Proverbs 26:3

שׁ֣וֹט לַ֭סּוּס מֶ֣תֶג לַחֲמ֑וֹר וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט לְגֵ֣ו כְּסִילִֽים
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

שׁ֣וֹט
שׁ֣וֹט
Root word scourge, whips, whip
Dictionary form: שׁוֹט · shote

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a whip
you with whips ×4 scourge ×2 a scourge ×1 a whip ×1 from the scourge ×1 of a whip ×1 the scourge ×1
More options
whip — Most common, concrete; best for literal contexts.
lash — Vivid, physical; emphasizes the striking action.
scourge — Retains severity; suits judgment or punishment contexts.
flogging instrument — Clinical; useful in legal or formal contexts.
strap — Milder register; fits domestic or non-judicial scenes.

BDB8536 H7752 H7885

BDB8535 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8537

שׁוֺט noun masculineIsa 28:15 scourge, whip (Late Hebrew id., so Arabic , () mix, stir about and beat; Ethiopic Aramaic שׁוֺטֶא, ; from foregoing? compare German streifen; or onomatopoetic, compare swish, switch?); — ׳שׁ absolute Isa 10:26 +, construct Job 5:21 plural שׁוֺטִים 1Kgs 12:11 +; —

1. scourge, for chastisement, 1Kgs 12:11; 1Kgs 12:14 = 2Chr 10:11; 2Chr 10:12 (all with verb יִסַּר); figurative of national scourge (wielded by ׳י) Isa 10:26; Isa 28:15 (Qr; > Kt שׁיט), vIsa 28:18 (both שׁוֺטֵף ׳שׁ, see שׁטף), calamity Job 9:23 lash of (accusing) tongue Job 5:21 (read ׳מִשּׁ as ᵐ5).
2. whip, for horse, ׳קוֺל שׁ Nah 3:2 i.e. crack of whip, לַסּוּם ׳שׁ Prov 26:3 (|| שֵׁבֶט לְגֵו כְּסִילִים).

BDB8538 H7885 H7752

BDB8537 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8539

שַׁ֫יִט noun [masculine] rowing (as whipping, lashing the water); — only ׳אֳנִישֿׁ Isa 33:21 rowing vessel; — Isa 28:15 Kt see שׁוֺט. above

[שׁוּט] verb denominative row; — Participle plural שָׁטִים rowers Ezek 27:8; Ezek 27:26 (of Tyre as ship).

scourge, whips, whip
šôṭ
a lash (literally or figuratively)
  • scourge, whip
    • scourge (for chastisement)
      • of national judgment (figuratively)
      whip (for horse)

לַ ֭סּוּס
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
֭סּוּס
Root word horses, horse, horseback, crane, horsehoofs
Dictionary form: סוּס · soos

לַ
Hidden "the" לַ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "to the ___".

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: for the horse
horses ×33 the horse ×10 the horses ×7 their horses ×7 of horses ×6 horse ×5 and the horse ×4 of the horse ×4
More options
horse — Standard modern singular; works in nearly all contexts.
steed — Elevated register; suits poetry or royal/military scenes.
warhorse — Emphasizes military use; good for battle narratives.
mount — Highlights riding function; useful in cavalry or travel contexts.
chariot horse — Specifies harnessed role when chariots are in view.

BDB5534 H5483

BDB5533 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5535

I. סוּס noun [masculine] swallow or swift (cypselus, TristrFFP 82 ff.) (ᵑ7 סוּסָיָא Isa 38:14); — as twittering Isa 38:14 (in simile); ᵐ5 χελιδών, ᵑ9 pullus hirundinis;; so Jer 8:7 Kt (Qr סִיס wrongly; perhaps to distinguish from following, so Gie), ᵐ5 id., ᵑ9 hirundo.

BDB5535 H5483

BDB5534 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5536

II. סוּס138 noun masculineExod 15:1 horse (Late Hebrew סוּס, סוּסָה Aramaic סוּסְיָא Mandean סוסיא, Sinaitic id., Lzb328; Assyrian sisû (sisû ?) DlHWB 506; Tel Amarna su-u[su] WklTA.191, 24; probably foreign word compare NöM 147 ErmanÄgypten 649; English tr. 490); — ׳ס absolute 1Kgs 20:20 +; construct Exod 15:19 +; plural סוּסִים Gen 47:17 +, סֻסִים 2Sam 15:1 construct סוּסֵי 2Kgs 2:11 suffix סוּסַי 1Kgs 22:4; 2Kgs 3:7. סוּסֶיךָ Mic 5:9 + 4t., סוּסָיו Isa 5:28 +, סוּסֵיכֶס Amos 4:10, סוּסֵיהֶם Josh 11:6+; — horse:

1. non-Israel; chariot-horses of Canaanites Judg 5:22 (compare vJudg 5:28; Judg 4:3; Judg 4:13 ׳עִקְבֵי ס; ׳ס collective, as often), Josh 11:4; Josh 11:6; Josh 11:9 (JE); horses as property of Egyptians Gen 47:17; Exod 9:3 (both J), compare Zech 14:15 merchandise of Tyre Ezek 27:14 chariot-horses of Egypt [compare Hom11.ix.384], Exod 14:9; Exod 14:23 (Psalms), Exod 15:1; Exod 15:21 (poem), vExod 15:19 (Psalms; on all see Di), Deut 11:4; Isa 31:1; Isa 31:3; Jer 46:4; Jer 46:9; Ezek 17:15 of Aram 1Kgs 20:1 + 11 t. Kings (1Kgs 20:20 ridden, for flight), Assyrians Isa 5:28 + 3 t., Chaldeans Jer 4:13 + 6 t.; other nations Nah 3:2; Jer 50:42 + 5 t.; as ridden 1Kgs 20:20 (see above), Jer 8:23; Ezek 38:4; Ezek 38:15 + 13 t. (late).
2. in Israel; chariot-horses of Absalom 2Sam 15:1, especially of Solomon, and later, 1Kgs 5:6; 1Kgs 5:8; 1Kgs 10:25; 1Kgs 10:28; 1Kgs 10:29, and || Chronicles; 1Kgs 18:5 and .(as war-equipment) 1Kgs 22:4; 2Kgs 3:7; 2Kgs 9:33; 2Kgs 10:2; Prov 21:31 סוּסֵי אֵשׁ 2Kgs 2:11 (Elijah), compare 2Kgs 6:17 consecration to sun 2Kgs 23:11 (compare RSSemitic 275; 2nd ed. 293); sign of luxury and apostasy Amos 4:10; Hos 1:7; Hos 14:4; Isa 2:7; Mic 5:9; Zech 9:10, compare Deut 17:6; Deut 17:16, but see Zech 14:20 in vision Zech 6:2 (twice in verse); Zech 6:3 (twice in verse); Zech 6:6 ridden 2Kgs 9:18; 2Kgs 9:19; 2Kgs 18:23 = Isa 36:8; Amos 2:15 + 4 t. Isaiah Jeremiah; in vision Zech 1:8 (twice in verse); ׳שַׁעַר הַס Jer 31:40; Neh 3:28, compare 2Kgs 11:16 = 2Chr 23:15 belongings of returned exiles Ezra 2:56 = Neh 7:68 van d. H. (omitted by Masora Baer Ginsb q. v.); description of horse Job 39:19 in various simile and figurative Amos 6:12; Jer 5:8; Jer 8:6; Jer 12:5; Ezek 23:20; Isa 63:13; Joel 2:4; Prov 27:3; Ps 32:9; Ps 147:10.
3. chariot-horses of ׳י Hab 3:15 (figurative of clouds), compare Zech 10:3. — compare also חֲצַר סוּסִים, and פָּרָשׁ, רֶכֶשׁ .

horses, horse, horseback, crane, horsehoofs
sûs
a swallow (from its rapid flight)
  • swallow, swift
    • "horse
    • chariot horses

מֶ֣תֶג
מֶ֣תֶג
Root word bridle, bit
Dictionary form: מֶתֶג · meh-TEɡ

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: a bridle
and my bridle ×2 a bridle ×1 with bit ×1
More options
bit — The metal mouthpiece specifically; precise and literal.
bridle — The full head harness; broader, common rendering.
curb — Emphasizes restraint; suits metaphorical or figurative contexts.
rein — Focuses on control mechanism; vivid in figurative uses.
muzzle — Stresses silencing or restraint; use when mouth/speech is implied.

BDB4894 H4964

BDB4893 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4895

מֶ֫תֶג noun masculine bridle (Aramaic (ᵑ7) מִתְגָּא; Late Hebrew מֶתֶג of secondary accent ָֽ; מִתֵּג Pi`el denominative put on a bridle); —

1. literally bridle, for animals; מֶתֶג לַחֲמוֺר Prov 26:3 a whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, etc.; וָרֶסֶן ׳בְּמ Ps 32:9 with bridle and halter (on text of verse compare Che); of ׳י's birdle for Sennach. (under figure of beast), וּמִתְגִּי בִּשְׂפָתֶיךָ 2Kgs 19:28 and I will put (וְשַׂמְתִּי) my hook in thy nose and my bridle in thy lips = Isa 37:29 (see DrIs. ed. 2, 220).
2. figurative = control, authority, only in הָאַמָּה ׳מ 2Sam 8:1authority of the mother city, according to MV Buhl, of especially We Dr; Bu omit as corrupt (see I. אַמָּה, above); see, further, HPS.

מְתוּשָׁאֵל, מְתוּשֶׁ֫לַח see below מַת above

bridle, bit
meteg
a bit
  • bridle
    • bridle (for animals)
      • "control, authority (figuratively)

לַ חֲמ֑וֹר
לַ
Prefix — preposition to, for + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)
חֲמ֑וֹר
Root word ass, asses, asss
Dictionary form: חֲמוֹר · huh-MORE

לַ
Hidden "the" לַ = the preposition + the article הַ squeezed together: the "a" vowel under the prefix is the swallowed "the". Translate "to the ___".

Noun — Common, both singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: for the ass
the ass ×8 an ass ×7 ass ×7 asses ×7 of an ass ×6 and asses ×5 his ass ×5 and the ass ×4
More options
donkey — Most natural modern English word; universally understood.
burro — Informal/regional; suits pastoral or Southwestern cultural contexts.
pack animal — Functional emphasis; useful when the beast-of-burden role is primary.
mule — Use cautiously — technically a hybrid, but common in casual modern speech.

BDB2893 H2543 H2565

BDB2892 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2894

I. חֲמוֺר noun [masculine] heap, absolute ׳ח with dual חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם (Baer ׳חְִמֹרֹת), as if from חֲמֹרָה; — בִּלְחִי הַחֲמוֺר חֲמוֺר חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם Judg 15:16 with the ass's jawbone, a heap, two heaps, i.e. so many slain.

חֲמֹרֹתָ֑יִם see I. חֲמוֺר. above

BDB2895 H2543

BDB2894 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB2896

II. חֲמוֺר noun masculineGen 45:23 (he)-ass (Late Hebrew id. (sometimes female, but this regularly חֲמוֺרָה); Aramaic הֲמָרָא Arabic , Palmyrene חמרא ReckendZMG 1888, 404; as imêru, SchrCot Gloss; — name from reddish colour) — absolute חֲמוֺר Gen 22:5 + 43 t.; חֲמֹר Exod 13:13; Deut 22:10 construct חֲמוֺר Exod 23:5 + 4 t.; הֲמֹר Gen 49:14 suffix חֲמֹרְךָ Deut 5:14; Deut 28:31 חֲמֹרֶ֑ךָ Exod 23:12 חֲמֹרוֺ Gen 22:3 + 8 t.; plural חֲמוֺרִים Judg 19:10 + 9 t.; חֲמֹרִים Gen 12:16 + 16 t.; suffix חֲמוֺרֵינוּ Judg 19:19 חֲמֹרֵינוּ Gen 43:18 חֲמוֺרֵיכֶם 1Sam 8:16 חֲמֹרֵיהֶם Gen 34:28 + 4 t.; חֲמוֺרֵיהֶם Josh 9:4 — ass (he-ass; אתון = she-ass) found in all periods (collective only Gen 32:6; Isa 21:7); —

1. as (valuable) property, with oxen, sheep, camels, slaves, etc. Gen 12:16; Gen 24:35; Gen 30:48; Gen 47:17; Exod 9:3 (all J) Exod 20:17 (E), Exod 21:33; Exod 22:8 (twice in verse); Exod 22:9; Exod 23:4; Exod 23:5; Exod 23:12; Num 16:15; Josh 6:21; Josh 7:24 (all J E); note also Exod 13:13 = Exod 34:20 (J E; firstlings belong to ׳י); Gen 36:24; Num 31:28; Num 31:30; Num 31:34; Num 31:39; Num 31:45 (all P); Deut 5:14; Deut 5:18; Deut 22:3; Deut 22:4; Judg 6:4; 1Sam 8:16; 1Sam 12:3; 1Sam 15:3; 1Sam 22:19; 1Sam 27:9; 1Chr 5:21; Ezra 2:67 = Neh 7:68 (Baer), Zech 14:15 collective Gen 32:5 (J; || שׁוֺר), צאֹן, עֶבֶד, שִׁפְחָה, but plural (similar ||) Gen 34:28 (P), Gen 47:17 (J); compare also יְתוֺמִים ׳ח Job 24:3 the orphans' ass (|| שׁוֺר אַלְמָנָה); as knowing its master's crib Isa 1:3 (|| שׁוֺר); found in camp 2Kgs 7:7; 2Kgs 7:10 (both || סוּסִים); as harnessed ׳מֶתֶג לַה Prov 26:3 (|| סוּס).
2. used for riding :
  a. by women Exod 4:20 (J), Josh 15:18 (JE) = Judg 1:14; 1Sam 25:20; 1Sam 25:23; 1Sam 25:42, compare 2Chr 28:15.
  b. by men 2Sam 16:2; 2Sam 17:23; 2Sam 19:27; 1Kgs 2:40; 1Kgs 13:13 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 13:23; 1Kgs 13:24; 1Kgs 13:27; 1Kgs 13:28 (twice in verse); Isa 21:7; Zech 9:9.
  c. צֶמֶד חמורים a pair of asses 2Sam 16:1 (for burdens and for riding); for man and woman Judg 19:3; Judg 19:10; Judg 19:19; Judg 19:21 carrying dead body vJudg 19:28, compare ׳ח 1Kgs 13:29.
3. beast of burden Gen 22:3; Gen 22:5 (compare vGen 22:6), Gen 42:26; Gen 42:27; Gen 45:23 (all E) Gen 43:18; Gen 43:24; Gen 44:3; Gen 44:13 (all J), Josh 9:4 (JE), 1Sam 25:18; 1Chr 12:41; Neh 13:15(compare also ׳צֶמֶד ח 2Sam 16:1 above); metaphor of Issachar נָּ֑רֶם ׳ח Gen 49:14 (poem), an ass of (strong) bones. — לֶחֶם ׳ח 1Sam 16:20 read probably חֲמִשָּׁה five, or better עֲשָׂרָה ten, see We Dr.
4. used in tillage Isa 32:20 not to be used in ploughing with an ox (שׁוֺר) Deut 22:10.
5. parts of body of ass mentioned are: ׳לְחִי ח Judg 15:15; Judg 15:16 jawbone, Samson's weapon; ׳ראֹשׁ ח 2Kgs 6:25 eaten in famine; ׳בְּשַׂר ה Ezek 23:20 genital organ of ass (contemptuous simile)
6. ׳קְבוּרַת ה Jer 22:19 burial of an ass, in figure of ignominious treatment of a corpse.

ass, asses, asss
ḥămôr
a male ass (from its dun red)
  • (he)ass

וְ ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
֝שֵׁ֗בֶט
Root word tribes, tribe, rod, sceptre, staff, …
Dictionary form: שֵׁבֶט · shay-BET

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: and a rod
the tribes ×28 tribe ×26 the tribe ×19 of the tribes ×13 the rod ×10 tribes ×9 the sceptre ×4 with a rod ×4
More options
tribe — Most common sense; a people-group or clan division.
rod — Physical stick for discipline or measurement; modernizes KJV.
scepter — Royal symbol of authority; preferred in throne-room contexts.
staff — Functional walking or shepherd's stick; pastoral settings.
clan — Informal alternative to 'tribe'; emphasizes kinship over territory.
lash — Vivid choice when punishment or striking is the focus.

BDB8410 H7626

BDB8409 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB8411

שֵׁ֫בֶט189 noun masculineNum 24:17 (feminineEzek 21:15; Ezek 21:18 but corrupt):

1. rod, staff, club, sceptre.
2. tribe; — ׳שׁ absolute Gen 49:10+, construct 1Sam 10:20 +; שָׁ֑טֶ Deut 1:23 +; sf שִׁבְטוֺ Judg 21:24+, etc.; plural שְׁבָטִים 1Kgs 11:31 +, construct שִׁבְטֵי Gen 49:16 +, sf שְׁבָטֶיךָ Deut 12:14 +, etc.; —
1.a. rod, staff (evidently common article), for smiting (especially׳הִכָּה בַשּׁ) Exod 21:20 (E), Mic 4:14; Isa 10:15 (in simile; || מַטֶּה), Prov 10:13 +; מוּסָר ׳שׁ compare Prov 29:15 for beating (חָבַט) cummin Isa 28:27 (|| מַטֶּה); as (inferior) weapon (opposed to חֲנִית) 2Sam 23:21= 1Chr 11:3 (compareמַקֵּל 1Sam 17:40; 1Sam 17:43); figurative of ׳י's chastisement: national Isa 10:24; Isa 30:31 (both || מַטֶּה), Isa 14:29, אַפִּי ׳שׁ Isa 10:5 עֶבְרָתוֺ ׳שׁ Lam 3:1 individual Job 9:34; Job 21:9 (אֱלוֺהַּ ׳שׁ), Job 37:13, 2Sam 7:14 (אֲנָשִׁים ׳שׁ, i.e. not in-human), Ps 89:33 (both || נְגָעִים).
  b. shaft, i.e. spear, dart, 2Sam 18:14, but < read שְׁלָחִים ᵐ5 βέλη Th We Kit HPS Bu.
  c. shepherd's implement, club, Ps 23:4 (|| מִשְׁעֶנֶת), ׳רְעֵה בְשׁ Mic 7:14 (both figurative of ׳י); used in mustering or counting sheep Ezek 20:37 (figurative), Lev 27:32 (compare Jer 33:13), see MackieHast. DB RoD
  d. truncheon, sceptre, mark of authority, סֹפֵר ׳שׁ Judg 5:14, משְׁלִים ׳שׁ Isa 14:5 (|| מַטֶּה), Gen 49:10 (poem in J; (|| מְהֹקֵק), Zech 10:11 (Ps 45:7 (twice in verse); Ezek 19:11; Ezek 19:14 (made from a branch, מַטֶּה); a ruler is ׳תּוֺמֵךְ שׁ Amos 1:5; Amos 1:8 as symbol of conquest Num 24:17 (JE); בַּרְזֶל ׳שׁ Ps 2:9 (of Messianic king);הָרֶשַׁע ׳שׁ Ps 125:3 עֶבְרָתוֺ ׳שׁ Prov 22:8 (si vera lectio, compare Frankenb. Toy). — see מַטֶּה, מַקֵּל, מִשְׁעֶנֶת.
2. 145:tribe (synonymמַטֶּה, q. v. 3, p. 641:b), especially
  a. of (12) tribes of Israel, Gen 49:16; Gen 49:28 (poem in J), Deut 33:5 (poem), Exod 24:4 (E), + often [J E 13 t., D 28 t. (מַטֶּה J E D), P 9 t. (compare GrayNum 4:18; ׳מ 150 t. + in P); Judg 15 t. (never ׳מ), Samuel 14 t. (never ׳מ), Kings 13 t,. (׳מ 2 t.), Chronicles 15 t. (׳מ 23 t.), Psalms, 7 t. (never ׳מ), prophets 16 t. (׳מ Hab 3:9, very dubious)]; Judg 20:12; 1Sam 9:21 read שֵׁבֶט (or שִׁבְטִי Ges«GKC:90»§ 90 I, We Sta§ 343 e Dr, for שִׁבְטֵי), Vrss (GFMJu); שִׁבְטֵייָֿהּ Ps 122:4 שִׁבְטֵי נַחֲלָתֶ֑ךָ Isa 63:17.
  b. singular of people (of Judah, late) Ps 74:2, but Jer 10:16 = Jer 51:19 strike out ׳נ ׳שׁ Gf Gie Du.
  c. of subdivision of tribe, ׳מִשְׁפְּחוֺת וגו ׳שׁ Num 4:18 (P). — 2Sam 7:7 read שֹׁפְטֵי (compare v2Sam 7:11, || 1Chr 17:6, Ew Th We Dr HPS Bu and others)

BDB9928 H7625 H7626

BDB9927 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9929

[שְׁבַט] noun masculine tribe (Biblical Hebrew שֵׁבֶט, √ שׁבט); — plural construct שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Ezra 6:17.

tribes, tribe, rod, sceptre, staff, …
šēbeṭ
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
  • rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe
    • rod, staff
      • "shaft (of spear, dart)"club (of shepherd's implement)"truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority)"clan, tribe

לְ גֵ֣ו
לְ
Prefix — preposition to, for
גֵ֣ו
Root word back, body, among
Dictionary form: גֵּו · ɡay

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

In the KJV here: back
among ×1 back ×1 for the back ×1 is for the back ×1 my back ×1 thy back ×1 thy body ×1
More options
back — Most common sense; the rear of the body.
body — Use when the whole person/frame is in view.
torso — More precise anatomical register; upper body.
midst — Prefer for locative 'among/in the middle of' contexts.
spine — Vivid option when posture or striking is implied.

BDB1547 H1460

BDB1546 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1548

I. גֵּו noun [masculine] back — גֵּו absolute unused, construct Prov 10:13 + 2 t., suffix גֵּוִי Isa 50:6, גֵּוְךָ Isa 38:17, גֵּוֵךְ Isa 51:23 — back, as beaten, lashed Prov 10:13; Prov 19:29; Prov 26:3 compare Isa 50:6 in phrase ׳הִשְׁלִיךְ אַחֲרֵי ג (as גַּו) Isa 38:17, of Yahweh's casting sins of penitent behind his back, putting them out of mind; as trodden upon Isa 51:23, figurative of extreme humiliation.

BDB1548 H1460

BDB1547 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1549

II. גֵּו noun [masculine] midst, Aramaism (compare Aramaic גַּוָּא, גֵּו middle, Late Hebrew גֵּו midst, interior; id., belly, Arabic midst) Job 30:5 מִןגֵּֿו יְגֹרָ֑שׁוּ from the midst (of men) they are driven; Rosenm and others compare CiceroOff. iii. 8: e medio pelluntur.

back, body, among
gēw
the back
  • the back, back, midst

כְּסִילִֽים
כְּסִילִֽים
Root word fool, fools, foolish
Dictionary form: כְּסִיל · keh-SEEL

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

In the KJV here: for the fools
of fools ×16 of a fool ×7 a fool ×6 the fool ×5 but a foolish ×3 a foolish ×2 a fools ×2 and ye fools ×2
More options
fool — Core rendering; suits most prose and poetry contexts.
dullard — Emphasizes stubborn mental obtuseness, not mere silliness.
blockhead — Colloquial; captures the kĕsîl's thick-headed obstinacy vividly.
simpleton — Highlights naive, unreflective character; slightly gentler register.
senseless person — Transparent periphrasis; useful when audience is unfamiliar with 'fool'.
numbskull — Informal; reserves for satirical or rhetorical passages only.

BDB4120 H3684

BDB4119 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4121

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

fool, fools, foolish
kĕsîl
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
  • fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one

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.
שׁ֣וֹט לַ֭סּוּס Dechi — a lesser break מֶ֣תֶג לַחֲמ֑וֹר Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝שֵׁ֗בֶט Revia Mugrash — a lesser break לְגֵ֣ו כְּסִילִֽים Silluq — end of the verse

שׁוֹט לַסּוּס מֶתֶג לַחֲמוֹר וְשֵׁבֶט לְגֵו כְּסִילִֽים׃
3
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
Cross References

Proverbs 10:13

בְּשִׂפְתֵי נָבוֹן תִּמָּצֵא חָכְמָה וְשֵׁבֶט לְגֵו חֲסַר-לֵֽב׃
13
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

1 Corinthians 4:21

τί θέλετε ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ πνεύματί τε πρᾳότητος
21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Psalms 32:9

אַל-תִּֽהְיוּ׀ כְּסוּס כְּפֶרֶד אֵין הָבִין בְּמֶֽתֶג-וָרֶסֶן עֶדְיוֹ לִבְלוֹם בַּל קְרֹב אֵלֶֽיךָ׃
9
Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

Proverbs 19:25

לֵץ תַּכֶּה וּפֶתִי יַעְרִם וְהוֹכִיחַ לְנָבוֹן יָבִין דָּֽעַת׃
25
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Judges 8:5

וַיֹּאמֶר לְאַנְשֵׁי סֻכּוֹת תְּנוּ-נָא כִּכְּרוֹת לֶחֶם לָעָם אֲשֶׁר בְּרַגְלָי כִּֽי-עֲיֵפִים הֵם וְאָֽנֹכִי רֹדֵף אַֽחֲרֵי זֶבַח וְצַלְמֻנָּע מַלְכֵי מִדְיָֽן׃
5
And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

2 Corinthians 13:2

προείρηκα καὶ προλέγω ὡς παρὼν τὸ δεύτερον καὶ ἀπὼν νῦν γράφω τοῖς προημαρτηκόσιν καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς πᾶσιν ὅτι ἐὰν ἔλθω εἰς τὸ πάλιν οὐ φείσομαι
2
I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

2 Corinthians 10:6

καὶ ἐν ἑτοίμῳ ἔχοντες ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν ὅταν πληρωθῇ ὑμῶν ἡ ὑπακοή
6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Proverbs 17:10

תֵּחַת גְּעָרָה בְמֵבִין מֵהַכּוֹת כְּסִיל מֵאָֽה׃
10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 27:22

אִם תִּכְתּֽוֹשׁ-אֶת-הָאֱוִיל׀ בַּמַּכְתֵּשׁ בְּתוֹךְ הָרִיפוֹת בַּֽעֱלִי לֹא-תָסוּר מֵעָלָיו אִוַּלְתּֽוֹ׃
22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Proverbs 19:29

נָכוֹנוּ לַלֵּצִים שְׁפָטִים וּמַהֲלֻמוֹת לְגֵו כְּסִילִֽים׃
29
Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Proverbs 26:2
Read Proverbs 26
Proverbs 26:4