Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

גַּ֤ם
גַּ֤ם
Particle indeed, surely
Dictionary form: גַּם · ɡahm

Particle — Affirmation

In the KJV here: even
also ×287 and also ×60 yea ×51 and ×42 even ×38 both ×25 moreover ×21 likewise ×14
More options
also — Default additive use; broadly applicable in most contexts.
even — Use for emphasis or surprise; intensifies the following word.
too — Informal additive; natural at the end of a clause.
moreover — Adds a stronger, cumulative point; slightly formal register.
likewise — Signals parallel action or similarity between two parties.
indeed — Affirming or intensifying; suits emphatic or asseverative contexts.

BDB1688 H1571

BDB1687 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1689

גַּם768 adverb denoting addition, also, moreover, yea (Moabite id., also Zinjirli (Lzb250 Cooke166); probably akin to √ ; compare (accusative) in a mass, altogether) —

1. also, moreover, emphasizing sometimes the thought of an entire sentence, but more usually the word immediately following, as Gen 3:6 וַתִּתֵּן גַּם לְאִישָׁהּ and gave also to her husband, vGen 3:27 and take also of the tree of life, Gen 7:3; Gen 19:21; Gen 24:19; Gen 26:21; Gen 29:27; Gen 30:15; Gen 32:21 (גַּם הִגֵּה ֗֗֗ : so Esth 7:9) Gen 48:11; Exod 8:28; Exod 12:32b Deut 1:37; 1Sam 28:20; 2Sam 11:12; 2Kgs 9:27; Isa 7:13 +. Often before pronouns, Gen 4:4 וְהֶבֶל הֵבִיא גַם הוּא and Abel, he also brought, Gen 20:5 וְהִיאגַֿםהִֿוא (so only here) and she herself also, vGen 20:6; Gen 27:31 וַיַּעַשׂ גַּם הוּא, Gen 30:8; Deut 3:20; Judg 3:31; Judg 6:35; Judg 9:19; 1Sam 19:20-24; Jer 12:6; Jer 48:26 etc. (compare MI6 ויאמר גם הא): especially in genealogies of J (BuUrg. 220) Gen 4:22; Gen 4:26; Gen 10:21; Gen 19:38; Gen 22:20; Gen 22:24 compare Judg 8:31. גַּם followed by pronoun also begins a sentence with emphasis in an elevated style, thou (they) also, Isa 14:10; Jer 12:6 (twice in verse); Jer 48:7; Ezek 16:52; Nah 3:11 (twice in verse). After a pronoun in an oblique case (Ges«GKC:135»§ 135, 2) Gen 27:34; 1Sam 19:23; 2Sam 17:5; Jer 25:14; Jer 27:7 +. וְגַם and also (more often than גַּם alone attaching a sentence) Gen 6:4; Gen 14:16; Gen 15:14; Gen 17:16; Gen 20:12; Gen 24:14; Gen 24:46; Gen 30:6; Gen 37:7; Gen 38:24; Gen 42:28; Exod 2:19; Exod 3:9; Exod 4:14; Josh 7:11 (5 t.) 1Sam 4:17; 1Kgs 21:19 + often; with a negative = neither Exod 5:2; Exod 34:3 and elsewhere — גַּם ֗֗֗ גַּם (like et ... et) both ... and Gen 44:16; Gen 47:3; Gen 47:19; Num 18:3; Jer 51:12; Ps 49:3 +: גַּם ֗֗֗ גַּם ֗֗֗ גַּם Gen 24:25; Judg 8:22; Eccl 9:6: with a negative neither ... nor Num 23:25; 1Sam 20:27; 1Kgs 3:26, and (3 t.) Gen 43:8; Exod 4:10; 1Sam 28:6. So (but seldom) גַּםוְ֗֗֗גַם Gen 24:44; Gen 1:26; Gen 12:14; Gen 26:25: with negative 1Sam 21:9. —
N.B. In poetry independence and emphasis is sometimes given by גַּם to a new idea, where in English we should be satisfied with and: Ps 107:5; Ps 137:1; Job 24:19; Song 7:14; Lam 4:15.
2. with stress on a particular word, even, Exod 4:9; Num 22:33 גַּם אוֺתְךָ even thee I had slain, and kept her alive, 2Sam 17:10; Jer 2:33; Ps 132:12; Prov 14:13 even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, vProv 14:20; Prov 17:28; Prov 20:11; Ruth 2:15; Neh 3:35 and so often after כִּי, Deut 12:31 for even their sons they burn in the fire to their gods, 1Sam 22:17; Isa 26:12; Jer 6:11; Jer 12:6; Jer 14:5; Hos 9:12 כִּיגַֿםאֿוֺי לָהֶם for even woe is it to them when I depart from them; הֲגַם Gen 16:13; 1Sam 10:11; 1Sam 10:12 = 1Sam 19:24; 1Kgs 17:20; Ps 78:20; Job 41:1; Esth 7:8. Other cases: — 1Sam 24:12 רְאֵה גַּם רְאֵה see, yea see ! (but HupQu. Job vi. גַּם רָאֹה: compare below) Ps 118:11; Job 2:10 גַּם אֶתהַֿטּוֺב נְקַבֵּל shall we receive good (emphatic) from God and not evil ? Job 21:7 interposed once between a substantive and adjective Gen 20:4 gentemne etiam justam interficies? emphasizing כֹּל, Deut 28:61; Judg 9:49b 1Sam 22:7 גַּםֿ לְכֻלְּכֶם to all (emphatic) of you will he give ...? 2Sam 19:31 גַּם אֶתהַֿכֹּל יִקָּ֑ח yea, the whole let him take! Isa 26:12 אֶחָד 2Sam 17:12b and we will not leave גַּם אֶחָד ֗֗֗ even one (similarly v2Sam 17:13 b), Ps 14:3 (= Ps 53:4) אֵין גַּם אֶחָד; an infinitive or cognate accusative attached to a verb, Gen 31:15; Gen 46:4; Num 11:15; Num 16:13; 1Sam 1:6. גַּם שְׁנֵיהֶם literally even both i.e. the one as well as the other (German alle beide) is said idiomatically, Gen 27:45 (שְׁנֵיכֶם), Deut 22:22; Deut 23:19; 1Sam 25:43 (שְׁתֵּיהֶן), Prov 17:15; Prov 20:10; Prov 20:12; Ruth 1:5.
3. introducing a climax, yea, especially in a rhetorical style, Gen 27:33; Deut 23:3; Deut 23:4; Judg 5:4 (twice in verse); Isa 13:3; Isa 14:8; Isa 43:13 yea, from to-day I am the same, Isa 44:12 גַּם רָעֵב yea, he is hungry, and has no strength, Isa 47:3; Isa 48:8 (3 t. in verse); Isa 57:7; Jer 46:16; Jer 48:2; Jer 51:44; Hos 7:9; Ps 41:10; Ps 84:7; Ps 139:12; Isa 66:8 כִּיחָֿ֫לָה גַּםיָָֽֿלְדָה, צִיּוֺן אֶתבָּֿנֶיהָ, Jer 5:28; Jer 12:2; Ezek 24:5; Job 21:7; Song 8:1: emphasizing an extreme, or aggravated, case, yea, even, Isa 49:15 yea, these may forgot, Jer 8:17 yea, the stork knoweth, etc., Isa 23:12 גַּם שָׁם even there no rest shall be for thee (so Ps 139:10), Isa 49:25; Isa 57:6; Jer 23:11b; Mal 3:15; Ps 84:4.
4. expressing correspondence, especially in the matter of retribution (the גַּם correlativum), so frequently גַּם אֲנִי, גַּם אָנֹכִי I also (on my part): — Gen 20:6 I also [as well as thyself] know that thou hast done this innocently, Josh 24:18; Judg 2:21; 1Sam 1:28 (compare Dr) 1Sam 28:22 גַּם אַתָּה thou also (as I have done v1Sam 28:21), 2Sam 12:13 ׳י also [responding to thy confession] hath removed thy sin, 2Kgs 2:3; 2Kgs 2:5; Isa 31:2; Isa 66:3-4 (גם ֗֗֗ גם, emphasizing the action of both parties), Jer 2:36; Jer 4:12 now will I also [in correspondence with their deeds] speak judgments with them, Jer 7:11; Jer 51:49 (גם ֗֗֗ גם), Ezek 5:8; Ezek 5:11; Ezek 16:43 (וְגַם = therefore also), Ezek 23:35; Hos 4:6 because thou hast forgotten the direction of thy God, I also (on my part) will forget thy children, Ps 52:7 (thou lovest evil, etc.) גַּם אֵל יִתָּצְךָ God also (on his part) will pluck thee up, Ps 71:22; Ps 133:1; Prov 1:26; Job 7:11; Job 12:3; Job 16:4 so וְגַם Judg 2:3; Amos 4:6; Amos 4:7; Mic 6:13; Mal 2:9. In the apodosis (uncommon): Gen 13:16 if a man could number the dust of the earth, גַּם זַרְעֲךָ יִמָּנֶה thy seed also should be numbered, Jer 31:36; Jer 31:37; Jer 33:21; Jer 33:26; Zech 8:6. The correspondence is sometimes of the nature of a climax: Gen 27:33; Gen 30:8 I have wrestled, גַּם יָכֹלְתִּי (compare 1Kgs 22:22 וְגַם תּוּכָ֔ל, Jer 50:24), Isa 66:8.
5. connecting two ideas which express (or imply) a contradiction, גַּם acquires sometimes an adversative force (compare אַף 1 end), yet, but, though: Ps 95:9 they tried me, but also (Che) saw my work (namely of judgment), Ps 129:2; Jer 6:15 = Jer 8:12; Ezek 20:23; Eccl 4:8; Eccl 4:16; Eccl 5:18; Neh 6:1. So וְגַם Ezek 16:28; Ezek 20:15; Eccl 3:13; Eccl 6:7; Neh 5:8.
6. גַּם כִּי (with imperfect) yea, when Lam 3:8, even when Prov 22:6 yea though (stating an imagined case) Isa 1:15; Hos 8:10; Hos 9:16; Ps 23:4 (so גַּם אִם Eccl 8:17); also (is it) that Ruth 2:21 (see כִּי 1 d). כִּי גַם = for even (see above 2); = though even, although (conceding a fact) Eccl 4:14 (see De) Eccl 8:12.

also, yea, even, and, both, …
gam
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
  • also, even, indeed, moreover, yea
    • also, moreover (giving emphasis)
    • "neither, neither...nor (with negative)"even (for stress)"indeed, yea (introducing climax)"also (of correspondence or retribution)"but, yet, though (adversative)"even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case)
    again, alike

אֱוִ֣יל
אֱוִ֣יל
Root word fool, fools, foolish
Dictionary form: אֱוִיל · eh-WEEL

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a fool
a fool ×3 fool ×3 but fools ×2 fools ×2 of the foolish ×2 a foolish ×1 a fools ×1 and the fool ×1
More options
fool — Direct, widely understood; best default rendering.
foolish person — Clarifies nominal sense when context needs explicitness.
simpleton — Emphasizes lack of wisdom without strong moral condemnation.
dunce — Slightly informal; highlights stubborn ignorance or obtuseness.
blockhead — Colloquial; vivid for rhetorical or poetic passages.
senseless person — Neutral, modern; suits contexts stressing lack of discernment.

BDB193 H191

BDB192 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB194

אֱוִיל26 adjective (foolish׳א Job 5:2 +; plural אֱוִילִים Ps 107:17 +, etc.; — foolish, Prov 29:9 (׳אִישׁ א) Hos 9:7 (predicate of prophet); compare Isa 35:8, elsewhere noun masculine fool (always morally bad), who despises wisdom & discipline Prov 1:7; Prov 15:5 mocks at guilt Prov 14:9 is quarrelsome Prov 20:3 licentious Prov 7:22 it is folly & useless to instruct him Prov 16:22; Prov 27:22 (19 t. Proverbs); compare also Jer 4:22; Job 5:2; Job 5:3; Isa 19:11; Ps 107:17.

fool, fools, foolish
ʾĕwîl
(figuratively) silly
  • be foolish, foolish
    • (subst)
      • of one who despises wisdom
      • "of one who mocks when guilty"of one who is quarrelsome"of one who is licentious

מַ֭חֲרִישׁ
מַ֭חֲרִישׁ
Root word peace, plow, plowed, silence, tongue, …
Dictionary form: חָרַשׁ · haw-RAHSH

Verb — Hiphil, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state causative — "he made (someone) do" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: when he holdeth his peace
altogether ×2 hold not thy peace ×2 hold your peace ×2 it and held his peace ×2 keep silence ×2 plow ×2 unto me hold thy peace ×2 a worker ×1
More options
be silent — Most versatile rendering; fits commands and narrative alike.
keep quiet — Informal register; good for direct speech or dialogue.
plow — Use when agricultural context is explicit.
devise — For scheming or crafting plans; mental/covert action.
engrave — For crafting inscriptions or images in hard material.
hold one's tongue — Idiomatic; strong restraint of speech, vivid register.

BDB3181 H2790 H2794

BDB3180 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3182

I. [חָרַשׁ] verb cut in, engrave, plough, devise (Late Hebrew id., plough, so Eth Phoenician חרש, Aramaic (rare) חֲרַת engrave, cleave, plough, Arabic plough) —

Qal Perfect חָֽרְשׁוּ Ps 129:3, חֲרַשְׁתֶּם Judg 14:18; Hos 10:13 Imperfect יַחֲרשׁ Isa 28:24; Prov 20:4 יַחֲרוֺשׁ Hos 10:11+ Amos 6:12 (see below); 2 masculine singular תַּחֲרשׁ Deut 22:10; Prov 3:29 Infinitive construct חֲרשׁ 1Sam 8:12 Participle חֹרֵשׁ Gen 4:22 + 5 t.; חוֺרֵשׁ Amos 9:13 plural חֹרְשִׁים Ps 129:3, חֹרְשֵׁי Job 4:8 + 3 t., feminine plural absolute חֹרְשׁוֺת Job 1:14 passive חֲרוּשָׁה Jer 17:1: —
1. cut in, engrave, of worker in metals נְחשֶׁת וּבַרְזֶל ׳ח Gen 4:22 (J), נחשׁת ׳ח 1Kgs 7:14 figurative עַללֿוּחַ לִבָּם ׳ח Jer 17:1 engraved on the tablet of their heart.
2. plough, literally, human subject (animal usually with בְּ), no object expressed 1Kgs 19:19; Deut 22:10; Isa 28:24, so יַחֲרוֺשׁ בבקרים Amos 6:12 (but read probably יֵחָרֵשׁ בבקר יָם, see We and others); with accusative of congnate meaning with verb חֲרִישׁוֺ ׳ח 1Sam 8:12 plough his ploughing (= do his ploughing), Prov 20:4 figurative of Judah Hos 10:11 with ethical reference רֶשַׁע ׳ח vHos 10:13 (|| קצר), אָוֶן ׳ח Job 4:8 (|| זרע, קצר); עַלגַּֿבִּי חָֽרְשׁוּ חֹרְשִׁים Ps 129:3 upon my back have ploughmen ploughed (figurative of oppression by wicked); חֹרֵשׁ = ploughman Isa 28:24; Amos 9:13 (|| קוֺצֵר); ׳ח with oxen subject only Job 1:14.
3. devise (as one who works in, practises), usually bad sense, object רָעָה Prov 3:29, רַע Prov 6:14 מַחְשְׁבוֺת אָוֶן vProv 6:18, חֹרְשֵׁירַע Prov 12:20; Prov 14:22 but also חֹרְשֵׁי טוֺב vProv 14:22. Niph`al Imperfect 3 feminine singular צִיּוֺן שָׂדֶה תֵּחָרֵשׁ Mic 3:12 Zion, as a field she shall be ploughed = Jer 26:18. Hiph`il Participle מַחֲרִישׁ רָעָה עַלֿ 1Sam 23:9 fabricating mischief against (see Dr, and compare We).


BDB3186 H2790

BDB3185 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3187

II. [חָרֵשׁ]

verb 1. be silent, dumb, speechless;
2. be deaf; chiefly poet. (Late Hebrew Pi`el make deaf; Aramaic , be dumb, deaf; Arabic be dumb, speechless, compare Assyrian —arâšu, restrain, according to DlPr 100; see LagBN 120) —
Qal Imperfect יֶחֱרָ֑שׁ Ps 50:3 2 masculine singular תֶּחֱרַשׁ Ps 28:1; Ps 83:2 תֶּחֱרַ֑שׁ Ps 35:22; Ps 109:1 תֶּחֱרָ֑שׁ Ps 39:13 3 feminine plural תֶּחֱרַ֑שְׁנָה Mic 7:16
1. be silent, always of God's keeping silence when men pray Ps 35:22; Ps 50:3; Ps 83:2; Ps 109:1 followed by אֶלֿ Ps 39:13.
2. be deaf, subject ׳י, followed by מִמֶּנִּי Ps 28:1 subject אָזְנַיִם Mic 7:16. Hiph`il Perfect חֶחֱרִשׁ Num 30:15; Gen 34:5 יְחֶחֱרִישׁ consecutive Num 30:5; Num 30:8 וְהֶחֱרִשׁ consecutive Num 30:12 הֶחֱרַ֫שְׁתִּי Esth 7:4 + 2 t. etc.; Imperfect יַחֲרִישׁ Num 30:15 + 2 t. (including Zeph 3:17 see below); 2 masculine singular תַּחֲרִישׁ Hab 1:13 jussive תַּחְרֵשׁ 1Sam 7:8 2 masculine plural תַּחֲרִישׁוּן Job 13:5 תַּחֲרִשׁוּן Exod 14:14, etc.; Imperative הַחֲרֵשׁ Judg 18:19 + 2 t.; הַחֲרִ֫ישִׁי 2Sam 13:20 הַחֲרִ֫ישׁוּ Job 13:13; Isa 41:1 Infinitive absolute הַחֲרֵשׁ Num 30:15 + 2 t.; Participle מַחֲרִישׁ Gen 24:21 + 2 t. (including 1Sam 10:27 see below); מַחֲרִישִׁים 2Sam 19:11
1. be silent (= exhibit silence)
  a. almost always of men Gen 24:21; Gen 34:5; Exod 14:14 (all J), Judg 18:19; 2Sam 13:20; 2Sam 19:11; 2Kgs 18:36 = Isa 36:21; Jer 4:19; Job 6:24; Job 13:5 (twice in verse); Job 13:19; Job 33:31; Job 33:33; Prov 11:12; Prov 17:28; Ps 32:3; Neh 5:8; Esth 4:14 (twice in verse); Esth 7:4 also וַיְהִי כְּמַחֲרִישׁ 1Sam 10:27 (but read rather ויהי כְּמֵחֹדֶשׁ and it came to pass after about a month, ᵐ5 Dr); יחרישׁ באהבתו Zeph 3:17 (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 יְחַדֵּשׁ he will renew his love, see especially BuhlZAW see 1885, 183); ׳ח with לְ person keep silence at one, i.e. fail to make objection at proper time Num 30:5; Num 30:8; Num 30:12; Num 30:15 (3 t. in verse) (all P); אלי ׳הח Isa 41:1 pregnantly = come silently unto me; followed by מִן person cease to speak with Jer 38:27 be silent about, pass by in silence, followed by accusative בַּדָּיו ׳אח Job 41:4.
  b. rarely of God, permitting evil in silence Hab 1:13; Isa 42:14; Ps 50:21.
2. once causat. make silent, with accusative Job 11:3.
3. be deaf, shew deafness: אַלֿ תַּחֲרֵשׁ מִמֶּנּוּ מִזְּעֹק 1Sam 7:8 be not deaf (turning) from us, so as not to cry.
**Hithpa`el Imperfect 3 masculine plural וַיִּתְחָֽרְשׁוּ Judg 16:2 and they kept quiet.

peace, plow, plowed, silence, tongue, …
ḥāraš
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness)
  • to cut in, plough, engrave, devise
    • (Qal)
      • to cut in, engrave
      • "to plough"to devise
      (Niphal) to be ploughed"(Hiphil) to plot evil
    to be silent, be dumb, be speechless, be deaf
    • (Qal)
      • to be silent
      • "to be deaf
      (Hiphil)
      • to be silent, keep quiet
      • "to make silent"to be deaf, show deafness
      (Hithpael) to remain silent

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

Adjective — masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: 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)

יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב
יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב
Root word counted, devise, thought, cunning, imagine, …
Dictionary form: חָשַׁב · haw-SHAHB

Verb — Niphal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine singular passive or reflexive — "it was done" / "he did it to himself" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: is counted
of cunning ×4 think ×3 thought ×3 with cunning ×3 accounted ×2 deviseth ×2 do ye imagine ×2 he hath purposed ×2
More options
think — Broadest fit; covers internal reasoning or opinion.
consider — Suggests careful, deliberate mental engagement.
reckon — Best for accounting, counting, or formal calculation contexts.
devise — Emphasizes intentional planning or scheming.
regard — Use when the sense is estimating someone's worth or status.
intend — Captures purposeful aim; good for volitional contexts.

BDB3205 H2803

BDB3204 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3206

חָשַׁב verb think, account (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic חֲשַׁב, ; Arabic ; Ethiopic id.; Phoenician noun חשב meaning dubious see CISi. 86) —

Qal Perfect ׳ח Isa 33:8 + 9 t.; חָשַׁבְתָּה 2Sam 14:13 etc.; Imperfect יַחְשֹׁב Isa 10:7 + 4 t.; יַחֲשָׁבֿ 2Sam 19:20; Ps 40:18 suffix יַחְשְׁבֵנִי Job 19:11; Job 33:10 plural יַחְשְׁבוּ Ps 41:8; Dan 11:25 יַחְשֹׁ֑בוּ Isa 13:17 יַחֲשֹׁבוּן Ps 35:20 נַחְשְׁבָה Jer 18:18, etc. + 9 t. Imperfect; Infinitive construct לַחְשֹׁב Exod 31:4 + 3 t.; Participle חשֵׁב Exod 26:1 + 15 t., חוֺשֵׁב 2Chr 26:15 חשְׁבִים Neh 6:2 + 3 t., חשְׁבֵי Mic 2:1 + 3 t.; —
I. of man:
1. think, account לבבו לא כן יחשׁב Isa 10:7 not so thinketh his mind; חשׁבי שׁמוֺ Mal 3:16 those thinking of his name; followed by 2 accusative חשׁבנהו נגוע Isa 53:4 we thought him stricken; elsewhere with accusative + לְ Gen 38:15 (J), 1Sam 1:13; Job 19:15; Job 35:2; Job 41:24 so, figurative, of crocodile Job 41:19 he reckoneth iron as straw.
2. devise, plan, mean, with accusative מַחֲשֶׁבֶת רָעָה Ezek 38:10, רעה Ps 35:4; Ps 140:3; Zech 7:10; Zech 8:17, תַּהְפֻּכ֑וֺת Prov 16:30, מְזִמּוֺת Ps 10:2; Ps 21:12, דִּבְרֵי מִרְמוֺת Ps 35:20, אָוֶן Mic 2:1; Ezek 11:2; Ps 36:5, הַוּוֺת Ps 52:4 רע(ה) על ׳ח devise evil against Gen 50:20 (E), Jer 48:2; Nah 1:11, רעה לְ ׳ח Ps 41:8, מַחֲשֶׁבֶת על ׳ח Jer 11:19; Jer 18:18; Jer 49:30; Dan 11:25; Esth 8:3; Esth 9:25, כזאת על ׳ח 2Sam 14:13 with infinitive 1Sam 18:25; Jer 18:8; Jer 23:27; Job 6:26; Neh 6:2; Neh 6:6; Esth 9:24; Ps 140:5 with לבלתי + Imperfect 2Sam 14:14 (where, however, Ew reads חוֺבֵ for וחשׁב compare We Dr; in this case לבלתי carries on לֹא יִשָּׂא).
3. charge, impute ׳עון ל ׳ח, 2Sam 19:20 impute iniquity to.
4. esteem, value, regard, silver Isa 13:17, a man Isa 33:8, the servant of ׳י Isa 53:3.
5. invent ingenious and artistic things, להם כלי שׁיר ׳ח Amos 6:5 invent for themselves instruments of music; (כל) מחשׁבת ׳ח invent cunning work (of artistic devices in construction of tabernacle) Exod 31:4; Exod 35:32; Exod 35:35 (all P), so 2Chr 2:13 מַעֲשֵׂה חשֵׁב work of the cunning (ingenious, inventive) workman (of artistic devices in weaving; see especially VB and Di) Exod 26:1; Exod 26:31; Exod 28:6; Exod 28:15; Exod 36:8; Exod 36:35; Exod 39:3; Exod 39:8 (all P); מַחֲשֶׁבֶת חוֺשֵׁב 2Chr 26:15 inventions of inventive men (of engines of war); חָרָשׁ וְחשֵׁב craftsman and inventive workman (in construction of tabernacle, see above) Exod 35:35; Exod 38:23 (P). II. of God:
1. think, with accusative pers + לְ indirect object account one לאויב, for an enemy Job 13:24; Job 33:10 לוֺ כצריו ׳ח Job 19:11 he accounted me unto him as his adversaries.
2. devise, plan, mean, with accusative + ל indirect object לטבה for good Gen 50:20 (E); with ל person לִי devise for me Ps 40:18 accusative of thing + עַל, devise something against a person Mic 2:3; Jer 18:11 towards one Jer 29:11, with אל against Jer 49:20; Jer 50:45 followed by infinitive Jer 26:3; Jer 36:3; Lam 2:8.
3. impute, reckon, with accusative of thing + ל person, the habit of believing in ׳י he reckoned to Abram as righteousness Gen 15:6 (J E; compare Niph`al 3); not impute iniquity to one Ps 32:2. Niph`al Perfect נֶחְשַׁב Num 18:27; Num 18:30, נֶחְשַׁבְתִּי Ps 88:5 etc. + 10 t. Perfect; Imperfect יֵחָשֵׁב Lev 7:18 + 7 t., etc., + 6 t. Imperfect; Participle נֶחְשָׁב Isa 2:22; 1Kgs 10:21; 2Chr 9:20: —
1. be accounted, thought, esteemed, with כְּ as Hos 8:12; Isa 5:28; Isa 29:16; Isa 40:15; Ps 44:23; Job 18:3; Job 41:21 with לְ Isa 29:17 = Isa 32:15, Lam 4:2 עִם with, among Ps 88:5, בַּמֶּה Isa 2:22 at what (value) ? (see probably interpolated; omitted by ᵐ5); with accusative Deut 2:11; Deut 2:20; Prov 17:28; Neh 13:13 נָכְרִיּוֺת נֶחְשַׁבְנוּ לוֺ Gen 31:13 (E; ᵐ5 Sam ׳כְּנֶח) Isa 40:17.
2. be computed, reckoned, with לְ Josh 13:3 (D), עַל Lev 25:31 (P), 2Sam 4:2: absolute כסף was not counted (so plentiful was it) 1Kgs 10:21 = 2Chr 9:20; 2Kgs 22:7.
3. be imputed to any one, with לְ Lev 7:18; Num 18:27; Num 18:30 (all P), Lev 17:4 (H) Prov 27:14 the interposition of Phinehas לוֺ לצדקה ׳נח Ps 106:31 was imputed to him for righteousness (compare Qal II 3). Pi`el Perfect 3 masculine singular חִשַּׁב Lev 25:27 + 4 t.; feminine חִשְּׁבָה Jonah 1:4 1 singular חִשַּׁבְתִּי Ps 77:6; Ps 119:59 Imperfect יְחַשֵּׁב Prov 16:9; Dan 11:24, תְּחַשְּׁבוּן Nah 1:9, etc., + 4 t. Imperfect; Participle מְחַשֵּׁב Prov 24:8: —
1. think upon, consider, be mindful of, with accusative Ps 77:6; Ps 119:59, (מה) בֶּןאֱֿנוֺשׁ וַתְּחַשְּׁבֵהוּ Ps 144:3 what (is) man's son, and thou thinkest upon him (|| תֵּדָעֵהוּ).
2. think to do, devise, plan, with accusative Prov 16:9, אֶל of persons against whom Hos 7:15; Nah 1:9, עַל Dan 11:24 with infinitive Ps 73:16; Prov 24:8 so of inanimate object הָאֳנִיָּה חִשְּׁבָה לְהִשָּׁבֵר Jonah 1:4 the ship was about to (minded to) be broken up.
3. count, reckon, the years since a sale of land Lev 25:27 (H); with לְ person Lev 25:52 (H), Lev 27:18; Lev 27:23 (P); with עִם Lev 25:50 (P); with אֶת 2Kgs 12:16. Hithpa`el Imperfect בַּגּוֺיִם לֹא יִתְחַשָּׁ֑ב Num 23:9 (JE) among the nations it shall not reckon itself.


BDB9545 H2803 H2804

BDB9544 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9546

[חֲשַׁב] verb think, account (see Biblical Hebrew); —

Pe`al Participle pass plural כְּלָה חֲשִׁיבִון Dan 4:32 like those not accounted of, of no account, Bev Dr.

counted, devise, thought, cunning, imagine, …
ḥāšab
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute
  • to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count
    • (Qal)
      • to think, account
      • "to plan, devise, mean"to charge, impute, reckon"to esteem, value, regard"to invent
      (Niphal)
      • to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed
      • "to be computed, be reckoned"to be imputed
      (Piel)
      • to think upon, consider, be mindful of
      • "to think to do, devise, plan"to count, reckon
      (Hithpael) to be considered

אֹטֵ֖ם
אֹטֵ֖ם
Root word narrow, stoppeth, shutteth
Dictionary form: אָטַם · aw-TAHM

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

In the KJV here: and he that shutteth
and there were narrow ×2 that stoppeth ×2 and he that shutteth ×1 and the narrow ×1 of narrow ×1 whoso stoppeth ×1
More options
stop up — Most versatile; suits blocking ears, gaps, or flows.
seal shut — Emphasizes complete, deliberate closure.
shut — Simple and direct; good for bodily or physical contexts.
block — Neutral, modern; works well for abstract obstruction.
narrow — Adjectival sense; use when describing constricted openings.
close off — Implies cutting off access; fits boundary or passage contexts.

BDB355 H331

BDB354 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB356

[אטם] verb shut, shut up (Mishna אטם, compare אוֺטֶם stoppage, Aramaic אֲטַם; Arabic contract, stop, fortress; Assyrian a‰amu, in list of headgear, etc. = turban? DlW, No. 155) —

Qal Participle active אֹטֵם Prov 17:28 + 2 t.; passive אֲטֻמִים 1Kgs 6:4 אֲטֻמוֺת Ezek 40:16 + 2 t.; — shut, stop, object lips Prov 17:28 ears Prov 21:13; Isa 33:15 passive = closed (i.e. narrowed, narrowing, compare ᵑ6 in Co) ׳חַלּוֺנוֺת א Ezek 40:16; Ezek 41:16; Ezek 41:26 compare חַלּוֺנֵי שְׁקֻפִים אֲטֻמִים 1Kgs 6:4. Hiph`il Imperfect id quod Qal יַאְטֵם Ps 58:5 (jussive with sense of indicative, compare Dr§ 173 obs.) of adder, stopping ears, simile of wicked.

narrow, stoppeth, shutteth
ʾāṭam
to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)
  • to shut, shut up, close
    • (Qal) to shut, stop (of lips)
    • "(Hiphil) of the wicked stopping their ears (figuratively)

שְׂפָתָ֣י ו
שְׂפָתָ֣י
Root word lips, bank, brim, edge, language, …
ו
Suffix — pronoun his / him / it
Dictionary form: שָׂפָה · saw-PAW

Noun — Common, feminine dual, construct state dual — a natural pair ("two ___"); "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: his 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.

BDB8298 H8193

BDB8297 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8299

שָׂפָה176 noun feminine [masculine Exod 28:32, edge, compare AlbrZAW 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 GASmG 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).

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)
    • "language"edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

נָבֽוֹן
נָבֽוֹן
Root word understand, understanding, consider, understood, prudent, …
Dictionary form: בִּין · been

Verb — Niphal, Participle Active, masculine singular, absolute state passive or reflexive — "it was done" / "he did it to himself" ongoing action — try "___ing" or "one who ___s"

In the KJV here: is esteemed a man of understanding
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

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.
גַּ֤ם אֱוִ֣יל מַ֭חֲרִישׁ Dechi — a lesser break חָכָ֣ם יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here אֹטֵ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֣יו נָבֽוֹן Silluq — end of the verse

גַּם אֱוִיל מַחֲרִישׁ חָכָם יֵחָשֵׁב אֹטֵם שְׂפָתָיו נָבֽוֹן׃
28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Cross References

Job 13:5

מִֽי-יִתֵּן הַחֲרֵשׁ תַּחֲרִישׁוּן וּתְהִי לָכֶם לְחָכְמָֽה׃
5
O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

Proverbs 15:2

לְשׁוֹן חֲכָמִים תֵּיטִיב דָּעַת וּפִי כְסִילִים יַבִּיעַ אִוֶּֽלֶת׃
2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Ecclesiastes 10:14

וְהַסָּכָל יַרְבֶּה דְבָרִים לֹא-יֵדַע הָאָדָם מַה-שֶׁיִּֽהְיֶה וַאֲשֶׁר יִֽהְיֶה מֵֽאַחֲרָיו מִי יַגִּיד לֽוֹ׃
14
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

Ecclesiastes 5:3

כִּי בָּא הַחֲלוֹם בְּרֹב עִנְיָן וְקוֹל כְּסִיל בְּרֹב דְּבָרִֽים׃
3
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

Ecclesiastes 10:3

וְגַם-בַּדֶּרֶךְ ‫(כשהסכל)‬ כְּשֶׁסָּכָל הֹלֵךְ לִבּוֹ חָסֵר וְאָמַר לַכֹּל סָכָל הֽוּא׃
3
Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.