Proverbs 26:18
Proverbs 26:18 in Multiple Translations
Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death,
As one who is off his head sends about flaming sticks and arrows of death,
You're like a crazy person firing off blazing arrows and killing people
As he that faineth himselfe mad, casteth fire brands, arrowes, and mortall things,
As [one] pretending to be feeble, Who is casting sparks, arrows, and death,
Like a madman who shoots torches, arrows, and death,
As a mad man who casteth fire-brands, arrows, and death,
As he is guilty that shooteth arrows, and lances unto death:
Crazy people who shoot burning arrows to kill people
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 26:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּֽ֭/מִתְלַהְלֵהַּ
הַ/יֹּרֶ֥ה
זִקִּ֗ים
חִצִּ֥ים
וָ/מָֽוֶת
כְּֽ֭/מִתְלַהְלֵהַּ
lâhahh
H3856
to languish
Prep | V-f
הַ/יֹּרֶ֥ה
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Art | V-Qal
זִקִּ֗ים
zîyqâh
H2131
missile
N-cp
חִצִּ֥ים
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-mp
וָ/מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:18
כְּֽ֭/מִתְלַהְלֵהַּ
lâhahh
H3856
"to languish"
Prep | V-f
This word can mean to amaze or startle someone, or to be frantic and exhausted. It can also describe someone who is insane or faint. In the Bible, it is used to convey a strong emotional state.
Definition: (Qal) to languish, faint
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: faint, mad. See also: Genesis 47:13; Proverbs 26:18.
הַ/יֹּרֶ֥ה
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Art | V-Qal
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
זִקִּ֗ים
zîyqâh
H2131
"missile"
N-cp
This word describes a fetter or chain, often made of metal. In Judges 15:14, Samson breaks free from fetters, showing his great strength. The word can also refer to a burning arrow or spark.
Definition: spark, missile, firebrand, flaming arrow
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: chain, fetter, firebrand, spark. See also: Job 36:8; Isaiah 45:14; Psalms 149:8.
חִצִּ֥ים
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-mp
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
וָ/מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:18
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,
19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” 20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 25:18 | Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. |
| 2 | Isaiah 50:11 | Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment. |
| 3 | Proverbs 7:23 | until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 4 | Genesis 49:23 | The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. |
Proverbs 26:18 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of reckless and hurtful behavior, comparing it to a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows. Just like those arrows can cause harm and destruction, our words and actions can too, as seen in Proverbs 18:21. We should strive to be kind and gentle in our interactions with others, as seen in Proverbs 15:1 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, and seek to bring healing and encouragement instead of harm. By being mindful of the impact our words and actions have, we can create a more positive and uplifting environment for those around us, as seen in Romans 14:19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of behavior is being described in Proverbs 26:18?
The behavior being described is that of someone who is reckless and destructive, similar to a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, as seen in the actions of those who spread lies and deceit in Proverbs 6:16-19.
How does this verse relate to our speech and actions?
This verse warns us that our words and actions can have a profound impact on others, just like deadly arrows, and we should be mindful of the damage we can cause, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and James 3:9-10.
What is the motivation behind the behavior described in this verse?
The motivation behind this behavior is often a desire to cause harm or chaos, but it can also be a result of reckless abandon or a lack of self-control, as seen in the example of the sluggard in Proverbs 6:6-11 and the warnings against foolishness in Proverbs 12:23.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others and seeking to bring healing and encouragement instead of harm, as seen in Proverbs 12:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'shooting firebrands and deadly arrows' with my words or actions, and how can I change my behavior?
- How can I balance being honest and transparent with being kind and gentle in my interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 4:6?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that my speech and actions are edifying and uplifting to those around me, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:26 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
- How can I cultivate self-control and wisdom in my daily life, and what role does prayer and scripture play in this process, as seen in Proverbs 2:6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:18
As a mad [man], who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death. Or the instruments of death, as Aben Ezra; or the sharp arrows of death, as the Targum and Syriac version; who casts firebrands into the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:18
As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, As a mad (man), who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so (is) the man (that) deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
As a madman, as one that feigneth himself mad, that under that pretence he may do mischief with impunity, who casteth fire-brands, to hurt his neighbour’ s person, or to consume his house or goods. Death; any instruments of death.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
(18) Firebrands.—Arrows to which some blazing material was attached, in order that they might set on fire whatever they touched.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:18
The teacher cuts off the plea which people make when they have hurt their neighbor by lies, that they “did not mean mischief,” that they were “only in fun.” Such jesting is like that of the madman flinging firebrands or arrows.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:18
18, 19. As a mad man — According to some, one who feigns himself mad. The form of the word suggests this, but it is hardly sustained by the use. “Like a silly jester.” — Stuart and Bertheau.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Walking Daily in the Light of God's Eternal Purpose by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having life in order to walk in the ways of God. He explains that if we only have the natural, fallen life inherited from A |
|
True and False Conversions by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the critical distinction between true and false conversions, emphasizing that many who believe they are saved may only be kindling a fire of their own maki |
|
Maintaining Ministerial Fervor by Don Currin | Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the lethal effects of clerical complacency, emphasizing the danger of passionless ministers contributing to spiritual deadness and formalit |
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The Work of the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes that true ministers are not made by possessing natural abilities, knowledge of scriptures, or even gracious experiences, but by a special ministerial gift c |
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It All Began With a Thirsty Woman by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of business people and initially intends to talk about the needs of orphans in Africa. However, he feels compelled to discuss a debt t |