Proverbs 26:21

פֶּחָ֣ם לְ֭גֶחָלִים וְעֵצִ֣ים לְאֵ֑שׁ וְאִ֥ישׁ (מדונים) מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים לְחַרְחַר רִֽיב
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

פֶּחָ֣ם
פֶּחָ֣ם
Root word coals
Dictionary form: פֶּחָם · peh-HAWM

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: as coals
as coals ×1 in the coals ×1 the coals ×1
More options
charcoal — Most precise modern term; implies burned wood residue.
embers — Suggests glowing, heat-retaining coals; vivid imagery.
coal — Simple, direct modernization of the KJV gloss.
burning coals — Adds heat emphasis; useful in poetic or judgment contexts.

BDB6584 H6341 H6352

BDB6583 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6585

I. פַּח noun masculinePs 124:7 bird-trap (compare WilkinsonEgyptians (1878) ii, 103, 109 f. DrAmos 3:5 HoffmZAW iii (1883), 101);

**compare also BaldenspergerPEF 1905, 38 (pahµ used now of a trap with a net). — ׳פ absolute Hos 5:1 +, פָּ֑ךְ Jer 48:44 +; construct פַּךְ Hos 9:8 +; plural פַּחִים Jer 18:22 +; —
1. literal ׳יַעֲלֶה פ Amos 3:5b (as metaphor; v:a strike out ׳פ), Prov 7:23; Eccl 9:12 (with אָחוּז; both in simile).
2. usually figurative (sometimes || מוֺקֵשׁ, רֶשֶׁת, צַמִּים):
  a. of calamities and plots, יָקוֺשׁ ׳פ Hos 9:8, compare Ps 91:3; Ps 124:7 ׳פ alone Jer 48:43 = Isa 24:17; Job 22:10; Ps 124:7; Prov 22:5 לְ ׳טָמַן פ Jer 18:22; Ps 140:6; Ps 142:4 לְ ׳נָחַן פ Ps 119:110, לְ ׳יָקַשׁ פ Ps 141:9 ׳יאֹחֵז בְּעָקֵב פ Job 18:9 ׳יִלָּכֵד בֵּפּ Jer 48:44 = Isa 24:18.
  b. = source or agent of calamity Hos 5:1; Josh 23:13 (D), Isa 8:14; Ps 69:23. — Ps 11:6 see פֶּחָם. below

BDB6588 H6352

BDB6587 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6589

פֶּחָם noun [masculine] coal (collective); absolute ׳פ, as inflammable, לְגֶחָלִים ׳פ Prov 26:21 (charcoal for embers, Toy); of glowing coal Isa 44:12, ׳אֵשׁ פ Isa 54:16; Ps 11:6 for ᵑ0 פַּחִ֑ים אֵשׁ read פַּחַם אֵשׁ (or פַּחֲמֵי) coals of fire (|| גָּפְרִית), so Ew and others

coals
peḥām
a coal, whether charred or live
  • coal, charcoal, ember

לְ ֭גֶחָלִים
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
֭גֶחָלִים
Root word coals, coal, fire
Dictionary form: גֶּחֶל · ɡeh-HEL

Noun — Common, both plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: are to burning coals
coals ×5 stones and coals ×2 the coals ×2 are to burning coals ×1 be a coal ×1 coals of fire ×1 him were coals ×1 hot coals ×1
More options
ember — Best general term; glowing coal, not ash or flame.
burning coal — Vivid imagery; prefer in poetic or judgment contexts.
live coal — Stresses that the coal is actively hot and ignited.
glowing coal — Highlights radiant heat; good for visionary descriptions.
hot coal — Plain and direct; suits straightforward narrative prose.
charcoal — Use only when fuel or cooking context is explicit.

BDB1606 H1513

BDB1605 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1607

גַּחֶ֫לֶת noun feminineExod 1:13 coal (compare Assyrian gu—lu, a shining precious stone? COTGloss ZimBP 45) — absolute גַּחֶלֶת Isa 47:14 suffix גַּחַלְתִּי 2Sam 14:7 plural גֶּחָלִים Ps 18:9 + 6 t.; construct גַּחֲלֵי Lev 16:12 + 5 t. + Ps 18:14 (strike out ᵐ5 De Che); suffix גֶּחָלָיו Isa 44:19, גֶּחָלֶיהָ Ezek 24:11 — coal, plural אֵשׁ ׳ג coals of fire Lev 16:12 (P), 2Sam 22:13 = Ps 18:13 [also Ps 18:14 compare above] Ezek 10:2 (in vision); compare 2Sam 22:9 = Ps 18:9; Job 41:13, also Prov 6:28; Isa 44:19 in simile (of strife) Prov 26:21 (opposed to פֶּחָם black coal); Ezek 1:13 גַּחֲלֵי אֵשׁ (of the living creatures); figurative of hope in posterity 2Sam 14:7, of divine judgement, רתם ׳ג coals of broom-plant Ps 120:4, compare Ps 140:11, also (negative) Isa 47:14; Ezek 24:11 of kindness to enemy Prov 25:22.

coals, coal, fire
geḥel
an ember
  • coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals

וְ עֵצִ֣ים
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
עֵצִ֣ים
Root word wood, tree, trees, timber, stick, …
Dictionary form: עֵץ · ayts

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: and wood
wood ×57 tree ×41 trees ×32 the trees ×26 of wood ×13 the tree ×13 the wood ×11 the gallows ×7
More options
tree — Best for living, standing specimens in narrative or poetry.
wood — Best for the material substance or cut lumber.
timber — Use for construction-grade or structural wood.
stick — Prefer for small, discrete pieces or rods.
pole — Good for upright posts, including execution poles/gallows.
plank — Use when flat, sawn boards are in view.

BDB6281 H6086

BDB6280 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6282

עֵץ329 noun masculineGen 2:9 tree, trees, wood; — ׳ע absolute Gen 3:3 +, construct Gen 3:24 +, עֵץֿ Gen 2:16 +; suffix ֵ˜עצְךָ Deut 28:42, etc.; plural עֵצִים Judg 9:8 +, construct עֲצֵי Isa 7:2 +, suffix עֵצֶיךָ Deut 29:10, עֵצֵינוּ Lam 5:4, etc.; —

1. (c. 150 t.)
  a. a standing tree Gen 18:4; Gen 18:8 (J) +, Exod 15:25 (J; of shrub ?), Jer 17:18 = Ps 1:3 (simile); to be felled Deut 19:5; 2Kgs 6:6 הָעֵצִים (apparently including vine and bramble) in allegory Judg 9:8 + 6 t. Judg 9 עֵץ הַחַיִּים Gen 2:9; Gen 3:22; Gen 3:24 (J), compare חַיִּים ׳ע figurative of source of (life and) happiness Prov 3:18; Prov 11:30; Prov 13:12; Prov 15:4 הַדַּעַת טוֺב וָדָע ׳ע Gen 2:9; Gen 2:16 (J); עֲצֵי (ה)יַעַר Isa 7:2 (simile), Isa 44:14; Ezek 15:2 +; עֲצֵי הַשָּׂדֶה Isa 55:12; Ezek 17:24 (figurative), +; עֲצֵי לְבָנוֺן 2Chr 2:7 עֲצֵימַֿיִם Ezek 31:14 ׳עֲצֵי י Ps 104:16 עֲצֵי עֵדֶן Ezek 31:9; Ezek 31:16; Ezek 31:18 (twice in verse); עֲצֵי לְבוֺנָה Song 4:14 of vine עֵץ הַגֶּפֶן Ezek 15:2; Ezek 15:6 תַּחַת כָּלעֵֿץ רַעֲנָ֑ן place of illicit worship Deut 12:2; Jer 2:20; Jer 3:6; Jer 3:13; 1Kgs 14:23; 2Kgs 16:4; 2Kgs 17:10; Ezek 6:13; Isa 57:5; 2Chr 28:4, compare עַלעֵֿץ רַעֲנָן Jer 17:2 כָּלעַֿץ עָבֹת Ezek 20:28.
  b. collective trees, עֵץהַֿגָּן Gen 2:16; Gen 3:1; Gen 3:2; Gen 3:8 (all J); usually later, ׳י Gen 1:12; Gen 1:29 (twice in verse) (P), +; עֵץ פְּרִי fruit-bearing trees Gen 1:11 (P), Ps 148:9, compare Eccl 2:5, פְּרי עֵץ Exod 10:15 (J), Ezek 36:30; Lev 23:40 (H), compare Joel 2:22 עֵץמַֿאֲכָל Deut 20:20; Lev 19:23 (H), Ezek 47:12; Neh 9:25 עֵץ הַזַּיִת Hag 2:19 olive trees, עֵץ שֶׁמֶן Neh 8:15, עֵץשָֿׁ֑מֶן Isa 41:19 סֲבָחעֵֿץ Ps 74:5 thicket of trees; עֵץ הַשָּׂרֶה Exod 9:25 (J), +; עֵץ הַיַּעַר Ezek 15:6, compare Isa 10:19; Isa 44:23 כִּימֵי הָעֵץ Isa 65:22 (simile of great age).
  c. plural of trees felled for building, 1Kgs 5:20; 1Kgs 5:32 (+ אֲבָנִים); עֲצֵי אֲרָזִים 2Sam 5:11 = 1Chr 14:1 + 7 t.; עֲצֵי בְרוֺשִׁים Jer 52:22; Jer 52:24; Jer 9:11 ׅ׳עֲצֵי לְמֻגִּים (אַלְגּ, see ׳אַלְגּ above
2. (approximately 175 times; approximately 120 times plural, to denote pieces [or articles] of wood)
  a. wood, as material; for building, 2Kgs 12:13 (+ אַבְנֵי מַתְצֵב), 2Kgs 22:6 = 2Chr 34:11 (both + id.), Neh 2:8 +; עֲצֵי שָׁ֑מֶן 1Kgs 6:23; 1Kgs 6:31; 1Kgs 6:33 compare v1Kgs 6:32 עֲצֵיגֹּֿפֶר Gen 6:14 (Noah's ark), עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים Exod 25:5; Exod 25:10 + 20 t. Exodus (of tabernacle and its furniture; all P) Deut 10:3 מִגְדַּלעֵֿץ Neh 8:4 מוֺטִת עֵץ Jer 28:13 (in figurative; opposed to בַּרְזֶל ׳מ); כְּלִיעֵֿץ article of wood Lev 11:32; Lev 15:12; Num 31:20, compare Num 35:18 (all P). Hence
  b. עֵצִים = articles of wood Exod 7:19 (P; || אֲבָנִים), 1Chr 29:2 so עֲצֵי בְרוֺשִׁים 2Sam 6:5 (but see בְּרוֺשׁ near the end); specifically הָעֵץ = helve of axe Deut 19:5 עֵץ חֲנִית(וֺׅ 1Sam 17:7 Qr (Kt חֵץ) = 1Chr 20:5; 2Sam 21:19; 2Sam 23:7 עֲצֵי הָעֲגָלָה 1Sam 6:14 (i.e. wood of which cart was made), עֲצֵי הָאֲשֵׁרָה Judg 6:26 especially timbers of a house Zech 5:4; Hab 2:11; Lev 14:45, of a city 1Kgs 15:22 = 2Chr 16:5; Ezek 26:12 עֵץ of pole on which bodies of slain (criminals and others) were exposed (perhaps originally trees) Gen 40:19 (E), Josh 8:29 (twice in verse); Josh 10:26 (twice in verse); Josh 10:27 (all J E), Deut 21:22; Deut 21:23 late (in Persian) used for executing criminals (? by hanging = gallows), תָּלָח עַלעֵֿץ Esth 2:23 + 8 t. Esther.
  c. of idols, עֵץ וָאֶבֶן Deut 4:28; Deut 28:36; Deut 28:64; Deut 29:16; 2Kgs 19:18 = Isa 37:19; Ezek 20:32, compare Jer 2:27; Jer 3:9; Hab 2:19 so עֵץ alone Hos 4:12; Isa 40:20, of.Isa 44:19; Isa 45:20 אֲשֵׁרָה כָּלעֵֿץ Deut 16:21.
  d. (fire-) wood Josh 9:23; Josh 9:27 (J), vJosh 9:21 (P), Deut 19:5; Isa 30:33 +, read עֵצִים also Ezek 24:5 (for ᵑ0 עצמים) Bö Ew Sm Co Berthol Toy; especially for sacrifices 1Kgs 18:23 (twice in verse) +, Gen 22:7; Gen 22:9 (twice in verse); Lev 1:7 + 6 t. Leviticus (all P), 2Sam 24:22 || 1Chr 21:23, +; עֲצֵי עוֺלָה Gen 22:3; Gen 22:6 (P).
  e. עֵץ (הָ)אֶרֶז cedar-wood, used in purifications Lev 14:4; Lev 14:6; Lev 14:49; Lev 14:51; Lev 14:52; Num 19:6 (all P). feminine פִּשְׁתֵּי הָעֵץ Josh 2:6 woody-flax, i.e. flax on the stalk. — Jer 10:8 Gie proposes הֶבֶל מֹעֲצֹתָו for ᵑ0 הֲבָלִים עִץ הוּא. — מֹאֶסֶת כָּלעֵֿץ Ezek 21:15 is dubious, Sm proposes מָאֵסְתָּ כָלעֵֿץ, Co מֹאֲסֵי כָלעֹֿז, Berthol וּמְנַסֵּף כָּלעַֿז; SiegfKau Toy leave untranslated.

BDB9330 H636 H6086

BDB9329 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9331

אָע noun masculineEzra 5:8 wood (so ᵑ7, for עָע; Egyptian Aramaic עק S-CH5; Biblical Hebrew עֵץ, √ II. עצה); —

1. absolute ׳א timber, for building Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:4 beam vEzra 6:11.
2. emphatic אָעָא wood, material of idols Dan 5:4; Dan 5:23.

wood, tree, trees, timber, stick, …
ʿēṣ
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
  • tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows
    • tree, trees
      • "wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

לְ אֵ֑שׁ
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
אֵ֑שׁ
Root word fire, flaming, hot, burning, fiery
Dictionary form: אֵשׁ · aysh

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: to fire
with fire ×58 fire ×54 the fire ×51 of fire ×34 a fire ×32 in the fire ×14 of the fire ×14 and fire ×9
More options
fire — Most natural, all-purpose rendering in any context.
flame — Prefer when emphasizing visible, flickering light.
blaze — Suits large, intense, or raging fires.
burning — Good for adjectival or process-focused contexts.
inferno — Strong register; reserve for overwhelming, destructive fire.
fiery heat — Captures metaphorical intensity or divine wrath imagery.

BDB793 H784 H799

BDB792 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB794

אֵשׁ377 noun feminineExod 9:23 (masculineJer 48:45; Ps 104:4;

**'masculine' is dubious: Num 16:18 read עָלֶיהָ for 2nd עֲלֵיהֶם (ᵐ5B); Jer 20:9 see Ges§ 132 d; Jer 48:45 read (many MSS., Num 21:23) יצאה; Ps 104:4 read perhaps (Ol Du): לֵֹ˜הטָה, or וָלָֽחַט; Job 20:26 see Ges§ 145 u (or 121 b): compare AlbrZAW xvi {1896}. 63. feminine & masculineJer 20:9; Job 20:26) fire (Assyrian išatu COTGloss, Syriac , Ethiopic derivatives from II. אנשׁ, , sociable, friendly element (MV Wetzst in DePsalmen, ed. 4, p. 888 LagBN 68 compare , ), improbable especially in view of Assyrian; daghesh probably secondary; compare also Sta§ 189 b) — ׳א absolute Exod 9:24 +; construct Lev 6:2 + (seldom); suffix אִשּׁוֺ Deut 4:36; Job 18:5 אֶשְׁכֶם Isa 50:11 אִשָּׁם Isa 66:24 —
1. fire, of conflagration, e.g. in briers, endangering or destroying crops תֵּצֵא אֵשׁ וּמָֽצְאָה קֹצִים Exod 22:5 compare Exod 3:2 הַסְּנֶה בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ (both E); more often of deliberate destruction by fire, especially שָׂרַף בָּאֵשׁ (בָּ with qam. preton.) object golden calf Exod 32:20 (J), other idols Deut 7:5; Deut 7:25, Asherim Deut 12:3, chariots Josh 11:6; Josh 11:9; 2Kgs 23:1, house Judg 12:1; Judg 14:15, tower Judg 9:52, city-gates Neh 1:3; Neh 2:3; Neh 2:13; Neh 2:17, city Josh 6:24; Judg 18:27 compare Isa 1:7 +; also שִׁלַּח אֵשׁ בְּ Amos 1:4; Amos 1:7; Amos 1:10 +; שִׁלַּח אֶתהָֿעִיר בָּאֵשׁ Judg 1:8; Judg 20:48 compare 2Kgs 8:12 הִצִּית אֶתהָֿעִיר בָּאֵשׁ Josh 8:8; Josh 8:19; Jer 17:27 +, compare Judg 9:49; 2Sam 14:30; 2Sam 14:31 (of field, compare Exod 22:5 above)
2. of supernatural fire, attending theophany Exod 3:2; Exod 19:18 (both J E) Deut 4:11; Deut 4:12; Deut 4:15; Deut 4:33; Deut 4:36 +; specifically עַמּוּד (הָ)אֵשׁ Exod 13:21; Exod 13:22; Exod 14:24 (all J E) Neh 9:12; Neh 9:19 compare Deut 1:33 (see מַרְאֵהאֵֿשׁ Num 9:15; Num 9:16 P); of destructive fire from ׳י Num 11:1; Num 11:2; Num 11:3 (J) Num 26:10 (P) Lev 10:2 (P); compare אֹכֶלָת ׳א in simile of Yahweh's glory Exod 24:17 (E) Deut 4:24; Deut 9:3 see also 1Kgs 18:24; 1Kgs 18:38; 2Kgs 1:10 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 1:12 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 1:14; Job 1:16 (perhaps lightning intended), compare further of lightning Exod 9:23; Exod 9:24 (JE) Ps 18:13; Ps 18:14; Ps 148:8 etc.
3. fire for cooking, roasting, parching, etc. צְלִי אֵשׁ roasted at a fire Exod 12:8; Exod 12:9 (P) compare Lev 2:14; 2Chr 35:13; Isa 44:16; Isa 44:19 of tinder for lighting fire Gen 22:6; Gen 22:7 (E); of fire for melting (gold for the idolatrous calf) Exod 32:24 for refining Jer 6:29, where read with Qr מֵאֵשׁ תַּם עֹפֶרֶת; compare Mal 3:2 (simile of purifying work of messenger of cov't).
4. especially of altar-fire Lev 1:7 (twice in verse); Lev 6:2; Lev 6:3; Lev 6:5; Lev 6:6 +; in offering incense Lev 10:1, also אֵשׁ זָרָה strange fire, i.e. an incense not commanded, offered presumptuously Lev 10:1; Num 3:4; Num 26:61 fire from ׳י consuming sacrifice (compare 2) Lev 9:24; 2Chr 7:1; 2Chr 7:3 of fire in child-sacrifice (usually הֶעֱבִיר בֵּן בָּאֵשׁ (לְׅ) 2Kgs 16:3; 2Kgs 21:6 compare 2Kgs 17:17; 2Kgs 23:10; 2Chr 33:6 also ׳שׂרף בָּא 2Kgs 17:31, ׳בער בָּא 2Chr 28:3.
5. figurative of Yahweh's anger Ps 89:47 (simile) compare Nah 1:6; Lam 2:4 אֵשׁעֶֿבְרָתִי Ezek 21:36; Ezek 22:31; Ezek 38:19, אֵשׁקִֿנְאָתִי Ezek 36:5 see also Isa 66:15; Ps 79:5; Ps 89:47 etc.; of word of ׳י Jer 23:29 figurative of outbursting emotion Ps 39:4 of flagrant wickedness Isa 9:17, etc:
6. in various combinations, לַפִּיד אֵשׁ Gen 15:17 (J) a torch of fire (compare Di); לַבַּתאֵֿשׁ Exod 3:2 flame of fire, לַהַב אֵשׁ Joel 2:5, לַפִּידֵי אֵשׁ (in simile) Dan 10:6 compare Zech 12:6, לַהֲבוֺת אֵשׁ Ps 29:7 לַהֲבֵי אֵשׁ Isa 66:15 compare לְהָבוֺת ׳א Ps 105:32, לָהָבָה ׳נֹגַהּ א Isa 4:5 compare Hos 7:6 שְׁבִיב אִשּׁוֺ spark of his fire Job 18:5 compare כִּידוֺדֵי אֵשׁ Job 41:11 תַּנּוּר אֵשׁ Ps 21:10 oven of fire, כִּיּוֺר אֵשׁ Zech 12:6 אוֺר אֵשׁ light of fire Ps 78:14 אֵשׁ לֹהֵט flaming fire Ps 104:4 לְשׁוֺן אֵשׁ Isa 5:24 tongue of fire, גַּחֲלֵי אֵשׁ Ezek 1:13 coals of fire, so Ezek 10:2, compare רִשְׁפֵּי אֵשׁ Song 8:6 on אַבְנֵי אֵשׁ Ezek 28:14; Ezek 28:16 see אֶבֶן; אֵשׁ דַּת Deut 33:2, literally fire of a law, or fire was a law, but דָּת law is Persian & late; read perhaps דֹת[לַפִּ] אֵשׁ compare Exod 20:18 or דֶת [יֹקֶ] אֵשׁ compare Isa 65:5.

BDB9352 H784 H785

BDB9351 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9353

אֶשָּׁא noun [feminine] fire (Biblical Hebrew אֵשׁ; K§ 55, 5. 2 b thinks emphatic from onomatopoetic √ אשׁשׁ; D161 Buhl √ אשׁא compare ᵑ7 אישָּׁא, אִישָּׁהָא, Syriac ; — Dan 7:11.

אֻשֹּׁהִי, אֻשַּׁיָּא see [אשׁ]. above

fire, flaming, hot, burning, fiery
ʾēš
fire (literally or figuratively)
  • fire
    • fire, flames
      • "supernatural fire (accompanying theophany)"fire (for cooking, roasting, parching)"altar-fire"God's anger (figuratively)

וְ אִ֥ישׁ
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
אִ֥ישׁ
Root word man, men, one, husband, mans, …
Dictionary form: אִישׁ · eesh

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

In the KJV here: man
man ×241 men ×209 a man ×163 every man ×120 the men ×118 the man ×107 every one ×81 one ×57
More options
man — Default singular; covers most direct references to an adult male.
person — Gender-neutral; prefer when context stresses individuality over sex.
husband — Use specifically in marriage or household relationship contexts.
someone — Indefinite pronoun; suits partitive or existential constructions.
everyone — Distributive sense; fits 'each/every man' idioms.
fellow — Informal register; good for relational or contemptuous contexts.

BDB389 H376 H381 H382

BDB388 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB390

אִישׁ2166 noun masculine man ( = vir) (MI, SI, Phoenician אש, perhaps also Sabean אסם compare Prätl.c, but DHMZMG 1883, 330) — ׳א absolute Gen 2:23 +; construct Gen 25:27 +; suffix אִישִׁי Gen 29:32 +, etc.; plural אִישִׁים Ps 141:4 + 2 t. (Phoenician אשם); usually אֲנָשִׁים Gen 12:20 +, from √ אנשׁ q. v.; construct אַנְשֵׁי Judg 6:27 +; suffix אֲנָשַׁי 1Sam 23:12 etc.; — man, opposed to woman Gen 2:23; Gen 2:24; Lev 20:27; Num 5:6; Deut 17:2f; Josh 6:21; Josh 8:25; Jer 40:7, emphasis on sexual distinction & relation Gen 19:8; Gen 24:16; Gen 38:25; Exod 22:15; Lev 15:16 (שִׁכְבַת זָרַ֑ע) vLev 15:18 (וְאִשָּׁה ׳זֿ׳אֲשֶׁר יִשְׁכַּב אִישׁ אֹתָהּ שׁ) Lev 20:10 f; Num 5:13f; Deut 22:22f; Isa 4:1 +; thence = husband, especially with suffix Gen 3:6; Gen 3:16; Gen 16:3; Gen 29:32; Gen 29:34; Lev 21:7; Num 30:7f; Deut 28:56; Judg 13:8f; Ruth 1:3f; 1Sam 25:19; Jer 29:6; Ezek 16:45 +; figurative of ׳י as husband of Israel אִישִׁי Hos 2:18 (opposed to בַּעְלִּי); man as procreator, father Eccl 6:3 of male child Gen 4:1 compare זֶרַע אֲנָשִׁים 1Sam 1:11 man, opposed to beast Exod 11:7; Lev 20:15 (compare אָדָם); compare figurative Ps 22:7 but also of male of animals Gen 7:2 (twice in verse) (אִישׁ וְאִשְׁתּוֺ); man, opposed to God Gen 32:29; Num 23:19 לֹא אִישׁ אֵל וִיכַזֵּב (|| וּבֶןאָֿדָם וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם); Job 9:32; Job 32:13; Hos 11:9 compare Isa 31:8; Job 12:10 (רוּחַ כָּלבְּֿשַׂר אִישׁ); hence in phrases to denote ordinary, customary, common שֵׁבֶט אֲנָשִׁים 2Sam 7:14 (|| נִגְעֵי בְּנֵי אָדָם); לֶחֶם אֲנָשִׁים Ezek 24:17; Ezek 24:22 [

**אֲנָשִׁים Ezek 24:17; Ezek 24:22 is textual error; We (apparently Sm) אֲנֻשִׁים; ToyHpt אוֺנִים (Hos 9:4).] (compare Isa 8:1); אַמַּתאִֿישׁ Deut 3:11 but also contracted אָדָם Ps 49:3; Ps 62:10 man, as valiant 1Sam 4:9 (twice in verse) (וִהְיוּ לַאֲנָשִׁים) so 1Kgs 2:2 compare 1Sam 26:15 so אִישׁ חַיִל 1Sam 31:12; 2Sam 24:9; 1Kgs 1:42 +; also אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה Num 31:49; Deut 2:14; Deut 2:16; Josh 5:4; Josh 5:6 +; even of ׳י Exod 15:3 יהוה אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה; often prefixed to other nouns in apposition אָדוֺן ׳א Gen 42:30; Gen 42:33, שַׂר וְשֹׁפֵט ׳א Exod 2:14, כֹּהֵן ׳א Lev 21:9, סָרִיס ׳א Jer 38:7 particular before adjective, of a people אִישׁ מִצְרִי Gen 39:1; Exod 2:11; Exod 2:19 compare Gen 37:28; Gen 38:1; Gen 38:2; Gen 39:14; 1Sam 17:12; 1Sam 30:11; 1Sam 30:13 +; a man as resident in, or belonging to a place or people Num 25:6; Judg 10:1 + (so Phoenician); usually plural אַנְשֵׁי יִשְׂרָאֵל 1Sam 7:11; 1Sam 31:7 (twice in verse) compare Josh 7:4; Josh 7:5 +; also singularcollective Deut 27:14; Josh 9:6; Josh 9:7; Judg 20:11; 1Sam 11:8 (see Dr) +; 2Sam 10:6; 2Sam 10:8 (טוֺב ׳א); (so MI10; MI13); men = retainers, followers, soldiers 1Sam 18:27; 1Sam 23:3 f 1Sam 24:3; 1Sam 25:13 + compare Deut 33:8 singular collective see Di; אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים man of God = prophet Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6; 1Sam 9:6f; 1Kgs 12:13f + (see אלהים); in phrase followed by abstract אִישׁ חַיִל, מִלְחָמָה ׳א see above; שֵׂיבָה ׳א Deut 32:25, הַדָּמִים ׳א 2Sam 16:7 compare see 8, הַבְּלִיַּעַל ׳א 2Sam 16:7, מָוֶת ׳א 1Kgs 2:26, חָמָס ׳א Ps 140:12; Prov 3:31 +; followed by word of occupation, etc. שָׂדֶה׳א Gen 25:27, הָאֲדָמָה׳א Gen 9:20 (compare Zech 13:5), ׳א הַבֵּנַיִם champion 1Sam 17:4 (compare Dr) v1Sam 17:23, בְּשׂרָה ׳א 2Sam 18:20, אִישׁ עֲצָתוֺ his counsellor Isa 40:13, compare אִישׁ חֶרְמִי 1Kgs 20:42, רֵעִים ׳א Prov 18:24 often distributive = each, every Gen 9:5; Gen 10:5; Gen 40:5 (twice in verse); Exod 12:3 +; including women Job 42:11; 1Chr 16:3 וַיְחַלֵּק לְכָלאִֿישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאִישׁ וְעַד אִשָּׁה לְאִישׁ כִּכַּרלֶֿחֶם; of inanimate things 1Kgs 7:30; 1Kgs 7:36 also אִישׁ אִישׁ Exod 36:4; Num 4:19; Num 4:49; Ezek 14:4; Ezek 14:7 +; any one Exod 34:3 (twice in verse); Exod 34:24 +; also אִישׁ אִישׁ Lev 15:2; Lev 22:4; Lev 22:18 +; of gods 2Kgs 18:33 = Isa 36:18 one...another וְהִרְגוּ אִישֿׁ אֶתאָֿחִיו וְאִישׁ אֶתרֵֿעֵהוּ וְאִישׁ אֶתקְֿרֹבוֺExod 32:27, אִישׁ ֗֗֗ אָחִיו Deut 1:16; Mic 7:2 (see אָח), אִישׁרֵ֗֗֗עֵהוּ Gen 11:3; Gen 11:7 + (see רֵעַ) of inanimate things Gen 15:10.

man, men, one, husband, mans, …
ʾîš
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
  • man
    • man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
      • "husband"human being, person (in contrast to God)"servant"mankind"champion"great man
    whosoever"each (adjective)

מדונים
מדונים
Root word strife, contention, contentious, contentions, discord, …
Dictionary form: מָדוֹן · maw-DONE

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

strife ×4 and contention ×2 and a contentious ×1 and their contentions ×1 discord ×1 hath contentions ×1 of contention ×1 of strife ×1
More options
conflict — Broad, neutral; fits most prose contexts well.
quarrel — Emphasizes interpersonal dispute; good for relational contexts.
strife — Modernized KJV staple; slightly elevated but still current.
discord — Highlights broken harmony; suits communal or household settings.
contention — Retains formal register; fits legal or rhetorical contexts.
wrangling — Vivid, colloquial; captures ongoing, petty argument well.

BDB1922 H4066 H4079 H4090 H4067 H4060

BDB1921 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1923

I. מָדוֺן noun masculineProv 22:10 strife, contention — Ps 80:7 + 9 t.; plural מִדְיָנִים Prov 18:18, מִדְ֯וָנִים Prov 18:19 + 7 t.; contracted into מְדָנִים Prov 6:19; Prov 10:12, מִדְ֯נִים Prov 6:14 construct מִדְיְנֵי Prov 19:13.

1. strife, contention, almost wholly Proverbs: — Prov 18:19; Prov 23:29; Prov 26:20 also Prov 17:14 (|| רִיב), Prov 22:10 (|| דִּין וְקָלוֺן); יִשָּׂא ׳מ Hab 1:3 contention ariseth (|| ריב); ׳שׁלּח מ let loose strife Prov 6:14; Prov 16:28 ׳יְגָרֶה מ he stirreth up strife Prov 15:18; Prov 28:25; Prov 29:22 note especially אִישׁ מִדְוָ֯נִים Prov 26:21 = a contentious, quarrelsome man; oftener ׳אֵשֶׁת מ = a contentious woman Prov 21:9; Prov 25:24; Prov 27:15, compare וָכָ֑עַם ׳אשׁת מ Prov 21:19.
2. object of contention Ps 80:7, compare אִישׁ מָדוֺן Jer 15:10 (|| אִישׁ רִיב). — On מָדוֺן 2Sam 21:20 Qr, see I. מִדָּה below מדד.

strife, contention, contentious, contentions, discord, …
mādôn
a contest or quarrel
  • strife, contention
    • strife, contention
      • "object of contention

מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
Root word strife, contention, contentious, contentions, discord, …
Dictionary form: מָדוֹן · maw-DONE

Noun — Common, masculine plural, absolute state plural — usually add "-s"

In the KJV here: so is a contentious
strife ×4 and contention ×2 and a contentious ×1 and their contentions ×1 discord ×1 hath contentions ×1 of contention ×1 of strife ×1
More options
conflict — Broad, neutral; fits most prose contexts well.
quarrel — Emphasizes interpersonal dispute; good for relational contexts.
strife — Modernized KJV staple; slightly elevated but still current.
discord — Highlights broken harmony; suits communal or household settings.
contention — Retains formal register; fits legal or rhetorical contexts.
wrangling — Vivid, colloquial; captures ongoing, petty argument well.

BDB1922 H4066 H4079 H4090 H4067 H4060

BDB1921 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1923

I. מָדוֺן noun masculineProv 22:10 strife, contention — Ps 80:7 + 9 t.; plural מִדְיָנִים Prov 18:18, מִדְ֯וָנִים Prov 18:19 + 7 t.; contracted into מְדָנִים Prov 6:19; Prov 10:12, מִדְ֯נִים Prov 6:14 construct מִדְיְנֵי Prov 19:13.

1. strife, contention, almost wholly Proverbs: — Prov 18:19; Prov 23:29; Prov 26:20 also Prov 17:14 (|| רִיב), Prov 22:10 (|| דִּין וְקָלוֺן); יִשָּׂא ׳מ Hab 1:3 contention ariseth (|| ריב); ׳שׁלּח מ let loose strife Prov 6:14; Prov 16:28 ׳יְגָרֶה מ he stirreth up strife Prov 15:18; Prov 28:25; Prov 29:22 note especially אִישׁ מִדְוָ֯נִים Prov 26:21 = a contentious, quarrelsome man; oftener ׳אֵשֶׁת מ = a contentious woman Prov 21:9; Prov 25:24; Prov 27:15, compare וָכָ֑עַם ׳אשׁת מ Prov 21:19.
2. object of contention Ps 80:7, compare אִישׁ מָדוֺן Jer 15:10 (|| אִישׁ רִיב). — On מָדוֺן 2Sam 21:20 Qr, see I. מִדָּה below מדד.

strife, contention, contentious, contentions, discord, …
mādôn
a contest or quarrel
  • strife, contention
    • strife, contention
      • "object of contention

לְ חַרְחַר
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
חַרְחַר
Root word burned, dried, kindle, angry, burn
Dictionary form: חָרַר · haw-RAHR

Verb — Pilpel, Infinitive Construct, construct state intensive (rare stem) — like Piel try "to ___" or "___ing"

In the KJV here: to kindle
are burned ×4 and may burn ×1 be burned ×1 is dried ×1 it and it is burned ×1 of it is burned ×1 to kindle ×1 were angry ×1
More options
burn — Most general; suits literal fire or intense heat contexts.
scorch — Emphasizes surface burning or charring; vivid imagery.
dry up — Prefer when moisture loss or withering is the focus.
kindle — Suits the start of burning; more poetic or figurative register.
seethe with anger — Best for emotional heat or rage contexts.
be parched — Captures extreme dryness from intense heat; desert imagery.

BDB3167 H2787

BDB3166 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3168

I. [חָרַר] verb be hot, scorched, burn poet. & late (Arabic be hot, burn, thirst; Ethiopic Aramaic חַר; compare Assyrian arâru, glow, SASmAssurbanipal i. p. 97 BelserBAS ii. 155) —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular חָ֫רָה Job 30:30, וְחָ֫רָה consecutive Ezek 24:11, חָ֫רוּ Isa 24:6 —
1. be hot, scorched, Jerusalem, under figure of caldron Ezek 24:11.
2. burn = be burned, figurative of men, in ׳י's judgement, Isa 24:6.
3. burn, of bones of sick men in fever מִנִּיחֹֿרֶב ׳ח Job 30:30. Niph`al Perfect נָחַר Jer 6:29, נָחָ֑ר Ezek 15:4, נִחַר Ps 69:4 3 plural נִחָ֑רוּ Ps 102:4 (Köi. 368); Imperfect וַיֵּחָ֑ר Ezek 15:5 יֵחָ֑רוּ Ezek 24:10 (strike out Co B and others)
1. be scorched, of bellows מַפֻּחַ in fierce fire Jer 6:29
**from √ נחר snort, puff, according to Mich Ew Gf Gie and others, — Du; (figurative); scorched, charred, of the vine (as fuel) Ezek 15:4; Ezek 15:5 middle part charred, the ends devoured (אכל) by fire (simile of inhabitants of Jerusalem); bones (simile id.) Ezek 24:10 (see above).
2. burn, of bones in fever Ps 102:4 (כְּמוֺקֵד, compare Qal Job 30:30); be parched, of throat גרוני ׳נח Job 69:4. — Isa 41:11; Isa 45:24; Song 1:6 see חרה. Pilpel Infinitive לְחַרְחַררִֿיב Prov 26:21 to kindle strife.

burned, dried, kindle, angry, burn
ḥārar
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
  • to burn, be hot, be scorched, be charred
    • (Qal)
      • to be hot, be scorched
        • "to burn, be burned
      (Niphal)
      • to be scorched, be burned
        • "to burn"to be dry, be angry
      (Pilpel) to cause to burn

רִֽיב
רִֽיב
Root word cause, strife, controversy, strivings, contention, …
Dictionary form: רִיב · reeb

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: strife
my cause ×6 strife ×5 controversy ×3 hath a controversy ×3 in his cause ×3 their cause ×3 a controversy ×2 me from the strivings ×2
More options
dispute — Broad, neutral; fits legal and interpersonal contexts well.
conflict — Good for heated or ongoing opposition between parties.
case — Legal register; ideal when a formal legal proceeding is implied.
quarrel — Emphasizes personal animosity; use for interpersonal strife.
complaint — Suits contexts where one party lodges a formal grievance.
contention — Captures prolonged, argumentative struggle; slightly formal.

BDB7898 H7379

BDB7897 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7899

רִיב62 noun masculineIsa 1:23 strife, dispute; — absolute ׳ר Gen 13:7 +, רִב Exod 23:2 +; construct רִיב Exod 17:7 +; suffix רִיבִי 1Sam 24:16 +, בְּרִבָם Job 31:13 (or infinitive?), etc.; plural רִיבֹת Deut 17:8 construct רִיבֵי 2Sam 22:44 + 2 t., רִבוֺת Job 13:6 — strife, quarrel:

1. in words, Exod 17:7 (J), Deut 1:12, about pasturage Gen 13:7 (J; = מְרִיבָה vGen 13:8), in general Prov 15:18; Prov 17:14; Prov 20:3; Prov 26:17; Prov 26:21; Prov 30:33, + מָדוֺן Hab 1:3, so ׳זִבְחֵירֿ Prov 17:1 figurative עֲצָמָיו ׳ר Job 33:19 Kt (Qr רוב, i.e. רֹב q. v. ); לְשֹׁנוֺת ׳ר Ps 31:21, compare Isa 58:4; Prov 18:6 ׳אִישׁ ר Jer 15:10 (+ מָדוֺן ׳א). 2. of public hostilities 2Sam 22:44 = Ps 18:44, compare אִישׁ רִיב Judg 12:2, אַנְשֵׁי רִיבֶ֑ךָ Isa 41:11 || חָמָס Ps 55:10.
3.39 especially dispute, controversy, case at law: Exod 23:2; Exod 23:3; Exod 23:6 (E), Deut 21:5 (+נֶגַע), Deut 25:1; 2Sam 15:2; 2Sam 15:4 (|| מִשְׁפָט), + 10 t., + (of ׳י) Hos 4:1; Hos 12:3; Mic 6:2 (twice in verse); Jer 25:31; Ezek 44:24; Lam 3:36 as accusative of congnate meaning with verb, case, cause Mic 7:9; Jer 50:34 + 8 t. (see √ 3), + רִיב חֶרְפָּתִי 1Sam 25:39, רִיבֵי נַפְשִׁי Lam 3:58 דִּבְרֵי רִיבֹת Deut 17:8 matters of controversy; ׳ר Deut 19:17 dispute as to guilt; אִישׁ דִיבִי Job 31:35 = accuser.
4. plea: Prov 18:17, רִבוֺת שְׂפָתַי Job 13:6 pleadings of my lips.

cause, strife, controversy, strivings, contention, …
rîb
a contest (personal or legal)
  • strife, controversy, dispute
    • strife, quarrel
      • "dispute, controversy, case at law

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.
פֶּחָ֣ם לְ֭גֶחָלִים Dechi — a lesser break וְעֵצִ֣ים לְאֵ֑שׁ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְאִ֥ישׁ מדונים מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים Revia Mugrash — a lesser break לְחַרְחַר רִֽיב Silluq — end of the verse

פֶּחָם לְגֶחָלִים וְעֵצִים לְאֵשׁ וְאִישׁ ‫(מדונים)‬ מִדְיָנִים לְחַרְחַר-רִֽיב׃
21
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Cross References

Proverbs 15:18

אִישׁ חֵמָה יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן וְאֶרֶך אַפַּיִם יַשְׁקִיט רִֽיב׃
18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 29:22

אִֽישׁ-אַף יְגָרֶה מָדוֹן וּבַעַל חֵמָה רַב-פָּֽשַׁע׃
22
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

2 Samuel 20:1

וְשָׁם נִקְרָא אִישׁ בְּלִיַּעַל וּשְׁמוֹ שֶׁבַע בֶּן-בִּכְרִי אִישׁ יְמִינִי וַיִּתְקַע בַּשֹּׁפָר וַיֹּאמֶר אֵֽין-לָנוּ חֵלֶק בְּדָוִד וְלֹא נַֽחֲלָה-לָנוּ בְּבֶן-יִשַׁי אִישׁ לְאֹֽהָלָיו יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
1
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

Proverbs 10:12

שִׂנְאָה תְּעֹרֵר מְדָנִים וְעַל כָּל-פְּשָׁעִים תְּכַסֶּה אַהֲבָֽה׃
12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

1 Kings 12:20

וַיְהִי כִּשְׁמֹעַ כָּל-יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּֽי-שָׁב יָֽרָבְעָם וַֽיִּשְׁלְחוּ וַיִּקְרְאוּ אֹתוֹ אֶל-הָעֵדָה וַיַּמְלִיכוּ אֹתוֹ עַל-כָּל-יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא הָיָה אַֽחֲרֵי בֵית-דָּוִד זֽוּלָתִי שֵֽׁבֶט-יְהוּדָה לְבַדּֽוֹ׃
20
And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

Proverbs 30:33

כִּי מִיץ חָלָב יוֹצִיא חֶמְאָה וּֽמִיץ-אַף יוֹצִיא דָם וּמִיץ אַפַּיִם יוֹצִיא רִֽיב׃
33
Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

1 Kings 12:2

וַיְהִי כִּשְׁמֹעַ׀ יָֽרָבְעָם בֶּן-נְבָט וְהוּא עוֹדֶנּוּ בְמִצְרַיִם אֲשֶׁר בָּרַח מִפְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה וַיֵּשֶׁב יָֽרָבְעָם בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃
2
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

Psalms 120:4

חִצֵּי גִבּוֹר שְׁנוּנִים עִם גַּחֲלֵי רְתָמִֽים׃
4
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Proverbs 26:20
Read Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26:22