Menu

Ecclesiastes 7:9 — Word Study

Depth

WLCאַל־ תְּבַהֵ֥ל בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖ לִכְע֑וֹס כִּ֣י כַ֔עַס בְּחֵ֥יק כְּסִילִ֖ים יָנֽוּחַ׃

BSADo notʼal [hasty, rash] be quicklybâhal [suddenly, without thought] provokedkaʻaç [to anger, irritated] in your spiritrûwach [mind, emotions, breath of life] forkîy angerkaʻaç [vexation, frustration] settlesnûwach [rests, remains] in the lapchêyq [bosom, chest area] of a foolkᵉçîyl [foolish person, one who rejects God]

Word
Listen & take awayEcclesiastes 7
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 9 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (ya.Nu.ach) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Ecclesiastes 7:9quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse advises against quick anger, warning that such emotions find a resting place with fools.
Who is speakingThe author of Ecclesiastes, traditionally Solomon, shares wisdom on emotional control.
Where we areThis verse is part of a discourse on wisdom and patience in life.
The hard wordכְּסִילִ֖ים
Take awayAnger is a burden that rests with the foolish.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectכַּעַס verbבָּהַל The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Ecclesiastes 7:9

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — Wisdom in Patiencegenerated

8The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.
11Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 offers practical advice on controlling one's temper. The surrounding verses emphasize the value of patience and the folly of longing for the past. The author contrasts the end of a matter with its beginning, encouraging a mindset that values calmness over pride.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Samuel 25:21–22Now David had just finished saying, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good.
22 Samuel 19:43“We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah pressed even harder than the men of Israel.
3Esther 3:5–6When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.
4Proverbs 14:17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated.
5Proverbs 16:32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

The Key Word אַל, 'al-generated

The word אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no.' It expresses prohibition, urging the reader to avoid hasty reactions. This form is often used to convey a wish or a command, emphasizing the importance of restraint in emotional responses.

In this verse, אַל serves as a crucial directive against impulsive anger, setting the tone for the wisdom that follows. It highlights the need for self-control and thoughtful consideration in one's spirit.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations agree on the meaning of the verse, emphasizing the importance of not being quickly provoked in spirit.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb יָנֽוּחַ (yanuch), meaning 'it settles,' governs the entire verse, with clauses detailing the conditions and consequences surrounding anger. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the actions of being provoked and the resulting state of anger.

The sentence flows logically, beginning with a prohibition against hasty provocation, followed by the reason for this advice, illustrating a cause-and-effect relationship.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אַל as μη (), maintaining the negative imperative form. This choice underscores the urgency of avoiding quick provocation.

The Greek word for 'anger' in the Septuagint is θυμος (thumos), which conveys strong emotion, aligning closely with the Hebrew term כַּעַס.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Ecclesiastes 7:9 advises not to let anger take hold of you quickly. It warns that anger can settle in the heart of a fool, suggesting that patience and self-control are wiser choices.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to be quickly provoked?

Being quickly provoked refers to reacting with anger or irritation without careful thought, often leading to foolish decisions.

Why is anger likened to a fool?

Anger is associated with foolishness because it clouds judgment and can lead to irrational behavior, distancing one from wise choices.

How can I practice patience in my life?

Practicing patience can involve taking deep breaths, counting to ten before reacting, and seeking to understand the situation before responding.

What are the consequences of uncontrolled anger?

Uncontrolled anger can lead to damaged relationships, poor decisions, and a reputation for being unreasonable or foolish.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what situations do I find myself becoming quickly provoked, and how can I improve my response?
  2. What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate patience in my daily life?
  3. How does understanding the consequences of anger help me in my interactions with others?
  4. What wisdom can I draw from this verse to apply in my relationships?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early Church Fathers comment on the wisdom of patience and the dangers of anger, drawing from this verse to emphasize emotional control.

JeromeCommentary on Ecclesiastes c. 347–420
"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning; "Perorations are better in speaking, than just the introductory section. For worry comes to and end in the former, and commences in the latter.
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →
John CassianINSTITUTES 8:1 c. 360–435
The deadly poison of anger has to be utterly rooted out from the inmost corners of our soul. For as long as this remains in our hearts and blinds with its hurtful darkness the eye of the soul,
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Gregory the DialogistPastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 9 c. 540–604
Further, through this vice of impatience for the most part the sin of arrogance pierces the mind; since, when any one is impatient of being looked down upon in this world, he endeavours to shew off any hidden good, that he may have,
Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 7:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry,.... With men, for every word that is said, or action done, that is not agreeable; encourage not, but repress, sudden angry emotions of the mind; be not quick

Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Be not angry with any man without due consideration, and just and necessary cause; for otherwise anger is sometimes lawful, and sometimes a duty. Resteth; hath its settled and quiet abode, is their constant companion, ever at hand upon all occasions, whereas wise men resist, and mortify, and banish it. In the bosom; in the heart, the proper seat of the passions.

Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 7 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.Ver. 9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry.] The hasty man, we say, never wants woe. For wrath is an evil counsellor, and enwrappeth a man in manifold troubles, mischiefs, and miseries. It makes man like the bee, that vindictive creature, which, to be revenged, loseth her sting, and becomes a drone; or, like Tamar, who, to be even with her father-in-law, defiled him and herself with incest. "Cease, therefore, from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in anywise to do evil." Athenodorus counselled Augustus to determine nothing rashly, when he was angry, till he had repeated the Greek…

Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 7 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 9. Anger resteth in the bosom of fools.] A wise man, off his guard, may feel it for a moment: but in him it cannot rest: it is a fire which he immediately casts out of his breast. But the fool - the man who is under the dominion of his own tempers, harbours and fosters it, till it takes the form of malice, and then excites him to seek full revenge on those whom he deems enemies. Hence that class of dangerous and empty fools called duellists.

Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 7 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry] From sins of speech in general, the teacher passes on to that which is the source from which they most often flow. Anger, alike from the Stoic and Epicurean stand-point (and the writer, as we have seen, had points of contact with each of them), was the note of unwisdom. If it be right at all, it is when it is calm and deliberate, an indignation against moral evil. The hasty anger of wounded self-love is, as in the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:22), destructive of the tranquillity of true wisdom, and, transient and impulsive as it seems at first, may harden “in the bosom of the fool” into a settled antipathy or malignant scorn.

Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

9. Be not hasty… angry — This exhortation comes as an inference from the foregoing remarks.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 7 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Don’t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Do not let yourself be quickly provoked, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

RVARevised Version, American1894

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad: and the rewarde destroyeth the heart.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be vexed; for vexation resteth in the bosom of fools.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry, || For anger in the bosom of fools rests.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

Be not rash in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in bosom of fools.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Do not be quick to anger in your spirit, for anger resides in the hearts of fools.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

Better is the end of a speech than the beginning. Better is the patient man than the presumptuous.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Don't be quick to get angry, for anger controls the minds of fools.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Be not quick to let your spirit be angry; because wrath is in the heart of the foolish.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

clauseadverbialאַלdo.notverbתְּבַהֵ֥לbe.hastyprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseרֽוּחֲspiritךָ֖yourprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִtoclauseverbכְע֑וֹסbecome.angryכִּ֣י(dm)clausesubjectכַ֔עַסangerprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseחֵ֥יקthe.bosomכְּסִילִ֖יםof.foolsverbיָנֽוּחַit.settles

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint are in agreement, with the Septuagint following the Hebrew closely in word choice. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, indicating a similar message, though with some editorial additions.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

אַל־ תְּבַהֵ֥ל בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖ לִכְע֑וֹס כִּ֣י כַ֔עַס בְּחֵ֥יק כְּסִילִ֖ים יָנֽוּחַ׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אַל־μηתְּבַהֵ֥לσπεύσηςבְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖σουלִכְע֑וֹסθυμοῦσθαιכִּ֣יὅτιכַ֔עַסθυμοςבְּחֵ֥יקκόλπωכְּסִילִ֖יםἀφρόνωνיָנֽוּחַ׃ἀναπαύσεται

9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Dead Sea Scrolls — 4Q109a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[אל] [תבהל] ברוח׳ך [לכעוס] [כי] [כעס] [בחיק] [כסילים] [ינוח]

nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 8 supplied entire by an editor.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Ecclesiastes 7:9אַלmay notmay notאַלבָּהַלyou be hastyou be hastyבָּהַלרוּחַin spirit yin spirit yourרוּחַכָּעַסto become ato become angryכָּעַסכִּיforforכִּיכַּ֫עַסangerangerכַּ֫עַסחֵיקin [the] boin [the] bosom חֵיקכְּסִילfoolsfoolsכְּסִילנוּחַit settlesit settlesנוּחַכָּעַסto provoketo provokeכָּעַסרִיחַto smellto smellרִיחַכָּסַלbe stupidbe stupidכָּסַללֹאnotnotלֹאיָנוּםJanimJanimיָנוּםחָתַתto to be dto to be dismayחָתַתיָרֵאto fearto fearיָרֵאאִיcoastlandcoastlandאִיאָחַזto graspto graspאָחַזנְשָׁמָהbreathbreathנְשָׁמָהקָדִיםeasteastקָדִיםכַּ֫עַסvexationvexationכַּ֫עַסאַחֵרanotheranotherאַחֵריָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעאֱוִילfool(ish)fool(ish)אֱוִילאַמָּהcubitcubitאַמָּהאִוֶּ֫לֶתfollyfollyאִוֶּ֫לֶתחָכָםwisewiseחָכָם
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Ecclesiastes 7:9

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
אַל־'al- may not H408 Particle
724× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Amplified meaning
hasty, rash
Tyndale gloss
not
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַל (al) is a negative particle meaning 'not' or 'no,' often used to express a wish or prohibition rather than an objective fact. It can also function as a noun meaning 'nothing.' The lexicons highlight its use in various contexts, including deprecative forms, but do not show significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H408 אַל adv. of negation, denying however, not objectively as a fact, but subjectively as a wish, expressing therefore a deprecation or prohibition

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

408 'al al

a negative particle (akin to 3808); not (the qualified

negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun,

nothing:--nay, neither, + never, no ,nor, not, nothing

(worth), rather than.

see HEBREW for 03808

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַל (al) — not.

1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference)

1a) do not, let not (with a verb)

1b) let there not be (with a verb understood)

1c) not, no (with substantive)

1d) nothing (as substantive)

Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Particle
HTn
may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
תְּבַהֵ֥לte.va.Hel you be hasty H926 Verb · Piel · jussive second person masculine singular
39× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Amplified meaning
suddenly, without thought
Tyndale gloss
to dismay
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּהַל (bahal) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of meanings related to disturbance and haste. It can mean to be disturbed, terrified, or anxious, as well as to act hastily or make haste. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, including Niph, Pi, Pu, and Hiph, which reflect different nuances of dismay and urgency.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּהַל] vb.

Niph.

be disturbed, dismayed, terrified

be in haste, hasty

Pi.

dismay, terrify

hasten, make haste, act hastily

Pu. hastened; hastily gained

Hiph.

dismay, terrify

(late) hasten, hurry

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H926 בָּהַל . . be disturbed, dismayed, terrified

. be in haste, hasty

. . dismay, terrify

. hasten, make haste, act hastily

. hastened; hastily gained

. . dismay, terrify

. (late) hasten, hurry

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

926 bahal baw-hal'

a primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e.

(figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or

agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously:--be (make)

affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make)

haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble,

vex.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּהַל (ba.hal) — to dismay.

1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious

1a2) to be in haste, be hasty

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened

1b2) to dismay, terrify

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to hasten

1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.)

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste

1d2) to dismay, terrify

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Piel-Juss-2ms — Verb · Piel · jussive second person masculine singular
HVpj2ms
may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
בְּרֽוּחֲךָ֖be.ru.cha.Kha in spirit your H7307 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
378× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Amplified meaning
mind, emotions, breath of life
Tyndale gloss
spirit
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit

breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)

wind (117 t.)

spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)

spirit of the living, breathing being

spirit as seat of emotion

occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts

rarely of the will

רוּחַ esp. of moral character

spirit of God (94 t.)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)

. wind (117 t.)

. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)

. spirit of the living, breathing being

. spirit as seat of emotion

. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts

. rarely of the will

. רוּחַ esp. of moral character

. spirit of God (94 t.)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7307 ruwach roo'-akh

from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or

even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,

unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by

resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including

its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X

cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),

tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).

see HEBREW for 07306

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.

: spirit

1) wind, breath, mind, spirit

1a) breath

1b) wind

1b1) of heaven

1b2) quarter (of wind), side

1b3) breath of air

1b4) air, gas

1b5) vain, empty thing

1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)

1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour

1c2) courage

1c3) temper, anger

1c4) impatience, patience

1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)

1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse

1c7) prophetic spirit

1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)

1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being

1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)

1e1) desire

1e2) sorrow, trouble

1f) spirit

1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts

1f2) rarely of the will

1f3) as seat especially of moral character

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms
may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
לִכְע֑וֹסlikh.'os to become angry H3707 Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
54× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to provoke or make someone angry, like in Psalm 106 where it describes the Israelites' actions that angered God. It can also mean to grieve or be indignant. It's a strong emotion.
Amplified meaning
to anger, irritated
Tyndale gloss
to provoke
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּעַס (ka`as) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of emotions related to anger and vexation. It can mean to be angry, vexed, or indignant, and can also imply provoking someone to anger. The word has different forms, including Qal (to be angry), Piel (to provoke to anger), and Hiphil (to vex).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּעַס vb. be vexed, angry

Qal

be vexed, indignant

be angry

Piel. provoke to anger

Hiph.

vex

vex, provoke to anger

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3707 כָּעַס be vexed, angry

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3707 ka`ac kaw-as'

a primitive root; to trouble; by implication, to grieve,

rage, be indignant:--be angry, be grieved, take indignation,

provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּעַס (ka.as) — to provoke.

1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be vexed, be indignant

1a2) to be angry

1b) (Piel) to provoke to anger

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to vex

1c2) to vex, provoke to anger

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common
HR/Vqcc
may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
כִּ֣יki for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
כַ֔עַסKha.'as anger H3708 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Amplified meaning
vexation, frustration
Tyndale gloss
vexation
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כַּ֫עַס (ka.as) refers to feelings of vexation and anger, encompassing grief and provocation. It is derived from a root that suggests a sense of irritation or sorrow. The word appears in contexts relating to both human and divine emotions, indicating a range of feelings from frustration to wrath.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כַּ֫עַס n.m. vexation, anger

base

כַּ֫עַשׂ n.m.

vexation, grief

vexation, anger

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3708a כַּ֫עַס vexation, anger H3708b כַּ֫עַשׂ . vexation, grief

. vexation, anger

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3708 ka`ac kah'-as

or (in Job) kaoas {kah'-as}; from 3707; vexation: -anger,

angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, X sore,

sorrow, spite, wrath.

see HEBREW for 03707

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כַּ֫עַס (ka.as) — vexation.

anger, vexation

Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)

כַּ֫עַשׂ (ka.as) — vexation.

1) anger, vexation, provocation, grief

1a) vexation

1a1) of men

1a2) of God

1b) vexation, grief, frustration

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

an'-ger: In the Old Testament, the translation of several Hebrew words, especially of 'aph (lit. "nostril," "countenance"), which is used some 45 times of human, 177 times of Divine, anger (OHL). The word occurs rarely in the New Testament (Mr 3:5; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; Re 14:10), its place being taken by the word "wrath" (see WRATH). As a translation of words denoting God's "anger," the English word is unfortunate so far as it may seem to imply selfish, malicious or vindictive personal feeling. The anger of God is the response of His holiness to outbreaking sin. Particularly when it culminates in action is it rightly called Has "wrath." The Old Testament doctrine of God's anger…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Anger

The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A violent emotion of a painful nature, sometimes arising spontaneously upon just occasion, but usually characterized in the Bible as a great sin, Mt 5:22 Eph 4:31 Col 3:8. Even when just, our anger should be mitigated by a due consideration of the circumstances of the offence and the state of mind of the offender; of the folly and ill-results of this passion; of the claims of the gospel, and of our own need of forgiveness from others, but especially from God, Mt 6:15. Anger is in Scripture frequently attributed to God, Mt 7:11 28:20; not that he is liable to those violent emotions which this passion produces, but…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ge 4:6; 49:7; 2Ch 28:9; Job 5:2; 19:29; Ps 37:8; 55:3; 76:10; Pr 6:34; 12:16; 14:17,29; 15:1,18; 16:14,29,32; 17:14; 19:11,12,19; 21:24; 22:24,25; 25:28; 27:3,4; 29:8,9,22; 30:33; Ec 7:9; Ho 7:16; Am 1:11; Jon 4:4; Mt 5:22; 2Co 12:20;

may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
בְּחֵ֥יקbe.Cheik in [the] bosom of H2436 Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Amplified meaning
bosom, chest area
Tyndale gloss
bosom: embrace
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵיק (cheq) means 'bosom' and can refer to the literal or figurative sense of being enclosed, such as in the body or in garments. It encompasses meanings like embrace, lap, and secret, indicating a sense of intimacy or closeness. The entries suggest a range of uses, including physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵיק, חֵק n.[m.] bosom

of fold of garment, at breast

carry in bosom

bosom as part of body

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2436 חֵיק, חֵק bosom

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2436 cheyq khake

or cheq {khake}; and chowq {khoke}; from an unused root,

apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom (literally or

figuratively):--bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: embrace.

: embrace/chest

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: garment.

: garment

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: lap.

: lap/base

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: secret.

: secret

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct
HR/Ncmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
כְּסִילִ֖יםke.si.Lim fools H3684 Adj
70× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Amplified meaning
foolish person, one who rejects God
Tyndale gloss
fool
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כְּסִיל (kciyl) refers to a fool or a stupid person. It is derived from a root meaning 'fat' and is used figuratively to describe someone who is foolish, simple-minded, or arrogant. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, emphasizing a lack of wisdom or understanding.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כְּסִיל 70 n.m. stupid fellow, dullard, fool

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3684 כְּסִיל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3684 kciyl kes-eel'

from 3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or

silly:--fool(-ish).

see HEBREW for 03688

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כְּסִיל (ke.sil) — fool.

fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAampa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- All men are, without the knowledge of God

Tit 3:3

- Deny God

Ps 14:1; 53:1

- Blaspheme God

Ps 74:18

- Reproach God

Ps 74:22

- Make a mock at sin

Pr 14:9

- Despise instruction

Pr 1:7; 15:5

- Hate knowledge

Pr 1:22

- Delight not in understanding

Pr 18:2

- Sport themselves in mischief

Pr 10:23

- Walk in darkness

Ec 2:14

- Hate to depart from evil

may not you be hasty in spirit your to become angry for anger in [the] bosom of fools it settles
יָנֽוּחַ׃ya.Nu.ach it settles H5117 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
142× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Amplified meaning
rests, remains
Tyndale gloss
to rest
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נוּחַ (nuwach) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rest or settle down. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including both literal and figurative uses, such as to dwell, be quiet, or let something remain. The verb can appear in various forms, indicating actions like causing rest or allowing to depart. It is noted for its versatility in expressing different aspects of rest and stillness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נוּחַ vb. rest

Qal

rest, settle down and remain

repose, be quiet, have rest

Hiph.

cause to rest = give rest to

cause to rest (i.e. light) upon

lay or set down, deposit, let lie

let remain, leave (in present condition)

leave = depart from

abandon

let alone (refrain from interfering with)

permit

Hoph.

no rest is granted to us

as subst. = space left, open space

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5117 נוּחַ rest

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5117 nuwach noo'-akh

a primitive root; to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great

variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive,

transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let

alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.):--cease, be confederate,

lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give,

have, make to) rest, set down. Compare 3241.

see HEBREW for 03241

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נוּחַ (nu.ach) — to rest.

1) to rest

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to rest, settle down and remain

1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet

1b) (Hiph)

1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet

1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down

1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place

1b4) to let remain, leave

1b5) to leave, depart from

1b6) to abandon

1b7) to permit

1c) (Hoph)

1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest

1c2) to be left, be placed

1c3) open space (subst)

Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate