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Proverbs 15:33 — Word Study

Depth

WLCיִרְאַ֣ת יְ֭הוָה מוּסַ֣ר חָכְמָ֑ה וְלִפְנֵ֖י כָב֣וֹד עֲנָוָֽה׃

BSAThe fearyirʼâh [reverence, respect] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] [is] the instructionmûwçâr [discipline, correction] of wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, good judgment] and humilityʻănâvâh [a modest or humble mindset] comes beforepânîym [in the presence of] honorkâbôwd [great honor, splendor, glory]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 15
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 33 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 ('a.na.Vah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 15:33quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse teaches that reverence for the LORD is foundational to gaining wisdom, and that humility precedes honor.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, conveys wisdom.
Where we areThis verse is part of a collection of proverbs focused on the themes of wisdom and moral instruction.
The hard wordיִרְאַ֣ת
Take awayThe connection between fear of the LORD and wisdom highlights the importance of humility in achieving honor.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectעֲנָוָה 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 15:33

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 Humility in Proverbsgenerated

30The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones.
31He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 emphasizes the relationship between reverence for God and the acquisition of wisdom, illustrating that humility is essential for honor. This verse is situated within a broader discourse on the value of wisdom and the moral conduct expected of individuals, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss the importance of listening to reproof and heeding correction.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
2Proverbs 8:13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
3Job 28:28And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
4Psalm 34:11Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
5Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יִרְאַ֣ת, yir.'Atgenerated

The word יִרְאָה (yir'ah) is a feminine noun that signifies 'fear' or 'terror,' but in this context, it conveys a sense of reverence or respect towards God. It is built from the root that encompasses both emotional and moral dimensions, indicating a profound respect for divine authority.

This fear is not merely about being afraid; it embodies a deep respect that leads to wise living. The parsing as a noun in the singular construct form indicates its role as a foundational concept in the verse, linking the fear of the LORD directly to the instruction of wisdom.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree on the meaning of the key phrases in this verse, particularly regarding the fear of the LORD and its connection to wisdom and humility.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The finite verb structure in this verse is governed by the main clause, which identifies the fear of the LORD as the subject. The rest of the sentence elaborates on this relationship through a noun phrase and a prepositional phrase, indicating how humility relates to honor.

The arrangement emphasizes the importance of the first part of the sentence, establishing the fear of the LORD as the primary focus, with humility and honor as complementary concepts.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew יִרְאַ֣ת is translated as φόβος (phobos), which carries a similar meaning of fear or reverence. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the need for respect towards God.

The Greek term παιδεία is used for מוּסָר, indicating a focus on discipline and instruction, which aligns with the Hebrew context of moral guidance.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 15:33 teaches that having reverence for the LORD is key to gaining wisdom, and that humility is necessary before one can receive honor. This verse highlights the importance of respecting God and being humble in life.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to fear the LORD?

Fearing the LORD involves having a deep respect and reverence for God, recognizing His authority and power.

How does humility relate to honor?

Humility is a prerequisite for receiving honor; it suggests that those who are modest and humble will ultimately be recognized and honored.

Why is wisdom described as instruction?

Wisdom is seen as a skill that can be taught and learned, implying that it requires guidance and discipline to develop.

What are some examples of humility in the Bible?

Examples include Jesus washing the disciples' feet and the call to serve others, as seen in various passages throughout the New Testament.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the LORD in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I practice humility in my interactions with others?
  3. What steps can I take to seek wisdom through discipline and correction?
  4. How does understanding the connection between humility and honor influence my actions?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 15:33 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

The fear of the Lord [is] the instruction of wisdom,.... It is "the beginning of wisdom", Proverbs 9:10; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and

Read John Gill on Proverbs 15 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. The fear of the Lord (is) the instruction (Hebrew, the discipline) of wisdom - `the discipline' whereby "wisdom" is acquired (Psalms 111:10).

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 15 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Is the instruction of wisdom; doth instruct men in or lead them to true wisdom; whence it is said to be the beginning of wisdom, 9:10. Before honour is humility, i. e. it is the ready way to honour, both from God and from men. Humility; whereby men submit to God, and yield to men, which gains them love and respect; whereas pride procures them hatred and contempt from God and men.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 15 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.Ver. 33. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.] And before honour is humility.] David came not to the kingdom till he could truly say, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty," &c. Abigail was not made David’ s wife till she thought it honour enough to wash the feet of the lowest of David’ s servants. Moses must be forty years a stranger in Midian before he become king in Jeshurun; he must be struck sick to death in the inn before he go to Pharaoh on that honourable embassy. Luther observed that ever, for most part, before God set him upon any special service for the…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 15 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(33) The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.—Or, a discipline which leads to wisdom. (Comp. Proverbs 1:7.) Before honour is humility.—Humility leads to it. (Comp. Luke 1:52.)

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 15 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 33. The fear of the Lord] See Clarke on Proverbs 1:7. Much is spoken concerning this fear; 1. It is the beginning of wisdom. 2. It is also the beginning of knowledge. And, 3. It is the instruction of wisdom. Wisdom derives its most important lessons from the fear of God. He who fears God much, is well taught. And before honour is humility.] That is, few persons ever arrive at honour who are not humble; and those who from low life have risen to places of trust and confidence, have been remarkable for humility. We may rest assured that the providence of God will never elevate a proud man; such God beholds afar off. He may get into places of trust and profit, but God will oust him, and…

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 15 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

33. of wisdom] See Proverbs 15:31, note. before honour &c.] Comp. Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 15 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The instruction of wisdom - i. e., The discipline that leads to wisdom.

Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 15 →

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

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

NETBNew English Translation2006

The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.

RVARevised Version, American1894

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

The feare of the Lord is the instruction of wisdome: and before honour, goeth humilitie.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

The fear of Jehovah [is] the instruction of wisdom, And before honour [is] humility!

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

The fear of YHWH [is] the instruction of wisdom, || And humility [is] before honor!

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

The fear of the Lord is the correction for wisdom; and before honor there must come humility.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom and humility comes before honor.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

The fear of the Lord is the lesson of wisdom: and humility goeth before glory.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Respect for the Lord teaches wisdom; humility goes before honor.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

The fear of the Lord is the teaching of wisdom; and a low opinion of oneself goes before honour.

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 · subjectיִרְאַ֣תthe.fearיְ֭הוָהof.Yahwehnoun phrase · predicateמוּסַ֣ר[is.the].correctionחָכְמָ֑הof.wisdomוְandclauseprepositional phrase · predicateלִ[is]noun phraseפְנֵ֖יbeforeכָב֣וֹדhonorsubjectעֲנָוָֽהhumility

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


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

The Masoretic Text aligns closely with the Septuagint, with six out of seven words matched. This consistency indicates a strong agreement in the fundamental concepts presented in both texts, emphasizing the fear of the LORD and humility.

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

יִרְאַ֣ת יְ֭הוָה מוּסַ֣ר חָכְמָ֑ה וְלִפְנֵ֖י כָב֣וֹד עֲנָוָֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יִרְאַ֣תφόβοςיְ֭הוָהθεοῦמוּסַ֣רπαιδείαחָכְמָ֑הσοφίαוְלִפְנֵ֖יἀρξὴכָב֣וֹדδόχης

6 of the 7 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 15:33יִרְאָה[the] fear [the] fear ofיִרְאָהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהמוּסָר[is the] co[is the] correcמוּסָרחָכְמָהwisdomwisdomחָכְמָהפָּנֶהand [is] beand [is] beforeפָּנֶהכָּבוֹדhonorhonorכָּבוֹדעֲנָוָהhumilityhumilityעֲנָוָההָיָהto beto beהָיָהיָסַרto disciplto disciplineיָסַרחָכַםbe wisebe wiseחָכַםפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהכָּבֵדto honor: to honor: honouכָּבֵדעָנָוpoorpoorעָנָויָרֵאafraidafraidיָרֵאדַּ֫עַתknowledgeknowledgeדַּ֫עַתרֵאשִׁיתfirst: begfirst: beginninרֵאשִׁיתנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאתּוֹכֵחָהrebukerebukeתּוֹכֵחָהאֱוִילfool(ish)fool(ish)אֱוִילתְּבוּנָהunderstandunderstandingתְּבוּנָהסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסעֹ֫שֶׁרrichesrichesעֹ֫שֶׁרהָדָרglorygloryהָדָר
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 15:33

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.

[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
יִרְאַ֣תyir.'At [the] fear of H3374 Noun common · feminine singular construct
45× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Amplified meaning
reverence, respect
Tyndale gloss
fear
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יִרְאָה (yir'ah) is a feminine noun meaning 'fear' or 'terror,' encompassing both the emotion and the concept of reverence, particularly in relation to God. It can denote an object that causes fear or the respect and piety associated with divine authority. The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יִרְאָה n.f. fear

fear, terror

a terror = obj. of terror

fear of God, reverence, piety

the fear of י׳ the law as revered.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3374 יִרְאָה fear

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3374 yir'ah yir-aw'

feminine of 3373; fear (also used as infinitive); morally,

reverence:--X dreadful, X exceedingly, fear(-fulness).

see HEBREW for 03373

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יִרְאָה (yir.ah) — fear.

1) fear, terror, fearing

1a) fear, terror

1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear)

1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety

1d) revered

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…

[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
יְ֭הוָהYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, The covenant Name of God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
מוּסַ֣רmu.Sar [is the] correction of H4148 Noun common · masculine singular construct
50× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Amplified meaning
discipline, correction
Tyndale gloss
discipline
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוּסָר (mūsar) refers to discipline, chastening, and correction, particularly of a moral nature. It encompasses concepts like reproof, warning, and instruction, and can also imply restraint or bonds. The entries consistently highlight its focus on moral and instructional aspects, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוּסָר n.m. discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4148 מוּסָר discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4148 muwcar moo-sawr'

from 3256; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof,

warning or instruction; also restraint:--bond, chastening

((-eth)), chastisement, check, correction, discipline,

doctrine, instruction, rebuke.

see HEBREW for 03256

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline.

: discipline/punishment

1) discipline, chastening, correction

1a) discipline, correction

1b) chastening

מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: instruction.

: instruction

1) discipline, chastening, correction

1a) discipline, correction

1b) chastening

מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: bonds.

: bonds/noose

1) discipline, chastening, correction

1a) discipline, correction

1b) chastening

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
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…

[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
חָכְמָ֑הchokh.mah wisdom H2451 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
153× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Amplified meaning
skill, prudence, good judgment
Tyndale gloss
wisdom
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom

skill in war

wisdom, in administration

shrewdness, wisdom

wisdom, prudence in religious affairs

wisdom, ethical and religious

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war

. wisdom, in administration

. shrewdness, wisdom

. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs

. wisdom, ethical and religious

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2451 chokmah khok-maw'

from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,

wisely, wit.

see HEBREW for 02449

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.

1) wisdom

1a) skill (in war)

1b) wisdom (in administration)

1c) shrewdness, wisdom

1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)

1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wiz'-dum:

1. Linguistic

2. History

3. Religious Basis

4. Ideals

5. Teaching of Christ

6. Remainder of the New Testament

(1) James

(2) Paul

7. Hypostasis

LITERATURE

1. Linguistic:

In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Of Joseph Ge 41:16,25-39; Ac 7:10

→ Of Moses Ac 7:22

→ Of Bezaleel Ex 31:3-5; 35:31-35; 36:1

→ Of Aholiab Ex 31:6; 35:34,35; 36:1

→ Of other skilled artisans Ex 36:2

→ Of women Ex 35:26

→ Of Hiram 1Ki 7:14; 2Ch 2:14

→ Of Solomon 1Ki 3:12,16-28; 4:29-34; 5:12; 10:24

[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
וְלִפְנֵ֖יve.lif.Nei and [is] before H6440 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
in the presence of
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-cp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HC/R/Ncmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
כָב֣וֹדkha.Vod honor H3519 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
200× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Amplified meaning
great honor, splendor, glory
Tyndale gloss
glory
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּבוֹד (kabowd) refers to concepts of abundance, honour, and glory. It encompasses external splendor, dignity of position, and reputation, as well as the inner nobility of a person. The term can denote both the weightiness of glory and the reverence due to someone. The entries consistently emphasize its positive connotations.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כָּבוֹד n.m. and f. abundance, honour, glory

abundance, riches

honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances

honour, dignity of position

honour, reputation, of character

my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man

honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one

glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3519 כָּבוֹד abundance, honour, glory . abundance, riches

. honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances

. honour, dignity of position

. honour, reputation, of character

. my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man

. honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one

. glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3519 kabowd kaw-bode'

rarely kabod {kaw-bode'}; from 3513; properly, weight, but

only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or

copiousness:--glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able).

see HEBREW for 03513

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּבוֹד (ka.vod) — glory.

1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance

1a) abundance, riches

1b) honour, splendour, glory

1c) honour, dignity

1d) honour, reputation

1e) honour, reverence, glory

1f) glory

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
[the] fear of Yahweh [is the] correction of wisdom and [is] before honor humility
עֲנָוָֽה׃'a.na.Vah humility H6038 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word describes humility, referring to a modest or humble mindset, whether in humans or as a divine trait of God's clemency.
Amplified meaning
a modest or humble mindset
Tyndale gloss
humility
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֲנָוָה (anavah) refers to humility, meekness, and gentleness. It is derived from the root word עָנָה (anah) and encompasses both human modesty and divine clemency. The entries consistently highlight its meanings without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֲנָוָה n.f. humility; עַנְוָה־ (contr. because of Maqqeph)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6038 עֲנָוָה, עַנְוָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6038 `anavah an-aw-vaw'

from 6035; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or

divine and objective (clemency):--gentleness, humility,

meekness.

see HEBREW for 06035

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֲנָוָה (a.na.vah) — humility.

humility, meekness

Also means: an.vah (עַנְוָה "gentleness" H6037)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hu-mil'-i-ti (~[`anawah]; tapeinophrosune):

(1) The noun occurs in the Old Testament only in Pr 15:33; 18:12; 22:4, but the adjective "humble" appears frequently as the translation of `ani, `anaw, shaphal, meaning also "poor," "afflicted"; the verb, as the translation of `anah, "to afflict," "to humble," and of kana`, "to be or become humbled"; tsana`, "to be lowly," occurs in Mic 6:8. For "humble" (Ps 9:12; 10:12) the Revised Version (British and American) has "poor"; Ps 10:17; 34:2; 69:32, "meek"; for "humbled" (Ps 35:13), "afflicted" (Isa 2:11; 10:33), "brought…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Humility

A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).

Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The opposite of pride, in its nature and in the degree of its prevalence. It is often extolled in the Bible, Pr 15:33 16:19; and the Savior especially exalts it, Mt 18:4, and ennobles and endears it by his own example, Joh 13:4-17 Php 2:5-8. Every created being, however holy, should possess it; but in the character of the sinful sons of men it should become a fundamental and allpervading trait, to continue forever.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning De 9:4-29; 15:15; 32:7; Job 5:11; 22:29; 25:5,6; Ps 9:12; 10:17; 22:6,26; 25:9; 37:11; 69:32; 86:1; 131:1,2; 138:6; 147:6; Pr 3:34; 10:8; 11:2; 12:15; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6,7; 27:2; 29:23; 30:32; Ec 5:2; Isa 29:19; 51:1; 57:15; 66:2; Jer 45:5; Eze 16:63; Mic 6:8; Zep 3:11,12;

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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