Proverbs 8:15

בִּ֭י מְלָכִ֣ים יִמְלֹ֑כוּ וְ֝רֹזְנִ֗ים יְחֹ֣קְקוּ צֶֽדֶק
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

בִּ ֭י
בִּ
Preposition in, at, by, with
֭י
Suffix — pronoun my / me

Preposition

it ×144 him ×95 them ×83 thee ×59 me ×53 unto him ×35 you ×28 he ×22

מְלָכִ֣ים
מְלָכִ֣ים
Root word king, kings, royal
Dictionary form: מֶלֶךְ · meh-LEK

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

In the KJV here: by me kings
the king ×712 king ×501 and the king ×198 the kings ×192 of the kings ×104 of the king ×98 kings ×64 and king ×33
More options
king — Most natural modern equivalent; universally understood.
monarch — Formal register; suits literary or elevated prose.
ruler — Broader term; useful when royal rank is less central.
sovereign — Emphasizes supreme authority; good in legal or theological contexts.
royal — Adjectival use; fits compound nouns like 'royal court'.

BDB4669 H4428 H4429

BDB4668 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4670

I. מֶ֫לֶךְ2513 noun masculine king (Late Hebrew id.; MI1, 5, 10, 18, 23 מלך; Neh 1:4 המלכן; Phoenician מלך; Zinjirli מלך DHMSendsch. 60; Assyrian maliku, malku, prince (Assyrian šarru = king); Arabic king (original Hebrew *מַלִח inferred, LagBN 73 BaNB § 112 WMMAs. u. Europ.76); Sabean מלכן SabDenkmNo. 1; construct מלך, plural אמלך CISiv 37; compare Ethiopic God (and Nöl.c.); Aramaic , מְלֵיךְ; Palmyrene מלך מלכא VogNo. 28; Nabataean מלכא EutNab. 1); — ׳מ absolute Gen 14:7 + (insert also 2Sam 13:17 ᵐ5 Th We Dr Kit Bu, and v2Sam 13:34 ᵐ5 We Dr Kit Bu); in p. always מֶ֑לֶךְ Gen 49:20 + 238 t. (so also proper name in מֶלֶךְ-); construct Gen 14:1 +; suffix מַלְכִּי 2Sam 19:44 + 6 t., etc.; plural מְלָכִים Gen 14:9 +; מְלָכִין Prov 31:3 construct מַלְכֵי Gen 17:16 +; suffix מְלָכֶיהָ Isa 7:16 + 3 t.; מַלְכֵיהֶם Deut 7:24 + 16 t., etc.; —

1. king: of Egypt Gen 39:20f.; Exod 1:8f.; Deut 11:3; 1Kgs 3:1 of Mesopotamia, Shinar, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc. Judg 3:8; Judg 3:10; Gen 14:1f.; 2Kgs 15:19; 2Kgs 15:20; 2Kgs 15:29; 2Kgs 17:3f.; 2Kgs 18:13f.; 2Kgs 24:1; 2Kgs 24:11f.; Ezra 1:1f.; Ezra 4:3f.; Esth 1:2 +, 1Kgs 11:18; 1Kgs 11:40; 1Kgs 14:25; 2Kgs 17:4f.; 2Kgs 23:29 +; of Canaan, Philistia, Edom, Moab, etc. (often of single city): Gen 14:2f.; vGen 14:18; Gen 20:2; Gen 26:1; Gen 26:8; Gen 36:31; Num 20:14; Num 21:1f.; Num 22:4; Num 22:10; Deut 1:4; Deut 3:1f.; Josh 2:2 (often in Joshua), Judg 1:7; Judg 5:19; Judg 8:5; Judg 8:12; Judg 11:12f.; 2Kgs 3:4f. +; of Aram, Hamath, etc. 2Sam 8:3f. v2Sam 8:9; 1Kgs 15:18; 1Kgs 20:1f.; 1Kgs 22:3; 2Kgs 5:1f.; 2Kgs 8:7f.; v2Kgs 8:29; 2Kgs 9:14; 2Kgs 9:15; 2Kgs 15:37; 2Kgs 16:5f. +; of Tyre, etc. 2Sam 5:11; 1Kgs 5:15; 1Kgs 9:11; 1Kgs 9:16+, etc.; especially of Israel (undivided, and of both divisions) Gen 36:31; Num 23:21; Num 24:7; Deut 17:14f.; Judg 17:6; Judg 18:1; Judg 19:1; Judg 21:25; 1Sam 2:10; 1Sam 8:5f.; 2Sam 2:4f.; 1Kgs 1:33; 1Kgs 1:34f. + very often; compare also Judg 9:5. — 2Sam 18:29b strike out ׳הַמּ We Klo Dr Kit Bu. Note that in early books המלך דוד is nearly always said; in late books usually המלך ׳שׁלמה וגו) דוד; compare Aramaic כּוֺרֶשׁ מַלְכָּא, etc.
2. of Davidic king, as under divine protection, 1Sam 2:10 (|| מְשִׁיחוֺ), Ps 2:6; Ps 18:51; Ps 89:19; Ps 61:7, compare Ps 99:4 so in (Messianic) prediction Hos 3:5; Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5; Ezek 37:22; Ezek 37:24; Zech 9:9.
3. used of ׳י as king of Israel 1Sam 12:12 in poetry Deut 33:5 compare Ps 5:3; Ps 10:16; Ps 29:10; Ps 44:5; Ps 48:3; Ps 68:25; Ps 74:12; Ps 84:4; Ps 145:1; Ps 149:2; Isa 41:21; Isa 43:15; Isa 44:6; Zeph 3:15 מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֺד Ps 24:7; Ps 24:8; Ps 24:9; Ps 24:10 (twice in verse); universal king Ps 47:3; Ps 47:8; Ps 95:3; Ps 98:6; Jer 10:7; Jer 10:10, compare Jer 46:18; Jer 48:15; Jer 51:57; Zech 14:9; Zech 14:16; Zech 14:17; Mal 1:14 of false god Amos 5:26.
4. in fable, king of trees Judg 9:8; Judg 9:15 figurative of crocodile Job 41:26 אֵין לָאַרְבֶּה ׳מ Prov 30:27 of death, מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֺת Job 18:14.
5. combinations are: —
  a. הַגָּדוֺל ׳הַמּ 2Kgs 18:19; 2Kgs 18:28 = Isa 36:4; Isa 36:13 (of Assyrian king: compare Assyrian šarru rabu); גָּדוֺל ׳מ Eccl 9:14 (indefinite); of ׳י Mal 1:14, עַלכֿלאֿלהים ׳ג ׳מ Ps 95:3 ׳מ עוֺלָם Jer 10:10 (of ׳י); מְלָכִים ׳מ Ezek 26:7 (king of Babylon)
  b. יְחִי הַמֶּלֶךְ 1Sam 10:24; 2Sam 16:16 (twice in verse); 1Kgs 1:34; 1Kgs 1:39; 2Kgs 11:12; 2Chr 23:11 מֶלֶךְ בירושׁלם Eccl 1:1, compare Eccl 15:26; 2Sam 5:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 1Chr 29:25; 2Sam 2:11 (׳בחברון עלהֿיה מ) 1Kgs 11:37; 2Chr 28:4; Eccl 1:12.
  c. following a verb (one or two accusative) על ׳שִׂים מ Deut 17:14; Deut 17:15 (twice in verse); 1Sam 10:19 ׳שִׂים לָנוּ מ 1Sam 8:5 ׳שִׂים לְמ 1Kgs 10:9 לְ ׳נָתַן מ 1Sam 8:6; Hos 13:10; Hos 13:11 נָתַן עַל 1Sam 12:13; 2Chr 2:10; Neh 9:37; Neh 13:26 הִמְלִיךְ לְמֶלֶךְ Judg 9:6; 1Sam 15:11 על ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 12:1 לְ ׳הִמְלִיךְ מ 1Sam 8:22 ׳מָשַׁח מ עַל Judg 9:8 ׳מָשַׁח לְמ 1Kgs 1:45 עַל ׳מָשַׁךְ לְמ Judg 9:15; 1Sam 15:1; 1Sam 15:17; 2Sam 2:4; 2Sam 5:3; 2Sam 5:12; 2Sam 12:7; 1Kgs 1:34; 1Chr 11:3; 1Chr 14:8 יִהְיֶה על ׳מ 1Sam 8:19 על ׳בִּקֵּשׁ למ 2Sam 3:17 ׳הֵכִין לְמ על 2Sam 5:12; 1Chr 14:2 על ׳הֵקִים מ 1Kgs 14:14; Deut 28:36 ׳תַּחַת וגו ׳לְמ ׳יָשַׁב עַלכִּֿסֵּא י 1Chr 29:23, compare Prov 20:8 אלהיך ׳לְי ׳נָתַן עַלכִּֿסֵּא לְמ 2Chr 9:8.
  d. מַעֲדַנֵּימֶֿלךְ Gen 49:20 royal dainties, figurative; ׳מִשְׁתֵּה הַמּ 1Sam 25:36 royal feast (in simile); ׳אֶבֶן הַמּ 2Sam 14:26 king's weight; ׳יַדהַֿמּ 1Kgs 10:13 royal bounty (in simile); ׳גִּזֵּי הַמּ Amos 7:1 king's mowings; ׳מִקְדַּשׁ מ Amos 7:13 royal sanctuary; עֲטֶרֶת מַלְכָּם 2Sam 12:30 crown of their king = 1Chr 20:2 (but read מִלְכֹּם ᵐ5 We Klo Dr Kit Kau — not Bu KitChr. Hpt); compare also בַּיִת, עֵמֶק, גַּן, שָׁוֵה, etc. — proper name אבימלך, אחימלך, אלימלך, מלך, נתן, מלך, עבד, see below אב, אח, etc.

BDB4674 H4432 H1322 H4428

BDB4673 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4675

מֹ֫לֶךְ proper name, of a divinity Molech (ᵐ5 Μολοχ, ᵑ9 Moloch) (= מֶלֶךְ i.e. (divine) King, with vowels of בּשֶׁת to denote abhorrence, HoffmZAW iii. 1883, 124 RSSemitic i. 353; 2nd ed. 372; compare HoffmGG Abh. xxxvi. 1890 a (May, 1889), 25; Phoenician proper name, of divinity מלך Milk, in proper names compare Bloch, DrDt.222 f.); — with article ׳הַמּ: — the god to whom Israel sacrificed children with fire (in valley of Hinnom); ׳העביר בָּנֵשׁ לַ מּ 2Kgs 23:10 ׳העביר לַמּ Jer 32:35 (|| הַבַּעַל), Lev 18:21 (H); ׳נתן לַמּ Lev 20:2; Lev 20:3; Lev 20:4 (H); more generally ׳לִזְנוֺת אַחֲרֵי הַמּ vLev 20:5 (H). In 1Kgs 11:7 read probably מִלְכֹּם, q. v.

BDB4684 H4442 H6664 H4428

BDB4683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4685

מַלְכִּיצֶֿ֫דֶק proper name, masculine king of שָׁלֵם (q. v.), (my king is ‚ede‡) — Gen 14:18. Ps 110:4. ᵐ5 Μελχισεδεκ.

BDB4685 H4443 H4428 H7311

BDB4684 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4686

מַלְכִּירָם proper name, masculine son of Jeconiah (= Jehoiakin) (my king (= Yahweh) is high, compare GrayProp. N. 146 f.; Phoenician proper name מלכרם); — 1Chr 3:18. ᵐ5 Μελχ(ε)ιραμ.

BDB4686 H4428 H4444 H7769

BDB4685 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4687

מַלְכִישׁוּעַ proper name, masculine son of Saul my king (= ׳י) is opulence, compare GrayProp. N. 147); — 1Sam 14:49; 1Sam 31:2; 1Chr 8:33; 1Chr 9:39; 1Chr 10:2 (in Chronicles מַלְכִּישֿׁוּעַ). ᵐ5 Μελχεισα, Μελχεσουε, etc.

king, kings, royal
melek
a king
  • king

יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
Root word reigned, reign, king, reigneth, made, …
Dictionary form: מָלַךְ · maw-LAHK

Verb — Qal, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine plural simple action — "he did" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: reign
reigned ×84 when he began to reign ×34 and he reigned ×32 king ×21 and reigned ×18 began to reign ×14 shall reign ×14 to reign ×13
More options
reign — Core meaning; fits narrative and poetic contexts alike.
rule — Broader term; good when royal authority is emphasized.
become king — Captures the ingressive sense of ascending to power.
be king — Stative use; describes ongoing royal status.
make king — Causative stem; when someone installs another as ruler.
make queen — Causative stem applied to a female royal figure.

BDB4672 H4427

BDB4671 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4673

II. מָלַךְ346 verb denominative be, or become king, or queen, reign; —

Qal296 Perfect ׳מ Josh 13:10 + etc.; Imperfect יִמְלֹךְ (לוֺךְ-) Exod 15:18 +; וַיִּמְלֹךְ Gen 36:32 +; 2 masculine singular תִּמְלֹךְ Gen 37:8 +, (הֲִ˜תִמֲלֹךְ Jer 22:15 Baer); Imperative מְלָךְֿ Judg 9:14 מָלְכָה Judg 9:8 מָלְכִי Judg 9:10; Judg 9:12 Infinitive absolute מָלֹךְ Gen 37:8; 1Sam 24:21 construct. מְלֹךְ 1Kgs 2:15 +; suffix מָלְכוֺ 1Sam 13:1 +; Participle מֹלֵךְ Jer 22:11 + 2 t.; מֹלֶכֶת 2Kgs 11:3 = 2Chr 22:12 — be (become) king, reign, mostly of Hebrew kings, 2Sam 2:10; 1Kgs 16:22; 2Kgs 3:1; 2Kgs 9:13, but also generally Prov 8:15; Prov 30:22 of Canaanite, Edomite, Aramaic, Assyrian, Persian kings, etc.: Judg 4:2; Gen 36:31; 1Kgs 11:25; 2Kgs 8:15; 2Kgs 19:37; Esth 1:1 +; followed by בְּ local (usually city) Josh 13:10; Josh 13:12; Judg 4:2; 2Sam 5:5; 1Kgs 11:24; 1Kgs 14:21 + often; but also Gen 36:31; Gen 36:32; 1Chr 1:43 בְּארץ, and even בְּכֹלאֲשֶׁרתְּֿאַוֶּה נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ 2Sam 3:21 followed by עַל with people or land 1Sam 8:9; 1Sam 8:11; 1Sam 12:14; 1Sam 13:1; 1Kgs 15:1; 1Kgs 15:9; 1Kgs 16:23 + often; followed by בְּ local + עַל territory (or population) 2Sam 5:5; 1Kgs 11:42 followed by תַּחַת (חַחְתָּיו) 2Sam 16:8; Gen 36:33f. = 1Chr 1:44f., 1Kgs 14:20; 1Kgs 14:31; 2Kgs 8:15; 2Kgs 13:24; Jer 22:11 + often; subject God, followed by על Ps 47:9; Mic 4:7; Ezek 20:33; 1Sam 8:7 followed by בְּ Isa 24:23 absolute Exod 15:18; Isa 52:7; Ps 93:1; Ps 96:10 = 1Chr 16:31; Ps 97:1; Ps 99:1; Ps 146:10 +; subject future (Messianic) king Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5 subject a woman (= be queen) 2Kgs 11:3 = 2Chr 22:12 (both followed by עַל), Esth 2:4 followed by תַּחַת ; Imperative only in fable, king of trees, Judg 9:8; Judg 9:10; Judg 9:12; Judg 9:14 all followed by על; בְּמָלְכוֺ especially = when he began to reign, became king 1Sam 13:1; 2Sam 2:10; 1Kgs 14:21 + often; Infinitive also = reign: בְּשְׁנַת שְׁמֹנֶה לְמָלְכוֺ 2Kgs 24:12; 2Kgs 25:1, compare v2Kgs 25:27; 1Kgs 6:1; 2Chr 16:13; 2Chr 17:7; 2Chr 29:3; 2Chr 34:3; 2Chr 34:8, compare עַד מְלֹךְ דָּוִד 1Chr 4:31 עַד מְלֹךְ מַלְכוּת פָּרָס 2Chr 36:20 began to reign and reigned מָלַךְ וַיִּמְלֹךְ 1Kgs 15:25; 1Kgs 16:29; 2Kgs 3:1 +; often מָלַךְ alone with same meaning 1Kgs 16:23; 2Kgs 13:1; 2Kgs 13:10; 2Kgs 14:23 +. Hiph`il Perfect הִמְלִיךְ 1Sam 15:35 + 2 t.; הִמְלַ֫כְתָּ 1Kgs 3:7, etc.; Imperfect וַיַּמְלֵךְ 2Kgs 33:34 + 4 t.; וַיַּמְלִיכוּ Judg 9:6 + etc.; Infinitive construct הַמְלִיךְ 1Kgs 12:1 + etc.; Participle מַמְלִךְֻ Ezek 17:16 — make king, or queen, cause to reign, followed by accusative of person Judg 9:16; 1Sam 11:15; 1Kgs 1:43; 1Kgs 12:1; 1Kgs 16:21; 2Kgs 10:5; 2Kgs 11:12 (anointing and coronation) = 2Chr 23:11; 2Kgs 17:21; 1Chr 11:10; 1Chr 12:32; 1Chr 12:39; 2Chr 10:1; 2Chr 11:22; Ezek 17:16 followed by לִשׁלמֹה (לְ of direct object, as Aramaic) 1Chr 29:22 followed by accusative of congnate meaning with verb 1Sam 8:22 (+ לָהֶם), 1Sam 12:1 (+ על), Isa 7:6 (+ בְּתוֺךְ); followed by לְמֶלֶךְ Judg 9:6; 1Sam 15:11 followed by accusative of person + בְּ local Jer 37:1 + עַל Judg 9:18; 1Sam 15:35; 1Kgs 12:20; 1Kgs 16:16; 2Kgs 8:20; 1Chr 12:38; 1Chr 28:4 (accusative omitted), 1Chr 23:1; 2Chr 1:9; 2Chr 1:11; 2Chr 21:8; 2Chr 36:4; 2Chr 36:10, compare 2Sam 2:9 (3 t. עֲלֿ, 3 t. אֶלֿ); + תַּחַת 1Kgs 3:7; 2Kgs 14:21; 2Kgs 21:24; 2Kgs 23:30 (anointing), v2Kgs 23:34; 2Kgs 24:17; 2Chr 1:8; 2Chr 22:1; 2Chr 26:1; 2Chr 33:25; 2Chr 36:1; Esth 2:17 (= make queen at coronation); absolute Hos 8:4. Hoph`al Perfect הָמְלַךְ עַל מַלְכוּת כַּשְׂדִּים Dan 9:1.

BDB4692 H4427

BDB4691 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4693

II. [מָלַךְ] verb counsel, advise (loan-word from Aram . , מְלַח; compare Assyrian malâku, DlHWB 412); — only Niph`al (so Late Hebrew) Imperfect לִבִּי עָלַי וַיִּמָּלֵךָ i. e. I considered carefully, Neh 5:7.

[מַלְכֹּ֫דֶת] see לכד.

מַלְכֵּן see מַלְבֵּן below לבן.

BDB9661 H4427

BDB9660 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9662

I. מלך (√ of following, see Biblical Hebrew).

BDB9665 H4427

BDB9664 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9666

II. מלך (√ of following; Assyrian malâku, counsel, advise; ᵑ7 מְלֵח, Syriac , Christian-Palestinian Aramaic Schulth112; Biblical Hebrew II. [מָלַח] Neh 5:7 as loan-word).

reigned, reign, king, reigneth, made, …
mālak
to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty
  • to be or become king or queen, reign
    • (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign
      • "(Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign"(Hophal) to be made king or queen
    to counsel, advise
    • (Niphal) to consider

וְ רוֹזְנִים
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
רוֹזְנִים
Root word princes, rulers
Dictionary form: רָזַן · raw-DZAHN

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

In the KJV here: and princes
and princes ×1 and the princes ×1 and the rulers ×1 for princes ×1 o ye princes ×1 the princes ×1
More options
ruler — Broad, neutral term; works in most prose contexts.
prince — Retains royal/noble connotation; good for poetic texts.
chieftain — Emphasizes tribal or military leadership role.
sovereign — Highlights supreme authority; suits elevated register.
dignitary — Stresses high social rank over military power.
noble — Conveys aristocratic status; fits wisdom or court literature.

BDB7841 H7336

BDB7840 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7842

[רָזַן, ? earlier רָזן, so LagBN 31] verb be weighty, judicious, commanding (Arabic be weighty, grave, firm of judgement; Late Hebrew רוֺזֵן = Biblical Hebrew, so רוזנים Eccl 44:4); — only Qal Participle plural as substantive, rulers, potentates, || מְלָכִים: רֹזְנִים Judg 5:3; Hab 1:10, ׳רוֺ Ps 2:2; Prov 8:15; Prov 31:4, || שֹׁפְטֵי אֶרֶץ Isa 40:23.

princes, rulers
rāzan
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
  • (Qal) to be weighty, be judicious, be commanding

יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
Root word lawgiver, decree, governors, graven, graveth, …
Dictionary form: חָקַק · haw-KAHK

Verb — Poel, Imperfect (Yiqtol), third person masculine plural intensive (rare stem) — like Piel not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "they"

In the KJV here: decree
is my lawgiver ×2 and note ×1 and that graveth ×1 decree ×1 governors ×1 i have graven ×1 is our lawgiver ×1 is toward the governors ×1
More options
engrave — Best for physical inscription on stone, metal, or wood.
inscribe — Slightly more formal; suits writing laws or decrees.
decree — Use when the sense is issuing binding legal commands.
legislate — Good for the lawgiver/governance nuance of the root.
sketch — Use when portraying or drawing an outline (Ezek 4:1).
ordain — Captures appointed/established sense in poetic contexts.

BDB3071 H2710

BDB3070 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3072

[חָקַק] verb cut in, inscribe, decree (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic חֲקַק, Zinjirli חקק; Phoenician id. Participle Hiph`il; Arabic be just, right, obligatory, also make or decide to be just, etc.; justness, truth, necessity, obligation; Ethiopic adjective moderate, sufficient; compare also חקה) —

Qal וְחַקּוֺתָ֫ Ezek 4:1 suffix חַקֹּתִיךְ Isa 49:16 Infinitive suffix בְּחֻקּוֺ Prov 8:27 בְּחוּקוֺ Prov 8:29 (assimilated to בְּשׂוּמוֺ); חֻקָּהּ Isa 30:8 Participle חֹקְקִי Isa 22:16 (archaic case ending Ges«GKC:90»§ 90. 3 a); plural חֹקְקִים Isa 10:1 construct חוֺקְקֵי Judg 5:9 (possibly Po`el = מחוקקי with מְ omitted, see Ges«GKC:52»§ 52 (2), note 6); Participle Pass. plural חֲקֻקִֿים Ezek 23:14 (Co חקוקים); —
1. cut in, with בְּ, Isa 22:16, of a dwelling-place = tomb, in a rock.
2. cut in or on, upon, engrave, inscribe, with על on roll of a book Isa 30:8 representation of city on brick (as in Babylonia) Ezek 4:1 images on a wall Ezek 23:14 figurative of Zion's walls on palms of ׳י Isa 49:16.
3. trace, mark out, a circle, with על over the face of deep Prov 8:27 with accusative, foundations of earth vProv 8:29.
4. of a law, engrave, inscribe (on a tablet), figurative for enact, decree חקקים חקקי און Isa 10:1 (|| כתב עמל); חוֺקקֵי ישׂראל poetic = commanders (see Po`el) Judg 5:9 (|| מחקקים vJudg 5:14). Po`el Imperfect יְחוֺקְקוּ Prov 8:15 Participle מְחֹקֵק Gen 49:10; Num 21:18; Deut 33:21 suffix מְחֹקְקִי Ps 60:9; Ps 108:9 מְחֹקְקֵנוּ Isa 33:22 plural מְחֹקְקִים Judg 5:14 — inscribe (as a law), enact (poetry): with accusative צֶדֶק Prov 8:15 elsewhere participle
  a. prescriber of laws, hence (as sovereign authority in a warlike clan) commander Deut 33:21 (of warlike tribe of Gad), Judg 5:14; Isa 33:22 (of ׳י; || שֹׁפְטֵנוּ, מַלְכֵּנוּ).
  b. commander's staff Gen 49:10 (|| שֵׁבֶט), Num 21:18 (both poetry), Ps 60:9 = Ps 108:9. Pu`al Participle מְחֻקָּק that which is decreed Prov 31:5 (late). Hoph`al Imperfect יֻחָ֑קֿוּ Job 19:23 inscribed in (בְּ) a book.

lawgiver, decree, governors, graven, graveth, …
ḥāqaq
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (Judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (gen.) prescribe
  • to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern
    • (Qal)
      • to cut in
        • "to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe"to trace, mark out"to engrave, inscribe (of a law)
      (Poel)
      • to inscribe, enact, decree
        • "one who decrees, lawgiver (participle)
      (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle)"(Hophal) to be inscribed

צֶֽדֶק
צֶֽדֶק
Root word righteousness, just, justice, righteous, righteously, …
Dictionary form: צֶדֶק · tseh-DEK

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: justice
righteousness ×24 of righteousness ×9 in righteousness ×6 just ×4 justice ×4 thy righteous ×4 with righteousness ×4 and a just ×3
More options
justice — Prefer when legal, social, or civic fairness is in view.
righteousness — Modernized KJV staple; broad moral uprightness before God.
right conduct — Behavioral focus; good for ethical or wisdom contexts.
integrity — Emphasizes wholeness and honesty of character.
equity — Highlights fair treatment and impartiality in judgment.
vindication — Use when God or a person is declared/proved right.

BDB4684 H4442 H6664 H4428

BDB4683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4685

מַלְכִּיצֶֿ֫דֶק proper name, masculine king of שָׁלֵם (q. v.), (my king is ‚ede‡) — Gen 14:18. Ps 110:4. ᵐ5 Μελχισεδεκ.

BDB6941 H6664 H3072

BDB6940 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB6942

צֶ֫דֶק noun masculineIsa 1:21 rightness, righteousness; — ׳צ Lev 19:36 + 87 t.; צִדְקִי Isa 41:10 + 8 t., etc.; —

1. what is right, just, normal; rightness, justness, of weights and measures, אֵיפָה, אֶבֶן שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק Deut 25:15 a perfect and a just weight, ephah; ׳מאֹזְנֵי צ; ׳אַבְנֵי צ, ׳אֵיפַת צ, ׳הִין צ, ׳בַּת צ Lev 19:36 (H) Job 31:6; Ezek 45:10 ׳מַעְגְּלֵי צ right paths Ps 23:3 ׳זִבְחֵי צ right peace-offerings Deut 33:19; Ps 4:6; Ps 51:21.
2. righteousness, in government:
  a. of judges, rulers, kings, ׳שׁפט בצ Lev 19:15(H); ׳שׁפט צ Deut 1:16; Prov 31:9 ׳משׁפט צ Deut 16:18 ׳רדף צ vDeut 16:20 ׳חוֺקֵק צ Prov 8:15 ׳מלך לצ Isa 32:1 ׳דבּר צ Ps 58:2 also Prov 25:5; Ps 94:15; Eccl 5:7.
  b. of law, as מִשְׁפָּטִים Isa 58:2; Ps 119:7; Ps 119:62; Ps 119:75; Ps 119:106; Ps 119:160 (ᵐ5, but ᵑ0 מִשְׁפַּט), vPs 119:164 as עֵדוֺת vPs 119:138 vPs 119:144 as מִצְוֺר vPs 119:172.
  c. of Davidic king, Messiah Isa 11:4; Isa 11:5; Isa 16:5; Ps 45:5, ׳דין דצ Ps 72:2.
  d. of Jerusalem, as seat of just government, עִיר הַצֶּדֶק Isa 1:26 city of righteousness; ׳נְוֵה צ Jer 31:23; Jer 50:7 (possibly these reflect an original god צֶדֶק, see מַלְכִּי צֶדֶק); יָלִין בָּהּ ׳צ Isa 1:21 righteousness used to lodge in her; compare ׳מְקוֺם הצ Eccl 3:16 the place of righteousness.
  e. of God's attribute as sovereign Job 36:3, husband of Israel Hos 2:21 ׳צ his personified agent Ps 85:11; Ps 85:12; Ps 85:14, foundation of his throne Ps 89:15 = Ps 97:2 in his government Ps 9:9; Ps 65:6; Ps 96:13 = Ps 98:9, promise Isa 45:19, administration of justice Job 8:3; Jer 11:20; Ps 7:18; Ps 48:11; Ps 50:6 = Ps 97:6, vindication of his people Ps 9:5; Ps 35:24; Ps 35:28 raising up Cyrus Isa 45:13, calling his servant Isa 42:6 אֱלֹהֵי צִדְקִי Ps 4:2 God of my righteousness (who vindicates me); his ׳צ is everlasting Ps 119:142.
3. righteousness, justice, in a case or cause Job 6:29; Job 8:6; Job 29:14; Ps 35:27; Isa 59:4 God ׳שׁפט כצ Ps 7:9 judges according to righteousness; ׳גמל כצ Ps 18:21 ׳השׁיב כצ vPs 18:25 ׳שׁמע צ Ps 17:1 ׳הוציא צ Ps 37:6.
4. rightness, in speech, ׳דבּר צ Ps 52:5 (opposed to שֶׁקֶר); ׳יַגִּיד צ Prov 12:17 כל אמרי פי ׳בצ Prov 8:8 ׳שִׂפְתֵי צ Prov 16:13.
5. righteousness, as ethically right Job 35:2; Ps 17:15; Ps 45:8; Prov 1:3; Prov 2:9; Eccl 7:15; Jer 22:13; Ezek 3:20; Hos 10:12 (read ׳פְּרִי צ, so ᵐ5 We Now); עלמים׳צ Dan 9:24 ׳עשׂה צ Isa 64:4; Ps 119:121 ׳פעל צ Ps 15:2 ׳למד צ Isa 26:6; Isa 26:10 ׳בקּשׁ צ Zeph 2:3 ׳רדף צ Isa 51:1 ׳ידע צ vIsa 51:7.
6. righteousness as vindicated, justification in controversy with enemies and troubles, deliverance, victory, prosperity:
  a. of God as covenant-keeping, in redemption, בִּימִין צִדְקִי Isa 41:10, || יֵשַׁע Isa 45:8; Isa 51:5, compare Isa 42:21 ׳בשּׂר צ Ps 40:10 ׳אִמְרַת צ Ps 119:123.
  b. in name יהוה צִדְקֵנוּ, of Messianic king (vindicating people's cause and giving victory) Jer 23:6 of city Jer 33:16.
  c. of people as enjoying ׳צ of salvation, || יְשׁוּעָה Isa 62:1 || כָּבוֺד Isa 58:8; Isa 62:2 ׳כהנים יִלְבְּשׁוּ צ Ps 132:9 ׳שַׁעֲרֵי צ Ps 118:19 ׳אֵילֵי הצ Isa 61:3.
  d. of Cyrus, יִקְרָאֵהוּ לְרַגְלוֺ ׳צ Isa 41:2 (who) in victory calleth him at every step (CheHpt on whose steps attends victory, so Di Du).

righteousness, just, justice, righteous, righteously, …
ṣedeq
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
  • justice, rightness, righteousness
    • what is right or just or normal, rightness, justness (of weights and measures)
      • "righteousness (in government)
      • of judges, rulers, kings
        • "of law"of Davidic king, Messiah"of Jerusalem as seat of just government"of God's attribute
      righteousness, justice (in case or cause)"rightness (in speech)"righteousness (as ethically right)"righteousness (as vindicated), justification (in controversy), deliverance, victory, prosperity
      • of God as covenant-keeping in redemption
        • "in name of Messianic king"of people enjoying salvation"of Cyrus

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.
בִּ֭י Dechi — a lesser break מְלָכִ֣ים יִמְלֹ֑כוּ Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וְ֝רֹזְנִ֗ים Revia Mugrash — a lesser break יְחֹ֣קְקוּ צֶֽדֶק Silluq — end of the verse

בִּי מְלָכִים יִמְלֹכוּ וְרֹזְנִים יְחֹקְקוּ צֶֽדֶק׃
15
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Cross References

Romans 13:1

Πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις ὑποτασσέσθω οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ἀπὸ θεοῦ αἱ δὲ οὖσαι ἐξουσίαι ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν·
1
Let every be unto soul subject the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Daniel 2:21

וְהוּא מְהַשְׁנֵא עִדָּנַיָּא וְזִמְנַיָּא מְהַעְדֵּה מַלְכִין וּמְהָקֵים מַלְכִין יָהֵב חָכְמְתָא לְחַכִּימִין וּמַנְדְּעָא לְיָדְעֵי בִינָֽה׃
21
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Matthew 28:18

καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων Ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς
18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Revelation 19:16

καὶ ἔχει ἐπὶ τὸ ἱμάτιον καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν μηρὸν αὐτοῦ τὸ ὄνομα γεγραμμένον· Βασιλεὺς βασιλέων καὶ κύριος κυρίων
16
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Daniel 5:18

אַנְתְּה מַלְכָּא אֱלָהָא עִלָּיָא מַלְכוּתָא וּרְבוּתָא וִיקָרָא וְהַדְרָא יְהַב לִנְבֻכַדְנֶצַּר אֲבֽוּךְ׃
18
O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

Daniel 4:32

וּמִן-אֲנָשָׁא לָךְ טָֽרְדִין וְֽעִם-חֵיוַת בָּרָא מְדֹרָךְ עִשְׂבָּא כְתוֹרִין לָךְ יְטַעֲמוּן וְשִׁבְעָה עִדָּנִין יַחְלְפוּן עֲלָיךְ עַד דִּֽי-תִנְדַּע דִּֽי-שַׁלִּיט עִלָּיָא בְּמַלְכוּת אֲנָשָׁא וּלְמַן-דִּי יִצְבֵּא יִתְּנִנַּֽהּ׃
32
And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Daniel 7:13

חָזֵה הֲוֵית בְּחֶזְוֵי לֵֽילְיָא וַאֲרוּ עִם-עֲנָנֵי שְׁמַיָּא כְּבַר אֱנָשׁ אָתֵה הֲוָא וְעַד-עַתִּיק יֽוֹמַיָּא מְטָה וּקְדָמוֹהִי הַקְרְבֽוּהִי׃
13
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Jeremiah 27:5

אָנֹכִי עָשִׂיתִי אֶת-הָאָרֶץ אֶת-הָאָדָם וְאֶת-הַבְּהֵמָה אֲשֶׁר עַל-פְּנֵי הָאָרֶץ בְּכֹחִי הַגָּדוֹל וּבִזְרוֹעִי הַנְּטוּיָה וּנְתַתִּיהָ לַאֲשֶׁר יָשַׁר בְּעֵינָֽי׃
5
I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

Psalms 99:4

וְעֹז מֶלֶךְ מִשְׁפָּט אָהֵב אַתָּה כּוֹנַנְתָּ מֵישָׁרִים מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה בְּיַעֲקֹב׀ אַתָּה עָשִֽׂיתָ׃
4
The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

Revelation 19:11

Καὶ εἶδον τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον καὶ ἰδού ἵππος λευκός καὶ ὁ καθήμενος ἐπ' αὐτὸν καλούμενος πιστὸς καὶ ἀληθινός καὶ ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ κρίνει καὶ πολεμεῖ
11
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

1 Kings 3:28

וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ כָל-יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת-הַמִּשְׁפָּט אֲשֶׁר שָׁפַט הַמֶּלֶךְ וַיִּֽרְאוּ מִפְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ כִּי רָאוּ כִּֽי-חָכְמַת אֱלֹהִים בְּקִרְבּוֹ לַֽעֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
28
And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

1 Kings 5:7

וַיְהִי כִּשְׁמֹעַ חִירָם אֶת-דִּבְרֵי שְׁלֹמֹה וַיִּשְׂמַח מְאֹד וַיֹּאמֶר בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה הַיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לְדָוִד בֵּן חָכָם עַל-הָעָם הָרָב הַזֶּֽה׃
7
And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

1 Samuel 9:17

וּשְׁמוּאֵל רָאָה אֶת-שָׁאוּל וַֽיהוָה עָנָהוּ הִנֵּה הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אָמַרְתִּי אֵלֶיךָ זֶה יַעְצֹר בְּעַמִּֽי׃
17
And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.

1 Kings 10:9

יְהִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בָּרוּךְ אֲשֶׁר חָפֵץ בְּךָ לְתִתְּךָ עַל-כִּסֵּא יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַֽהֲבַת יְהוָה אֶת-יִשְׂרָאֵל לְעֹלָם וַיְשִֽׂימְךָ לְמֶלֶךְ לַֽעֲשׂוֹת מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָֽה׃
9
Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

1 Kings 3:9

וְנָֽתַתָּ לְעַבְדְּךָ לֵב שֹׁמֵעַ לִשְׁפֹּט אֶֽת-עַמְּךָ לְהָבִין בֵּֽין-טוֹב לְרָע כִּי מִי יוּכַל לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת-עַמְּךָ הַכָּבֵד הַזֶּֽה׃
9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Psalms 72:1

אֱֽלֹהִים מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ לְמֶלֶךְ תֵּן וְצִדְקָתְךָ לְבֶן-מֶֽלֶךְ׃
1
Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

Daniel 4:25

וְלָךְ טָֽרְדִין מִן-אֲנָשָׁא וְעִם-חֵיוַת בָּרָא לֶהֱוֵה מְדֹרָךְ וְעִשְׂבָּא כְתוֹרִין׀ לָךְ יְטַֽעֲמוּן וּמִטַּל שְׁמַיָּא לָךְ מְצַבְּעִין וְשִׁבְעָה עִדָּנִין יַחְלְפוּן עֲלָיךְ עַד דִּֽי-תִנְדַּע דִּֽי-שַׁלִּיט עִלָּיָא בְּמַלְכוּת אֲנָשָׁא וּלְמַן-דִּי יִצְבֵּא יִתְּנִנַּֽהּ׃
25
That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Jeremiah 33:15

בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וּבָעֵת הַהִיא אַצְמִיחַ לְדָוִד צֶמַח צְדָקָה וְעָשָׂה מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה בָּאָֽרֶץ׃
15
In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

1 Chronicles 28:5

וּמִכָּל-בָּנַי כִּי רַבִּים בָּנִים נָתַן לִי יְהוָה וַיִּבְחַר בִּשְׁלֹמֹה בְנִי לָשֶׁבֶת עַל-כִּסֵּא מַלְכוּת יְהוָה עַל-יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
5
And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.

Isaiah 1:26

וְאָשִׁיבָה שֹׁפְטַיִךְ כְּבָרִאשֹׁנָה וְיֹעֲצַיִךְ כְּבַתְּחִלָּה אַחֲרֵי-כֵן יִקָּרֵא לָךְ עִיר הַצֶּדֶק קִרְיָה נֶאֱמָנָֽה׃
26
And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.
Proverbs 8:14
Read Proverbs 8
Proverbs 8:16