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Proverbs 1:19 — Word Study

Depth

WLCכֵּ֗ן אָ֭רְחוֹת כָּל־ בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ בָּ֑צַע אֶת־ נֶ֖פֶשׁ בְּעָלָ֣יו יִקָּֽח׃ פ

BSASuch [is]kên the fateʼôrach [result, outcome] of allkôl who are greedybâtsaʻ [covetous, extremely desirous of wealth] whose unjust gainbetsaʻ [ill-gotten profit, dishonest wealth] takeslâqach [destroys, cuts off] the livesnephesh [souls, very existence] of its possessorsbaʻal [owners, masters]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 1
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 19 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 (yi.Kach) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 1:19quick helps
In a sentenceThe verse warns that greed leads to destruction, taking away the lives of those who pursue unjust gain.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, sharing wisdom about the consequences of greed.
Where we areThis verse is part of a larger discourse on the dangers of greed and the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth.
The hard wordבֹּ֣צֵֽעַ
Take awayGreed destroys lives and leads to ruin.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbבָּצַע 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 — Proverbs 1:19

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 — The Consequences of Greedgenerated

18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives.
19Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.
20Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;
21in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:

Proverbs 1:19 illustrates the fate of those who are greedy and pursue unjust gain. The verse emphasizes that such behavior ultimately leads to destruction, taking away the very lives of those who possess ill-gotten wealth. This warning is part of a broader teaching in the book of Proverbs about the moral implications of one's choices and the pursuit of wisdom over folly.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 15:27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
2Proverbs 23:3–4Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
32 Samuel 18:11–13“You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!”
42 Kings 5:20–27Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Look, my master has spared this Aramean, Naaman, while not accepting what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
5Jeremiah 22:17–19“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.”

The Key Word בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ, Bo.tze.a'generated

The word בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ (*bo.tze.a'*) is a participle derived from the verb בָּצַע (*batsa`*), meaning to cut off or gain unjustly. It describes a person who acquires wealth through dishonest means, highlighting a moral failing associated with greed.

This term is used in a context that emphasizes the destructive nature of such greed, as it not only affects the individual but also leads to the loss of life. The parsing indicates it is an active masculine singular participle, referring to an individual engaged in the act of unjust gain.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

Translations of this verse align closely, each conveying the idea that greed leads to destruction.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main finite verb in this verse is יִקָּֽח (*yi.kach*), meaning 'it will take.' The structure reveals a subject, a predicate, and an object, indicating a clear relationship between greed and its consequences.

The word order emphasizes the subject כֵּ֗ן (*ken*), which introduces the fate of the greedy, followed by the actions of unjust gain that leads to the taking of lives.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew term בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ is rendered as ἀφαιροῦνται (*aphairountai*), meaning 'they take away.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the destructive nature of greed, emphasizing the act of taking rather than merely gaining.

The Greek term ὁδοί (*hodoí*) for אֹ֫רַח indicates paths or ways, reinforcing the idea of choices leading to specific outcomes.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 1:19 teaches that greed leads to destruction, taking away the lives of those who pursue unjust gain. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of being overly desirous of wealth and acting dishonestly.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that unjust gain takes lives?

This phrase suggests that pursuing wealth through dishonest means can lead to severe consequences, including loss of life or well-being.

How does greed affect a person's life?

Greed can lead individuals to make unethical choices, ultimately resulting in their own destruction and the harm of others.

What wisdom can we learn from this verse?

The verse teaches that seeking wealth through unjust means is dangerous and can lead to dire consequences, encouraging us to pursue integrity instead.

Are there other verses that warn against greed?

Yes, similar warnings can be found in Proverbs 15:27 and Proverbs 23:3-4, which emphasize the negative outcomes of greed.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways have I seen greed impact my life or the lives of others?
  2. How can I ensure that my pursuits are ethical and not driven by greed?
  3. What steps can I take to cultivate a mindset of contentment rather than covetousness?
  4. How does this verse challenge my understanding of wealth and success?

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

Bede comments on this verse, noting that the paths of the greedy lead to the destruction of their souls, highlighting the moral implications of greed.

BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
If the paths of the greedy seize the souls of those who possess them. He calls the paths of the greedy his subtle thoughts, whereby he diligently inquires how to increase his wealth.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 1 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 1:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

So [are] the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain,.... That is set upon getting riches in an unlawful way, by robberies and murder; his ways will end in the loss of his own blood and life, and in

Read John Gill on Proverbs 1 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 1 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

So, as is expressed both in the foregoing and following words, are the ways; the actions and courses, which are so in the tendency and event of them. That is greedy of pain; that seeks gain by unrighteous and wicked practices. Which; either which greediness; or rather, which gain, by comparing the last words. Taketh away the lives of the owners thereof; brings sudden and violent death upon those who had made themselves masters and possessors of such gain.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 1 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 1:19 So [are] the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; [which] taketh away the life of the owners thereof.Ver. 19. Which taketh away the life.] The greater wealth, the greater spoil awaits a man: as a tree with thick and large boughs, every man desires to lop him. Trithemius writeth that the Templars, at the request of Philip, King of France, were put down and extinct, upon the pretext of heresy; but indeed, because they were rich, and Philip sore longed after their possessions. Cyprus for its great wealth became a spoil to the Roman’ s auri sacra fames, &c. Dεινοςκαιπαντολμοςτηςφιλοχρηματιαςερως. Covetousness is daring and desperate: it rides without reins, as Balaam did…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 1 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) So are the ways . . .—The conclusion of the discourse. The same phrase occurs in Job 8:13. Which taketh away . . .—That is, covetousness takes away the life of him who has this vice in his heart, who is, according to the Hebrew idiom, the “owner” of it. (Comp. similar expressions in Proverbs 22:24; Proverbs 23:2, where an “angry” man and a man “given to appetite” are literally an owner of anger and appetite.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 1 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 19. Which taketh away the life] A covetous man is in effect, and in the sight of God, a murderer; he wishes to get all the gain that can accrue to any or all who are in the same business that he follows-no matter to him how many families starve in consequence. This is the very case with him who sets up shop after shop in different parts of the same town or neighbourhood, in which he carries on the same business, and endeavours to undersell others in the same trade, that he may get all into his own hand.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 1 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

19. which taketh away] Rather, It (greed of gain) taketh away the life of them that have it. It is the destruction of those who are possessed by it. The same Heb. phrase, owner or lord of, is rendered him that hath it, in Proverbs 16:22, Comp. Proverbs 22:24, an angry man, A.V.; him that is given to anger, R.V. lit. a lord, or owner, of anger, and Proverbs 23:2, a man given to appetite, lit. an owner of appetite.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 1 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Not robbery only, but all forms of covetousness are destructive of true life.

Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 1 →

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

Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly; it takes away the life of those who obtain it!

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

RVARevised Version, American1894

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; it taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; who taketh away the life of its owners.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Such are the wayes of euery one that is greedy of gaine: he would take away the life of the owners thereof.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

So are the paths of every one that is greedy of gain: it taketh away the life of its possessors.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

So [are] the paths of every gainer of dishonest gain, The life of its owners it taketh.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

So [are] the paths of every gainer of dishonest gain, || It takes the life of its owners.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

So are the paths of every one that is greedy after [unlawful] gain; it taketh away the life of those that own it.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

So are the ways of everyone who gains riches by injustice; unjust gain takes away the lives of those who hold on to it.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

So the wage of every covetous man destroy the souls of the possessors.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

This is what happens to you if you try to become rich through crime—it kills you!

BBEBible in Basic English1949

Such is the fate of everyone who goes in search of profit; it takes away the life of its owners.

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.

clausepredicateכֵּ֗ן[are].thusnoun phrase · subjectאָ֭רְחוֹת[the].pathsnoun phraseכָּלof.everynoun phraseclauseverbבֹּ֣צֵֽעַ[one.who].gains.unjustlyobjectבָּ֑צַעunjust.gainclausenoun phrase · objectאֶת(et)noun phraseנֶ֖פֶשׁthe.lifenoun phraseבְּעָלָ֣יits.ownersוhisverbיִקָּֽחit.will.take

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


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

The Masoretic Text (MT) of Proverbs 1:19 states, "כֵּ֗ן אָ֭רְחוֹת כָּל־ בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ בָּ֑צַע אֶת־ נֶ֖פֶשׁ בְּעָלָ֣יו יִקָּֽח׃ פ," which translates to the idea that the greedy will face dire consequences for their unjust gain. The Septuagint (LXX), however, does not provide a complete text for this verse, and while it matches 4 of the 9 words with the MT, it does not convey the same message or structure fully. Therefore, the LXX differs from the MT in both content and phrasing. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional evidence for this specific verse, so the MT remains the primary witness for the text's meaning and implications.

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

כֵּ֗ן אָ֭רְחוֹת כָּל־ בֹּ֣צֵֽעַ בָּ֑צַע אֶת־ נֶ֖פֶשׁ בְּעָלָ֣יו יִקָּֽח׃ פ

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
אָ֭רְחוֹתὁδοίכָּל־πάντωνנֶ֖פֶשׁτὴνיִקָּֽח׃ פἀφαιροῦνται

4 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.

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.

Proverbs 1:19כֵּן[are] thus[are] thusכֵּןאֹ֫רַח[the] paths[the] paths ofאֹ֫רַחכֹּלeveryeveryכֹּלבָּצַע[one who] g[one who] gainsבָּצַעבֶ֫צַעunjust gainunjust gainבֶ֫צַעאֵתthe object the object markאֵתנֶ֫פֶשׁ[the] life [the] life ofנֶ֫פֶשׁבַּעַלowners itsowners itsבַּעַללָקַחit will takit will takeלָקַחבָּצַעto cut offto cut offבָּצַעכּוּןto establito establish: pכּוּןאָרַחto journeyto journeyאָרַחכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַלאוֹתsign: mirasign: miraculouאוֹתנָפַשׁbe refreshbe refreshedנָפַשׁבָּעַלrule: to mrule: to marryבָּעַלכֹּהthusthusכֹּהאָדוֹןLordLordאָדוֹןיָשַׁרto smoothto smoothיָשַׁררֶ֫גֶלfootfootרֶ֫גֶלעֵדָהcongregaticongregationעֵדָהעֲבֹדָהserviceserviceעֲבֹדָהבֶ֫צַעunjust-gaiunjust-gainבֶ֫צַענָבִיאprophetprophetנָבִיאשָׂנֵאto hateto hateשָׂנֵאמִגְרָשׁpasturepastureמִגְרָשׁבָּקַשׁto seekto seekבָּקַשׁ
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 Proverbs 1:19

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.

[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
כֵּ֗ןKen [are] thus H3651 Adverb
771× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
right
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest

right

veritable, true

pl. concr. honest (men)

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

כֵּן adv. so

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3651 ken kane

from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as

adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)

rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and

relation; often with other particles):--+ after that

(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be

(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like

(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,

straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,

thus, true, well, X you.

see HEBREW for 03559

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֵּן (ken) — right.

adv

adj

1) right, just, honest, true, veritable

1a) right, just, honest

1b) correct

1c) true, veritable

[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.

adv

forasmuch as, since

כֵּן (ken) — so.

adv

1) so, therefore, thus

1a) thus, so

1b) just so

1c) therefore

1d) so...as (paired with adv)

1e) then

1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)

1g) (with prep)

1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)

1g2) hitherto

1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)

1g4) afterwards

1g5) in such case

Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Adverb
HD
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
אָ֭רְחוֹת'A.re.chot [the] paths of H734 Noun common · feminine plural construct
58× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A way or path, describing a road or journey, whether physical or metaphorical. This term is used to talk about travel, direction, and life's journey, often in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. It is found in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.
Amplified meaning
result, outcome
Tyndale gloss
way
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֹ֫רַח (orach) means 'way' or 'path,' and can refer to both literal and figurative routes in life, including one's manner of living or character. It also denotes a traveler or wayfarer. The word is derived from a root meaning a well-trodden road, and it encompasses various aspects of life’s journey.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֹ֫רַח n.m. way, path

lit.

fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life

fig. way, of mode of living, or character

by meton. traveller, wayfarer

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H734 אֹ֫רַח way, path . lit.

. fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life

. fig. way, of mode of living, or character

. by meton. traveller, wayfarer

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

734 'orach o'-rakh

from 732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively);

also a caravan:--manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop,

(by-, high-)way.

see HEBREW for 0732

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֹ֫רַח (o.rach) — way.

1) way, path

1a) path, road

1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.)

1c) way of living (fig.)

1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton)

Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp — Noun common · feminine plural construct
HNcfpc
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…

[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
כָּל־kol- every H3605 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
בֹּ֣צֵֽעַBo.tze.a' [one who] gains unjustly H1214 Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew verb means to cut off or stop, and can also describe being greedy or covetous, as seen in various KJV translations.
Amplified meaning
covetous, extremely desirous of wealth
Tyndale gloss
to cut off
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּצַע (batsa`) is a Hebrew verb meaning to cut off or break off. It encompasses actions like gaining through violence, finishing, or fulfilling something. The entries suggest a range of meanings from wrongful gain to completion. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons on its definitions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[בָּצַע] vb. cut off, break off, gain by violence

Qal cut off, break off

Pi. cut off, (dis)sever; = finish, complete; accomplish (= carry out, fulfil); violently make gain of

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1214 [בָּצַע] cut off, break off, gain by violence .cut off, break off

. cut off, (dis)sever; = finish, complete; accomplish (= carry out, fulfil); violently make gain of

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1214 batsa` baw-tsah'

a primitive root to break off, i.e. (usually) plunder;

figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop:--(be)

covet(- ous), cut (off), finish, fulfill, gain (greedily),

get, be given to (covetousness), greedy, perform, be wounded.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off.

: to cut off

1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut off

1a2) to stop

1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to cut off, sever

1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish

1b3) to violently make gain of

בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off: to end.

: to end

1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut off

1a2) to stop

1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to cut off, sever

1b2) to finish, complete, accomplish

1b3) to violently make gain of

בָּצַע (ba.tsa) — to cut off: to gain.

: to end

1) to cut off, break off, gain by unrighteous violence, get, finish, be covetous, be greedy

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to cut off

1a2) to stop

1a3) to gain wrongfully or by violence

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to cut off, sever

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVqrmsa
[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
בָּ֑צַעBa.tza' unjust gain H1215 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
ill-gotten profit, dishonest wealth
Tyndale gloss
unjust-gain
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֶ֫צַע (betsah) refers to gain that is typically acquired through violence or unjust means. The term encompasses notions of profit and covetousness, often implying dishonesty in the acquisition of wealth. It is derived from a root that suggests plunder, indicating a focus on unethical or violent means of obtaining gain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֶ֫צַע n.m. gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1215 בֶ֫צַע gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1215 betsa` beh'-tsah

from 1214; plunder; by extension, gain (usually

unjust):--covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit.

see HEBREW for 01214

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֶּ֫צַע (be.tsa) — unjust-gain.

profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence

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

gan: In the Old Testament the translation of three Hebrew substantives, betsa`, "unjust gain," "any gain" (Jud 5:19; Job 22:3; Pr 1:19; 15:27; Isa 33:15; 56:11; Eze 22:13,17; Mic 4:13); mechir, "price" for which a thing is sold (Da 11:39, the only place where the Hebrew word is translated "gain" in the King James Version, though it occurs in other places translated "price"); tebhu'ah, "produce," "profits," "fruit" (Pr 3:14). It is the translation of one Hebrew…

[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
אֶת־'et- the object marker H853 Particle
10,946× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
[Obj.]
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

853 'eth ayth

apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of

entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more

definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or

namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).

see HEBREW for 0226

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֵת (et) — [Obj.].

sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative

Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HTo — Particle
HTo
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
נֶ֖פֶשׁNe.fesh [the] life of H5315 Noun common · feminine singular construct
754× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Amplified meaning
souls, very existence
Tyndale gloss
soul
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion

= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

The נפשׁ becomes a living being

The נפשׁ is specif.

The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

נ׳ in D

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being

. The נפשׁ becomes a living being

. The נפשׁ is specif.

. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself

. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)

. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions

. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts

. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.

. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.

. נ׳ in D

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5315 nephesh neh'-fesh

from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of

(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,

accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,

appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,

X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),

(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,

mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,

thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,

thing, (X she) will, X would have it.

see HEBREW for 05314

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

1g1) uncertain

1h) activity of the will

1h1) uncertain

1i) activity of the character

1i1) uncertain

נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.

1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion

1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man

1b) living being

1c) living being (with life in the blood)

1d) the man himself, self, person or individual

1e) seat of the appetites

1f) seat of emotions and passions

1g) activity of mind

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
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…

[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
בְּעָלָ֣יוbe.'a.Lav owners its H1167 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
84× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Amplified meaning
owners, masters
Tyndale gloss
master
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בַּעַל (ba`al) means owner or lord, and can refer to a husband, citizens, or rulers. It is derived from a root meaning 'to own' and is used in various contexts, including relationships and leadership. The term also appears as a divine name, Baal, in the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בַּעַל 166 n.m. owner, lord

owner

husband

citizens, inhabitants

rulers, lords

n. of relation

Esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1167 בַּעַל owner, lord . owner

. husband

. citizens, inhabitants

. rulers, lords

. n. of relation

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1167 ba`al bah'-al

from 1166; a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively)

owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this

latter sense):--+ archer, + babbler, + bird, captain, chief

man, + confederate, + have to do, + dreamer, those to whom it

is due, + furious, those that are given to it, great, + hairy,

he that hath it, have, + horseman, husband, lord, man, +

married, master, person, + sworn, they of.

see HEBREW for 01166

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master.

: master/leader

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: husband.

: husband/groom

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: men.

: men/comrades

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: owning.

: owning/having

1) owner, husband, lord

1a) owner

1b) a husband

1c) citizens, inhabitants

1d) rulers, lords

1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)

בַּעַל (ba.al) — master: [master of].

: [master_of](DESCRIPTOR)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp3ms
[are] thus [the] paths of every [one who] gains unjustly unjust gain the object marker [the] life of owners its it will take
יִקָּֽח׃ פyi.Kach it will take H3947 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
966× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Amplified meaning
destroys, cuts off
Tyndale gloss
to take: take
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָקַח 965 vb. take

Qal

take, take in hand

take and carry along with oneself

take from, or out of

take, carry away

take away from, so as to deprive of

esp. take away life

take to or for a person

take up, upon = put upon

= fetch

take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

take = capture, seize

take = carry off

in phr. take vengeance

Niph.

be captured, of ark

be taken away, removed

be taken, brought unto

Pu.

be taken from, out of

= be stolen from

be taken captive

be taken away, removed

Hoph.

be taken, brought unto

be taken out of

be taken away from

Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand

. take and carry along with oneself

. . take from, or out of

. take, carry away

. take away from, so as to deprive of

. esp. take away life

. take to or for a person

. take up, upon = put upon

. = fetch

. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)

. take = capture, seize

. take = carry off

. in phr. take vengeance

. . be captured, of ark

. be taken away, removed

. be taken, brought unto

. . be taken from, out of

. = be stolen from

. be taken captive

. be taken away, removed

. . be taken, brought unto

. be taken out of

. be taken away from

. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3947 laqach law-kakh'

a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of

applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,

get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,

seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.

: take

1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to take, take in the hand

1a2) to take and carry along

1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away

1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept

1a5) to take up or upon, put upon

1a6) to fetch

1a7) to take, lead, conduct

1a8) to take, capture, seize

1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be captured

1b2) to be taken away, be removed

1b3) to be taken, brought unto

1c) (Pual)

1c1) to be taken from or out of

1c2) to be stolen from

1c3) to be taken captive

1c4) to be taken away, be removed

1d) (Hophal)

1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto

1d2) to be taken out of

1d3) to be taken away

1e) (Hithpael)

1e1) to take hold of oneself

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

tak: Most of the very numerous examples of this word are still in good use and only a few call for special attention. "To take" in the sense of "capture" is still common, but when a person or living animal is in point, modern English usually adds "prisoner" or "captive." English Versions of the Bible not infrequently has this addition (Ge 14:14, etc.), but more commonly "take" is used without it (Jos 10:39; Job 5:13; Sirach 23:21; Joh 7:30, etc.). An occasional obscurity is thus caused, as in Ge 27:3, "take me venison" for "hunt venison for me." "To take advice" (2Ch…

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.

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