Proverbs 17:7 — Word Study
WLCלֹא־ נָאוָ֣ה לְנָבָ֣ל שְׂפַת־ יֶ֑תֶר אַ֝֗ף כִּֽי־ לְנָדִ֥יב שְׂפַת־ שָֽׁקֶר׃
BSAEloquentyether [fine, excellent] wordssâphâh are unfitlôʼ [not suitable, do not become] for a foolnâbâl [foolish, stupid person] how much worseʼaph [much less] are lyingsheqer [false, deceptive] lipssâphâh [language, speech] to a rulernâdîyb [noble, prince]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| נָאוָ֣ה | [is] suitable | |
| לְנָבָ֣ל | for a fool | Preposition |
| שְׂפַת־ | a lip of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| יֶ֑תֶר | excellence | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אַ֝֗ף | indeed? | Particle |
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| לְנָדִ֥יב | for a noble [person] | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| שְׂפַת־ | a lip of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| שָֽׁקֶר׃ | deception | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler! |
| KJV | Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. |
| ASV | Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. |
| YLT | Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood. |
| WEB | Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. |
| BBE | Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man, much less are false lips in a ruler. |
Where they part company is שְׂפַת־ — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has two main clauses, each with a prepositional phrase indicating the subject's unsuitability and the comparison being made.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 17:7
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
Proverbs 17:7 reflects on the appropriateness of speech, contrasting eloquence with foolishness and deception. The surrounding verses emphasize the value of wise communication and the consequences of unwise speech, as seen in Proverbs 17:6 and 17:8.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:7 | Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. |
| 2 | Psalm 50:16–17 | To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? |
| 3 | Matthew 7:5 | You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:10–13 | A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:12 | If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — נָאוֶה, na.Vahgenerated
The word נָאוֶה (na'vah) means suitable or beautiful, often used to describe something that is pleasing or appropriate. It is derived from roots suggesting beauty and attractiveness, indicating that eloquent words should be fitting and not just ornate.
In this verse, it highlights that eloquent words do not befit a fool, suggesting that the beauty of language is wasted on those who lack wisdom.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that eloquent words are inappropriate for fools, with variations in phrasing but consistent meaning across versions like the BSB, KJV, ASV, and others.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the finite verb נָאוָ֣ה, is suitable, with the subject being 'eloquent words' and the predicate describing their unsuitability for a fool. The structure emphasizes the contrast between the two subjects.
The sentence is complex, with a subordinate clause that introduces the comparison of lying lips to a ruler, creating a layered argument about the nature of speech.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint uses ἁρμόσει for נָאוֶה, indicating a similar focus on suitability, but the choice of words may reflect a broader interpretation of the Hebrew context.
The Greek translation captures the essence of the Hebrew while adapting it for a Hellenistic audience, suggesting an understanding of the importance of appropriate speech.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 17:7 tells us that eloquent words are not suitable for a fool, and lying lips are even worse for a ruler. This verse warns against the misuse of language and emphasizes the importance of wisdom in speech.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that beautiful or articulate speech is wasted on someone who lacks wisdom or understanding.
For a ruler, deception undermines trust and authority, making it far more damaging than foolish speech.
This verse reflects the broader theme in Proverbs that emphasizes the value of wise and truthful speech over eloquence without substance.
We learn that the appropriateness of our words matters, and that wisdom should guide our speech, especially in positions of authority.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what situations have I seen eloquent speech misused?
- How can I ensure my words are suitable for my audience?
- What role does honesty play in my communication with others?
- How can I cultivate wisdom in my speech?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 17:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleExcellent speech becometh not a fool,.... A wicked man. Eloquence, or a sublime grand way of speaking, a copiousness and fluency of expression, become not such; because hereby he may be capable of
Read John Gill on Proverbs 17 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryExcellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. Excellent speech (a lip of excellency) becometh not a fool; much less do lying lips (a lip of lying) a prince.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 17 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleExcellent speech; either, 1. Discourse of high and excellent things far above his capacity. Or, 2. Lofty or eloquent speech, which fools oft affect, Or, 3. Virtuous and godly discourse. A fool; either properly so called; or, as this word is most commonly used in this book, a wicked man, whose actions give the lie to his expressions.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 17 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.Ver. 7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool.] A Nabal, a sapless, worthless fellow, in whom all worth is withered and decayed, - qui nullas habet dicendi vires, as Cicero hath it, that can say no good except it be by rote, or at least by book, - what should he do discoursing of high points? God likes not fair words from a foul mouth. Christ silenced the devil when he confessed him to be the Son of the most high God. The leper’ s lips should be covered, according to the law. The Lacedemonians, when a bad man had uttered a good speech in their council house, liking the speech but not the speaker, commanded…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 17 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) Excellent speech becometh not a fool.—Rather, perhaps, Superfluous or pretentious words become not a vile person (nâbhâl), such as is described in Isaiah 32:6. (Comp. 1 Samuel 25:25.) Much less do lying lips a prince.—Or, liberal person (Isaiah 32:8): noblesse oblige.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 17 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. Excellent speech becometh not a fool] This proverb is suitable to those who affect, in public speaking, fine language, which neither comports with their ordinary conversation, nor with their education. Often fine words are injudiciously brought in, and are as unbecoming and irrelevant as a cart wheel among clockwork.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 17 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe margin renderings are more literal and give greater emphasis. What is pointed out is not the unfitness of lying lips for the princely-hearted, but the necessity of harmony, in each case, between character and speech.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 17 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible7. Excellent speech — Hebrew, lips of excellence. A fool — Several different words in this book are rendered by our word fool. They all seem to imply some bad qualifies, moral as well as intellectual.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 17 →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
Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!
Tyndale line
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Hie talke becommeth not a foole, much lesse a lying talke a prince.
Strictly literal
Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!
Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.
A lip of excellence is not fitting for a fool, much less a lip of falsehood for a noble.
High-toned language is not seemly to a worthless fool: and yet much less the language of falsehood to a noble.
Eloquent speech is not suitable for a fool; much less are lying lips suitable for royalty.
From the Latin
Eloquent words do not become a fool, nor lying lips a prince.
Simplified
Fine words don't suit stupid people, how much less are lies suited to a ruler.
Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man, much less are false lips in a ruler.
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 and the Septuagint largely agree, with 9 out of 10 words matched. The differences lie in the arrangement and specific word choices, but the core message remains consistent across both texts.
לֹא־ נָאוָ֣ה לְנָבָ֣ל שְׂפַת־ יֶ֑תֶר אַ֝֗ף כִּֽי־ לְנָדִ֥יב שְׂפַת־ שָֽׁקֶר׃
9 of the 10 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 17:7
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 — ParticleHTn
נָאוֶה (na'veh) is an adjective meaning suitable, beautiful, or comely. It conveys a sense of attractiveness or appropriateness in appearance. The word is derived from roots that suggest beauty and suitability, but the lexicons do not provide specific verse references or significant disagreements.
נָאוֶה adj. comely, seemly
base
H5000 נָאוֶה
5000 na'veh naw-veh'
from 4998 or 5116; suitable, or beautiful:--becometh,
comely, seemly.
see HEBREW for 04998
see HEBREW for 05116
נָאוֶה (na.eh) — lovely.
1) comely, beautiful, seemly
1a) comely, beautiful
1b) seemly
HAafsa — HAafsa
The Hebrew word נָבָל (nabal) means foolish or senseless, particularly describing a person lacking ethical and religious understanding. It conveys notions of ignobility and disgracefulness. The word is derived from a root meaning 'stupid' or 'wicked.' It can also refer to a vile person.
נָבָל adj. foolish, senseless, esp. of the man who has no perception of ethical and religious claims, and with collat. idea of ignoble, disgraceful; elsewh. as subst. (impious and presumptuous) fool
base
H5036 נָבָל foolish, senseless, esp. of the man who has no perception of ethical and religious claims, and with collat. idea of ignoble, disgraceful
5036 nabal naw-bawl'
from 5034; stupid; wicked (especially impious):--
fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person.
see HEBREW for 05034
נָבָל (na.val) — foolish.
foolish, senseless, fool
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHR/Aamsa
Any person who does not act wisely, that is, does not follow the warnings and requirements of God, which are founded in infinite wisdom. Hence "a fool" is put for a wicked man, an enemy or neglecter of God, Ps 14:1 Pr 19:1. So folly is put for wickedness, 2Sa 13:12,13 Ps 38:5, foolish lusts for wicked lusts, etc. Foolish talking, foolish questions, are vain, empty, unprofitable conversation, 2Ti 2:23.
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.
שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge
lip
language
edge: shore of sea; bank of river
base
H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip
. language
. edge: shore of sea; bank of river
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
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)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
The Hebrew word יֶ֫תֶר (*yether*) encompasses meanings related to remainder, excess, and excellence, as well as a small cord. It is derived from a root meaning 'to remain' and can refer to both a surplus or remnant and a physical string. The entries consistently highlight its dual meanings without significant disagreement.
יֶ֫תֶר 94 n.m. remainder, excellence, excess
base
יֶ֫תֶר n.m. cord (prop. as hanging over or down)
base
H3499a יֶ֫תֶר remainder, excellence, excess H3499b יֶ֫תֶר cord
3499 yether yeh'-ther
from 3498; properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an
excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging
free):--+ abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what
they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue,
rest, string, with.
see HEBREW for 03498
יֶ֫תֶר (ye.ter) — remainder.
1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence
1a) remainder, remnant
1b) remainder, rest, other part
1c) excess
1d) abundantly (adv)
1e) abundance, affluence
1f) superiority, excellency
יֶ֫תֶר (ye.ter) — cord.
cord
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
The Hebrew word אַף (aph) is a conjunction that indicates addition, often implying something greater. It can mean 'also,' 'yea,' or 'though,' and is used to connect ideas in a sentence. The entries highlight its use as both an adverb and conjunction, with a focus on its additive nature.
אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea
base
H637 אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea
637 'aph af
a primitive particle; meaning accession (used as an adverb or
conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though:--also, +
although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, + how much less
(more, rather than), moreover, with, yea.
אַף (aph) — also.
conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater)
1) also, yea, though, so much the more
adv
2) furthermore, indeed
Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
DirObjM — ParticleHTj
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
HTc — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
נָדִיב (nadiyb) conveys meanings of being inclined, generous, and noble. It is derived from a root meaning voluntary or willing, and can refer to a noble person or grandee, sometimes with a connotation of tyranny. The word appears in contexts related to nobility and willingness, including a mention in Song of Solomon 6:12.
נָדִיב adj. and n.m. inclined, generous, noble
incited, inclined, willing
noble, princely, in rank
noble in mind and character
base
H5081 נָדִיב inclined, generous, noble
5081 nadiyb naw-deeb'
from 5068; properly, voluntary, i.e. generous; hence,
magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant):--free,
liberal (things), noble, prince, willing ((hearted)).
see HEBREW for 05068
נָדִיב (na.div) — noble: willing.
: willing
n m
1) noble one
adj
2) inclined, willing, noble, generous
1a) incited, inclined, willing
1b) noble, princely (in rank)
1c) noble (in mind and character)
Also means: na.div (נָדִיב ": noble" H5081H)
§ A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at Sng.6.12
נָדִיב (na.div) — noble.
: noble
n m
1) noble one
adj
2) inclined, willing, noble, generous
1a) incited, inclined, willing
1b) noble, princely (in rank)
1c) noble (in mind and character)
Prep | Adj — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
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.
שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge
lip
language
edge: shore of sea; bank of river
base
H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip
. language
. edge: shore of sea; bank of river
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
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)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
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…
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.
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
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.
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
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
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ INSTANCES OF
By Satan Ge 3:4
Abraham, in stating that Sarah was his sister Ge 12:13; 20:2
Isaac, in stating that his wife was his sister Ge 26:7
Jacob and Rebekah, in imposing Jacob on his father, and Jacob's impersonating Esau Ge 27:6-23
Jacob's sons, in entrapping the Shechemites Ge 34:13-31
In representing to their father that Joseph had been destroyed by wild beasts Ge 37:29-35
Joseph, in his ruse with his brothers Ge 42; 43; 44
The Gibeonites, in misrepresenting their habitat Jos 9:3-15
