:9; Prov 17:10; Prov 17:24; Prov 28:2; Prov 28:7; Prov 28:11 מְבִינֵי מַדָּע Dan 1:4 able to understand (i.e. old enough) Neh 8:3; Neh 10:29, compare Neh 8:2 (followed by לִשׁמֹעַ).
2. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern, absolute Isa 57:1; 2Chr 11:23; Dan 8:5 with בְּ Neh 8:12; Dan 9:23; Dan 10:11 מֵבִין בְּ skilled in 2Chr 26:5; 2Chr 34:12 with אֶל Ps 33:15 בין טוב לרע 1Kgs 3:9. 3 give understanding make understand, teach:
  a. absolute Dan 8:27; Dan 9:22.
  b. with accusative of person Ps 119:34; Ps 119:73; Ps 119:125; Ps 119:130; Ps 119:144; Ps 119:169; Job 32:8; Neh 8:7; Neh 8:9; Isa 40:14.
  c. with לְ person 2Chr 35:3; Dan 11:33 with לְ person & accusative of thing Job 6:24; Dan 8:16.
  d. בְּ of thing Neh 8:8, + accusative of person Dan 1:17.
  e. double accusative Isa 28:9; Ps 119:27; Dan 10:14 מֵבִין teacher 1Chr 15:22; 1Chr 25:7; 1Chr 25:8; 1Chr 27:32; Ezra 8:16. Hithpa`el Perfect הִתְבּוֺנָ֑ן Isa 1:3 + 6 t.; Imperfect אֶתְבּוֺנֵן Job 23:15 + 3 t.; אֶתְבּוֺנָ֑ן Job 32:12 + 5 t.; יִתְבּוֺנְנוּ Ps 107:43 + 2 t.; יִתְבּוֺנָ֑נוּ Isa 14:16; Isa 43:18.
1. shew oneself attentive, consider diligently:
  a. absolute Job 11:11; Job 23:15; Isa 1:3; Jer 2:10; Jer 9:16.
  b. accusative Job 37:14; Ps 107:43; Ps 119:95; Isa 43:18; Isa 52:15.
  c. with אֶל 1Kgs 3:21; Isa 14:16.
  d. with עַל Job 31:1; Ps 37:10
  e. with עד Job 32:12; Job 38:18. feminine with בְּ Job 30:20; Jer 23:20 (= Jer 30:24).
2. get understanding, understand Job 26:14; Ps 119:104.
3. shew oneself to have understanding Ps 119:100

understand, understanding, consider, understood, prudent, …
bîn
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
  • to discern, understand, consider
    • (Qal)
      • to perceive, discern
      • "to understand, know (with the mind)"to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider"to have discernment, insight, understanding
      (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding"(Hiphil)
      • to understand
      • "to cause to understand, give understanding, teach
      (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently"(Polel) to teach, instruct
    be prudent, regard

מָ֭שָׁל
מָ֭שָׁל
Root word parable, proverb, proverbs, parables, byword, …
Dictionary form: מָשָׁל · maw-SHAWL

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a proverb
his parable ×9 proverb ×5 a parable ×4 a proverb ×4 proverbs ×3 and a proverb ×2 so is a parable ×2 the proverbs ×2
More options
proverb — Best for short, pithy wisdom sayings; most common sense.
parable — Use for extended narrative or illustrative comparison.
saying — Neutral, colloquial; fits brief proverbial expressions.
byword — When a person or place becomes a cautionary example.
allegory — Use when the figurative layer is sustained and elaborate.
taunt — Fits contexts of mockery or public ridicule (e.g. Isa 14:4).

BDB4874 H4912

BDB4873 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4875

II. מָשָׁל noun masculineIsa 14:4 proverb, parable (of sentences constructed in parallelism, usually of Hebrew Wisdom, but occasionally of other types); — absolute ׳מ Ezek 17:2 + 20 t.; construct מְשַׁל 1Sam 24:14 suffix מְשָׁלוֺ Num 23:7 + 8 t.; plural מְשָׁלִים Eccl 12:9 + 2 t.; construct מִשְׁלֵי Prov 1:1 + 3 t.; —

1. proverbial saying, brief terse sentence of popular sagacity 1Sam 10:12; Ezek 12:22; Ezek 12:23; Ezek 18:2; Ezek 18:3 הַקַדְמֹנִי ׳מ 1Sam 24:14 proverb of the ancients.
2. by-word Ps 44:15; Ps 69:12 לְמָשָׁל וְלִשְׁנִינָה Deut 28:37; 1Kgs 9:7; 2Chr 7:20; Jer 24:9 לְאוֺת וּלְמָשָׁל Ezek 14:8
3. prophetic figurative discourse: נָשָׂא מָשָׁל lift up, utter a ׳מ Num 23:7; Num 23:18; Num 24:3; Num 24:15; Num 24:20; Num 24:21; Num 24:23 (all of Balaam); Isa 14:4; Mic 2:4 (|| נהי) Hab 2:6 (|| חידה), (compare Job 27:1; Job 29:1 for same phrase under 6).
4. similitude, parable, Ezek 17:2; Ezek 21:5; Ezek 24:3.

5. poem, of various kinds: the ode (Num 21:27-30), the 3,000 pieces traditionally ascribed to Solomon 1Kgs 5:12, didactic psalms Ps 49:5; Ps 78:2.
6. sentences of ethical wisdom דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים collected in the מִשְׁלֵי שְׁלֹמֹה Prov 10:1; Prov 25:1 (Prov 10:1-22:16 consisting of 376 couplets chiefly antithetical; Prov 25:1-29:200 chiefly couplets of an emblematic type, but also occasional tristichs, tetrastichs, pentastichs, and decastichs. To these are appended דְּבָרִים of a more mixed character as to size and content Prov 30:1-14 vProv 30:15-33; Prov 31:1-9 vProv 31:10-31 the Praise of Wisdom Prov 1:8-9 is prefixed, and an introduction to the whole Prov 1:1-7, in which the whole contents are represented as) משׁלים Prov 1:1, compare vProv 1:6. The references in Job 13:12; Job 27:1; Job 29:1; Prov 26:7; Prov 26:9; Eccl 12:9 are to the same type of wisdom.

parable, proverb, proverbs, parables, byword, …
māšāl
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
  • proverb, parable
    • proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism
    • "byword"similitude, parable"poem"sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims

וּ מְלִיצָ֑ה
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
מְלִיצָ֑ה
Root word interpretation, taunting
Dictionary form: מְלִיצָה · meh-lee-TSAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: and the interpretation
and the interpretation ×1 him and a taunting ×1
More options
riddle — Captures the puzzling, indirect speech nuance well.
taunt — Use when the tone is mocking or derisive.
interpretation — Modernized KJV sense; explanatory or expository context.
satire — Prefer when the speech is pointed social criticism.
epigram — Suits a witty, pithy, literary saying.
figure of speech — Broad option for non-literal, rhetorical expression.

BDB4413 H4426

BDB4412 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4414

מְלִיצָה noun [feminine] satire, mocking-poem Hab 2:6, also Prov 1:6 (al. here figure, enigma).

interpretation, taunting
mĕlîṣâ
an aphorism; also a satire
  • satire, mocking poem, mocking song, taunting, figure, enigma

דִּבְרֵ֥י
דִּבְרֵ֥י
Root word word, words, thing, acts, things, …
Dictionary form: דָּבָר · daw-BAWR

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

In the KJV here: the words
the word ×142 the words ×132 thing ×103 words ×92 of the acts ×43 things ×42 of the chronicles ×37 word ×36
More options
word — Best for divine speech, commands, or prophetic utterances.
matter — Prefer when context is a topic, affair, or issue.
thing — Broad default when no specific semantic fits better.
message — Use when content is being conveyed from a sender.
account — Fits historical or narrative contexts, e.g. royal records.
decree — Best for official, authoritative, or legal pronouncements.

BDB1816 H1697

BDB1815 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1817

דָּבָר1439 noun masculine speech, word — Gen 18:14 + 446 t.; construct דְּבַר Gen 12:17 + 361 t.; suffix דְּבָרִי Num 11:23 + (suffixes 66 t.); singular in all 875 t.; plural דְּבָרִים Exod 4:10 + 182 t.; construct דִּבְרֵי Gen 24:30 + 253 t.; suffix דְּבָרָיו Gen 37:8 (suffixes 127 t.); plural in all 564 t.; —

I. singular speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken:
1. of men,
  a. נְבוֺן דָּבָר discreet in speech 1Sam 16:18 שְׂפָתַיִם ׳ד speech of lips Ps 59:13, mere talk Isa 36:5 (= 2Kgs 18:20) Prov 14:23 (compare Ps 17:4 speech of God's lips); דָּבָר מָר bitter speech Ps 64:4 כָּזָב ׳ד lying speech Prov 30:8 דְּבָֽרְךָ טוֺכ thy saying is good 1Sam 9:10 וּדְבַר אַבְנֵר הָיָה עִם and the speech of Abner had been with the elders of Israel 2Sam 3:17 (compare 1Kgs 1:7); אמר הדבר הזה say this saying Jer 23:38; Jer 31:23 compare Jer 13:12; Jer 14:17 (of God), 1Sam 8:10 (׳דִּבְרֵי י).
  b. word of command, (הַ)מֶּלֶךְ ׳ד 1Chr 21:4; 1Chr 21:6; Esth 1:12 + 6 t. Esther; Eccl 8:4 compare 2Chr 30:5; 2Chr 31:5; Dan 9:23; Dan 9:25 מַלְכוּת ׳ד royal edict Esth 1:19 כדבר עשׂה do according to the command of Gen 44:2; Gen 47:30; Exod 8:9; Exod 8:27; Exod 12:35; Exod 32:28 (J) Lev 10:7 (P) Judg 11:10; Ezra 10:5; Neh 5:12; Neh 5:13 compare 2Sam 17:6 (word of counsel), 1Kgs 3:12 (request), 1Kgs 17:13 (proposal; on these meanings see below)
  c. message, report, tidings, וַיִּשְׁמַע הָעָם אֶתהַֿדָּבָר הָרָע הַזֶּה and the people heard this evil report Exod 33:4 (JE) compare 1Kgs 20:12 אמת (היה) הדבר the report was true 1Kgs 10:6 = 2Chr 9:5 עַד בּוֺא דָבָר מֵעִמָּכֶם until word come from you 2Sam 15:28 ויגע הדבר אל מלך נינוה Jonah 3:6 הֵשִׁיב דָּבָר return or bring word, report Gen 37:14; Num 13:26; Num 22:8 (J) Deut 1:22; Deut 1:25; Josh 14:7; Josh 22:32 (D) 1Kgs 2:30; 1Kgs 20:9; 2Kgs 22:9; 2Kgs 22:20 (= 2Chr 34:16; 2Chr 34:28), but answer 1Sam 17:30; 2Sam 3:11; 2Sam 24:13 (= 1Chr 21:12), 1Kgs 12:6; 1Kgs 12:9 (= 2Chr 10:6; 2Chr 10:9), 2Chr 12:16; Neh 2:20; Prov 18:13; Prov 27:11; Isa 41:28; Ezek 9:11 (DrSm, p, 190 explains the phrase as turn back with a word); compare דבר (לא) ענה answer something or nothing 1Kgs 18:21; 2Kgs 18:36; Ps 119:42; Isa 36:21; Jer 44:20 see IV. 6; דברים השׁיב return words Exod 19:8 (E) Prov 24:26 see
III. 1. d. advice, counsel, בדבר בלעם by advice of Balaam Num 31:16 (P), compare Judg 20:7; 2Sam 19:44; Esth 5:5.
  e. request, אמתו of his maid, עבדו of his servant 2Sam 14:15; 2Sam 14:22.
  f. promise, לא יחל דברו he shall not break his word Num 30:3 (P), compare הקים דבר perform a promise Neh 5:13, see also 2 b. g. charge, complaint, אם אמת היה הדבר הזה if this charge be true Deut 22:20 compare Deut 13:15; Deut 17:4, שׂים דבר בְּ 1Sam 22:15, שׂים עלילות דברים לְ Deut 22:14; Deut 22:17.
  h. decision, sentence, דְּבַר הַמִּשְׁפָּט the sentence of judgment Deut 17:9 compare vDeut 17:10 vDeut 17:11.
  i. theme, story, רָחַשׁ לִבִּי דָּבָר טוֺב my heart swells with a good theme Ps 45:2 דְּבַרגְּבוּרוֺת the story of his great might Job 41:4.
2. word of God, as a divine communication in the form of commandments, prophecy, and words of help to his people, used 394 times. This word is communicated in several ways:
  a. אל ׳ויהי דבר י then the word of Yahweh came unto 1Sam 15:10; 2Sam 7:4 (compare אלהים 1Chr 17:3), 1Kgs 6:11; 1Kgs 13:20; 1Kgs 16:1; 1Kgs 17:2; 1Kgs 17:8; 1Kgs 21:17; 1Kgs 21:28; 2Chr 11:2 (compare האלהים 1Kgs 12:22): compare 1Chr 22:8 (על by confusion), Isa 38:4; Jer 1:4 + 20 t. Jeremiah, Ezek 3:16 + 41 t. Ezekiel; Jonah 1:1; Jonah 3:1; Hag 2:20; Zech 4:8; Zech 6:9; Zech 7:4; Zech 7:8; Zech 8:1 (without אל) vZech 8:18 אל ׳י ׳היה ד Gen 15:1; 2Chr 12:7; Jer 25:3 + 4 t. Jeremiah; Ezek 1:3 + 7 t. Ezekiel; Dan 9:2; Zech 1:1; Zech 1:7; Zech 7:1 אל ׳י ׳הנה ד Gen 15:4; 1Kgs 19:9 היה אל ׳י ׳ד 2Sam 24:11; 1Kgs 16:7; 1Kgs 18:1; 2Kgs 20:4; Ezek 24:20 ביד ׳י ׳היה ד Hag 1:1; Hag 2:1; Hag 2:10 ביד ׳י ׳ויהי ד Hag 1:3 אשׁר ׳י ׳היה אל ד Hos 1:1; Joel 1:1 Micah; Zeph 1:1 ׳י ׳אליו אשׁר היה ד 1Kgs 18:31; Jer 1:2 ׳אל יר ׳י ׳אשׁר היה ד Jer 14:1; Jer 46:1; Jer 47:1; Jer 49:34 (see אשׁר 6 a); הדבר אשׁר היה אל Jer 7:1 + 11 t. Jeremiah; ׳י ׳את ד 2Kgs 3:12; Jer 23:28; Jer 27:18 compare אֵלַי דָּבָר יְגֻנָּב unto me a word was brought by stealth Job 4:12, compare ׳וְטֶרֶם יִגָּלֶה אֵלָיו דְּבַר י and the word of Yahweh was not yet revealed unto him 1Sam 3:7. Yahweh also sends his word שׁלח Ps 107:20; Ps 147:18; Isa 9:7; Jer 42:5 (compare plural Zech 7:12) and makes it an object of vision ראה Jer 2:31; Jer 38:21 (compare plural Ezek 11:25), חזה Isa 2:1 it is also commanded צוה Exod 16:16; Exod 16:32; Exod 35:4; Lev 8:5; Lev 9:6; Lev 17:2; Num 30:2; Num 36:6 (P) Deut 4:2; Deut 13:1; Deut 15:15; Deut 4:10 (D) 1Chr 16:15 (= Ps 105:8) Neh 1:8; Jer 7:23, compare הדברים אשׁר צוה Exod 35:1; Lev 8:36 (P) Exod 19:7 (E) Deut 6:6.
  b. Yahweh confirms his word of promise Deut 9:5; 1Sam 1:23 (where read דְּבָרֵךְ thy word according to ᵐ5 ᵑ6 & Dr), 1Kgs 2:4; 1Kgs 6:12; 1Kgs 8:20; Jer 29:10; Jer 33:14, and his word of warning 1Kgs 12:15; Dan 9:12 his word stands for ever Isa 40:8 it is settled for ever in heaven Ps 119:89 he remembers his holy word דבר קדשׁו Ps 105:42 (compare דִּבְרֵי קָדְשׁוֺ Jer 23:9); he himself Joel 2:11, the angels Ps 103:20, and forces of nature Ps 148:8 עשׂה דברו do his word of command; by his word the heavens were made Ps 33:6 it is near his people, in their mouth and heart Deut 30:14 a lamp to their feet Ps 119:105. II. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse: —
1. of men,
  a. דָּבָר בְּעִתּוֺ a word in due season Prov 15:23 compare Job 4:2; Prov 12:25 commonly in plural, דִּבְרֵי (הַ)שִּׁירָ(הׅ words of the song (i.e. its lines of poetry) Deut 31:30; Deut 32:44; Ps 18:1 (= 2Sam 22:1) Ps 137:3 הלל בדברי דויד to sing praises with the words of David (his psalms) 2Chr 29:30 דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים sentences of the wise Prov 1:6; Prov 22:17; Eccl 9:17; Eccl 12:11 these sayings are commonly written, compare דברי האגרת words of the letterEsth 9:26 הדברים עתיקים the records are ancient 1Chr 4:22 דִּבְרֵי (ה)סֵפֶר Isa 29:11; Isa 29:18; Jer 29:1.
  b. title of writings: דִּבְרֵי קֹהֶלֶת Eccl 1:1, אגור ׳ד Prov 30:1, למואל ׳ד Prov 31:1, ירמיהו ׳ד Jer 1:1, so Amos 1:1; Neh 1:1 compare in appended phrase or clause, Jer 51:64, איוב ׳ד Job 31:40.
  c. in Chronicles name of a work: החזים ׳ד 2Chr 33:18; 2Chr 33:19, שׁמעיה ׳בד 2Chr 12:15, יהוא ׳בד 2Chr 20:34, ׳שׁמואל על ד 1Chr 29:29 נתן ׳על ד 1Chr 29:29; 2Chr 9:29, גד על ׳ד 1Chr 29:29. (It is not certain whether writings of prophets or histories about them are referred to; in the latter case they are acts, IV. 2, see DrIntr 497.)
2. of God: עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים the ten words (sentences in the tables) Exod 34:28 (JE) Deut 4:13; Deut 10:4, referred to as הדברים Exod 34:1 (JE) Deut 4:10; Deut 4:36; Deut 5:19; Deut 9:10; Deut 10:2 of commands of covenant code Exod 24:3; Exod 24:4; Exod 24:8 compare Exod 34:27 (JE); of Deuteronomic code Deut 17:19 (+ 16 t. D) 2Kgs 22:11; 2Kgs 23:3-24 (compare 2Chr 34:19-31) Jer 11:2-8; Jer 34:18 the law-book of Joshua Josh 24:26 (E); of the code of Ezra Ezra 7:11; Ezra 9:4; Neh 8:9; Neh 8:13 the words of Yahweh written by Jeremiah Jer 25:13; Jer 36:4-32; Jer 51:61 the words of the book of Daniel Dan 12:4; Dan 12:9 commands in general 1Sam 15:11; Ps 50:17; Ps 119:57; Ps 119:130; Ps 119:139 promises 2Sam 7:28; Neh 9:8, compare 1Chr 25:5; 2Chr 36:16. III. a word, words:
1. of men: שָׂפָה אֶחָ֑ת וּדְבָרִים אֲחָדִים one lip, and one and the same words Gen 11:1 (J); אֵין אֹמֶר וְאֵין דְּבָרִים no speech and no words Ps 19:4 אִישׁ דְּבָרִים man of words, ready in speech, Exod 4:10 (J); רב דברים multitude of words Job 11:2; Prov 10:19; Eccl 5:2 קְחוּ עִמָּכֶם דְּבָרִים take with you words Hos 14:3 דבר(י) (ה)שׁקר lying word(s) Exod 5:9; Exod 23:7 (E) Prov 13:5; Prov 29:12; Isa 59:13; Jer 7:4; Jer 7:8 דִּבְרֵי רוּחַ words of wind, vain words Job 16:3 וּמַהשֶּֿׁמֶץ דָּבָר נִשְׁמַעבּֿוֺ and what a whisper of a word we hear of him! Job 26:14.
2. of God. It is difficult to determine how many of the following should come under
II. 2. The plural for words of God is relatively seldom: Gen 20:8; Exod 19:6; Num 12:6; Josh 3:9 (E) Exod 4:28; Exod 4:30; Num 11:24 (J) Deut 18:19; Josh 23:14 (D) 1Sam 3:18; 1Sam 8:10; 1Sam 15:1; 2Chr 11:4; Job 42:7; Prov 30:6; Isa 31:2; Dan 10:11; Amos 8:11; Mic 2:7 apart from Jer 3:12 + 30 t. Jeremiah; Ezek 2:7 + 4 t. Ezekiel; Zech 1:6 + 4 t. Zechariah. IV. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks: —
1. business, occupation: דְּבַר הַמֶּלֶךְ king's business 1Sam 21:9 לְכָלדְּֿבַר for every matter of 1Chr 26:32; 1Chr 27:1; 2Chr 19:11 דְּבָרֶיךָ לְכָלֿ for all thine affairs 1Chr 28:21 דבר המזבח Num 18:7 דָּבָר אֵיןלָֿהֶם עִם they had not dealings with Judg 18:7; Judg 18:28 דְּבַריֿוֺם בְּיוֺמוֺ the task or portion of a day in its day, daily duty or due Exod 5:13; Exod 5:19 (E) Exod 16:4 (J) Lev 23:37 (P) 1Kgs 8:59; 2Kgs 25:30; 1Chr 16:37; 2Chr 8:13 (ביום) v2Chr 8:14; 2Chr 31:16; Ezra 3:4; Neh 11:23; Neh 12:47; Jer 52:34; Dan 1:5 דבר שׁנה בשׁנה 1Kgs 10:25; 2Chr 9:24.
2. plural acts construct דִּבְרֵי 1Kgs 11:41 (twice in verse); 1Chr 29:29; 2Chr 12:15; 2Chr 16:11 דְּבָרָיו his acts 2Chr 13:22; 2Chr 35:27 especially in phrases, הַיָּמִים וְיֶתֶר דִּבְרֵי ֗֗֗ עַלסֵֿפֶר דִּבְרֵי and the rest of the acts of . . . in the book of the chronicles (daily record of events) of 1Kgs 14:29 + 32 t. Kings; וְיֶתֶר דִּבְרֵי 2Chr 13:22 + 8 t. Chronicles, וְיֶתֶר דְּבָרָיו 2Chr 28:26, שְׁאָר דִּבְרֵי 2Chr 9:29 are referred to various sources; compare also במספר דברי הימים 1Chr 27:24, בדברי דויד 1Chr 23:27, עלדֿברי מלכי ישׂראל 2Chr 33:18: דברים טובים good deeds 2Chr 12:12; 2Chr 19:13 דִּבְרֵי עֲוֺנֹת acts of iniquity Ps 65:4 (De, Fälle von Missethaten); דִּבְרֵירָֿע evil deeds Jer 5:28. It is used of God, only in כל דבריו לא יענה Job 33:13, אֹתוֺתָיו ׳ד Ps 105:27, נִפְלְאֹתֶיךָ ׳ד Ps 145:5.
3. matter, affair: דבר אוריה affair of Uriah 1Kgs 15:5 שׁרשׁ דבר root of the matter Job 19:28 מה היה הדבר how went the matter ? 1Sam 4:16; 2Sam 1:4 compare Ruth 3:18 סבב את פני הדבר change the face of the matter 2Sam 14:20 דִּבְרֵי הָאֲתֹנוֺת the matter of the asses 1Sam 10:2 זה דבר הרצח this is the case of the slayer Deut 19:4 לְכָלדְּֿבָרָיו 1Kgs 6:38 as to all its particulars.
4. events, things: in the phrase, אחר הדברים האלה after these things (events in time) Gen 15:1; Gen 22:1; Gen 40:1 (E) Gen 39:7 (J) 1Kgs 17:17; 1Kgs 21:1; Ezra 7:1; Esth 2:1; Esth 3:1 האלה אחרי הדברים Gen 48:1; Josh 24:29 (E) Gen 22:20 (J) 2Chr 32:1.
5. cause, case for judicial investigation: כִּייִֿהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר if they have a case Exod 18:16 compare Exod 18:22; Exod 22:8 בעל דברים one having a case Exod 24:14, compare בדבר משׁפט 2Chr 19:6 דְּבָרֶיךָ טוֺבִים וּנְכֹחִים pleas, good and right 2Sam 15:3 compare Josh 20:4.
6. something, anything (indefinite): עשׂה דבר do a thing Gen 22:16 + (frequent); עשׂה דברים Isa 42:16 + (less frequent); דבר ׳היפלא מי Gen 18:14 compare Jer 32:17; Jer 32:27 לא ֗֗֗ דבר nothing 1Kgs 5:7; 1Kgs 10:3; + (frequent), אין דבר Exod 5:11 (E) Num 20:19; 1Sam 20:21 ׳לא דבר מ nothing of Exod 9:4 (J) Josh 8:35; Josh 11:15; Josh 21:45; Josh 23:14 (D); כל דבר anything Num 31:23; Deut 23:20 +; דבר רע Ps 141:4 +; טוב ׳ד 1Kgs 14:13 +; דְּבַרמָֿה whatsoever Num 23:3 (E); עֶרְוַת דבר Deut 23:15 naked-ness of a thing, i.e. unclean or unseemly thing (indecency in camp); so of a wife Deut 24:1.
7. way, manner: זֶה דְּבַר הַשְּׁמִטָּה this is the manner of the release Deut 15:2 (compare SI1); כֵּן דְּבַר הַמֶּלֶךְ so was the way of the king Esth 1:13 הזה כדבר after this manner, thus Gen 18:25; Gen 32:20; Gen 44:7 (JE) 2Sam 15:6; Ezra 10:5; Neh 5:12; Neh 5:13 with (עשׂה), 1Sam 9:21; 2Sam 14:3; 2Sam 17:6 (דבר), 1Sam 17:27; 1Sam 17:30; Isa 8:20 (אמר), Neh 6:4; Neh 6:5 (שׁלח), Neh 6:4 (השׁיב) compare 1Sam 17:30; 2Kgs 7:19 (היה) (peculiar to D, כדבר הרע הזה such a wicked deed as this Deut 13:12; Deut 19:20, כדבר הגדול הזה Deut 4:32); כדברים האלה עשׂה thus and thus did he Gen 39:19 (J) 1Sam 2:23 (but usually the plural = these words).
8. reason, cause: זֶּה דְבַרהַֿמַּס 1Kgs 9:15 זה הדבר אשׁר this is the reason why Josh 5:4 (D) 1Kgs 11:27 so 1Sam 17:29 AV RV, was it not but a word ? Th Ke RVm VB Dr; עַל דְּבַר ֗֗֗ because of, for the sake of Gen 20:11; Gen 20:18 (E) Gen 12:17; Gen 43:18; Exod 8:8 (J) Num 17:14 (P) Ps 45:5; Ps 79:9, עַל דִּבְרֵי Jer 14:1 עַלדִּֿבְרֵיכֶם for your sakes Deut 4:21, עַל דְּבַר אשׁר Deut 22:24 (twice in verse); Deut 23:5; 2Sam 13:22.

word, words, thing, acts, things, …
dābār
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
  • speech, word, speaking, thing
    • speech
    • "saying, utterance"word, words"business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)

חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים
Root word wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …
Dictionary form: חָכָם · haw-KAWM

Adjective — masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: of the wise
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.

BDB2735 H2450

BDB2734 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2736

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

BDB9524 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9526

[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.

wise, men, cunning, mans, man, …
ḥākām
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
  • wise, wise (man)
    • skilful (in technical work)
    • "wise (in administration)"shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle"learned, shrewd (class of men)"prudent"wise (ethically and religiously)

וְ חִידֹתָֽ ם
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
חִידֹתָֽ
Root word riddle, sayings, questions, sentences, speeches, …
ם
Suffix — pronoun their / them
Dictionary form: חִידָה · hee-DAW

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

In the KJV here: and their dark sayings
the riddle ×4 a riddle ×3 and their dark sayings ×1 dark sayings ×1 dark sentences ×1 him with hard questions ×1 in dark speeches ×1 my dark saying ×1
More options
riddle — Core meaning; best for Samson-type puzzle contexts.
enigma — Slightly elevated; suits mysterious or cryptic utterances.
hard question — Prefer when the riddle tests wisdom, as with the Queen of Sheba.
dark saying — Modernizes KJV; keeps sense of hidden, veiled meaning.
proverb — Use when חִידָה parallels מָשָׁל in wisdom literature.
puzzle — Informal register; accessible for general-audience translations.

BDB2590 H2420

BDB2589 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2591

חִידָה noun feminine riddle, enigmatic, perplexing saying or question; — absolute ׳ח Judg 14:12 + 6 t.; suffix חִידָתִי Judg 14:18; Ps 49:5 חִידָֽתְךָ Judg 14:13 plural absolute חִידוֺת 1Kgs 10:1 + 4 t.; חִידֹת Num 12:8 suffix חִידֹתָם Prov 1:6

1. riddle = dark, obscure utterance Num 12:8 (J E; opposed to פֶּהאֶֿלפֶּֿה and מַרְאֶה); of something put indirectly and needing interpretation; — an allegory ׳חוד ח Ezek 17:2 (|| מְשֹׁל מָשָׁל); allegorical and figurative sayings Prov 1:6 (|| מְלִיצָה מָשָׁל and בְרֵי חֲכָמִים Di); enigmatic sentences and comparisons, declaring fate of Chaldeans Hab 2:6 (+ מְלִיצָה; || מָשָׁל), perplexing moral problem Ps 49:5 (with פָּתַח open, propound; || מָשָׁל), a lesson taught indirectly Ps 78:2 (מִנִּי קֶדֶם ׳ח, with הִבִּיעַ; || מָשָׁל).
2. riddle, enigma, to be guessed, in Judg 14:
  a. with vb. חוּד Judg 14:12; Judg 14:13; Judg 14:16 propound a riddle.
  b. with vb. הִגִּיד tell (give answer to) a riddle Judg 14:14; Judg 14:15; Judg 14:17; Judg 14:19.
  c. with vb. מצא find out a riddle Judg 14:18.
3. perplexing questions by which queen of Sheba put Solomon to the test (נִסָּה) 1Kgs 10:1 = 2Chr 9:1.
4. with הֵבִין skilled in double-dealing Dan 8:23 (Bev).

riddle, sayings, questions, sentences, speeches, …
ḥîdâ
a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim
  • riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question
    • riddle (dark obscure utterance)
    • "riddle, enigma (to be guessed)"perplexing questions (difficult)"double dealing (with 'havin')

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
לְהָבִ֣ין מָ֭שָׁל Dechi — a lesser break וּמְלִיצָ֑ה Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here דִּבְרֵ֥י חֲ֝כָמִ֗ים Revia Mugrash — a lesser break וְחִידֹתָֽם Silluq — end of the verse

לְהָבִין מָשָׁל וּמְלִיצָה דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים וְחִידֹתָֽם׃
6
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Cross References

Psalms 78:2

אֶפְתְּחָה בְמָשָׁל פִּי אַבִּיעָה חִידוֹת מִנִּי-קֶֽדֶם׃
2
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Mark 4:11

καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς Ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὸ μυστήριον τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ θεοῦ· ἐκείνοις δὲ τοῖς ἔξω ἐν παραβολαῖς τὰ πάντα γίνεται
11
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Psalms 49:4

אַטֶּה לְמָשָׁל אָזְנִי אֶפְתַּח בְּכִנּוֹר חִידָתִֽי׃
4
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Acts 8:30

προσδραμὼν δὲ Φίλιππος ἤκουσεν αὐτοῦ ἀναγινώσκοντος τὸν προφήτην Ἠσαΐαν καὶ εἶπεν Ἆρά γε γινώσκεις ἀναγινώσκεις
30
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, thou Understandest what thou readest?

Mark 4:34

χωρὶς δὲ παραβολῆς οὐκ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς κατ' ἰδίαν δὲ τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ἐπέλυεν πάντα
34
But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Hebrews 5:14

τελείων δέ ἐστιν στερεὰ τροφή τῶν διὰ τὴν ἕξιν τὰ αἰσθητήρια γεγυμνασμένα ἐχόντων πρὸς διάκρισιν καλοῦ τε καὶ κακοῦ
14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Matthew 13:34

Ταῦτα πάντα ἐλάλησεν Ἰησοῦς ἐν παραβολαῖς τοῖς ὄχλοις καὶ χωρὶς παραβολῆς οὐκ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς
34
All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Matthew 13:10

Καὶ προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ εἶπον αὐτῷ Διατί ἐν παραβολαῖς λαλεῖς αὐτοῖς
10
And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Ecclesiastes 12:11

דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים כַּדָּרְבֹנוֹת וּֽכְמַשְׂמְרוֹת נְטוּעִים בַּעֲלֵי אֲסֻפּוֹת נִתְּנוּ מֵרֹעֶה אֶחָֽד׃
11
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

Matthew 13:51

Λέγει αὐτοῖς Ἰησοῦς Συνήκατε ταῦτα πάντα λέγουσιν αὐτῷ Ναί κύριε
51
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

2 Peter 3:16

ὡς καὶ ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ἐπιστολαῖς λαλῶν ἐν αὐταῖς περὶ τούτων ἐν οἷς ἐστιν δυσνόητά τινα οἱ ἀμαθεῖς καὶ ἀστήρικτοι στρεβλοῦσιν ὡς καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς γραφὰς πρὸς τὴν ἰδίαν αὐτῶν ἀπώλειαν
16
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Numbers 12:8

פֶּה אֶל-פֶּה אֲדַבֶּר-בּוֹ וּמַרְאֶה וְלֹא בְחִידֹת וּתְמֻנַת יְהוָה יַבִּיט וּמַדּוּעַ לֹא יְרֵאתֶם לְדַבֵּר בְּעַבְדִּי בְמֹשֶֽׁה׃
8
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?