Proverbs 6:13
Proverbs 6:13 in Multiple Translations
winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers;
Making signs with his eyes, rubbing with his feet, and giving news with his fingers;
winking slyly, giving sneaky foot gestures, rudely pointing with their fingers.
He maketh a signe with his eyes: he signifieth with his feete: he instructeth with his fingers.
Winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, Directing with his fingers,
who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers,
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
He winketh with the eyes, presseth with the foot, speaketh with the finger.
by winking their eyes and moving their feet and making signs with their fingers, they signal to their friends what they are intending/planning to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:13
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 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קֹרֵ֣ץ
בְּ֭/עֵינָ/ו
מֹלֵ֣ל
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑/ו
מֹ֝רֶ֗ה
בְּ/אֶצְבְּעֹתָֽי/ו
קֹרֵ֣ץ
qârats
H7169
to wink
V-Qal
בְּ֭/עֵינָ/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
מֹלֵ֣ל
mâlal
H4448
to speak
V-Qal
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑/ו
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fs | Suff
מֹ֝רֶ֗ה
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Hiphil
בְּ/אֶצְבְּעֹתָֽי/ו
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
finger
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:13
קֹרֵ֣ץ
qârats
H7169
"to wink"
V-Qal
This verb means to wink or pinch, and can also describe the action of biting one's lips or squeezing something. In the book of Proverbs, it is used to describe the gesture of a malicious person. It can also be used to describe the process of molding clay.
Definition: 1) to narrow, form, nip, pinch, squeeze, wink, purse 1a) (Qal) to pinch 1b) (Pual) to be nipped or pinched off, be formed
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: form, move, wink. See also: Job 33:6; Proverbs 6:13; Psalms 35:19.
בְּ֭/עֵינָ/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
מֹלֵ֣ל
mâlal
H4448
"to speak"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to speak or say, often used in poetic language, and is found in various KJV translations as say, speak, or utter. It is related to the idea of rubbing or scraping. In the Bible, it appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to speak, utter, say 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Piel) to say, utter Aramaic equivalent: me.lal (מְלַל "to speak" H4449)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: say, speak, utter. See also: Genesis 21:7; Job 33:3; Psalms 106:2.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
מֹ֝רֶ֗ה
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Hiphil
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.
בְּ/אֶצְבְּעֹתָֽי/ו
ʼetsbaʻ
H676
"finger"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word refers to a finger or a toe, something used to grasp or hold things. It is used in the Bible to describe both the fingers on the hand and the toes on the feet. The Aramaic equivalent is also 'digit'.
Definition: finger, toe Aramaic equivalent: ets.ba (אֶצְבַּע "digit" H0677)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: finger, toe. See also: Exodus 8:15; Numbers 19:4; Psalms 8:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
Context — Warnings against Foolishness
11and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
12A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,
13winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.
14With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. 15Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:19 | Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:10 | He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin. |
| 3 | Job 15:12 | Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash, |
| 4 | Proverbs 5:6 | She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable. |
Proverbs 6:13 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 6:13, describes the sneaky and deceitful behavior of a wicked person, who uses their eyes, feet, and fingers to convey messages and manipulate others. This kind of behavior is warned against in other parts of the Bible, such as in Matthew 5:37, where we are encouraged to be truthful and transparent in our words and actions. By being mindful of our own non-verbal cues and striving to be honest and kind in our interactions with others, we can avoid falling into the traps of deceit and instead build strong, healthy relationships. As noted in Proverbs 10:9, the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wink his eyes' in Proverbs 6:13?
This phrase refers to the sly and secretive behavior of a wicked person, as seen in the actions of the worthless person described in Proverbs 6:12, and is reminiscent of the deceitful ways of the wicked in Psalm 35:19.
How does 'speaking with his feet' relate to our everyday lives?
This phrase, found in Proverbs 6:13, means that the wicked person's actions and body language convey just as much, if not more, than their words, as noted in Matthew 5:37 where our yes should be yes and our no should be no, without the need for additional gestures or signals.
What is the significance of 'pointing with his fingers' in this verse?
This action, described in Proverbs 6:13, signifies the wicked person's tendency to accuse or condemn others, much like the behavior condemned in James 3:9-10 where it is written that with the tongue we bless God and curse men, which should not be.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the passage in Proverbs 6?
Proverbs 6:13 is part of a larger description of the worthless and wicked person in Proverbs 6:12, and sets the stage for the calamity that will befall them in Proverbs 6:15, as their deceitful and divisive behavior ultimately leads to their downfall, a principle also seen in Galatians 6:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- How do my actions and body language reflect my character, and what do they convey to others about my heart?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the non-verbal cues I give to others, and ensure they align with my values and faith?
- What are some ways I can avoid being deceived by the sly and secretive behavior of others, and instead promote honesty and transparency in my relationships?
- How can I use my words and actions to build others up, rather than tearing them down, as described in Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:13
He winketh with his eyes,.... Not through natural infirmity, but purposely and with design; with one of his eyes, as Aben Ezra, as is usual with such persons: it is the air and gesture of a sneering
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:13
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
He vents his wickedness, as by his speech, so also by his gestures, whereby he secretly signifies what he is afraid or ashamed to express openly to his accomplices, his intentions or desires of some evil towards another person; which having in the general declared by the motion of his eyes or feet, he points out the particular person by his fingers.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
Proverbs 6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;Ver. 13. He winketh with his eyes.] He is restless in evil, and with his odd tricks and gesticulations seeks to spread mischief, even there, where he dares not otherwise discover himself. Or the sense may be this: Though he speak froward things, though he slander and detract, to the hurt of the hearers, yet as if he spake nothing but truth, and out of deep affection to the party, he seeks to assure it by the constance of his countenance, by the gravity of his gait, and by the motion of his fingers, to make believe that it is so indeed, when as in truth it is neither so nor so.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
(13) He winketh with his eyes . . .—A picture, taken from the life, of a malicious tattler and scandalmonger, who fills out his lying tale with winks and signs, whereby even more is suggested than he says, to the blasting of his neighbour’s character.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
Verse 13. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers] These things seem to be spoken of debauchees; and the following quotation from Ovid, Amor. lib. i., El. iv., ver. 15, shows the whole process of the villany spoken of by Solomon: Cum premit ille torum, vultu comes ipsa modesto Ibis, ut accumbas: clam mihi tange pedem. Me specta, nutusque meos, vultum que loquacem Excipe furtivas, et refer ipsa, notas. Verba superciliis sine voce loquentia dicam Verba leges digitis, verba notata mero. Cum tibi succurrit Veneris lascivia nostrae, Purpureas tenero pollice tange genas, &c., &c. The whole elegy is in the same strain: it is translated in Garth's Ovid, but cannot be introduced here.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:13
13. winketh] Comp. Proverbs 10:10; Psalms 35:19. speaketh] Not only the tongue (Proverbs 6:12), but the eye, the foot and the hand are used to make false suggestions, and to further his deceitful designs. Comp. Proverbs 16:30. Shuffleth, R.V. marg., is a rendering adopted by many good scholars, σημαίνει, LXX. teacheth] This is retained in R.V. marg. (διδάσκει, LXX.), but giveth signs, R.V. text, is preferable. Attention has been called to the striking parallel of the description in the Tarentilla of the Latin poet Nζvius: “alium tenet, alii adnictat, alibi manus est, alii percellit pedem.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:13
13. His arts are further described. He winketh with his eyes, etc.