Proverbs 26:19
Proverbs 26:19 in Multiple Translations
so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
So is the man who gets the better of his neighbour by deceit, and says, Am I not doing so in sport?
if you lie to your friend and then say, “I was only joking!”
So dealeth the deceitfull man with his friend and sayth, Am not I in sport?
So hath a man deceived his neighbour, And hath said, 'Am not I playing?'
is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?”
So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?
So is the man that hurteth his friend deceitfully: and when he is taken, saith: I did it in jest.
are as foolish as those who deceive someone else and then say, “I was only joking.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:19
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 26:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֵּֽן
אִ֭ישׁ
רִמָּ֣ה
אֶת
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
וְ֝/אָמַ֗ר
הֲֽ/לֹא
מְשַׂחֵ֥ק
אָֽנִי
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רִמָּ֣ה
râmâh
H7411
to shoot
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/אָמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הֲֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
מְשַׂחֵ֥ק
sâchaq
H7832
to laugh
V-Piel
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:19
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רִמָּ֣ה
râmâh
H7411
"to shoot"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To deceive or betray someone, like causing them to fall or be misled. The word is used in the Bible to describe treacherous actions. It is translated as beguile or deceive in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to cast, shoot, hurl 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw 1a2) bow-shooters, bowmen (participle) 1b) (Piel) to throw down Aramaic equivalent: re.mah (רְמָא "to cast" H7412)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: beguile, betray, (bow-) man, carry, deceive, throw. See also: Genesis 29:25; 1 Samuel 28:12; Psalms 78:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ֝/אָמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מְשַׂחֵ֥ק
sâchaq
H7832
"to laugh"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:19
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
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. 21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:4 | Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:23 | The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:21 | Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:9 | Fools mock the making of amends, but goodwill is found among the upright. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 2:13 | The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. |
Proverbs 26:19 Summary
This verse is warning us about the dangers of deceiving others and then saying 'I was only joking' to get out of trouble. It's like playing with fire, and it can hurt people and damage relationships, as seen in Proverbs 26:19. We should always try to be honest and truthful in our words, even if it's hard, because our words have power to build up or tear down, as stated in Proverbs 18:21. By speaking the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, we can build strong, trusting relationships with others and bring glory to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to deceive a neighbor?
To deceive a neighbor means to intentionally mislead or lie to them, as seen in Proverbs 26:19, which can damage relationships and trust, much like the destructive power of gossip in Proverbs 16:28.
Is joking always wrong?
Not all joking is wrong, but when used to deceive or manipulate others, it can be harmful, as warned in Proverbs 26:19, and we should strive to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15.
How can I know if I'm deceiving others with my words?
We can know if we're deceiving others by examining our motivations and the impact of our words, and remembering that our words have power, as stated in Proverbs 18:21, to build up or tear down, and we should seek to use our words to edify and uplift others, as taught in Ephesians 4:29.
What is the consequence of deceiving others and then saying 'I was only joking'?
The consequence of deceiving others and then downplaying it as a joke can lead to damaged relationships, erosion of trust, and a reputation for insincerity, as illustrated in Proverbs 26:19, and can ultimately harm our witness and credibility, as warned in 1 Timothy 3:7.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I used humor or joking to deceive or manipulate others, and how can I repent and change my behavior?
- How can I ensure that my words are truthful and edifying, even in difficult or tense situations, and what role can prayer and seeking wisdom play in this process?
- What are some common phrases or expressions that I use that might be perceived as deceptive or insincere, and how can I replace them with more honest and transparent communication?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down or deceiving them, and what biblical principles can guide me in this effort?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:19
So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour,.... By telling him a lie; or by reporting false things concerning him; or by cheating him in trade and commerce; or by taking his goods privately from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:19
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 26:19
That wrongs him under a false pretence of kindness and familiarity.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
Proverbs 26:19 So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?Ver. 19. Am not I in jest?] The wicked man’ s mirth is usually mixed with mischief. It is no sport, unless he may have the devil his play fellow - no good fellowship without horse play. Salt jests, and dry flouts, to the just grief or disgrace of another, is counted facetious and fine. But St Paul calls it foolish and further saith, that "for such things’ sake the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience." Quid mihi cum fabulis, cum iocis? saith Bernard, - What hath a Christian to do with jesting and jeering? We allow a horse to prance and skip in a pasture, which if he doth when backed by the rider, we count him an unruly and unbroken jade. So, howsoever in heathens and atheists God may wink at jocularity aud dicacity, yet he looks for better things from his own people. Credo mihi, res severa est verum gaudium, saith Seneca; True mirth is a severe business. But what a madman was Robert de Beliasme, Earl of Shrewsbury, 1111 AD, delighting to do mischief and exercise his cruelty, and then to say, Are not I in jest? An example hereof he showed upon his own son, who, being but a child, and playing with him, the father, for a pastime, put his thumb in the boy’ s eyes, and thrust out the balls thereof. ευτραπελια.
Speed’ s Chron., 473.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
Verse 19. Am not I in sport?] How many hearts have been made sad, and how many reputations have been slain, by this kind of sport! "I designed no harm by what I said;" "It was only in jest," &c. Sportive as such persons may think their conduct to be, it is as ruinous as that of the madman who shoots arrows, throws firebrands, and projects in all directions instruments of death, so that some are wounded, some burnt, and some slain.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:19
19. in sport] Fatal mischief may come of thoughtlessness apart from malice.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:19
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 26:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sound Doctrine, Sound Words by Phil Johnson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity, purity, and sound speech in ministry, contrasting the trend of using profanity and lewd content in preaching. It highl |
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How Do You Represent Christ on Facebook? Tim Conway by Tim Conway | This sermon addresses the importance of how our actions, words, and associations, especially on social media like Facebook, reflect our true identity as Christians. It emphasizes t |
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The Bible on Sin by Ray Brubaker | In this sermon, Ray Brubaker discusses the concept of sin and its consequences. He highlights that sin is the fundamental cause of divisions in society and the woes of the world. B |
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Letting the Truth Slip by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of diligently seeking and holding onto the truth of God, warning that it can easily slip away if not earnestly guarded. He illustrates |
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The Home Conversation by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical role of conversation in the home, arguing that while families invest in physical comforts and education, they often neglect the power of their w |
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The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing. (Matt. 5:34) by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches about the sin of profane swearing and cursing, highlighting the prevalence of this evil in society and the need for individuals, especially those in auth |
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Colossians 4:12, 13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of purity and reverence in marriages, emphasizing the need for seeking virtuous partners and inviting Christ to be present in the unio |