Proverbs 12:18

יֵ֣שׁ בּ֭וֹטֶה כְּמַדְקְר֣וֹת חָ֑רֶב וּלְשׁ֖וֹן חֲכָמִ֣ים מַרְפֵּֽא
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

יֵ֣שׁ
יֵ֣שׁ
Particle this / that
Dictionary form: יֵשׁ · yaysh

Particle — Demonstrative

In the KJV here: there is
there is ×29 there be ×11 is there ×10 is ×6 have ×5 and there is ×4 be ×3 hath ×3
More options
there is / there are — Default rendering for existential statements; most versatile.
exist — Prefer when emphasizing actual existence or being.
have / has — Use when יֵשׁ expresses possession ('I have').
is available — Good when context implies something on hand or accessible.
it is possible — Use in conditional or interrogative contexts (e.g. 'Is there any way?').

BDB3773 H3426

BDB3772 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3774

יֵשׁ187 substantive being, substance, existence (on etymology see 2) — יֵשׁ Gen 18:24 etc.; יֶשֿׁ Gen 31:29 + often; הֲיֵשׁ Gen 24:23 + 18 t. (so אִשׁ 2Sam 14:19 , הַאִשׁ Mic 6:10 ), with suffix יֶשְׁךָ vGen 24:42 + 2 t.; יֶשְׁכֶם vGen 24:49 ; הֲיִשְׁכֶם Deut 13:4 ; יֶשְׁנוֺ (Ol§ 97 b Sta§ 370 b) Deut 29:14; 1Sam 14:39 (+ v1Sam 14:41 ᵐ5 We Dr), 1Sam 23:23; Esth 3:8 ; —

1. substance, only Prov 8:21 לְהַנְחִיל אֹהֲבַי יֵשׁ to cause them that love me to inherit substance (so Sir 42:3).
2. elsewhere (properly as a substantive in the stative construct), it asserts existence, and so corresponds to the verb substantive, is (are, was, were, will be), literally the being, presence of... (so Biblical Aramaic אִתַי; Aramaic איתא, אית, [whence (self-) existent, essence, substance], with לָא contracted לַיִת, לֵית, ; Mandean עת, עית, לאיית; Arabic [with irregular ] (inflected as a verb, , , etc.; WAG i. § 182, ii. § 42) is not ( is known only in two proverbial sayings, as a secondary form FlKl. Schr. i. 146 f.); Assyrian išû, be, have DlHWB 310; with affix 1 singular la-a i-ša-a-ku, I have not, TPi. 57 f.. On this word, see especially NöM. § 213, who exemplifies its different constructions in Semitic, and shews how it tends to pass into a verb; — (1) in Biblical Aramaic, Syriac, Babylonian ᵑ7, with possessive suffix; (2) in later Palestinian dialects, Jerusalem ᵑ7, Jerusalem Talmud, sometimes also in Babylonian ᵑ7 and Syriac, with independent personal pronoun (as לית אנא, לית הוא); (3) in Mandean, Babylonian Talmud, sometimes in Syriac and Arabic, and in Hebrew יֶשְׁנוֺ, with object. (verbal) suffix; (4) in Arabic, as a true verb. In Ethiopic literally therein, German es gibt, is similar in use (DiGr. § 167, l), though not of course in origin. In Hebrew the corresponding negative is אַיִן, q. v., the construction of which is quite similar) — is, are, was, were, etc., not, however, as a mere copula, but implying existence with emphasis (hence in English to be often represented by the substantive verb in italics):
  a. with a predicate following, Gen 28:16 במקום הזה ׳אכן ישׁ י surely Y. is (emphatic) in this place! Gen 44:26 אִם יֵשׁ אָחִינוּ אִתְּכֶם; Exod 17:7 הֲיֵשׁ יהוה בְּקִרְבֵּנוּ אִם אַיִן, Num 22:29 לו ישׁ חרב בידי Oh, that there were a sword in my hand! Deut 13:4 הֲיִשְׁכֶם אֹהֲבִים whether you do love, Deut 29:17 פן ישׁ בכם אישׁ, v.Deut 29:18; 1Sam 9:11f. and they said, Is the seer here? and they said יֵשׁ He is, 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 23:23; Jer 27:18. Alone, in answer to a question (asked with יֵשׁ), He (it) is: 1Sam 9:12; 2Kgs 10:15; Jer 37:17. But Jer 23:26 (where ישׁ has no substantive or suffix) text must be corrupt: compare Gie.
  b. absolutely, there is (es. gibt, il y a), Gen 18:24 אולי ישׁ חמשׁים צדיקים בעיר perhaps there are fifty righteous in the city, Gen 24:23 הישׁ בית אביך מקום לנו ללון, Gen 42:1 כי ישׁ שׁבר ׳במצ that there was corn in Egypt, Judg 4:20 הישׁ פה אישׁ, 2Sam 9:1; 2Kgs 5:8 he shall know that there is (emphatic) a prophet in Israel, Ruth 3:12 there is a kinsman nearer than I, Ps 58:12 surely there are gods judging on the earth: so in aphorisms, asserting the existence of a particular character, quality, etc., Prov 11:24 ישׁ מפזר ונוסף עוד, Prov 12:18; Prov 13:7; Prov 13:23; Prov 14:12; Prov 16:25; Prov 18:24; Prov 20:15; Eccl 2:21; Eccl 4:8; Eccl 5:12; Eccl 6:1; Eccl 6:11; Eccl 7:15 (twice in verse); Eccl 8:14 (3 t. in verse); Eccl 10:5. In questions, or protestations, יֵשׁ often implies a doubt whether what is asked about is to be found or exists: 1Kgs 18:10; Jer 5:1 and see אם ישׁ אישׁ if there is (emphatic) a man doing justice, etc. (compare Ps 14:2), Ps 14:22; Isa 44:8 הישׁ אלהים is there a god beside me? Ps 7:4 אם ישׁ עול בכפי if there is iniquity in my hands! Ps 73:11 is there knowledge in the Most High? Job 5:1; Job 6:30; Lam 1:2.
  c. special phrases: —
   (a) after אִם and a participle, where an abiding intention is to be emphasized, Gen 24:42 אםיֿשׁךנֿא מצליח דרכי if thou art (really), prospering my way, vGen 24:49; Gen 43:4; Judg 6:36 (compare II. אין 2 b).
   (b) יֵשׁ לְ = has (had), especially with pronouns יֵשׁ לִי, יֵשׁ לְךָ; etc., Gen 33:9 יֶשׁלִֿי רָב I have plenty, vGen 33:11; Gen 43:7 הישׁ לכם אח, Gen 44:20 ישׁ לנו אב זקן, 1Sam 17:40 that they may know כי ישׁ אלהים לישׂראל that Israel has (emphatic) a god, 2Kgs 4:2 מַהיֶּֿשׁלָֿכְי what hast thou ? Job 14:7 for a tree has (emphatic) hope (compare Ruth 1:12), Ruth 25:3; Ruth 28:1; Ruth 38:28 ׃הישׁ למטר אב Gen 39:5 (twice in verse); Gen 39:8, * F f כל אשׁר יֶשׁלֿו all that had (Gen 39:4 without אשׁר, probably error).
   (c) with infinitive and לְ, is it possible to... ? 2Kgs 4:13 הישׁ לדברלֿך can (1) speak for thee to the king? 2Chr 25:9 so אִשׁ לְ 2Sam 14:19 (compare אֵין לְ, below II. אַיִן 5).
   (d)... יֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר (if) it was that... Num 9:20; Num 9:21 there were some who... (with participle) Neh 5:2; Neh 5:3; Neh 5:4 (compare Syriac for ὃ μὲν... ὃ δὲ ... Matt 13:8 PS172).
   (e) יֶשׁלְֿאֵל יָדִי Gen 31:29 and elsewhere; see II. אֵל 7, p. 43.
   (f) 2Kgs 10:15 וָיֵשׁ and (if) it be... (compare וָלֹא 2Kgs 5:17; 2Sam 13:26); so Judg 6:13 אִתָּנוּ ׳וְיֵשׁ י.
   (g) pleonastic אֵין יֵשׁ Ps 135:17.
   (h) לֹא יֵשׁ Job 9:33 (compare , : but ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Me and others לֻא). — As a rule, יֵשׁ precedes its substantive (from which, however, like אין, it may be separated: Gen 24:23; Gen 43:7 הֲיֵשׁ לָכֶם אָח, Gen 44:19; Gen 44:20; 1Sam 20:8 etc.); but occasionally, for greater emphasis, this is prefixed: 1Sam 21:5 כי אם לחם קדשׁ ישׁ but holy bread there is! Isa 43:8 the blind people, ועינים ישׁ though it has eyes, Judg 19:19 לחם ויין ישׁ לי (compare אַיִן 2 c).

BDB7832 H7326 H3426 H7567

BDB7831 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7833

[רוּשׁ or רִישׁ]24 verb be in want, poor (related to ירשׁ [compare Qal 3, Niph`al Hiph`il 3]? so Thes); —

Qal Perfect 3 plural כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵ֑בוּ Ps 34:11 young lions are in want and hunger; elsewhere Participle רָשׁ 1Sam 18:23 + 16 t., רָאשׁ 2Sam 12:1 + 2 t.; plural רָשִׁים Prov 22:7, רָאשִׁים Prov 13:23 — (often opposed to עָשִׁיר): as adjective 1Sam 18:23; 2Sam 12:1; 2Sam 12:4; Prov 28:3; Eccl 4:14 as substantive = poor man (men), 2Sam 12:3; Ps 82:3; Eccl 5:7, especially Prov 10:4; Prov 13:8; Prov 13:23 + 12 t. Proverbs. Hithpo`lel Participle מִתְרוֺשֵׁשׁ Prov 13:7 one impoverishing himself (opposed to מִתְעַשֵּׁר; compare Pô'l. רושׁשׁ Eccl 11:12; Eccl 13:5). — Jer 5:17; Mal 1:4 see רשׁשׁ. p. 439f

BDB9296 H383 H3426

BDB9295 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9297

אִיתַי (Baer אִתַי, except before suffix, see BaerDan 2:10) particle there is, are. . . (properly a substantive following by a genitive, see Biblical Hebrew יֵשׁ: Egyptian Aramaic איתי RÉS361, S-CPap., Nabataean איתי, Palmyrene אית, ᵑ7 Talmud אִית (Dalm§ 44, 4), Syriac , Samaritan , Mandean אית, עית (NöM §§ 213. 272): see further Biblical Hebrew יֵשׁ); — אִיתַי Dan 2:10, suffix אִיתָיךְ Dan 2:26 Kt (Qr אִיתָךְ K§ 53, 2 b), אִית֫וֺהִי Dan 2:11, איתינא Kt (i.e. probably אִיתַ֫יְנָא: Kl.c.), Qr אִיתָ֫נָא Dan 3:18, אִיתֵיכוֺן vDan 3:14 vDan 3:15 — there is (are) . . ., absolute Dan 2:28 אִיתַי אֱלָהּ בִּשְׁמַיָּא there is a God in heaven, vDan 2:30 not by wisdom דִּיאִֿיתַי בִּי that is in me, Dan 3:12; Dan 5:11 followed by participle or adjective Dan 2:26 הַאִיתָיךְ כָּהֵל art thou able. . .? Dan 3:15; Dan 3:17 followed by דִּי, Ezra 5:17 הֵן אִיתַי דִּי if it is that, . . With negative לָא אִיתַי (so S-CD 10 +; ᵑ7 Syriac, Mandean לַיִת , Zenjirli suffix לישה (Cooke184); compare below Biblical Hebrew יֵשׁ) Dan 2:10 ... לָא אִיתַי אֱנָשׁ כִּי, Dan 3:29; Dan 4:32 after the subject Dan 2:11a; Dan 3:25 בְּהוֺן ׳וַחֲבָל לָא א, Ezra 4:16 followed by participle or adjective Dan 3:14; Dan 3:18 with pleonastic suffix, Dan 2:11 מְדָֽרְהוֺן עִסבִּֿשְׂרָא לָא אִיתוֺהִי.

is, be, have, there, were, …
yēš
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
  • being, existence, substance, there is or are
    • substance
      • "existence"there is or are

בּ֭וֹטֶה
בּ֭וֹטֶה
Root word pronounce, pronouncing, speaketh, unadvisedly
Dictionary form: בָּטָא · baw-TAW

Verb — Qal, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state simple action — "he did" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: that speaketh
pronouncing ×1 shall pronounce ×1 so that he spake unadvisedly ×1 that speaketh ×1
More options
utter — Broad, natural choice for spoken words or vows.
speak rashly — Captures the reckless or thoughtless tone of the word.
blurt out — Informal; good for impulsive, unguarded speech.
declare — More formal; suits ritual or legal pronouncements.
voice — Useful when the act of speaking aloud is emphasized.
speak carelessly — Highlights negligence rather than raw impulsiveness.

BDB1015 H981

BDB1014 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1016

[בָּטָה, בָּטָא] verb speak rashly, thoughtlessly (Late Hebrew id., בטי) —

Qal Participle בּוֺטֶה Prov 12:18 one that babbleth (opposed to לְשׁוֺן חֲכָמִים). Pi`el Imperfect יְבַטֵּא בִשְׁבוּעָה Lev 5:4 speak rashly, unadvisedly; so וַיְבַטֵּא בִשְׂפָתָיו (of Moses) Ps 106:33 Infinitive לְבַטֵּא בִשְׂפָתַיִם Lev 5:4 (P).

pronounce, pronouncing, speaketh, unadvisedly
bāṭāʾ
to babble; hence, to vociferate angrily
  • to speak rashly or angrily, speak thoughtlessly
    • (Qal) one that babbles, speaks rashly (part.)
      • "(Piel) to speak rashly, unadvisedly

כְּ מַדְקְר֣וֹת
כְּ
Prefix — preposition like, as
מַדְקְר֣וֹת
Root word piercings
Dictionary form: מַדְקָרָה · mahd-kaw-RAW

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

In the KJV here: like the piercings
like the piercings ×1
More options
stab wound — Clear, clinical modern term for a piercing injury.
thrust — Emphasizes the violent action of a blade or spear.
puncture — Neutral; suits contexts of penetrating injury.
piercing — Modernizes KJV; retains the original word's imagery.
sword wound — Specifies weapon when context implies a blade.

BDB1998 H4094

BDB1997 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1999

[מַדְקָרָה] noun feminine piercing, stab, thrust, only plural construct כְּמַדְקְרוֺת חָ֑רֶב Prov 12:18 like thrusts of a sword, simile of rash speaking.

דַּר see דרר.

דֹּר see דור.

piercings
madqārâ
a wound
  • thrust, stab, piercing

חָ֑רֶב
חָ֑רֶב
Root word sword, swords, dagger, knives, knife, …
Dictionary form: חֶרֶב · heh-REB

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: of a sword
by the sword ×59 the sword ×55 of the sword ×46 with the sword ×37 sword ×30 a sword ×25 his sword ×12 and the sword ×10
More options
sword — Standard rendering; best for military and judicial contexts.
blade — Vivid, poetic alternative emphasizing the cutting edge.
dagger — Prefer when a shorter, personal weapon is implied.
knife — Use for domestic or ritual cutting tools, not battle.
weapon — Broad; good when the specific implement is secondary.
slaughter — Metonymic; fits idioms like 'fall to the sword'.

BDB3095 H2719

BDB3094 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3096

חֶ֫רֶב411 noun feminineIsa 21:15 sword (as weapon; Aramaic חַרְבָּא, , Zinjirli חרב; Arabic dart, javelin) — absolute חֶ֫רֶב Gen 3:24 +; חָ֑רֶב Exod 17:13 +; construct חֶ֫רֶב Deut 33:29 +; suffix חַרְבִּי Exod 15:9 + 13 t.; חַרְבְּךָ Gen 27:40 + 7 t.; חֵרְבֶּ֑ךָ 1Sam 17:33; Ps 17:13 חַרְבּוֺ Num 22:23 + 24 t.; חַרְבְּכֶם Jer 2:30; Ezek 33:26 חַרְבָּם Ps 37:15; Ps 44:4 plural חֲרָבוֺת Isa 21:15 + 5 t.; construct חַרְבוֺת Josh 5:2 + 2 t.; suffix חַרְבוֺתָיו Ezek 26:9 חַרְבוֺתָם Isa 2:4 + 5 t.; חַרְבֹתֵיהֶם Mic 4:3 + 2 t.; —

1. a. sword, as weapon of war Gen 48:22 (E), Judg 7:14; Judg 7:20; 1Sam 21:9, and so in all periods; two-edged (short) sword וְלָהּ שְׁנֵי פֵיוֺ֖ת גֹּמֶד אָרְכָּהּ ׳ח Judg 3:16, compare פִּיּוֺת ׳ח Prov 5:4 (in simile), פִּיפִיּוֺת ׳ח Ps 149:6 see also ׳צוּר ח edge of sword Ps 89:44.
  b. gird on sword = ׳חָגַר הח 1Sam 17:39; 1Sam 25:13 (3 t. in verse); Ps 45:4 (׳הח ׳ח עַל יָרֵך), שִׂים על ירך Exod 32:27, compare especially 2Sam 20:8.
  c. draw the sword ׳הֵרִיק הח Exod 15:9; Lev 26:33; Ezek 5:2; Ezek 5:12; Ezek 12:14; Ezek 28:7, ׳הוציא הח Ezek 21:8; Ezek 21:10, ׳פתח הח Ps 37:14; Ezek 21:33, נטשׁ Isa 21:15 (Gr Che לטשׁ see below); usually ׳שׁלף הח Num 22:23; Num 22:31; Josh 5:13; Judg 3:22; Judg 8:10; Judg 8:20; Judg 9:54; 1Sam 17:51; 1Sam 31:4 = 1Chr 10:4; 1Chr 21:16, and as characteristic of warriors ׳שֹׁלֵף ח Judg 20:2; Judg 20:15; Judg 20:17; Judg 20:25; Judg 20:35; Judg 20:46; 2Sam 24:9; 2Kgs 3:26; 1Chr 21:5 (twice in verse); ׳וַתִּדְבַּק יָדוֺ אֶלהַֿח 2Sam 23:10, insert also in || 1Chr 11:13 (Dr).
  d. whet, sharpen the sword ׳לטשׁ הח Ps 7:13 (compare Isa 21:15 above), but also שׁנן Deut 32:41 compare Ps 64:4, הוּחַדָּה Ezek 21:14; Ezek 21:16.
  e. put up the sword into the sheath אֶלנְֿדָנָהּ ׳הֵשִׁיב הח 1Chr 21:27 (sheath of sword is elsewhere תַּעַר 1Sam 7:51; 2Sam 20:8; Jer 47:6; Ezek 21:8). feminine slay with sword הרג ׳בח Josh 10:11; Josh 13:22 +; in ימותו אנשׁים 1Sam 2:33, insert בְּחֶרֶב before אנשׁים ᵐ5 We Dr; rarely ׳הכה בח Josh 11:10; 2Kgs 19:37 = Isa 37:38 very often ׳הִכָּה לְפִיחֿ smite according to the mouth of the sword i.e. as the sword can devour (2Sam 2:26; 2Sam 11:25) = without quarter Num 21:24 (E) Deut 13:16 a Deut 20:13; Josh 11:11; Josh 11:12; Josh 11:14 (all D) Judg 18:27; Judg 21:10; 1Kgs 10:25; Job 1:15; Job 1:17 also with העיר as sole object Josh 8:24; Josh 10:28; Josh 10:30; Josh 10:32; Josh 10:35; Josh 10:37, compare vJosh 10:39; Josh 19:47; Judg 1:8; Judg 1:25; Judg 20:37; 1Sam 22:19 (twice in verse); 2Sam 15:14 ׳הרג לפיחֿ Gen 34:26 (J); ׳החרים לפיחֿ Deut 13:16b (including הָעִיר in object), Josh 6:21; 1Sam 15:8, ׳חלשׁ לפיחֿ Exod 17:13 (E); ׳נפל לפיחֿ Josh 8:24; Judg 4:16 ׳ל֗֗֗פיחֿ׳וַיָּהָם י Judg 4:15 — (׳לפיחֿ is chiefly in Joshua and Judges (21 t.), in Hexateuch only J E D; but Job post-exilic).
  g. ׳אכלה הח etc., of the sword as devouring: — תּאֹכֵל חַרְבִּי בָשָׂר Deut 32:42 (poetry), 2Sam 2:26; 2Sam 11:25; 2Sam 18:8; Isa 1:10; Jer 2:30; Jer 46:10; Jer 46:14; Nah 2:14.
  h. slain by sword is ׳חֲלַלחִֿ Num 19:16 (P) and frequently Ezekiel, ׳חַלְלֵיחֿ Ezek 31:17; Ezek 31:18; Ezek 32:21; Ezek 32:25; Ezek 32:28; Ezek 32:29; Ezek 32:30; Ezek 32:32; Ezek 35:8 ׳מְחֻלְלֵי ח vEzek 35:26 < Co ׳חלליחֿ (on text of Ezek 32:20; Ezek 32:22; Ezek 32:31 see Co).
  i. ׳שְׁבֻיוֺת ח Gen 31:26 are captives of (taken by) sword.
  j. sword frequently agent of ׳י Judg 7:20; Isa 34:6; Jer 12:12; Jer 47:6 etc., — so Deut 28:22, but read חֹרֶב see below I. חרב (compare on other hand 1Sam 17:47); note especially Gen 3:24 ׳לַהַט הח הַמִּתְהַפֶּכֶת; in poetry ׳לַהַכ ח Nah 3:3, ׳בְּרַק ח Deut 32:41.
  k. ׳ח figurative of tongue Ps 57:5 compare Ps 59:8 figurative of violence war, etc., Gen 27:40 in simile Prov 5:4 (of grievous end of dealings with strange women).
2. knife צֻרִים ׳ח flint knives for use in circumcision Josh 5:2; Josh 5:3 (see WeSkizzen iii, 166); Ezek 5:1; Ezek 5:2 חַדָּה תַּעַר ׳ח הַגַּלָּבִים (according to Co use of sword as razor is significant).
3. of tools used in hewing stone חַרְבְּךָ הֵנַפְתָּ עליה Exod 20:25 ׳יִתֹּץ בח Ezek 26:9, according to most = tools, axes, 'steel' (Co ' Eisen '), but possibly swords as implement ready to hand; 2Chr 34:6 Qr בְּחַרְבֹתֵיהֶם with their tools; read perhaps בְּחָרְבֹתֵיהֶם in their ruins, Be, who compare Ps 109:10 see חָרְבָּה below II. חרב (ᵐ5 ᵑ9 omit חרב).

sword, swords, dagger, knives, knife, …
ḥereb
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
  • sword, knife
    • sword
      • "knife"tools for cutting stone

וּ לְשׁ֖וֹן
וּ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
לְשׁ֖וֹן
Root word tongue, tongues, language, bay, wedge, …
Dictionary form: לָשׁוֹן · law-SHONE

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

In the KJV here: but the tongue
tongue ×22 my tongue ×7 and their tongue ×6 the tongue ×6 and the tongue ×5 his tongue ×5 of the tongue ×4 their tongue ×4
More options
tongue — Most direct equivalent; fits literal and figurative uses.
language — Prefer when referring to a people's speech or dialect.
speech — Good for contexts emphasizing spoken communication or rhetoric.
flame — Use for tongue-shaped fire imagery (e.g., Isa 5:24).
bay — Geographical use; tongue of water or land (e.g., Josh 15:2).
wedge — Use for wedge/bar of metal (e.g., Josh 7:21, 24).

BDB4473 H3956

BDB4472 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4474

לָשׁוֺן noun masculineJosh 7:21 and (more often) feminineIsa 28:11 tongue (Late Hebrew id.; also Assyrian lišânu; Arabic ; Ethiopic ; Aramaic לִשָּׁן, לִישָּׁן, (all li-); Zinjirli לשן DHMSendsch. 59); — absolute ׳ל Exod 4:10 +; הַלָּשֹׁן Josh 15:2 construct לְשׁוֺן Josh 7:21 +; suffix לְשׁוֺנִי 2Sam 23:2 לְשֹׁנוֺ Exod 11:7 + 2 t.; לְשׁוֺנוֺ Judg 7:5; Esth 1:22 לְשׁוֺנְךָ Ps 34:14 לְשׁוֺנְכֶם Isa 59:3, etc.; plural לְשֹׁנוֺת absolute Ps 31:21; Isa 66:18 construct Zech 8:23 suffix לְשֹׁנֹתָם Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31 —

1. tongue of men,
  a. used in lapping Judg 7:5 cleaving to the palate (חֵק), in thirst Lam 4:4, so as to produce dumbness Job 29:10 (|| קוֺל נֶחְבָּא), Ps 137:6; Ezek 3:26 (|| נֶאֱלַם); cleaving to jaws (מַלְקוֺחַ) Ps 22:16 בַּצָּמָא נָשָׁ֑תָּה ׳ל Isa 41:17 their tongue for thirst is parched; תִּמַּק בְּפִיהֶם ׳לְ Zech 14:12 (of ׳י's judgment); a choice morsel is held ׳תַּחַת ל Job 20:12 (figurative of mischief), compare Ps 10:7 (ready to be uttered), Ps 66:17 (|| פֶּה), Song 4:11.
  b. usually as organ of speech, both good and bad (especially Psalms, Proverbs, often || פֶּה, שָׂפָה); — ׳כְּבַד ל Exod 4:10 (J) heavy of tongue; ׳מַעֲנֵה ל Prov 16:1, מִלָּתוֺ עַללְֿשׁוֺנִי 2Sam 23:2, compare Prov 31:26; Ps 139:4 (׳בִּל), הֲיֵשׁ בִּלְשׁוֺנִי עַוְלָה Job 6:30 ׳מָוֶת וְחַיִּים בְּיַד ל Prov 18:21, compare Prov 21:23; Prov 25:15 of (false) prophets, ׳הַלֹּקְהִים ל Jer 23:31 subject of verb of speaking, בֶּר Di — בִחִכִּי דִּבְּרָה לְשׁוֺנִי Job 33:2; Ps 12:4; Ps 37:30 compare (Jer 9:7 below and) ֗֗֗ תְּמַהֵר ׳ל לְדַבֵּר Isa 32:4, לְשׁוֺנִי עֵט סֹפֵר מָהִיר Ps 45:2, i.e. as swift as a rapid scribe's stylus; subject of הָגָה Isa 59:3; Job 27:4; Ps 35:28; Ps 71:24 subject of נִשְׁבַּע Isa 45:23 תִּהַלַךְ בָּאָרֶץ ׳ל Ps 73:9 of hostile speech, insolence, etc., Josh 10:21 (J E; object of I. חָרַץ q. v., compare 3 below), Jer 18:18; Isa 3:8 ׳זַעַם ל Hos 7:16 (but text dubious, compare We Now), חֶרֶב חַדָּה ׳ל Ps 57:6, compare Ps 64:4 כְּמוֺ ׳נָחָשׁ שָֽׁנְנוּ ל Ps 140:4 תָּקוּם אִתָּךְ ׳כָּללֿ Isa 54:17 ׳הֶאֱרִיךְ ל Isa 57:4 further, Jer 9:2; Jer 9:4 as instrument of seductive flattery (הֶחֱלִיק), without בְּ, Ps 5:10; Prov 28:33, compare ׳נָכְרִיָּה חֶלְקַת לָ Prov 6:24. of falsehood Ps 78:36 (compare below); of slander (compare לושֵׁן) ׳רָגַל עַללֿ Ps 15:3, אִישׁ לָשׁוֺןPs 140:12, compare סָ֑תֶר ׳לְ Prov 25:33 ׳חָטָא בְּל Ps 39:2 compare Ps 64:9 (text dubious, see Hup Che Bae); moral qualities ascribed to: — as arrogant Ps 12:5 (compare vPs 12:4 above); as devising injuries, ׳הַוּוֺת תַּחְשֹׁב ל Ps 52:4, compare הַוֺת ׳לְ Prov 17:4 תַּצְמִיד מִרְמָה ׳ל Ps 50:19 nectere fraudem; ׳מֵרָ֑ע נְצֹר ל Ps 34:14 ׅ || (וּשְׂפָתֶיךָ מִדַּבֵּר מִרְמָה; often of lying tongue: לְשׁוֺן שֶׁקֶר Prov 6:17; Prov 12:19; Prov 21:6; Prov 26:28; Ps 109:2 מִרְמָה ׳לְ Ps 52:6 רְמִיָּה ׳לָ Mic 6:12; Ps 120:2; Ps 120:3 תַּרְמִית ׳לְ Zeph 3:13 תַּהְפֻּכוֺת ׳לְ Prov 10:31, and ׳נֶהְפָּךְ בִּל Prov 17:20 עֲרוּמִים׳ל Job 15:5 also מִרְמָה דִּבֵּ֑ר ׳ל Jer 9:7 on the other hand צַדִּיק ׳לְ Prov 10:20 חֲכָמִים ׳ל Prov 12:18; Prov 15:2 ׳מַרְפֵּה לָ vProv 15:4 לִמּוּדִים ׳לְ Isa 50:4. — Note phrases ׳שׁוֺט ל Job 5:21 scourge of (the) tongue, רִיב לְשֹׁנוֺת Ps 31:21 פַּלַּג לְשׁוֺנָם Ps 55:10: also ׳בַּעַל הַלּ Eccl 10:11 (of serpent-charmer), and ׳וַתֵּעֲלוּ עַלשְֿׂפַת ל Ezek 36:3. — On tongue of ׳י (once), see 4 below
  c. organ of singing, subject of רָנַן Ps 51:16; Ps 126:2; Isa 35:6, עָנָה Ps 119:172.
2. = language Deut 28:49; Jer 5:15 and later, namely: Ezek 3:5; Ezek 3:6 (׳כִּבְדֵי ל, || עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה, but strike out ᵐ5 Manuscripts Co SgfrKauAT), Isa 28:11 (|| אַחֶרֶת ׳ל, לַעֲגֵי שָׂפָה, figurative of ׳י's unintelligible dealings); ׳עַם ֗֗֗ נִלְעַג ל Isa 33:19 (|| עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה); Isa 66:18 (|| גּוֺיִם), Zech 8:23; Gen 10:5; Gen 10:20; Gen 10:31 (all P), Neh 13:24; Esth 1:22 (twice in verse); Esth 3:12; Esth 8:9 (twice in verse); Dan 1:4.
3. tongue of animals: dog Exod 11:7 (J; object of I. חָרַץ q. v.; compare 1 b), Ps 68:24 adder Job 20:16 (subjectof תַּהֲרֹג); crocodile Job 40:25.
4. tongue of fire, devouring, כֶּאֱכֹל קַשׁ לְשׁוֺן אֵשׁ Isa 5:24 compare of ׳י, וּלְשׁוֺנוֺ כְּאֵשׁ אֹכָ֑לֶת Isa 30:27 (|| שְׂפָתָיו מָֽלְאוּ זַעַם).
5. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold Josh 7:21; Josh 7:24 (JE).
**So Assyrian lišânu; see MeissnZAW xxlii {1905}, 151 f. JohnsAssyrian Deeds 2, 281.
6. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea Isa 11:15; Josh 15:2; Josh 15:5; Josh 18:19 (all P).

BDB9646 H3956 H3961

BDB9645 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9647

לִשָּׁן noun masculineDan 3:7 tongue (ᵑ7 Syriac; see Biblical Hebrew לָשׁוֺן, √ לשׁן ); — tongue = language, figurative for people: absolute ׳עַם אֻמָּה וְל Dan 3:29 plural emphatic וְלִשָּׁנַיָּא ׳א ׳ע vDan 3:4 vDan 3:7 v.Dan 4:31; Dan 5:19; Dan 6:26; Dan 7:14 (compare Biblical Hebrew לָשׁוֺן 2, Isa 66:18).

מָא see מָה. below

tongue, tongues, language, bay, wedge, …
lāšôn
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water)
  • tongue
    • tongue (of men)
      • tongue (literally)
        • "tongue (organ of speech)
      language"tongue (of animals)"tongue (of fire)"wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

חֲכָמִ֣ים
חֲכָמִ֣ים
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)

מַרְפֵּֽא
מַרְפֵּֽא
Root word health, remedy, healing, sound, wholesome, …
Dictionary form: מַרְפֵּא · mahr-PAY

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: is health
remedy ×3 is health ×2 a sound ×1 a wholesome ×1 and cure ×1 and health ×1 healing ×1 of healing ×1
More options
healing — Broadest fit; suits physical and metaphorical restoration.
remedy — Emphasizes a cure or corrective solution; slightly formal.
health — Focuses on the resulting state rather than the process.
cure — Concrete and medical; good for bodily or wound contexts.
restoration — Highlights return to wholeness; suits relational or national contexts.
wholesome — Adjectival use; fits wisdom texts describing speech or counsel.

BDB8052 H4832

BDB8051 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8053

מַרְפֵּא, מַרְפֵּה noun masculineEccl 10:4 healing, cure, health (usually figurative); — absolute מַרְפֵּא Jer 14:19 +, מַרְפֵּה Jer 8:15 construct מַרְפֵּא Prov 15:4 —

1. healing, cure, of national woes, Jer 8:15; Jer 14:19b (|| שָׁלוֺם), Jer 36:6 (+ אֲרֻכָה); especially ׳אֵין לָנוּ מ Jer 14:19a there is no cure for us, ׳עַד לְאֵין מ 2Chr 36:16.
2. figurative of person, health, profit, Prov 4:22 (|| חַיִּים), Prov 12:18; Prov 13:17; Prov 16:24 with spiritual implication Mal 3:20 ׳אֵין מ Prov 6:15 = Prov 29:1 ׳לֵב מ Prov 14:30 a mind of health (healthy, composed, mind), compare ׳מ alone = composure Eccl 10:4 לְשׁוֺן ׳מ Eccl 15:4 healing of the tongue, = a soothing tongue (Toy).
3. literally, of disease, ׳לְאֵין מ 2Chr 21:18.

health, remedy, healing, sound, wholesome, …
marpēʾ
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
  • health, healing, cure
    • healing, cure
      • "health, profit, sound (of mind)"healing
      • incurable (with negative)

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.
יֵ֣שׁ בּ֭וֹטֶה Dechi — a lesser break כְּמַדְקְר֣וֹת חָ֑רֶב Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וּלְשׁ֖וֹן חֲכָמִ֣ים מַרְפֵּֽא Silluq — end of the verse

יֵשׁ בּוֹטֶה כְּמַדְקְרוֹת חָרֶב וּלְשׁוֹן חֲכָמִים מַרְפֵּֽא׃
18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Cross References

Proverbs 16:24

צוּף-דְּבַשׁ אִמְרֵי-נֹעַם מָתוֹק לַנֶּפֶשׁ וּמַרְפֵּא לָעָֽצֶם׃
24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:4

מַרְפֵּא לָשׁוֹן עֵץ חַיִּים וְסֶלֶף בָּהּ שֶׁבֶר בְּרֽוּחַ׃
4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

Psalms 57:4

נַפְשִׁי׀ בְּתוֹךְ לְבָאִם אֶשְׁכְּבָה לֹהֲטִים בְּֽנֵי-אָדָם שִׁנֵּיהֶם חֲנִית וְחִצִּים וּלְשׁוֹנָם חֶרֶב חַדָּֽה׃
4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalms 52:2

הַוּוֹת תַּחְשֹׁב לְשׁוֹנֶךָ כְּתַעַר מְלֻטָּשׁ עֹשֵׂה רְמִיָּֽה׃
2
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

James 3:6

καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ· ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας οὕτως ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τὸ σῶμα καὶ φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως καὶ φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς γεέννης
6
And the a tongue is a fire, world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Proverbs 10:20

כֶּסֶף נִבְחָר לְשׁוֹן צַדִּיק לֵב רְשָׁעִים כִּמְעָֽט׃
20
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Proverbs 13:17

מַלְאָךְ רָשָׁע יִפֹּל בְּרָע וְצִיר אֱמוּנִים מַרְפֵּֽא׃
17
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

Proverbs 25:18

מֵפִיץ וְחֶרֶב וְחֵץ שָׁנוּן אִישׁ עֹנֶה בְרֵעֵהוּ עֵד שָֽׁקֶר׃
18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 4:22

כִּֽי-חַיִּים הֵם לְמֹצְאֵיהֶם וּֽלְכָל-בְּשָׂרוֹ מַרְפֵּֽא׃
22
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Proverbs 15:7

שִׂפְתֵי חֲכָמִים יְזָרוּ דָעַת וְלֵב כְּסִילִים לֹא-כֵֽן׃
7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

Daniel 11:33

וּמַשְׂכִּילֵי עָם יָבִינוּ לָֽרַבִּים וְנִכְשְׁלוּ בְּחֶרֶב וּבְלֶהָבָה בִּשְׁבִי וּבְבִזָּה יָמִֽים׃
33
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

Psalms 64:3

אֲשֶׁר שָׁנְנוּ כַחֶרֶב לְשׁוֹנָם דָּרְכוּ חִצָּם דָּבָר מָֽר׃
3
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

Psalms 59:7

הִנֵּה׀ יַבִּיעוּן בְּפִיהֶם חֲרָבוֹת בְּשִׂפְתוֹתֵיהֶם כִּי-מִי שֹׁמֵֽעַ׃
7
Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?

Revelation 1:16

καὶ ἔχων ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ χειρὶ ἀστέρας ἑπτά καὶ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη καὶ ἡ ὄψις αὐτοῦ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος φαίνει ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτοῦ
16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 22:2

ἐν μέσῳ τῆς πλατείας αὐτῆς καὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ ἐντεῦθεν καὶ ἐντεῦθεν ξύλον ζωῆς ποιοῦν καρποὺς δώδεκα κατὰ μῆνα ἕνα ἕκαστον ἀποδιδοῦν τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ φύλλα τοῦ ξύλου εἰς θεραπείαν τῶν ἐθνῶν
2
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Proverbs 12:17
Read Proverbs 12
Proverbs 12:19