Psalms 94:8

בִּ֭ינוּ בֹּעֲרִ֣ים בָּעָ֑ם וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים מָתַ֥י תַּשְׂכִּֽילוּ

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

בֹּעֲרִ֣ים

Root word burn, away, kindled, burned, brutish, …

Dictionary form: בָּעַר · baw-AR

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

In the KJV here: ye brutish

burned ×5 so shalt thou put ×4 burn ×3 burneth ×3 burning ×3 to burn ×3 and burn ×2 and it shall burn ×2

More options

burn — Core meaning; suits fire, anger, or judgment contexts.

blaze — Vivid, intense burning; good for dramatic or poetic passages.

consume — Emphasizes total destruction by fire or judgment.

purge — Fits contexts of removing evil or moral cleansing.

kindle — Stresses the starting or stirring up of a fire.

be brutish — Captures the rare sense of acting like a dumb animal.

BDB1237 H1197

I. [בָּעַר] verb burn, consume (ᵑ7 בְּעַר burn; seek out, collect, glean; this apparently earlier meaning) —

Qal Perfect 3 feminine singular בָּֽעֲרָה Num 11:3 + 2 t., וּבָֽעֲרָה consecutive Isa 10:17 + 3 t., בָּֽעֲרוּ Judg 15:14 + 2 t. + 2Sam 22:13 (but compare De on Ps 18), וּבָֽעֲרוּ consecutive Isa 1:31 Imperfect יִבְעַר Exod 3:3; Ps 2:12, etc.; Participle בֹּעֵר Exod 3:2 + 6 t., בֹּעֵרָ֑ה Isa 34:9, בּוֺעֵ֫רָה Hos 7:4, בֹּעֲרָ֫ה Isa 30:33, בֹּעֶ֫רֶת Jer 20:9, בֹּעֲרוֺת Ezek 1:13 — burn,

1. (intransitive) specifically begin to burn, be kindled Ps 18:8 followed by מִן (subject גֶּחָלִים) = 2Sam 22:9 (in v2Sam 22:13 textual error compare above), Ps 106:18 (subject אֵשׁ); figurative Ps 2:12 (subject אַפּוֺ) compare Jer 44:6 (subject חֵמָה); Isa 30:33 (with בְּ, subject ׳נִשְׁמַת י), Ps 39:4 (subject אֵשׁ figurative of grief, distress) compare Jer 20:9.

2. be burning, burn, Judg 15:14 (subject פִּשְׁתִּים, with בָּאֵשׁ), Exod 3:2 (הסנה, with בָּאֵשׁ), vExod 3:3 (subject id.); Deut 4:11; Deut 5:20; Deut 9:15 (all subject הר, with בָּאֵשׁ), compare Isa 34:9 (זֶפֶת בערה), figurative of destruction Isa 1:31 (subject חָסֹן & פֹּעֲלוֺ); of torch לַפִּיד Isa 62:1 of oven תַּנּוּר Hos 7:4; Hos 7:6 (i.e. heated by fire within it).

3. transitive burn, consume (subject אשׁ, להבה etc., followed by בְּ) Num 11:1; Num 11:3 (׳אשׁ י), Job 1:16 (אשׁ אלהים); in smile Ezek 1:33 (׳גחלי אשׁ י), Ps 83:15 (only here transitive with accusative; should תבער be pointed as Pi`el ?); figurative (subject wrath of ׳י) Isa 42:25 compare Lam 2:5 (subject fire = fiery trial) Isa 43:2.

4. active but absolute, figurative, subject wrath of ׳י Jer 4:4; Jer 7:20; Jer 21:12; Ps 89:47 compare Isa 10:17; Ps 79:5; Isa 30:27 (֗֗֗ בֹּעֵר אַפּוֺ ׳שֵׁם י) Mal 3:19 (היום בא); of human anger Esth 1:12 subject wickedness Isa 9:17. Pi`el Perfect בִּעֵר 1Kgs 22:47; 2Kgs 23:24, וּבִעֵר consecutive Lev 6:5, בִּעַ֫רְתָּ 2Chr 19:3, וּבִַ ערְתָּ֫ Deut 13:6 + 9 t. in Deuteronomy; וּבִעֲרוּ consecutive Ezek 39:9 (twice in verse) (9:a strike out Co after Vrss), etc.; Imperfect יְבַעֵר 1Kgs 14:10 2 masculine singular תְּבַעֵר Deut 21:9, יְבַעֲרוּ Ezek 39:10 2 masculine plural תְּבַעֲרוּ Exod 35:3, וּנְבַעֲרָ֫ה subordinate Judg 20:13 Participle מְבַעֲרִים Jer 7:18 —

1. kindle, literal with accusative אשׁ Exod 35:3; Jer 7:18 compare Ezek 39:9 (see above) vEzek 39:10 figurative of ׳י sending destruction Ezek 21:4 compare of human schemes Isa 50:11 light, object lamps in temple 2Chr 4:20 compare 2Chr 13:11.

2. burn, literal with accusative עֵצִים Lev 6:5, גָּלָל dung 1Kgs 14:10 absolute Isa 44:15 compare Isa 40:16; Neh 10:35.

3. figurative consume, utterly remove, particular of evil and guilt, with accusative, especially in Deuteronomic phrase ובערת הרע מקרבך (מישׂראלׅ Deut 13:6; Deut 17:7; Deut 17:12; Deut 19:13; Deut 19:19; Deut 21:21 compare vDeut 21:9; Deut 22:21; Deut 22:22; Deut 22:24; Deut 24:7, see also Judg 20:13 further, 1Kgs 22:47; 2Kgs 23:24; 2Chr 19:3 also of devoted (tabooed) things Deut 26:13; Deut 26:14 of persons (exterminate) 2Sam 4:11 followed by אחרי pregnantly 1Kgs 14:10; 1Kgs 21:21 = devour, devastate, greedily enjoy the fruits of, Isa 3:14 absolute היה לְבָעֵר be for destruction, be destroyed Num 24:22; Isa 5:5; Isa 6:13 compare רוּחַ בָּעֵר Isa 4:4. Pu`al Participle מְבֹעָ֑רֶת Jer 36:22 — burn (i.e. be supplied with fire), of fire-jar, הָאָח. Hiph`il Perfect וְהִבְעַרְתִּ֫י Nah 2:14 Imperfect וַיַּבְעֵר Judg 15:5; 2Chr 28:3, וַיַּבְעֶרֿ Judg 15:5 תַּבְעִיר Ezek 5:2 Participle מַבְעִיר 1Kgs 16:3, מַבְעִר Exod 22:5 —

1. kindle (with accusative of congnate meaning with verb) Exod 22:5, compare Judg 15:5 אשׁ בלפידים ׳ויב caused fire to burn among the brands.

2. burn up, with accusative Judg 15:5; 2Chr 28:3 (sacrifice of children בָּאֵשׁ) Ezek 5:2 (בָּאוּר but compare Co) Nah 2:14 (בעשׁן).

3. consume = destroy (compare Pi`el) 1Kgs 16:3 (followed by אַחֲרֵי).

BDB1241 H1197

II. [בָּעַר] verb denominative be brutish —

Qal Imperfect יִבְעֲרוּ Jer 10:8 (|| יכסלו) be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive; compare Participle plural בֹּעֲרִים Ps 94:8 (|| כסילים); of inhuman, cruel, barbarous men Ezek 21:36. Niph`al Perfect נִבְעַר Jer 10:14; Jer 51:17, נִבְעֲרוּ Jer 10:21 Participle נִבְעָרָ֑ה Isa 19:11 — brutish, stupid Isa 19:11 (עצה, || אויל); dull-hearted, ignorant of God Jer 10:14; Jer 10:21; Jer 51:17.

**Jer 10:14 = Jer 51:17 rather stupefied (by spectacle Jer 10:13 = Jer 51:16). Pi`el Perfect וּבִעֵר consecutive Exod 22:4 feed, graze (בשׂדה אחר). Hiph`il Imperfect יַבְעֶרֿ Exod 22:4 cause to be grazed over, followed by שׂדה.

burn, away, kindled, burned, brutish, …

bāʿar

to kindle, i.e., consume (by fire or by eating)

to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled

(Qal)

to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning

to kindle, burn

to kindle

(Qal) to be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive

בָּ עָ֑ם

בָּ

Prefix — preposition in, at, by, with + "the" (the article is absorbed into the prefix)

עָ֑ם

Root word people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …

Dictionary form: עַם · am

בָּ

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

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: among the people

the people ×572 people ×220 of the people ×150 my people ×113 and the people ×110 his people ×78 thy people ×58 of my people ×50

More options

people — Most versatile rendering; fits collective and singular contexts.

nation — Emphasizes ethnic or political identity as a unified group.

community — Highlights shared belonging; good for social or covenant contexts.

population — Neutral, demographic tone; useful for census or mass-movement passages.

folk — Informal, grassroots feel; suits ordinary or rural settings.

crowd — Best for gathered assemblies rather than an ongoing social group.

BDB6144 H5971 H5993

I. עַם, עָם₁₈₄₀ noun masculine^{Gen 11:6} (see below) people (Late Hebrew id., plebeian, common man; ᵑ7 עַמָּא people, plural peoples, tribes, etc.; Syriac ; Arabic see above; original meaning probably those united, connected, related, compare We^{GGN 1893, 480}); — absolute עַם Gen 11:6 +, עָם Judg 9:36 +, הָעָם Josh 8:11 +; construct עַם Num 21:29 +; suffix עַמִּי Exod 3:7 +, עַמְּךָ Exod 22:27 +, etc.; plural עַמִּים Isa 2:3 +, עֲמָמִים (compare Biblical Aramaic) Neh 9:22 construct עַמֵּי 1Kgs 8:43 +, עַמְמֵי Neh 9:24 plural with suffix see II. עַם; — (Thes cites following as feminine וְחָטָאת עַמֶּ֑ךָ Exod 5:16 [but corrupt and unintellig.; read perhaps ׳וְחַטָאתָ לְע, so ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Di]; Judg 18:7 [but ישֶׁבֶת must agree with lost word city, or the like, see GFM]; Jer 8:5 [but read שׁוֺבַב for שׁוֺבְבָה Gie]); —

1. a people, nation (sometimes || גּוֺי), collective noun (singular Exod 21:8; Josh 17:14; Josh 17:15; Josh 17:17; 2Sam 17:29 + often, or plural Exod 20:15; Exod 24:2; Jer 5:31 + often, or both in same clause Exod 1:20; 2Sam 13:24): עַם אֶחָד = all mankind Gen 11:6 (J); peoples in general Gen 27:29 (J; || לְאֻמִּים), Exod 19:5 (E), Deut 2:25; Deut 4:6 + often Deuteronomy; Neh 13:24 + often; קְהַל עַמִּים Gen 28:3 (P) an assembly (multitude) of peoples, Gen 48:4 (P), Ezek 23:24; Ezek 32:3 (+ רַבִּים); one's own people Jer 46:16; Ps 45:11; Ruth 1:10; Ruth 1:15; Ruth 1:16 (twice in verse) + (on עַמִּי נָדִיב Song 6:12 see especially Bu); particular peoples, Egypt Gen 41:40 (E), Exod 1:22 (E), Neh 9:10 +; עַםאֲֿרָם Amos 1:5 עַםכְּֿמוֺשׁ (i.e. Moab) Num 21:29 (JE), Jer 48:46 but especially Israel Exod 1:20 (E) + often; ׳עַםבְּֿנֵי יִשׂ vExod 1:9 (J); called יהוה ׳ע Num 11:29 (E), 1Sam 2:24 +, and (by ׳י) עַמִּי Exod 3:7; Exod 5:1 (J) + often (all periods); קְהַל עַםהָֿאֱלֹהִים Judg 20:2, עַםהַֿקָּהָל Lev 16:33 (P), קְהַל עָם Ps 107:32 especially הָעָם הַזֶּה (often in contempt or disgust) Num 11:1; Num 11:12; Num 11:13 +; figurative of ants Prov 30:25, the shaphan vProv 30:26, locusts Joel 2:2, compare לְעַם לְצִיִּים Ps 74:14 (where read לְעַם צִיִּים Hup-Now). — On Judg 1:16 see עֲמָלֵקִי.

2. = smaller units, e.g.
a. inhabitants of a city Gen 19:4 (J), 1Sam 9:12; 1Sam 9:13; Jer 29:16; Jer 29:25; 2Chr 31:4 + (Jer 8:5 strike out ׳יְרוּוּשׁ ᵐ5 Gie Co Rothst).
b. inhabitants of a locality Jer 37:12 [apparently not = tribe, Deut 33:3 read עַמּוֺ ᵐ5 Di Dr, Hos 10:14; Judg 5:8; Judg 5:14 read בְּעָרֶיךָ We Now; see below ד].
c. retainers, followers Gen 14:16; Gen 32:8; Gen 33:15; Gen 35:6; Judg 3:18; Judg 8:5; 2Sam 15:17; Jer 41:13; Jer 41:14 +.
d. people bearing arms 1Sam 11:11; 1Kgs 20:10 +; כָּבֵד ׳ע Num 20:20 (JE), i.e. a powerful force; עַם הַצָּבָא Num 31:32 (P), הַמִּלְחָמָה ׳ע Josh 8:1; Josh 8:3; Josh 8:11; Josh 10:7; Josh 11:7 (all J E); so probably Judg 5:8 a (fighting) band; perhaps also vJudg 5:14 (read singular ? see GFM Bu).

3. = common people Jer 21:7; Jer 22:4; Lev 4:27 (opposed to ruler vLev 4:22), Neh 5:1 (opposed to יְהוּדִים), Neh 7:5 (opposed to rulers).

4. people in general, persons Gen 50:20 (E), so apparently ׳כָּלהָֿעָם אֲשֶׁר וגו Exod 33:16 (J), Num 11:34 (J), Josh 5:5 (twice in verse) (D), Judg 9:36 (as singular), vJudg 9:37 (as plural), Jer 36:9 persons labouring 1Kgs 9:23 superior persons Job 12:2 (iron.); עַם עוֺלָם Ezek 26:30 people of long ago (now in Sh®°ôl).

5. phrases are:
a. (עַמָּהּ, עַמִּי, עַמְּךָ) בְּנֵי עַמּוֺ members of one's people, compatriots, fellow-countrymen, etc. Num 22:5 (E), Gen 23:11 (P) Lev 19:18 (H), Judg 14:16; Judg 14:17; Ezek 33:2; Ezek 33:12 +.
b. בְּנֵי הָעָם = common people (see 3) 2Kgs 23:6; Jer 26:23 +; people in general שַׁעַר בְּנֵי הָעָם Jer 17:19 i.e. public gate 2Chr 35:5; 2Chr 35:12.
c. עַם הָאָרֶץ the people at large, as a body 2Kgs 11:14; 2Kgs 11:18; 2Kgs 11:19; 2Kgs 11:20; 2Kgs 15:5; 2Kgs 16:15; 2Kgs 21:24 (twice in verse) +, Jer 37:2; Jer 44:21; Lev 20:2 (H), Gen 23:7; Gen 23:12; Gen 23:13 (P); common people Jer 34:19, compare ׳הא ׳דַּלַּת ע 2Kgs 24:14 distinguished from prince Ezek 45:22; Ezek 46:3; Ezek 46:9, from priests Hag 2:4; Zech 7:5 = Canaanites Num 14:9 (JE), compare עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ 1Chr 5:25 mixed post-exile population Ezra 4:4.
d. עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ usually peoples of the earth Josh 4:24 (D), 2Chr 32:19 +; of heathen peoples about and in Palestine after exile Ezra 10:2; Ezra 10:11 traders Neh 10:31 עַמֵּי הָאֲרָצוֺת Neh 9:30; Neh 10:29; 2Chr 32:13.
e. מִשְׁפְּחוֺת עַמִּים Ps 96:7 = 1Chr 16:28 (compare Ps 22:28). feminine בַּתעַֿמִּי = people personified Isa 22:4; Jer 4:11 + 7 t. Jeremiah + Jer 6:14 (van d. H.; omit בַּת Baer Gi), Lam 2:11; Lam 3:48; Lam 4:3; Lam 4:6; Lam 4:10 בְּתוּלַת בַּתעַֿמִּי Jer 14:17.
g. designations of Israel are: עַםקָֿרוֺשׁ Deut 7:6 + 3 t., קְדוֺשִׁים ׳ע Dan 8:24, (ה)קֹדֶשׁ ׳ע Isa 62:12; Isa 63:18; Dan 12:7 סְגֻלָּה ׳ע Deut 7:6; Deut 14:2; Deut 26:18.
h. of foreign (non-Israel) peoples: ׳ע נָכְרִי Exod 21:8 (E), אַחֵר ׳ע Deut 28:32, and especially from language, עִמְקֵי שָׂפָה ׳ע Ezek 3:5 compare vEzek 3:6, כִּלְשׁוֺן עַם וָעָם Neh 13:24 compare Esth 1:22 (twice in verse); Esth 3:12, לֹעֵג ׳ע Ps 114:1.
i. עַם עֶבְרָתִי Isa 10:6, חֶרְמִי ׳ע Isa 34:11, מִֿבְחָרָיו׳ע Dan 11:15, עַמֵּי תּוֺעֵבוֺת הָאֵלֶּה Ezra 9:14 לֹא עַם בִּינוֺת Isa 27:11. — For עַםעֿוֺלָם Isa 44:7 read (אֹתִיּוֺת) (מִי הִשְׁמִי)עַ מֵעוֺלָם Oort Du Kit Che^Hpt compare Perles^{Anal. 40, 64}.

BDB6147 H5971

II. [עַם] noun [masculine] kinsman

**later development of I. עַם RS^{K 58; 2nd ed. 72}. (on father's side) (Arabic paternal uncle, etc., see I. עמם; compare perhaps Tel Amarna ammu, kinsmen (?); on Nabataean עם ancestor compare Lzb^{151, 499}; see also especially Nes^{Eg 187, ZAW xvi (1896), 322f.} Krenkel^{ib. viii (1888), 280-84}); — suffix עַמִּי in בֶּןעַֿמִּי (q. v.), and proper name following; elsewhere plural suffix עַמֶּיךָ Num 27:13; Num 31:2 (Lev 19:16 read עַמְּךָ ᵐ5 ⅏), + (possibly) עֲמָָמֶיךָ Judg 5:14 עַמָּיו Gen 25:8 + 15 t., עַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:14 + 3 t.; read עַמֶּי (for ᵑ0 עַמִּי, I. עַם; compare Krenkel^{l.c. 281}) Gen 49:29 and perhaps Judg 14:3 (compare Lev 21:14); according to Buhl Kit also 2Kgs 4:13 — father's kinsmen: וַיֵּאָסֵף אֶלעַֿמָּיו Gen 25:8 (of joining kinsmen in Sh®°ôl), so vGen 25:17; Gen 35:29; Gen 49:33; Num 20:24; Deut 32:50, compare Gen 49:29 (see above), Num 27:13; Num 31:2; Deut 32:50 (all P); וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ מֵעַמֶּיהָ Gen 17:4 (severed from living kinsmen), so Lev 7:20; Lev 7:21; Lev 7:23; Lev 7:27; Lev 19:8; Lev 23:29; Num 9:13, מִקֶּרֶב עַמֶּיהָ Exod 31:14, compare Exod 30:33; Exod 30:38; Lev 17:9 (all PH); מֵעַמָּיו יִקַּח אִשָּׁה Lev 21:14 (H), and perhaps Judg 14:3 (simile I. עַם: [םָ֯, הָּ֯] מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֺ Lev 17:4; Lev 17:10; Lev 18:29+); other combinations Judg 5:14 (si vera lectio read perhaps בְּעַמֶּ֑ךָ, see I. עַם 2 d ), Lev 21:1; Lev 21:4; Lev 21:15 (H), Ezek 18:18 and (perhaps) 2Kgs 4:13. — בֶּןעַֿמִּי perhaps = son of my kinsman; on proper name with עַם see Gray^{Prop. N. 41 ff}.

BDB9776 H5971 H5972

עַם noun masculine^{Ezra 6:12} people (see Biblical Hebrew I. עמם, עַם); — ׳ע absolute Dan 2:44; Dan 3:29; Ezra 6:12, construct Dan 7:27 emphatic עַמָּה Ezra 5:12, עַמָּא Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:16; Ezra 7:25 plural emphatic עַמֲמַיָּא (K^{§§ 15d}); 55, 5 a)) Dan 3:4; Dan 3:7 (twice in verse); Dan 3:31; Dan 5:19; Dan 6:26; Dan 7:14.

people, nations, nation, peoples, folk, …

ʿam

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

nation, people

people, nation

וּ ֝כְסִילִ֗ים

וּ

Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)

֝כְסִילִ֗ים

Root word fool, fools, foolish

Dictionary form: כְּסִיל · keh-SEEL

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

In the KJV here: and ye 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

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

מָתַ֥י

Particle turns the sentence into a question

Dictionary form: מָתַי · maw-TAI

Particle — Interrogative

In the KJV here: when

when ×9 how long ×2 and when ×1 him how long ×1 long ×1 me when ×1 o when ×1 of me when ×1

More options

when — Direct modernization; broad temporal interrogative, most versatile.

how long — Use when context expresses frustration or longing for change.

at what time — Formal or precise contexts requiring explicit temporal reference.

until when — Suits rhetorical cries of lament or protest (e.g., psalms).

how soon — Implies impatience or eager anticipation of an event.

BDB4897 H4970

מָתַי₄₃ interrogative adverb when? (Arabic ; Assyrian mati: in Late Hebrew and Aramaic with the interrogative אַי, אֵימָתִי, אֵימָת, ), in OT only of future time:
a. alone, Gen 30:30 מָתַי אעשׂה גם אנכי לביתי when shall I also do, etc.? Amos 8:5; Ps 41:6; Ps 42:3; Ps 94:8; Ps 101:2; Ps 119:82; Ps 119:84; Prov 6:9 b Prov 23:35; Job 7:4 מָתַי אָקוּם, Neh 2:6.
b. לְמָתַי against when? Exod 8:5 לְמָתַי לְךָ אַעְתִּיר.
c. עַדמָֿתַי until when? how long? followed by imperfect Exod 10:7 עד מתי יהיה זה לנו למוקשׁ, 1Sam 1:14; Jer 4:14; Jer 4:21; Ps 74:10; Ps 82:2; Ps 94:3; Prov 1:22 +, followed by participle1 Sam Prov 16:1; 1Kgs 18:21 עַדמָֿתַי אַתֶּם פֹּסְחִים עַלשְֿׁתֵּי הַסְּעִפִּים, followed by perfect Exod 10:3; Ps 80:5 עַד מָתַי לֹא 2Sam 2:26; Hos 8:5; Zech 1:12 alone, Isa 6:11 וָאֹמַר עַדמָֿתַי אֲדֹנָי, Hab 2:6 הוֺי הַמַּרְבֶּה לֹאלֿוֺ עַדמָֿתַי; with an aposiop., Ps 6:4 עַדמָֿתָ֑י ׳וְאַתָּה י, Ps 90:13.
d. אַחֲרֵי מָתַי עוֺד, after how long yet? Jer 13:27.

מְתִים see מַת. מַתְכֹּ֫נֶת see תכן. above,

מַתְּלָאָה see תְּלָאָה. מְתַלְּעוֺת see תלע.

מְתֹם see תמם; Judg 20:48 see מַת.

when, long

mātay

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

when?

with prep

against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?

תַּשְׂכִּֽילוּ

Root word wise, understand, prosper, wisely, understanding, …

Dictionary form: שָׂכַל · saw-KAHL

Verb — Hiphil, Imperfect (Yiqtol), second person masculine plural causative — "he made (someone) do" not-yet-complete action — try "he will ___" or "he ___s" the built-in subject is "you (a group)"

In the KJV here: will ye be wise

and understand ×2 any that did understand ×2 is wise ×2 prosper ×2 thou mayest prosper ×2 a wise ×1 and a prudent ×1 and prosper ×1

More options

act wisely — Best default; covers deliberate, thoughtful behavior.

succeed — Emphasizes favorable outcome; good for narrative contexts.

understand — Highlights comprehension; suits didactic or wisdom literature.

be prudent — Stresses careful judgment; fits proverbial or instructional tone.

instruct — Use when the causative sense (teaching others) is foregrounded.

have insight — Nuanced; good for inner discernment or spiritual perception.

BDB8239 H7919

I. שָׂכַל verb be prudent (Gerber^{47 denominative} from שֶׂכֶל, but verb early; Late Hebrew סָכַל, Hithpa`el shew oneself attentive (to), look; Aramaic סְכַל (rare) understand, Ithpa`al look (at), consider, Aph`el instruct; שְׂכַל only Aph`el (for Hebrew הִשְׂכִּיל), understand, make wise; Pa`el teach, Ethpa`al understand, etc.; Samaritan Ithpa`al look (for Hebrew הִבִּיט); Assyrian šiklu, clever, šklûtu, cleverness, Meissn^Suppl.93); —

Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳שׂ 1Sam 18:30 be prudent, circumspect (SS HPS); Kit Buhl Gerber and others prosper. Hiph`il Perfect 3 masculine singular הִשְׂכִּיל Jer 23:5; 1Chr 28:19 1 singular הִשְׂכַּלְתִּי Ps 119:99 3 masculine plural הִשְׂכִּילוּ Job 34:27 +; Imperfect יַשְׂכִּיל 1Sam 18:5 +; 2 masculine singular jussive תַּשְׂכַּל Dan 9:25, etc.; Imperative masculine plural הַשְׂכִּילוּ Ps 2:10 Infinitive absolute הַשְׂכֵּל Jer 9:23 +; הַשְׂכֵּיל (Ges^{§ 53 k}) Jer 3:15; Job 34:35 construct הַשְׂכִּיל Gen 3:6 +, etc.; Participle מַשְׂכִּיל 1Sam 18:14 +, feminine מַשְׂכָּ֑לֶת Prov 19:14 plural מַשְׂכִּילִים Dan 11:35 +, etc.; meanings hard to classify: scholars differ greatly; —

1. look at: נְחְמָד הָעֵץ לְהַשְׂכִּיל Gen 3:6 (J) was desirable to look upon (so ᵐ5 Ges De; AV, RV to make one wise; Ew Di Buhl SS Dr and others below 3).

2. give attention to, consider, ponder: Isa 41:20; Isa 44:18; Deut 32:29; Ps 64:10; Ps 106:7; Job 34:27 with לְ Prov 21:12 with אֶל Ps 41:2; Neh 8:13 with עַל Prov 16:20 with ב Ps 101:2; Dan 9:13.

3. have insight, comprehension: Jer 9:23 (|| ׳יָדַע י), Ps 94:8 (|| בִּין), Ps 119:99, Dan 1:4; Dan 9:25 (|| יָדַע); הַשְׂכֵּ(י)ל assubstantive = insight, understanding: as ׳י's gift to ruler and teacher, || דֵּעָה Jer 3:15 || דַּ֫עַת Job 34:35 || מַדָּע Dan 1:17 מוּסַר ׳הַשׂ Prov 1:3 ׳דֶּרֶךְ הַשׂ Prov 21:16.

4. cause to consider, give insight, teach: ׳י subject, accusative of thing, 1Chr 28:19, accusative of person Ps 32:8; Neh 9:20 Gabriel subject, 2 accusative Dan 9:22 לֵב חָכָם subject, accusative of thing Prov 16:23 with לְ, Prov 21:11 ׳הַמַּשְׂכִּילִים שֵׂכֶל טוֺב לי 2Chr 30:22 (but Be Ke Benz etc. who shewed good skill, that is, in music, v2Chr 30:21b); (הַ)מַוְכִּילִים Dan 11:33; Dan 11:35; Dan 12:3; Dan 12:10 the teachers (so Ew Hi Bev; Thes Ke Behrm and others the wise).

5. act circumspectly, prudently: absolute Amos 5:13; Ps 2:10; Ps 36:4 מַשְׂכִּיל as substantive Ps 14:2 = Ps 53:3, Prov 10:5; Prov 10:19; Prov 14:35; Prov 15:24; Prov 17:2; Job 22:2 אִשָּׁה מַשְׂכָּ֑לֶת Prov 19:14. — Jer 50:9 has גִּבּוֺר מַשְׁכִּיל according to Masora (van d. H. Baer Gi), compare ᵑ9, i.e. a child-slaying warrior; but ׳שׁ Hiph`il elsewhere only Hos 9:14, of miscarriage; ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Ew and most modern (Gf Gie Rothst) read מַשְׂכִּיל, either skilful or fortunate.

6. prosper, have success (compare Dr^{1Sam 18:5}): absolute 1Sam 18:15; Isa 52:13; Jer 10:21; Jer 20:11; Jer 23:5; Josh 1:8 (D); with ב, vJosh 1:7 (D) 1Sam 18:5; 1Sam 18:14 (read בְּכָלֿ for לְכָלֿ Vrss Th HPS and others), compare 2Kgs 18:7 with אֶל, Prov 17:8.

7. cause to prosper: Deut 29:8; 1Kgs 2:3(D).

BDB8242 H7919

II. [שָׂכַל] verb Pi`el lay crosswise (so, and not √ I. ׳שׂ, ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 ᵑ7^Jon and modern, compare Arabic bind legs of beast, plait locks of hair); — Perfect 3 masculine singular שִׂכֵּל אֶתיָֿדָיו Gen 48:14 (J); Thes Dr, however, prudentes fecit, from √ I. ׳שׂ.

BDB9918 H7920 H7919

[שְׂכַל] verb Hithpe`el consider, contemplate (see Biblical Hebrew I. שׂכל); — Participle מִשְׂתַּכַּל Dan 7:8 (ב of thing).

wise, understand, prosper, wisely, understanding, …

śākal

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper

(Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect

to look at or upon, have insight

insight, comprehension (subst)

the teachers, the wise

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.

בִּ֭ינוּ Dechi — a lesser break בֹּעֲרִ֣ים בָּעָ֑ם Atnach — the verse's main pause — take a breath here וּ֝כְסִילִ֗ים Revia Mugrash — a lesser break מָתַ֥י תַּשְׂכִּֽילוּ Silluq — end of the verse

בִּינוּ בֹּעֲרִים בָּעָם וּכְסִילִים מָתַי תַּשְׂכִּֽילוּ׃

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

Cross References

Psalms 92:6

אִֽישׁ-בַּעַר לֹא יֵדָע וּכְסִיל לֹא-יָבִין אֶת-זֹֽאת׃

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Titus 3:3

Ἦμεν γάρ ποτε καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀνόητοι ἀπειθεῖς πλανώμενοι δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες στυγητοί μισοῦντες ἀλλήλους

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Psalms 49:10

כִּי יִרְאֶה׀ חֲכָמִים יָמוּתוּ יַחַד כְּסִיל וָבַעַר יֹאבֵדוּ וְעָזְבוּ לַאֲחֵרִים חֵילָֽם׃

For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.

Isaiah 27:11

בִּיבֹשׁ קְצִירָהּ תִּשָּׁבַרְנָה נָשִׁים בָּאוֹת מְאִירוֹת אוֹתָהּ כִּי לֹא עַם-בִּינוֹת הוּא עַל-כֵּן לֹֽא-יְרַחֲמֶנּוּ עֹשֵׂהוּ וְיֹצְרוֹ לֹא יְחֻנֶּֽנּוּ׃

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Romans 3:11

οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ συνίων οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὸν θεόν

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Deuteronomy 32:29

לוּ חָֽכְמוּ יַשְׂכִּילוּ זֹאת יָבִינוּ לְאַֽחֲרִיתָֽם׃

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

Proverbs 12:1

אֹהֵב מוּסָר אֹהֵֽב דָּעַת וְשׂוֹנֵא תוֹכַחַת בָּֽעַר׃

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Proverbs 8:5

הָבִינוּ פְתָאיִם עָרְמָה וּכְסִילִים הָבִינוּ לֵֽב׃

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Jeremiah 8:6

הִקְשַׁבְתִּי וָֽאֶשְׁמָע לוֹא-כֵן יְדַבֵּרוּ אֵין אִישׁ נִחָם עַל-רָעָתוֹ לֵאמֹר מֶה עָשִׂיתִי כֻּלֹּה שָׁב ‫(במרצותם)‬ בִּמְרוּצָתָם כְּסוּס שׁוֹטֵף בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃

I hearkened and heard, but they spake aright: not no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.

Jeremiah 10:8

וּבְאַחַת יִבְעֲרוּ וְיִכְסָלוּ מוּסַר הֲבָלִים עֵץ הֽוּא׃

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.

Psalms 73:22

וַאֲנִי-בַעַר וְלֹא אֵדָע בְּהֵמוֹת הָיִיתִי עִמָּֽךְ׃

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

Proverbs 1:22

עַד-מָתַי׀ פְּתָיִם תְּֽאֵהֲבוּ פֶתִי וְלֵצִים לָצוֹן חָמְדוּ לָהֶם וּכְסִילִים יִשְׂנְאוּ-דָֽעַת׃

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Psalms 94:7

Read Psalms 94

Psalms 94:9

Psalms 94:8

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqv2mp

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H995

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vqrmpa

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H1197

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Rd/Ncmsa

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H5971

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar C/Aampa

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H3684

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Ti

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H4970

Word Breakdown

Vowels & Accents

Grammar Vhi2mp

Verb Chart

English Options

Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB)

Strong's Definition H7919

Masoretic Phrasing

KJV