Menu

Proverbs 21:14 — Word Study

Depth

WLCמַתָּ֣ן בַּ֭סֵּתֶר יִכְפֶּה־ אָ֑ף וְשֹׁ֥חַד בַּ֝חֵ֗ק חֵמָ֥ה עַזָּֽה׃

BSAA giftmattân [present, offering] in secretçêther [hidden, concealed] sootheskâphâh [pacifies, calms] angerʼaph [strong displeasure] and a covertchêyq [hidden, secret] bribeshachad [reward, gift] [pacifies] greatʻaz [subdues, calms, strong, fierce] wrathchêmâh [intense anger, rage]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 21
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 14 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.Zah) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 21:14quick helps
In a sentenceA secret gift can calm anger, while a hidden bribe can subdue intense rage.
Who is speakingThe wise teacher of Proverbs, sharing insights on human behavior.
Where we areIn a collection of wisdom sayings, this verse addresses the effects of gifts and bribes.
The hard wordחֵמָה
Take awayThe effectiveness of gifts and bribes in influencing emotions.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbכָּפָה The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 8 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

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 21:14

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 Gifts and Bribesgenerated

13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.
16The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.

Proverbs 21:14 presents a contrast between the effects of secret gifts and covert bribes on anger and wrath. This verse is part of a larger discourse on the nature of human interactions and the wisdom of using gifts to influence emotions positively. It highlights the subtleties of human relationships and the potential for gifts to both soothe and manipulate.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 17:8–23A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
2Proverbs 18:16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
3Proverbs 19:6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
4Genesis 32:20You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ”
5Genesis 43:11Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

in secretMatthew 6:3–4

The Key Word מַתָּן, ma.Tangenerated

The Hebrew word מַתָּן (*mattan*) means 'gift' or 'present.' It is derived from the root meaning 'to give' and encompasses various forms of gifts, offerings, and rewards. The parsing indicates it is a masculine singular noun, suggesting a specific instance of giving.

In this verse, it emphasizes the power of a gift to calm anger, showing that thoughtful giving can have a positive effect on relationships. The lexicons consistently define it as a collective noun for gifts, indicating no significant disagreement among them.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has gift and bribe, which aligns with the KJV and ASV in their renderings.

Where others part company with the BSB they part company over the word עַזָּֽהstrong (ASV, KJV) versus subdues (NETB) and calms (FBV). The variations reflect different nuances in the understanding of the emotional impact of the actions described.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The verse contains two main clauses connected by 'and', with the finite verb יִכְפֶּה governing the subject אָ֑ף. The structure emphasizes the relationship between the gift and the emotional response it elicits.

The first clause describes the calming effect of a secret gift, while the second clause describes the pacifying effect of a covert bribe. This parallel structure highlights the contrasting ways gifts and bribes can influence anger and wrath.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates מַתָּן as δόσις — meaning 'giving' — which aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning of a gift. This choice reflects a straightforward rendering of the Hebrew concept.

For שֹׁחַד, the Greek δώρων captures the idea of a gift intended to influence, maintaining the nuance of the original Hebrew while adapting it to the Greek audience.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 21:14 teaches that a gift given in secret can calm someone's anger, while a hidden bribe can subdue intense rage. This shows how gifts can influence emotions and relationships.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that a gift in secret soothes anger?

It suggests that thoughtful giving, especially when done discreetly, can help ease tensions and resolve conflicts.

Why is a bribe mentioned in this verse?

A bribe is included to illustrate how gifts can also be used manipulatively to influence someone's feelings or actions, often in a negative way.

How can this verse apply to modern relationships?

It highlights the importance of generosity and the impact of our actions on others' emotions, encouraging thoughtful giving over manipulation.

What is the significance of secrecy in giving?

Secrecy in giving can enhance the positive effects of the gift, as it may be perceived as more sincere and less self-serving.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. How can I practice giving in a way that positively influences my relationships?
  2. What are some examples of gifts that can soothe anger in my life?
  3. In what situations might I be tempted to use a bribe instead of a genuine gift?
  4. How does this verse challenge my understanding of generosity and manipulation?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 21:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

A gift in secret pacifieth anger,.... Appeases an angry man; humbles and "brings [his anger] down" (y), as Aben Ezra and Gersom observe the word signifies; which before rose very high, and showed

Read John Gill on Proverbs 21 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. A gift in secret pacifieth anger. Strong as is the passion of anger, it will yield to the stronger passion, cupidity.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 21 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

A gift, to a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show. In secret; which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver, and cause some shame or contempt to the receiver. In the bosom; secretly conveyed into his bosom. See Poole "", See Poole "".

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 21 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.Ver. 14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger.] That is, say some, Alms rightly performed pacifieth God’ s displeasure - compare Daniel 4:27; and the Jews at this day write this sentence of Solomon (in an abbreviation) upon their alms box. This sense suits well with the previous verse; but I conceive the wise man’ s drift here is to show how prevalent gifts are, if closely conveyed especially - which takes away the shame of open receiving - and what a pave they have to an amicable reconciliation. Thus Jacob pacified Esau; Abigail, David; Hezekiah, the Assyrian that came up against him. Howbeit this doth not…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 21 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) A gift in secret.—Comp. Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25:18).

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 21 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

14. pacifieth] The Heb. word occurs only here, and scholars, both ancient and modern, are divided between pacifieth (A.V. and R.V. text), turneth away, or bendeth (ἀνατρέπει, LXX.; frangit, Syr.; bendeth, R.V. marg.), and extinguisheth (extinguit, Vulg.); the word in this last case being regarded as synonymous with the similar word rendered quenched (of God’s anger), Jeremiah 7:20. Both renderings are admissible, but the former is to be preferred. a reward] Rather, a present, R.V., as the same Heb. word is rendered in Proverbs 6:35, Proverbs 17:8, A.V. in the bosom] brought in the folds of the garment from which it is drawn out stealthily and presented, see Proverbs 17:23.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 21 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

14. A gift… pacifieth — Subdues, allays, or diverts. The proverb only states a fact, without approving or condemning. It is presumed to refer to lawful presents, not to bribes.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 21 →

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

A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.

NETBNew English Translation2006

A gift given in secret subdues anger, and a bribe given secretly subdues strong wrath.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.

RVARevised Version, American1894

A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a present in the bosom strong wrath.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a gift in the bosome great wrath.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

A gift in secret pacifieth anger; and a present in the bosom, vehement fury.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

A gift in secret pacifies anger, || And a bribe in the bosom—strong fury.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a bribe in the bosom, strong fury.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

A gift in secret appeases anger and a concealed gift appeases strong wrath.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom the greatest wrath.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

A gift given in secret calms down anger, and a hidden bribe soothes furious rage.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

By a secret offering wrath is turned away, and the heat of angry feelings by money in the folds of the robe.

Word by word, the decisions they made

עַזָּֽה׃'a.Zah strong H5794 3 different renderings
strongASV ILT KJV LSV NWB RVA ULB WEB YLT
subduesNETB
calmsFBV

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.

clauseclausenoun phrase · subjectמַתָּ֣ןa.giftprepositional phraseבַּ֭innoun phrase(the)סֵּתֶרsecrecyverbיִכְפֶּהit.subduesobjectאָ֑ףangerוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectשֹׁ֥חַדa.bribeprepositional phraseבַּ֝innoun phrasetheחֵ֗קbosomnoun phrase · objectחֵמָ֥הrageעַזָּֽהstrong

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 agree on the wording of this verse, matching all eight words. This consistency indicates a strong preservation of the original text across these traditions.

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

מַתָּ֣ן בַּ֭סֵּתֶר יִכְפֶּה־ אָ֑ף וְשֹׁ֥חַד בַּ֝חֵ֗ק חֵמָ֥ה עַזָּֽה׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
מַתָּ֣ןδόσιςבַּ֭סֵּתֶרλάθριοςיִכְפֶּה־ἀνατρέπειאָ֑ףὀργάςוְשֹׁ֥חַדδώρωνבַּ֝חֵ֗קφειδόμενοςחֵמָ֥הθυμὸνעַזָּֽה׃ἰσξυρόν

8 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Proverbs 21:14מַתָּןa gifta giftמַתָּןסֵ֫תֶרin secrecyin secrecyסֵ֫תֶרכָּפָהit subduesit subduesכָּפָהאַףangerangerאַףשֹׁ֫חַדand a bribeand a bribeשֹׁ֫חַדחֵיקin the bosoin the bosomחֵיקחֵמָהragerageחֵמָהעַזstrongstrongעַזסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנָתַןto give: gto give: giveנָתַןאָנֵףbe angrybe angryאָנֵףשָׁחַדto bribeto bribeשָׁחַדיָחַםto conceivto conceiveיָחַםעָזַזbe strongbe strongעָזַזרֵעַneighborneighborרֵעַאָרֵךְslowslowאָרֵךְחָרוֹןburning anburning angerחָרוֹןעָוַרto blindto blindעָוַרמְחִירpricepriceמְחִיראַמָּהcubitcubitאַמָּהנָתַךְto pourto pourנָתַךְקִנְאָהjealousyjealousyקִנְאָהשֹׁדviolenceviolenceשֹׁדקָשֶׁהseveresevereקָשֶׁה
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 21:14

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
מַתָּ֣ןma.Tan a gift H4976 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
5× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means a present or gift, often used to describe offerings or rewards, as seen in various KJV translations.
Amplified meaning
present, offering
Tyndale gloss
gift
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word מַתָּן (*mattan*) means 'gift' or 'present.' It is derived from the root meaning 'to give' and encompasses various forms of gifts, offerings, and rewards. The entries consistently define it as a collective noun for gifts, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מַתָּן n.m. coll. gift(s)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4976 מַתָּן gift(s)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4976 mattan mat-tawn'

from 5414; a present:--gift, to give, reward.

see HEBREW for 05414

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מַתָּן (mat.tan) — gift.

gifts, offerings, presents

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

gift (mattanah, minchah, shochadh; doron, dorea, chairisma): In Ge 25:6; Ex 28:38; Nu 18:6,7,29; Eze 20:26, etc., mattanah, "a gift," is so rendered; minchah, an offering or present, used especially of the "meat offerings," is translated "gift" (2Sa 8:2,6 the King James Version; 2Ch 26:8), in which passages "tribute" is meant, as the Revised Version (British and American); 32:23; Ps 45:12. A few other words occur singly, e.g. 'eshkar, "a reward" (Ps 72:10)…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Gift

(1.) An gratuity (Prov. 19:6) to secure favour (18:16; 21:14), a thank-offering (Num. 18:11), or a dowry (Gen. 34:12).

(2.) An oblation or proppitatory gift (2Sa 8:2,6; 1Ch 18:2,6; 2Ch 26:8; Ps. 45:12; 72:10).

(3.) A bribe to a judge to obtain a favourable verdict (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

The giving and receiving of presents has in all ages been not only a more frequent but also a more formal and significant proceeding in the East than among ourselves. We cannot adduce a more remarkable proof of the important part which presents play in the social life of the East than the fact that the Hebrew language possesses no less than fifteen different expressions for the one idea. The mode of presentation was with as much parade as possible. The refusal of a present was regarded us a high indignity. No less an insult was it not to bring a present when the position of the parties demanded it. (1 Samuel 10:27)

a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
בַּ֭סֵּתֶרBa.se.ter in secrecy H5643 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
36× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Amplified meaning
hidden, concealed
Tyndale gloss
secrecy
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

סֵ֫תֶר (se.ter) refers to concepts of covering, hiding, and secrecy, encompassing both literal and figurative meanings. It can denote a hiding place or shelter, as well as the idea of secrecy, including slanderous speech. The feminine form, סִתְרָה (sit.rah), specifically means shelter or protection, with a reference to Deuteronomy 32:38.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

סֵ֫תֶר n.[m.] covering, hiding-place, secrecy

base

סִתְרָה n.f. shelter, protection, De 32:38

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5643a סֵ֫תֶר covering, hiding-place, secrecy H5643b סִתְרָה shelter, protection

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5643 cether say'-ther

or (feminine) cithrah (Deut. 32:38), {sith-raw'}; from 5641;

a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative

sense):--backbiting, covering, covert, X disguise(-th),

hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place).

see HEBREW for 05641

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

סֵ֫תֶר (se.ter) — secrecy.

1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy

1a) covering, cover

1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place

1c) secrecy

1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)

סִתְרָה (sit.rah) — shelter.

shelter, protection

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
יִכְפֶּה־yikh.peh- it subdues H3711 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To subdue means to tame or calm someone, like God calming the storm in Psalm 107. It involves bending or soothing, and is often translated as pacify.
Amplified meaning
pacifies, calms
Tyndale gloss
to subdue
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כָּפָה (kaphah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to subdue or pacify. It is derived from a primitive root that conveys the idea of bending or taming. The term appears in the Qal form, specifically noted in Proverbs 21:14, where it relates to the act of soothing or calming.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[כָּפָה] vb. prob. subdue;—only Qal Pr 21:14

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3711 כָּפָה

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3711 kaphah kaw-faw'

a primitive root; properly, to bend, i.e. (figuratively) to

tame or subdue:--pacify.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כָּפָה (ka.phah) — to subdue.

(Qal) to sooth, subdue, pacify

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
אָ֑ף'Af anger H639 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
276× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Amplified meaning
strong displeasure
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אַף (aph) primarily means nostril or nose, but it also refers to the face and is often associated with anger. It can denote a person's countenance or expressions of ire. The entries highlight its connection to rapid breathing in passionate states, indicating its use in contexts of anger or wrath.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַף 277 n.m. nostril, nose, face, anger

nostril, as organ of breathing

Dn. face

mostly anger

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H639 אַף nostril, nose, face, anger

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

639 'aph af

from 599; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and

occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in

passion) ire:--anger(-gry), + before, countenance, face, +

forebearing, forehead, + (long-)suffering, nose, nostril,

snout, X worthy, wrath.

see HEBREW for 0599

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַף (aph) — face: anger.

: anger

1) nostril, nose, face

2) anger

אַף (aph) — face: nose.

: nose

1) nostril, nose, face

2) anger

אַף (aph) — face.

: face

1) nostril, nose, face

2) anger

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

an'-ger: In the Old Testament, the translation of several Hebrew words, especially of 'aph (lit. "nostril," "countenance"), which is used some 45 times of human, 177 times of Divine, anger (OHL). The word occurs rarely in the New Testament (Mr 3:5; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; Re 14:10), its place being taken by the word "wrath" (see WRATH). As a translation of words denoting God's "anger," the English word is unfortunate so far as it may seem to imply selfish, malicious or vindictive personal feeling. The anger of God is the response of His holiness to outbreaking sin. Particularly when it culminates in action is it rightly called Has "wrath." The Old Testament doctrine of God's anger…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Anger

The emotion of instant displeasure on account of something evil that presents itself to our view. In itself it is an original susceptibility of our nature, just as love is, and is not necessarily sinful. It may, however, become sinful when causeless, or excessive, or protracted (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8). As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A violent emotion of a painful nature, sometimes arising spontaneously upon just occasion, but usually characterized in the Bible as a great sin, Mt 5:22 Eph 4:31 Col 3:8. Even when just, our anger should be mitigated by a due consideration of the circumstances of the offence and the state of mind of the offender; of the folly and ill-results of this passion; of the claims of the gospel, and of our own need of forgiveness from others, but especially from God, Mt 6:15. Anger is in Scripture frequently attributed to God, Mt 7:11 28:20; not that he is liable to those violent emotions which this passion produces, but…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ General scriptures concerning Ge 4:6; 49:7; 2Ch 28:9; Job 5:2; 19:29; Ps 37:8; 55:3; 76:10; Pr 6:34; 12:16; 14:17,29; 15:1,18; 16:14,29,32; 17:14; 19:11,12,19; 21:24; 22:24,25; 25:28; 27:3,4; 29:8,9,22; 30:33; Ec 7:9; Ho 7:16; Am 1:11; Jon 4:4; Mt 5:22; 2Co 12:20;

a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
וְשֹׁ֥חַדve.Sho.chad and a bribe H7810 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
23× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Amplified meaning
reward, gift
Tyndale gloss
bribe
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֹׁ֫חַד (shachad) refers specifically to a bribe or present, often implying a venal or redemptive nature. The entries indicate it can mean a gift or reward, stemming from a root related to giving. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meaning.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֹׁ֫חַד n.m. present, specif. bribe

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7810 שֹׁ֫חַד present, specif. bribe

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7810 shachad shakh'-ad

from 7809; a donation (venal or redemptive):--bribe(-ry),

gift, present, reward.

see HEBREW for 07809

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֹׁ֫חַד (sha.chad) — bribe.

present, bribe

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bribe

None to be taken; “for the gift maketh open eyes blind, and perverteth the cause of the righteous” (Ex. 23:8, literally rendered).

a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
בַּ֝חֵ֗קba.Chek in the bosom H2436 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
38× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Amplified meaning
hidden, secret
Tyndale gloss
bosom: embrace
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵיק (cheq) means 'bosom' and can refer to the literal or figurative sense of being enclosed, such as in the body or in garments. It encompasses meanings like embrace, lap, and secret, indicating a sense of intimacy or closeness. The entries suggest a range of uses, including physical and metaphorical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵיק, חֵק n.[m.] bosom

of fold of garment, at breast

carry in bosom

bosom as part of body

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2436 חֵיק, חֵק bosom

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2436 cheyq khake

or cheq {khake}; and chowq {khoke}; from an unused root,

apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom (literally or

figuratively):--bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: embrace.

: embrace/chest

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: garment.

: garment

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: lap.

: lap/base

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: secret.

: secret

bosom, hollow, bottom, midst

A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HRd/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

booz'-um: In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, choq or cheq, "inlet", "lap" (Ex 4:6,7; Nu 11:12; De 13:6; 28:54,56; Ru 4:16; Ps 74:11; Isa 65:6,7; La 2:12). "A present in the bosom" (Pr 21:14): bribes carried ready for use in the fold of the robe. chetsen = "bosom" (with special reference to that portion of the body which is between the arms), occurs in Ps…

Bosom

In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one’s bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Gen. 16:5; 2 Sam. 12:8). Christ is said to have been in “the bosom of the Father,” i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isa. 40:11).

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The front of the upper part of the body, the breast. The orientals generally wore long wide, and loose garments; and when about to carry any thing away that their hands would not contain, they used for the purpose a fold in the bosom of their robe above the girdle, Lu 6:38. Our Savior is said to carry his lambs in his bosom, which beautifully represents his tender care and watchfulness over them, Isa 40:11.

a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
חֵמָ֥הche.Mah rage H2534 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
125× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Amplified meaning
intense anger, rage
Tyndale gloss
rage
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word חֵמָה (*chemah*) primarily means heat and rage, encompassing concepts like fever, poison, and burning anger. It can refer to human anger as well as divine wrath, and is noted in Daniel's vision. The entries highlight its figurative use related to intense emotions and reactions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵמָה, (once חֵמָא) 121 n.f. heat, rage

heat:

fever

venom, poison

burning anger, rage:

of man

of the he-goat in Daniel's vision

of God

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2534 חֵמָה, (once חֵמָא) heat, rage . heat: . fever

. venom, poison

. burning anger, rage: . of man

. of the he-goat in Daniel's vision

. of God

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2534 chemah khay-maw'

or (Dan. 11:44) chemaC {khay-maw'}; from 3179; heat;

figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever):--anger, bottles,

hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison,

rage, wrath(- ful). See 2529.

see HEBREW for 03179

see HEBREW for 02529

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵמָה (che.mah) — rage.

1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles

1a) heat

1a1) fever

1a2) venom, poison (fig.)

1b) burning anger, rage

Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
a gift in secrecy it subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom rage strong
עַזָּֽה׃'a.Zah strong H5794 Adj
24× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Amplified meaning
subdues, calms, strong, fierce
Tyndale gloss
strong
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עַז (az) is built from the root associated with strength. It covers meanings such as strong, mighty, and fierce, indicating power and intensity. The entries consistently highlight its connotations of strength and harshness.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עַז adj. strong, mighty, fierce

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5794 עַז strong, mighty, fierce

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5794 `az az

from 5810; strong, vehement, harsh:--fierce, + greedy,

mighty, power, roughly, strong.

see HEBREW for 05810

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עַז (az) — strong.

strong, mighty, fierce

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAafsa
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.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate