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Proverbs 12:19 — Word Study

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WLCשְֽׂפַת־ אֱ֭מֶת תִּכּ֣וֹן לָעַ֑ד וְעַד־ אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה לְשׁ֣וֹן שָֽׁקֶר׃

BSATruthfulʼemeth [faithful, honest] lipssâphâh [language, words] endure foreverkûwn [are established, stand firm, perpetually, for all eternity] but a lyingsheqer [deceptive, false] tonguelâshôwn [speech, language] [lasts] onlyʻad [remains, endures] a momentrâgaʻ [briefly, for a short time]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 12
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 (Sha.ker) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 12:19quick helps
In a sentenceProverbs contrasts the lasting nature of truthful speech with the fleeting nature of lies.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, reflecting on the nature of words.
Where we areThis verse is part of a series of proverbs about wisdom and speech.
The hard wordאֱמֶת
Take awayTruthful words are enduring; lies are temporary.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbכּוּן 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 12:19

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 — Wisdom on Speechgenerated

18Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
21No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

Proverbs 12:19 presents a clear distinction between the enduring nature of truthful lips and the temporary existence of a lying tongue. This verse is situated within a broader discourse on the importance of wise speech and the consequences of deceitful words, emphasizing the moral weight of what we say.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Zechariah 1:4–6Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD.
2Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
3Proverbs 19:9A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
4Job 20:5the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?
5Psalm 52:5Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word אֱמֶת, 'E.metgenerated

The Hebrew word אֱמֶת (*'emet*) signifies truth, faithfulness, and reliability. It is often associated with God's character, emphasizing stability and trustworthiness. The parsing as a feminine singular absolute noun indicates its foundational role in ethical and moral contexts.

In this verse, אֱמֶת underscores the idea that truthful speech has lasting value, contrasting sharply with the deception represented by a lying tongue.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main finite verb in the verse is תִּכּ֣וֹן, it will be established, which governs the subject שְֽׂפַת־ אֱ֭מֶת, truthful lips. The structure emphasizes the contrast between the enduring nature of truth and the temporary nature of lies.

The sentence is constructed with two main clauses: one describing the lasting nature of truthful lips and the other addressing the fleeting existence of a lying tongue, highlighting the moral implications of each.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, שְֽׂפַת־ is rendered as ξείλη, which also means 'lip' but carries a more general sense of 'edge' or 'border'. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but broadens the context slightly.

The translation of אֱמֶת as ἀληθινὰ emphasizes the concept of truthfulness, indicating a consistent understanding of the moral weight of truthful speech across both texts.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 12:19 tells us that truthful words last forever, while lies are only temporary. This verse teaches the importance of honesty in speech, contrasting the lasting nature of truth with the fleeting nature of deception.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that truthful lips endure forever?

This means that honesty and truthfulness in speech have lasting value and are respected over time.

Why does a lying tongue only last a moment?

A lying tongue is deceptive and cannot sustain itself; it is eventually exposed and loses credibility.

How can I apply this verse in my life?

You can strive to speak truthfully and avoid deceit, recognizing the long-term impact of your words.

What is the significance of the contrast in this verse?

The contrast highlights the moral value of truthfulness over deception, encouraging wise speech.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what situations have I seen the consequences of lying versus telling the truth?
  2. How can I practice speaking truthfully in my daily life?
  3. What are some ways I can encourage others to value honesty in their speech?
  4. How does this verse challenge me to reflect on my own words and their impact?

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

Early interpretations highlight the enduring nature of truth in contrast to the fleeting nature of lies, as seen in Bede's commentary, which emphasizes the stability of the Church's faith.

BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
The lip of truth shall be established forever, etc. The faith of the Church shall always remain. But he who suddenly introduces new dogmas is a minister of the heretic.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 12 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 12:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

The lip of truth shall be established for ever,.... The man that speaks truth is and will be established in his credit and reputation among men; he is uniform and all of a piece, and what he says is

Read John Gill on Proverbs 12 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. The lip of truth shall be established forever. He whose lips speak truth shall be established forever in the favour of God and of man.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 12 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The speaker of truth is constant, and always agreeable to himself, and his words, the more and longer they are tried, the more doth the truth of them appear; whereas liars, though they may make a fair show for a season, yet are easily and quickly convicted of falsehood.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 12 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.Ver. 19. The lips of truth shall be established for ever.] Veritas odium parit: Truth breeds hatred: a good mistress she is, but he that follows her too close at heels, may hap have his teeth struck out. He that prizeth truth, shall never prosper by the possession or profession thereof, saith Sir Walter Raleigh. This is most true, for the most part, of "the truth of the gospel," "the doctrine according to godliness" - "sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the belly"; very pleasant in itself, but the publishing of it, whereby the fruit of it might come to the rest of the members, is full of…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 12 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) A lying tongue is but for a moment.—Being detected and silenced by the providence of God, (Comp. Psalms 64:7-8.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 12 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 19. A lying tongue is but for a moment.] Truth stands for ever; because its foundation is indestructible: but falsehood may soon be detected; and, though it gain credit for a while, it had that credit because it was supposed to be truth.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 12 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

19. but for a moment] Lit. while I wink. Comp. Jeremiah 49:19, where the word is rendered, suddenly.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 12 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

19. Lying tongue… for a moment — Hebrew, until I can wink; the twinkling of an eye. The sense is: He that speaks truth is safe, but a liar shall quickly perish. On first clause compare Zechariah 1:5-6; Matthew 24:35.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 12 →

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

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The one who tells the truth will endure forever, but the one who lies will last only for a moment.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

The lip of truth shall be established for ever; But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

RVARevised Version, American1894

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The lip of trueth shall be stable for euer: but a lying tongue varieth incontinently.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

The lip of truth is established for ever, And for a moment — a tongue of falsehood.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

The lip of truth is established forever, || And a tongue of falsehood for a moment.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

The lip of truth will stand firm for ever; but only for a moment the tongue of falsehood.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Truthful lips last forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The lip of truth shall be steadfast for ever: but he that is a hasty witness, frameth a lying tongue.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Words of truth last forever, but lies are gone in a moment.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

True lips are certain for ever, but a false tongue is only for a minute.

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.

clausenoun phrase · subjectשְֽׂפַתa.lipאֱ֭מֶתof.reliabilityverbתִּכּ֣וֹןit.will.be.establishedprepositional phrase · prepositionalלָforeverעַ֑דeverוְandclauseclause · predicateעַדuntilclauseverbאַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָהI.will.give.restnoun phrase · subjectלְשׁ֣וֹןa.tongueשָֽׁקֶרof.falsehood

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


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

The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 12:19 states, "שְֽׂפַת־ אֱ֭מֶת תִּכּ֣וֹן לָעַ֑ד וְעַד־ אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה לְשׁ֣וֹן שָֽׁקֶר׃" which translates to "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all eight words correspond directly, although the word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. There are no significant differences in the core message between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint for this verse.

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

שְֽׂפַת־ אֱ֭מֶת תִּכּ֣וֹן לָעַ֑ד וְעַד־ אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה לְשׁ֣וֹן שָֽׁקֶר׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
שְֽׂפַת־ξείληאֱ֭מֶתἀληθινὰתִּכּ֣וֹןκατορθοῖלָעַ֑דμαρτυρίανוְעַד־μάρτυςאַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָהταξὺςלְשׁ֣וֹןγλῶσσανשָֽׁקֶר׃ἄδικον

8 of the 8 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 12:19שָׂפָהa lip ofa lip ofשָׂפָהאֱמֶתreliabilityreliabilityאֱמֶתכּוּןit will be it will be estaכּוּןעַדfor everfor everעַדעַדand untiland untilעַדרָגַעI will granI will grant reרָגַעלָשׁוֹןa tongue ofa tongue ofלָשׁוֹןשֶׁ֫קֶרfalsehoodfalsehoodשֶׁ֫קֶרסָפָהto snatchto snatchסָפָהאָמַןbe faithfube faithfulאָמַןעָדָהto advanceto advanceעָדָהלָשַׁןto slanderto slanderלָשַׁןשָׁקַרto dealto dealשָׁקַרעַדperpetuityperpetuityעַדיְרִיעָהcurtaincurtainיְרִיעָהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןחֶ֫סֶדkindnesskindnessחֶ֫סֶדשָׁלוֹםPeacePeaceשָׁלוֹםתֵּבֵלworldworldתֵּבֵלכִּסֵּאthronethroneכִּסֵּאעוֹלָםforever: aforever: antiquעוֹלָםמָתַיhowhowמָתַיעֶ֫רֶבeveningeveningעֶ֫רֶבאֵיתָןstrongstrongאֵיתָןהָמָהto roarto roarהָמָהחֵךְpalatepalateחֵךְ
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 12:19

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.

a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
שְֽׂפַת־se.fat- a lip of H8193 Noun common · feminine singular construct
176× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Amplified meaning
language, words
Tyndale gloss
lips
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׂפָה (*saphah*) encompasses meanings related to 'lip,' 'speech,' and 'edge.' It is derived from concepts of termination, suggesting boundaries like the edge of a vessel or the bank of a river. The word can refer to physical lips, language, or the edges of various objects, including shores.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge

lip

language

edge: shore of sea; bank of river

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip

. language

. edge: shore of sea; bank of river

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8193 saphah saw-faw'

or (in dual and plural) sepheth {sef-eth'}; probably from

5595 or 8192 through the idea of termination (compare 5490);

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by

analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.):--band,

bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip,

prating, ((sea-))shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.

see HEBREW for 05595

see HEBREW for 08192

see HEBREW for 05490

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lips.

: lips/mouth

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: words.

: words/language

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: edge.

: edge/border/opening

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: shore.

: shore/bank(of_sea/river)

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — 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…

a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
אֱ֭מֶת'E.met reliability H571 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Amplified meaning
faithful, honest
Tyndale gloss
truth: faithful
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֶת (emeth) encompasses concepts of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. It signifies reliability and stability, often in the context of ethical or religious knowledge. The word can also function as an adverb meaning 'in truth' or 'truly.' There is a consistent emphasis on its meanings related to certainty and trustworthiness across the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness

reliability, sureness

stability, continuance

faithfulness, reliableness

truth

adv. in truth, truly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness

. stability, continuance

. faithfulness, reliableness

. truth

. adv. in truth, truly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

571 'emeth eh'-meth

contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty,

truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment,

faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.

see HEBREW for 0539

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: faithful.

: faithful

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: true.

: true

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: certain.

: certain/fixed

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
תִּכּ֣וֹןti.Kon it will be established H3559 Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singular
217× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Amplified meaning
are established, stand firm, perpetually, for all eternity
Tyndale gloss
to establish: prepare
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כּוּן (kuwn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to establish or prepare. It encompasses a range of meanings, including to be firm, to fix, to direct, and to be ready, with applications in both literal and figurative contexts. The entries indicate various forms of the verb, such as Niph'al (to be established) and Hiph'il (to establish), but there is a note on a noun form, נָכוֹן (nakhon), meaning 'blow'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[כּוּן] 218 vb. prob. be firm, only in der. conj.

Niph.

be set up, established, fixed

in a moral sense, be directed aright, of ways

prepare, be ready

pass. be prepared, of judgments

Hiph.

establish, set up

fix, so as to be ready, make ready, prepare, a gift

provide for, provide, furnish

direct one's face toward

arrange, order

Hoph.

be established, of throne

be prepared for

Po‛lēl.

set up, establish

constitute, make, a man (in womb)

fix, so as to be ready

direct

Po‛lal. be established

Hithpo‛l. be established

base

נָכוֹן n. [m.] = blow Jb 12:5

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3559a כּוּן prob. be firm, only in der. conj. . . be set up, established, fixed

. in a moral sense, be directed aright, of ways

. prepare, be ready

. pass. be prepared, of judgments

. . establish, set up

. . fix, so as to be ready, make ready, prepare, a gift

. provide for, provide, furnish

. direct one's face toward

. arrange, order

. . be established, of throne

. be prepared for

. . set up, establish

. constitute, make, a man (in womb)

. fix, so as to be ready

. direct

. be established

. be established

H3559b נָכוֹן n. [m.] = blow

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3559 kuwn koon

a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand

perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great

variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper

or prosperous):--certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness,

fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet,

ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self),

provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright,

fast, forth), be stable, (e-)stablish, stand, tarry, X very

deed.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כּוּן (kun) — to establish: prepare.

: prepare/direct

1) to be firm, be stable, be established

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed

1a1a) to be firmly established

1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring

1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined

1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense)

1a3) to prepare, be ready

1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm

1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish

1b3) to direct toward (moral sense)

1b4) to arrange, order

1c) (Hophal)

1c1) to be established, be fastened

1c2) to be prepared, be ready

1d) (Polel)

1d1) to set up, establish

1d2) to constitute, make

1d3) to fix

1d4) to direct

1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared

1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored

נָכוֹן (na.khon) — blow.

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person feminine singular
HVNi3fs
a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
לָעַ֑דla.'Ad for ever H5703 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
49× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Tyndale gloss
perpetuity
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַד, transliterated as ad, refers to the concept of perpetuity, encompassing both past and future time. It signifies a duration that can imply eternity or continuous existence. The term is associated with ancient mountains in the context of the past and is used to denote the idea of forever in relation to the future, particularly in reference to God's existence.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַד and וָעֶ֑ד (so alw.) n.m. perpetuity (= advancing time)

of past time: ancient mountains

of future time, לָעַד for ever

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5703 עַד, וָעֶ֑ד perpetuity . of past time: ancient mountains

. of future time, לָעַד for ever

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5703 `ad ad

from 5710; properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e. (by

implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity

(substantially as a noun, either with or without a

preposition):--eternity, ever(- lasting, -more), old,

perpetually, + world without end.

see HEBREW for 05710

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַד (ad) — perpetuity.

1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future

1a) ancient (of past time)

1b) for ever (of future time)

1b1) of continuous existence

1c) for ever (of God's existence)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
HR/Ncmsa — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
וְעַד־ve.'ad- and until H5704 Conjunction · preposition
1,261× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Amplified meaning
remains, endures
Tyndale gloss
till
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while

prep.

of space

Of time

Of degree

conj.

until

While

Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus

of space

Of time

Of degree

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

. conj. . until

. While

. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)

. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space

. Of time

. Of degree

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5704 `ad ad

properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or

conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,

or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,

while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,

at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),

(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,

till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.

see HEBREW for 05703

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַד (ad) — till.

prep

1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as

1a) of space

1a1) as far as, up to, even to

1b) in combination

1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)

1c) of time

1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end

1d) of degree

1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like

conj

2) until, while, to the point that, so that even

Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · preposition
HC/R
a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
אַ֝רְגִּ֗יעָה'ar.Gi.'ah I will grant rest H7280 Verb · Hiphil · infinitive construct first person common singular
13× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to harden or toss violently, but also to quiet or settle something. It can describe the sudden movement of the sea or the skin with boils.
Amplified meaning
briefly, for a short time
Tyndale gloss
to disturb
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word רָגַע (raga`) is a primitive root that encompasses a range of meanings including to disturb, to rest, and to harden. It can refer to stirring up or causing disturbance, as well as to settling or giving rest. The entries also note a specific usage related to winking. There is a mention of its application in Job 7:5.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רָגַע vb. disturb

Qal 

Hiph. denom. make a twinkilng

base

רָגַע vb. be at rest, repose

Niph. (of sword) be gathered into thy scabbard, repose, and be still.

Hiph.

trans. give rest to

intrans. rest, repose

base

רָגַע vb. harden;—Jb 7:5

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7280a רָגַע disturb H7280b רָגַע be at rest, repose H7280c רָגַע harden

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7280 raga` raw-gah'

a primitive root; properly, to toss violently and suddenly

(the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a

favorable manner) to settle, i.e. quiet; specifically, to wink

(from the motion of the eye-lids):--break, divide, find ease,

be a moment, (cause, give, make to) rest, make suddenly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רָגַע (ra.ga) — to disturb.

1) to act in an instant, stir up, disturb

1a) (Qal) to stir up, disturb

1b) (Hiphil) to make a twinkling

רָגַע (ra.ga) — to rest.

1) to rest or repose, be at rest or repose, settle, quiet, give rest

1a) (Niphal)

1a1) to cause to rest (of sword, of the sea)

1a2) to wink (with prep)

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to give rest to

1b2) to rest, repose

רָגַע (ra.ga) — to harden.

to harden

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive construct first person common singular
HVhc1cs
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(nuach, menuchah, "cessation from motion," "peace," "quiet," etc.; anapausis, [@katapausis): "Rest" in the above sense is of frequent occurrence, and is the translation of several words with various applications and shades of meaning, chiefly of the words given above. It is applied to God as ceasing from the work of creating on the 7th day (Ge 2:2 f) ; as having His place of rest in the midst of His people in the temple (1Ch 28:2; Ps 132:8,14); as resting in His love among His people (Ze 3:17, the Revised Version margin "Hebrew, `be silent' "). The 7th day was to be one of rest (Ex 16:23; 31:15; see SABBATH); the land also was to have its rest in the 7th year (

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Rest

(1.) Gr. katapausis, equivalent to the Hebrew word noah (Heb. 4:1).

(2.) Gr. anapausis, “rest from weariness” (Matt. 11:28).

(3.) Gr. anesis, “relaxation” (2 Thess. 1:7).

(4.) Gr. sabbatismos, a Sabbath rest, a rest from all work (Heb. 4:9; R.V., “sabbath”), a rest like that of God when he had finished the work of creation.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

In Ac 9:31, refers to the respite from persecution enjoyed by the Christians in Palestine, after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, during the last two years of Caligula’s short reign, A. D. 39 and 40, when the Jews were so harassed by the attempts of the emperor to force them to worship him as a god, that they forbore to afflict the followers of Christ.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Divine institutions for

See SABBATH

→ Days of Ex 23:12; 34:21

→ The annual feasts, added rest days Le 23:7,8,21,25,28,30,31,35,36; Nu 28:18,25,26; 29:1,7,12,35

→ Recommended by Jesus Mr 6:31,32; with Mt 8:18,24

→ HEAVENLY 2Th 1:7

→ SPIRITUAL Mt 11:29; Heb 4:1-11

See PEACE, SPIRITUAL

a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
לְשׁ֣וֹןle.Shon a tongue of H3956 Noun common · both singular construct
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Amplified meaning
speech, language
Tyndale gloss
tongue
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (*lashon*) primarily means 'tongue,' referring to both the organ of speech in humans and animals. It can also denote 'language' and has figurative uses, such as a 'tongue-shaped' wedge or bay. The entries highlight its literal and metaphorical applications, but do not present any significant disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לָשׁוֹן n.m. and (more oft.) f. tongue

tongue of men

= language

tongue of animals

tongue of fire

= (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold

= (tongue-shaped) bay of sea

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3956 לָשׁוֹן tongue . tongue of men

. = language

. tongue of animals

. tongue of fire

. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold

. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3956 lashown law-shone'

or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural) feminine lshonah

{lesh-o-naw'}; from 3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used

literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech),

and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of

water):--+ babbler,bay, + evil speaker, language, talker,

tongue, wedge.

see HEBREW for 03960

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue.

: tongue/words

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: language.

: language

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: bar.

: bar/projection/bay

1) tongue

1a) tongue (of men)

1a1) tongue (literal)

1a2) tongue (organ of speech)

1b) language

1c) tongue (of animals)

1d) tongue (of fire)

1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · both singular construct
HNcbsc
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…

a lip of reliability it will be established for ever and until I will grant rest a tongue of falsehood
שָֽׁקֶר׃Sha.ker falsehood H8267 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
113× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Amplified meaning
deceptive, false
Tyndale gloss
deception
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֶׁ֫קֶר (sheqer) refers to deception, falsehood, and disappointment. It encompasses various forms of deceit, including fraud and wrongful testimony. The word is built from the root associated with untruths and can imply sham or lying. It is used in contexts involving false prophets and general dishonesty.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֶׁ֫קֶר 113 n.m. deception, disappointment, falsehood

deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one

deceit, fraud, wrong

injurious falsehood, in testimony

falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets

lie, falsehood, in gen.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8267 שֶׁ֫קֶר deception, disappointment, falsehood . deception, what deceives, disappoints, and betrays one

. deceit, fraud, wrong

. injurious falsehood, in testimony

. falsity, of false or self-deceived prophets

. lie, falsehood, in gen.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8267 sheqer sheh'-ker

from 8266; an untruth; by implication, a sham (often

adverbial):--without a cause, deceit(-ful),

false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, + lie, lying, vain

(thing), wrongfully.

see HEBREW for 08266

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֶׁ֫קֶר (she.qer) — deception.

1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood

1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one)

1b) deceit, fraud, wrong

1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb)

1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony)

1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely

1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets)

1e) lie, falsehood (in general)

1e1) false tongue

1f) in vain

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

fols'-hood.

See LYING.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ex 20:16; 23:1; Le 6:2-7; 19:11,12,16; Job 13:4; 21:34; 27:4; 31:5,6,33; 36:4; Ps 5:6,9; 10:7; 12:2,3; 28:3; 31:18; 34:13; 36:3; 50:19,20; 52:2-5; 55:21,23; 58:3; 59:12; 62:4; 63:11; 101:5,7; 109:2; 116:11; 119:29,69,163; 120:2-4; 144:8,11; Pr 2:12-15; 3:3; 6:12,13,17-19; 10:9,10,18,31; 11:9; 12:17,19,20,22; 13:5; 14:5,8,25; 17:4,7; 19:5,9,22,28; 20:17; 21:6; 26:18,19,24-26,28; 27:14; Ec 5:6; Isa 28:15; 32:7; 57:11; 59:3,4,12,13; 63:8;

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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