Proverbs 14:22 — Word Study
WLCהֲֽלוֹא־ יִ֭תְעוּ חֹ֣רְשֵׁי רָ֑ע וְחֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת חֹ֣רְשֵׁי טֽוֹב׃
BSADo notlôʼ [certainly not, will not] those who contrivechârash [devise, plan] evilraʻ [bad, wickedness] go astraytâʻâh▸ [err, wander] But those who planchârash [design, think on] goodness [find]ṭôwb [good things, what is pleasant, receive, experience] loving devotionchêçêd [kindness, mercy] and faithfulnessʼemeth [truth, stability]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֲֽלוֹא־ | ¿ not | Particle, particle |
| יִ֭תְעוּ | do they go astray | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| חֹ֣רְשֵׁי | devisers of | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| רָ֑ע | evil | Adj |
| וְחֶ֥סֶד | and loyalty | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת | and faithfulness | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| חֹ֣רְשֵׁי | devisers of | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| טֽוֹב׃ | good | Adj |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness. |
| KJV | Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. |
| ASV | Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. |
| YLT | Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth [are] to those devising good, |
| WEB | Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good. |
| BBE | Will not the designers of evil come into error? But mercy and good faith are for the designers of good. |
Where they part company is טֽוֹב׃ — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of two main clauses that contrast the actions and outcomes of two groups.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbתָּעָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
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 14:22
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 and Foolishness in Proverbsgenerated
Proverbs 14:22 presents a moral observation about the consequences of one's intentions. It highlights the distinction between those who plot evil and those who design good, emphasizing that the latter will experience loving devotion and faithfulness. This verse is situated within a broader discourse on the value of wisdom and the folly of wickedness, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:17 | A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:2 | The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. |
| 3 | Isaiah 32:7–8 | The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. |
| 4 | Genesis 24:27 | saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” |
| 5 | Psalm 25:10 | All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חֹ֣רְשֵׁי, Cho.re.sheigenerated
The word חָרַשׁ (charash) is a Qal participle meaning 'devisers' or 'plotters.' It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of cutting or engraving, suggesting a deliberate and careful planning process. In this context, it refers to those who intentionally devise evil plans.
The active participle form indicates ongoing action, portraying these individuals as consistently engaged in plotting wickedness. This contrasts sharply with the subsequent phrase, which speaks of those who plan goodness, highlighting the moral dichotomy presented in the verse.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which translates חֹ֣רְשֵׁי as devisers of, consistent with the KJV and ASV. All translations reflect the negative connotation of planning evil.
Where translations differ is in the rendering of טֽוֹב׃. The BSB has good, while the DRA and GNV use good things, and the ULB opts for receive. This highlights a divergence in how the concept of goodness is expressed.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of two main clauses. The first clause, governed by the verb יִ֭תְעוּ (they go astray), asks a rhetorical question about those who devise evil. The second clause contrasts this with those who plan goodness, indicating a clear moral distinction.
The structure emphasizes the contrast between the two groups: the devisers of evil and those who plan good. The Hebrew word order places the subjects prominently, underscoring the moral implications of their actions.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חֹ֣רְשֵׁי as πλανώμενοι, which carries a sense of wandering or being led astray. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the consequences of evil plotting, suggesting that such actions ultimately lead to moral confusion.
The Greek word for goodness in the Septuagint is not directly matched to the Hebrew, indicating a possible interpretive shift in understanding the nature of good actions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 14:22 contrasts those who plan evil with those who plan good. It suggests that those who devise wickedness will go astray, while those who design good will find kindness and faithfulness in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To contrive evil means to deliberately plan or devise harmful actions or schemes.
Planning goodness implies intentionality in doing good deeds, which leads to positive outcomes such as kindness and faithfulness.
This verse highlights the importance of wise planning in moral behavior, contrasting the outcomes of evil versus good intentions.
Going astray can lead to negative consequences, including moral failure and loss of direction in life.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some examples of ways I can intentionally plan goodness in my daily life?
- How can I guard against the temptation to contrive evil in my thoughts and actions?
- In what ways have I experienced the benefits of planning good deeds?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of wisdom and foolishness?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 14:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDo they not err that devise evil?.... Certainly they do; they go astray from the right way, from the word of truth, from the Gospel of Christ, who contrive schemes to commit sin, and do mischief to
Read John Gill on Proverbs 14 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDo they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good. Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth (shall be) to them that devise good.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 14 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleDo they not err? they do certainly err from the right way, and mistake their mark, and shall miss of that advantage and felicity which they promise to themselves by such practices. That devise; that do not only commit it, but make it their design, and study, and business; that are artists or masters in it, as the word signifies. Evil; either, 1. Mischief to men. Or, 2. Any kind of wickedness against God or men; for the expression is general; and this seems best to agree to the following clause. Mercy and truth; either, 1. From men; men shall deal truly and kindly with them, partly because such men by their carriage obliged them to do so, and partly because God inclineth their hearts to it.…
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 14 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.Ver. 22. Do they not err that devise evil?] Heb., That plough it and plot it, that dig it and delve it, that whet their wits and beat their brains about it - do not these err? Are they not heavenly wide, utterly out? Shall they not miss their purpose, and meet with disappointment? Witness those Babel-builders, those kill-Christs, those state traitors, Sheba, Shebna, &c., various English traitors who drew their last thread in the triangle of Tyburn. Knute, the first Danique king, caused the false Edric’ s head to be set on the highest part of the Tower of London, therein performing his…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 14 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(22) Do they not err that devise evil?—Comp. Wis 5:6-7. Mercy and truth.—God will be merciful, and also fulfil His promises of protection and reward to them (Wis 3:9).
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 14 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges22. The LXX. add: They understand not mercy and faith who are devisers of evil, But things merciful and faithful are with them who devise good.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 14 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleErr - In the sense of wandering from the right way, the way of life.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 14 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible22. Err that devise evil — Perhaps in the sense of planning iniquity, dishonesty, injustice. Mercy and truth — Or, kindness and faithfulness shall be to those whose purposes and plans are good.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 14 →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
Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
Don’t they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
Do not those who devise evil go astray? But those who plan good exhibit faithful covenant love.
Tyndale line
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
Doe not they erre that imagine euill? but to them that thinke on good things, shalbe mercie and trueth.
Strictly literal
Do they not err that devise evil? but loving-kindness and truth are for those that devise good.
Do not they err who are devising evil? And kindness and truth [are] to those devising good,
Do they who are devising evil not err? And kindness and truth [are] to those devising good,
Behold, those who contrive evil are in error; but kindness and truth attend on those who contrive what is good.
Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan to do good will receive covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness.
From the Latin
They err that work evil: but mercy and truth prepare good things.
Simplified
Aren't people who plan to do evil wrong? But those who plan to do good have trustworthy love and faithfulness.
Will not the designers of evil come into error? But mercy and good faith are for the designers of good.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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.
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 14:22 states, "Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness." The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation of this verse, has a word-by-word correspondence that matches 4 out of the 8 words in the Masoretic Text, indicating some level of agreement in content, though the exact phrasing and structure differ. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variations for this verse, so the primary comparison remains between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint, with the former being the more complete source for this passage.
הֲֽלוֹא־ יִ֭תְעוּ חֹ֣רְשֵׁי רָ֑ע וְחֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת חֹ֣רְשֵׁי טֽוֹב׃
4 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.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 14:22
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.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part | Part — Particle · particleHTi/Tn
תָּעָה (ta`ah) is a Hebrew verb that means to wander or go astray, both physically and ethically. It can refer to being led astray, as in a moral sense, or to the effects of intoxication. The word has various forms, including Qal (to err), Niphal (to be made to wander), and Hiphil (to cause to wander).
תָּעָה vb. err
Qal
physically wander about
of intoxication
ethically
Niph.
be made to wander about, as a drunkard
ethically: be led astray
Hiph.
physically cause to wander about
of intoxication
mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead
base
H8582 תָּעָה err .. physically wander about
. of intoxication
. ethically
. . be made to wander about, as a drunkard
. ethically: be led astray
. . physically cause to wander about
. of intoxication
. mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead
8582 ta`ah taw-aw'
a primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (literally
or figuratively); also causative of both:--(cause to) go
astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant,
seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the
way.
תָּעָה (ta.ah) — to go astray.
1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger
1a) (Qal) to err
1a1) to wander about (physically)
1a2) of intoxication
1a3) of sin (ethically)
1a4) wandering (of the mind)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard)
1b2) to be led astray (ethically)
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander
1c1) to cause to wander about (physically)
1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication)
1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
a-stra' (ta`ah, "to wander," "to err"; planaomai, "to go astray," each carrying the idea of being lost): With one exception (Ex 23:4 "his ass going astray") used metaphorically of moral wandering, going astray in paths of error and sin, like "sheep going astray" (1Pe 2:25 the King James Version; Isa 53:6; Ps 119:176).
The Hebrew word חָרַשׁ (*charash*) encompasses meanings related to cutting, engraving, and plowing, as well as devising, often with a negative connotation. It also has a related form, חָרֵשׁ (*charesh*), which means to be silent or deaf. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical actions to metaphorical implications of secrecy and silence.
[חָרַשׁ] vb. cut in, engrave, plough, devise
Qal
cut in, engrave
plough
devise
Niph. Zion, as a field she shall be ploughed
Hiph. fabricating mischief against
base
[חָרֵשׁ] vb. 1. be silent, dumb, speechless; 2. be deaf; chiefly poet.
Qal
be silent, alw. of God’s keeping silence when men pray
be deaf
Hiph.
be silent (= exhibit silence)
once causat. make silent
be deaf, shew deafness
base
H2790a חָרַשׁ cut in, engrave, plough, devise H2790b חָרֵשׁ . be silent, dumb, speechless
. be deaf; chiefly poet.
2790 charash khaw-rash'
a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to
engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate
(of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense);
hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone;
hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of
dumbness):--X altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise,
ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace,
plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep
silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue,
worker.
חָרַשׁ (cha.rash) — to plow/plot.
1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut in, engrave
1a2) to plough
1a3) to devise
1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed
1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
חָרֵשׁ (cha.resh) — be quiet.
1) to be silent, be dumb, be speechless, be deaf
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be silent
1a2) to be deaf
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to be silent, keep quiet
1b2) to make silent
1b3) to be deaf, show deafness
1c) (Hithpael) to remain silent
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
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.
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…
רַע (ra) is a Hebrew word meaning bad or evil, encompassing a range of negative qualities such as distress, misery, and ethical wrongdoing. It can describe unpleasantness, harm, or low value, and is used in various contexts, including emotional states and moral judgments. The entries also note its comparative form, indicating worse than or worst. The word has feminine forms, such as רָעָה (ra.ah), which similarly convey concepts of evil and distress.
רַע 228 adj. bad, evil
bad, disagreeable, malignant
bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
evil, displeasing
bad of its kind
bad, , i.e. of low value
מִן comp., worse than
sad, unhappy
devise evil (hurtful) device
bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
ethically bad, evil, wicked
base
רַע 126 n.m. evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
evil, distress, adversity
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
רָעָה 310 n.f. evil, misery, distress, injury
evil, misery, distress
evil, injury, wrong
ethical evil
base
H7451a רַע bad, evil . bad, disagreeable, malignant
. bad, unpleasant, giving pain, unhappiness, misery
. evil, displeasing
. bad of its kind
. bad, , i.e. of low value
. + מִן comp., worse than
. sad, unhappy
. devise evil (hurtful) device
. bad, unkind, vicious in disposition or temper
. ethically bad, evil, wicked
H7451b רַע evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity . evil, distress, adversity
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
H7451c רָעָה evil, misery, distress, injury . evil, misery, distress
. evil, injury, wrong
. ethical evil
7451 ra` rah
from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):--
adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure),
distress, evil((- favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, X
great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured),
+ mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not
please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex,
wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong.
(Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.).
see HEBREW for 07489
רַע (ra) — bad: harmful.
: harmful
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc)
1e) bad (of value)
1f) worse than, worst (comparison)
1g) sad, unhappy
1h) evil (hurtful)
1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)
1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)
1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts
1j2) deeds, actions
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
1) evil, distress, misery, injury, calamity
1a) evil, distress, adversity
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — distress: harm.
: harm
1) evil, misery, distress, injury
1a) evil, misery, distress
1b) evil, injury, wrong
1c) evil (ethical)
רַע (ra) — bad: evil.
: evil
adj
1) bad, evil
1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant
1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)
1c) evil, displeasing
Adj — AdjHAamsa
ev'-'-l, e'-vil ra`; poneros, @kakos, @kakon:
In the Bible it is represented as moral and physical. We choose to discuss the subject under these heads. Many of the evils that come upon men have not been intended by those who suffer for them. Disease, individual and national calamity, drought, scarcity of food, may not always be charged to the account of intentional wrong. Many times the innocent suffer with, and even for, the guilty. In such cases, only physical evil is apparent. Even when the suffering has been occasioned by sin or dereliction of duty, whether the wrong is active or passive, many, perhaps the majority of those who are injured, are not accountable in any way for the ills which come upon them. Neither is God the author of moral evil. "God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man" (Jas 1:13).
→ APPEARANCE OF, TO BE AVOIDED Ro 14:1-23; 1Co 8:7-13; 10:28-33; 1Th 4:11,12; 5:22
→ INSTANCES OF
Paul, in refusing to eat what had been offered to idols 1Co 8:13
In supporting himself 1Co 9:7-23
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) primarily means kindness or goodness, often referring to the kindness of people towards one another, especially towards the needy. It can also denote God's lovingkindness and mercy. Additionally, it has a secondary meaning of shame or reproach. The entries reflect a range of uses, from human interactions to divine attributes.
חֶ֫סֶד 247 n.m. goodness, kindness
of man:
kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
(rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
lovely appearance
of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
base
חֶ֫סֶד n.m. shame, reproach
base
H2617a חֶ֫סֶד goodness, kindness . of man: . kindness of men toward men, in doing favours and benefits
. kindness (especially as extended to the lowly, needy and miserable), mercy
. (rarely) affection of Isr. to י׳, love to God, piety
. lovely appearance
. of God: kindness, lovingkindness in condescending to the needs of his creatures.
H2617b חֶ֫סֶד shame, reproach
2617 checed kheh'-sed
from 2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety:
rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty:--favour,
good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)kindness, merciful
(kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
see HEBREW for 02616
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — kindness.
goodness, kindness, faithfulness
חֶ֫סֶד (che.sed) — shame.
a reproach, shame
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
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.
אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness
reliability, sureness
stability, continuance
faithfulness, reliableness
truth
adv. in truth, truly
base
H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness
. stability, continuance
. faithfulness, reliableness
. truth
. adv. in truth, truly
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
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
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Ncfsa
An infinite attribute of Jehovah; adapted to make perfect both the confidence of those who believe his word and rely on his promises, and the despair of those who doubt his word and defy his threatenings, De 28:26 Nu 23:19 Ps 89:33-34 Heb 10:23.
→ EXHORTATION TO Ps 12:1; 31:23; Pr 20:6; 28:20; Mt 10:22; 24:45-47; 25:14-23; Lu 12:42-44; 16:10-12; 19:12-27; 1Co 4:2; Re 2:10
See OBEDIENCE, EXHORTATION TO
See PERSEVERANCE
See MINISTERS, FAITHFUL
See REPROOF, FAITHFULNESS IN
→ INSTANCES OF
Abraham Ga 3:9
Moses Heb 3:5
David 2Sa 22:22-25
Elijah 1Ki 19:10,14
The Hebrew word חָרַשׁ (*charash*) encompasses meanings related to cutting, engraving, and plowing, as well as devising, often with a negative connotation. It also has a related form, חָרֵשׁ (*charesh*), which means to be silent or deaf. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical actions to metaphorical implications of secrecy and silence.
[חָרַשׁ] vb. cut in, engrave, plough, devise
Qal
cut in, engrave
plough
devise
Niph. Zion, as a field she shall be ploughed
Hiph. fabricating mischief against
base
[חָרֵשׁ] vb. 1. be silent, dumb, speechless; 2. be deaf; chiefly poet.
Qal
be silent, alw. of God’s keeping silence when men pray
be deaf
Hiph.
be silent (= exhibit silence)
once causat. make silent
be deaf, shew deafness
base
H2790a חָרַשׁ cut in, engrave, plough, devise H2790b חָרֵשׁ . be silent, dumb, speechless
. be deaf; chiefly poet.
2790 charash khaw-rash'
a primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to
engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate
(of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense);
hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone;
hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of
dumbness):--X altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise,
ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace,
plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep
silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue,
worker.
חָרַשׁ (cha.rash) — to plow/plot.
1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to cut in, engrave
1a2) to plough
1a3) to devise
1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed
1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
חָרֵשׁ (cha.resh) — be quiet.
1) to be silent, be dumb, be speechless, be deaf
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be silent
1a2) to be deaf
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to be silent, keep quiet
1b2) to make silent
1b3) to be deaf, show deafness
1c) (Hithpael) to remain silent
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
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.
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…
טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.
טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good
pleasant, agreeable to the senses
pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
good, excellent, of its kind
good, rich, valuable in estimation
good, appropriate, becoming
c. מִן compar. = better
of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
good, kind, benign
good (ethical), right
base
טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
good = benefit
moral good
base
טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
bounty, good
base
H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses
. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
. good, excellent, of its kind
. good, rich, valuable in estimation
. good, appropriate, becoming
. c. מִן compar. =better
. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
. good, kind, benign
. good (ethical), right
H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good
2896 towb tobe
from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used
likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,
the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a
good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or
women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,
bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,
fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),
graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,
merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,
prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well
((-favoured)).
see HEBREW for 02895
טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.
adj
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
טוֹב (tov) — good.
1) a good thing, benefit, welfare
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) good, benefit
1d) moral good
טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.
1) welfare, benefit, good things
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) bounty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
