Proverbs 25:23 — Word Study
WLCר֣וּחַ צָ֭פוֹן תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל גָּ֑שֶׁם וּפָנִ֥ים נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים לְשׁ֣וֹן סָֽתֶר׃
BSAAs the northtsâphôwn [Zaphon, a direction or location] windrûwach [a blast of air] brings forthchûwl▸ [produces, driveth away] raingeshem [a shower, refreshing downpour] so a backbitingçêther [secret, slandering] tonguelâshôwn [language, speech] [brings] angryzâʻam [causes, results in, indignant, upset] lookspânîym [faces, countenances, presence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ר֣וּחַ | a wind of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| צָ֭פוֹן | [the] north | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל | it brings forth | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| גָּ֑שֶׁם | rain | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וּפָנִ֥ים | and faces | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים | indignant | Verb, Niphal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| לְשׁ֣וֹן | a tongue of | Noun common, both singular construct |
| סָֽתֶר׃ | secrecy | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks. |
| KJV | The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. |
| ASV | The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. |
| YLT | A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue — indignant faces. |
| WEB | The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face. |
| BBE | As the north wind gives birth to rain, so is an angry face caused by a tongue saying evil secretly. |
All translations agree on the core meaning and imagery of the verse.
The sentence presents a clear comparison between two phenomena, with the main clause leading into a subordinate clause that draws the parallel.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbחיל
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 25:23
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 Speech and Relationshipsgenerated
Proverbs 25:23 uses the imagery of the north wind to illustrate how a backbiting tongue can lead to anger and conflict. This verse is part of a larger discourse on the importance of wise speech and the impact it has on relationships, emphasizing the need for careful communication. The surrounding verses also address the consequences of actions and the value of peace in interactions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 37:22 | Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:20 | Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. |
| 3 | Psalm 15:3 | who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, |
| 4 | Psalm 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
| 5 | Romans 1:30 | slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סָֽתֶר, Sa.tergenerated
The Hebrew word סָֽתֶר (sa.ter) refers to secrecy or slander, suggesting a hidden or covered action. It emphasizes the negative aspect of speech that harms others and can lead to conflict. The parsing indicates it is a noun in the masculine singular form, highlighting its role as a subject in the sentence.
In this context, סָֽתֶר specifically points to the act of backbiting, which is likened to the natural phenomenon of the north wind bringing rain. This comparison suggests that just as the wind brings about a change in weather, so does slander provoke a change in people's attitudes, resulting in anger.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the core meaning of the verse, emphasizing the comparison between the north wind and a backbiting tongue.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל, it brings forth, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes a noun phrase indicating the subject (the north wind) and another noun phrase indicating the object (rain). This arrangement highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between the elements.
The sentence is structured to first present the natural phenomenon before introducing the moral lesson, illustrating the impact of speech in a clear and direct manner.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates רוּחַ as ἄνεμος (anemos), meaning 'wind.' This choice aligns with the common understanding of wind in both Hebrew and Greek, emphasizing the natural element's role in the comparison.
For סָֽתֶר, the LXX uses a term that captures the essence of secrecy and slander, suggesting a consistent interpretation of the negative implications of harmful speech.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 25:23 compares the north wind, which brings rain, to a backbiting tongue that causes angry looks. This verse teaches that slander can lead to conflict and upset among people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that slanderous speech can provoke anger and negative reactions from others.
The north wind is used as a metaphor to illustrate how certain actions, like slander, can lead to undesirable outcomes, similar to how the wind brings rain.
Secrecy implies hidden motives or actions that can harm others, which is what slander does.
The verse warns against the dangers of slander and emphasizes the importance of wise and careful speech.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen slander affect relationships around me?
- How can I ensure that my speech is constructive rather than harmful?
- What steps can I take to address conflicts that arise from misunderstandings?
- How does the imagery of the north wind help me understand the consequences of my words?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, noting the implications of listening to slander and its effects on relationships.
"The north wind drives away rain," etc. If you listen with a cheerful face to a slanderer, you give him fuel for slandering;Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 25 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 25:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe north wind driveth away rain,.... So the geographer (w) says, the swift north wind drives away the moist clouds; which usually come from the opposite quarter, the south.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 25 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. The north wind driveth away rain; so (doth) an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. So Vulgate.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 25 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAn angry countenance in the hearer, who by his countenance showeth his dislike of such persons and practices. A backbiting tongue, Heb. a secret tongue, which privily slandereth his neighbour, as it is expressed, , and as the manner of backbiters is. But this verse is otherwise rendered in the margin, and by divers others, the north wind bringeth forth (as this verb properly and most frequently signifies, and as it is rendered by all the ancient interpreters, and by many others) rain (which it doth in Judea, because the sea lies northward as well as westward from it, as also in Africa, as Aristotle observes, though it drive away rain in countries of another situation): so doth a backbiting…
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 25 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.Ver. 23. The north wind drives away rain.] Hence Homer calls it αιθρηγενουτην, the fair weather maker, and Jerome the air’ s besom. There is a southerly wind that attracts clouds and engenders rain. So doth an angry countenance, a backbiting tongue.] The ready way to be rid of tale bearers is to browbeat them; for like whelps, if we stroke them they leap upon us and defile us with fawning; but give them a rap and they are gone; so here. Carry, therefore, in this case, a severe rebuke in thy countenance, as God doth Be not a resetter to these privy thieves, a receptacle for these mures…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 25 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) The north wind driveth away rain.—The marginal rendering is probably more correct: “The north wind bringeth forth rain;” but as this seems to be opposed to Job 37:22, it has been thought that the north-west, which is a rainy wind, must be intended here. So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.—Rather, So doth a backbiting tongue (bring forth, or cause) troubled faces.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 25 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. The north wind driveth away rain] The margin has, "The north wind bringeth forth rain." It is said that the "north wind brings forth rain at Jerusalem, because it brings with it the vapours arising from the sea that lies north of it." The marginal is the true reading; and is supported by the Chaldee, Syriac, and Septuagint; but the Arabic reads south wind. A backbiting tongue] A hidden tongue.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 25 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. driveth away] Rather, bringeth forth, A.V. marg., R.V. text. The rendering of A.V. text follows the Vulg., dissipat pluvias, and is apparently supported by Job 37:22 : “Fair weather,” or “golden brightness, cometh out of the north,” a phenomenon which is there attributed to the action of the wind blowing from that quarter (see Proverbs 25:21 and note in this Series). But by “north” may perhaps here be meant “north-west.” (“Intelligendus ille ventus qui inter aquilonem et occasum flat, Thrascias sive Caurus, qui a Seneca in Hippol. 25:1130 imbrifer dicitur,” Rosenm.) The comparison thus becomes clear and forcible: The north wind bringeth forth rain. The secret action of the wind covers…
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 25 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe marginal reading is far more accurate and gives a better sense. The northwest wind in Palestine commonly brings rain, and this was probably in the thought of the writer.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 25 →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
As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
The north wind brings forth rain, and a gossiping tongue brings forth an angry look.
Tyndale line
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
As the Northwinde driueth away the raine, so doeth an angry countenance the slandering tongue.
Strictly literal
The north wind bringeth forth rain, and the angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue — indignant faces.
A north wind brings forth rain, || And a secret tongue—indignant faces.
The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth secret talking, angry countenances.
As surely as the north wind brings rain, so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces.
From the Latin
The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue.
Simplified
In the same way that the north wind brings rain, slandering people makes them angry.
As the north wind gives birth to rain, so is an angry face caused by a tongue saying evil secretly.
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 in their wording for this verse, with 7 of the 8 words matched. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the core message remains consistent across both texts.
ר֣וּחַ צָ֭פוֹן תְּח֣וֹלֵֽל גָּ֑שֶׁם וּפָנִ֥ים נִ֝זְעָמִ֗ים לְשׁ֣וֹן סָֽתֶר׃
7 of the 8 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 25:23
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.
רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
wind (117 t.)
spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
spirit of the living, breathing being
spirit as seat of emotion
occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
rarely of the will
רוּחַ esp. of moral character
spirit of God (94 t.)
base
H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
. wind (117 t.)
. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
. spirit of the living, breathing being
. spirit as seat of emotion
. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
. rarely of the will
. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
. spirit of God (94 t.)
7307 ruwach roo'-akh
from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or
even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,
unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by
resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including
its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X
cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),
tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).
see HEBREW for 07306
רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.
: spirit
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1b1) of heaven
1b2) quarter (of wind), side
1b3) breath of air
1b4) air, gas
1b5) vain, empty thing
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1c7) prophetic spirit
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character
N-cs — 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…
צָפוֹן (tsaphown) means 'north' and is derived from a root meaning 'hidden' or 'dark.' It is used specifically to refer to the northern direction, often associated with gloominess and the unknown. The term also appears in the context of a name, 'Zaphon,' which similarly denotes the north.
צָפוֹן 153 n.f. north (as the hidden, dark)
base
H6828 צָפוֹן north
6828 tsaphown tsaw-fone'
or tsaphon {tsaw-fone'}; from 6845; properly, hidden, i.e.
dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and
unknown):--north(-ern, side, -ward, wind).
see HEBREW for 06845
צָפוֹן (tsa.phon) — north.
1) north (of direction), northward
1a) north
1b) northward
צָפוֹן (tsa.phon) — Zaphon.
This name means north
Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
See EAST. The Babylonians and Assyrians are represented as coming from "the north," because they invaded Israel by a northern route in order to avoid the desert, Jer 1:14 46:6,24 Zep 2:13. "Fair weather," says Job, or golden weather, "cometh out of the north," Job 37:22. This is as true in Syria and Arabia now as it was three thousand years ago. A traveler there remarks, "Our friends, who have been long residents, informed us that we should have fair weather for our start on the morrow, as the wind was from the north."
"... And so we have found it come to pass that the clouds of a golden hue always followed upon a north wind, and indicated a clear day; and as in the times of the Savior, we could always say when it was evening…
The Hebrew word חוּל (chuwl) is built from a primitive root meaning to twist or whirl. It covers a range of meanings, including to dance, writhe in pain, bear children, and wait anxiously. The word can also imply strength or firmness, as noted in some entries. Various forms indicate different nuances, such as being made to writhe or suffering anguish.
חוּל [חִיל] vb. whirl, dance, writhe
Qal
dance
twist, writhe
whirl, whirl about
Po‛lel
dance
writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)
wait anxiously
Po‛lal
be made to writhe
be brought forth
Hiph. cause to be in anguish
Hoph. be born
Hithpol.
whirling
writhing, suffering torture
wait longingly
Hithpalp. and she writhed in anxiety
base
[חול, חִיל] vb. be firm, strong
base
H2342a חוּל [חִיל] whirl, dance, writhe .. dance
. twist, writhe
. whirl, whirl about
.. dance
. writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)
. wait anxiously
.. be made to writhe
. be brought forth
. cause to be in anguish
. be born
. . whirling
. writhing, suffering torture
. wait longingly
. and she writhed in anxiety
H2342b חול, חִיל br firm, strong
2342 chuwl khool
or chiyl {kheel}; a primitive root; properly, to twist or
whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to
dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear;
figuratively, to wait, to pervert:--bear, (make to) bring
forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously
(with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope,
look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake,
shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain),
tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded.
חוּל (chul) — to twist: tremble.
: tremble/fear
1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to dance
1a2) to twist, writhe
1a3) to whirl, whirl about
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to dance
1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth
1b3) to wait anxiously
1c) (Pulal)
1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear
1c2) to be brought forth
1d) (Hophal) to be born
1e) (Hithpolel)
1e1) whirling (participle)
1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle)
1e3) to wait longingly
1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
חִיל (chil) — be firm.
to be firm, strong
חוּל (chul) — to twist: give birth.
: give_birth
1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to dance
1a2) to twist, writhe
1a3) to whirl, whirl about
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to dance
1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth
1b3) to wait anxiously
V-o-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person feminine singularHVpi3fs
forth: "Forth," adverb (from "for"), signifies movement
(1) forward,
(2) out of,
(3) beyond a certain boundary.
In a few instances in the Old Testament it is the translation of the preposition `al, properly "above," "upon" (2Ki 11:15; 2Ch 23:14; Am 7:17 the King James Version), and of chuts, "without" (Ge 39:13; Jud 19:25). "Forth" is often used as an expletive of various verbs, as "break (forth)," "bring (forth)," "call (forth)," etc. In the Gospel of John it is the translation of exo, "without," as "Lazarus, come forth" (11:43; so 15:6; 19:4 the King James Version…
גֶּ֫שֶׁם (geshem) refers to rain or a shower. It is derived from a related word and is consistently defined across sources. The entries indicate its use in contexts involving precipitation.
גֶּ֫שֶׁם n.m. rain, shower
base
H1653 גֶּ֫שֶׁם rain, shower
1653 geshem gheh'-shem
from 1652; a shower:--rain, shower.
see HEBREW for 01652
גֶּ֫שֶׁם (ge.shem) — rain.
rain, shower
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
ran (maTar, Arabic (?), maTar, "rain" geshem, "heavy rain" moreh, "early rain," yoreh, "former rain," malqosh, "latter rain"; brecho, huetos):
1. Water-Supply in Egypt and Palestine:
In Egypt there is little or no rainfall, the water for vegetation being supplied in great abundance by the river Nile; but in Syria and Palestine there are no large rivers, and the people have to depend entirely on the fall of rain for water for themselves, their animals and their fields. The children of Israel when in Egypt were promised by Yahweh a land which "drinketh water of the rain of heaven" (De 11:11). Springs and fountains are found in most of the valleys, but the flow of the springs depends directly on the fall of rain or snow in the mountains.
2. Importance of Rain in Season:
Rain
There are three Hebrew words used to denote the rains of different seasons, (1.) Yoreh (Hos. 6:3), or moreh (Joel 2:23), denoting the former or the early rain. (2.) Melqosh, the “latter rain” (Prov. 16:15). (3.) Geshem, the winter rain, “the rains.” The heavy winter rain is mentioned in Gen. 7:12; Ezra 10:9; Cant. 2:11. The “early” or “former” rains commence in autumn in the latter part of October or beginning of November (Deut. 11:14; Joel 2:23; comp.
In the Bible "early rain" signifies the rain of the autumn, (11:14) and "latter rain" the rain of spring. (Proverbs 16:1,5) For six months in the year, from May to October, no rain falls, the whole land becomes dry, parched and brown. The autumnal rains are eagerly looked for, to prepare the earth for the reception of the seed. These, the early rains, commence about the latter end of October continuing through November and December. January and February are the coldest months, and snow falls, sometimes to the depth of a foot or more, at Jerusalem, but it does not lie long; it is very seldom seen along the coast and in the low plains. Rain continues to fall more or less during the month of March it is very rare in April. Robinson observes that there are not, at the present day, "any particular periods of rain or succession of showers…
In Scripture the "early" and the "latter" rain of Palestine is spoken of, De 11:14 Ho 6:3. The former falls in the latter part of October, the seed-time of Palestine; and the weather then continues variable, with more or less rain the whole winter, until after the latter or spring rain in April. Afterwards, the weather becomes serene, and the crops ripen. The wheat harvest takes place in May; by the middle of August, the fruits are gathered in; and from that time to the coming of the first or October rains, prevail the scorching heats and droughts of summer. Nothing can more expressively represent spiritual blessings than copious showers of rain after this trying season is past, De 32:2
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.
[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
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
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)
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…
Conj | N-cp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
זָעַם (za`am) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be indignant or enraged, often implying a strong emotional response such as anger or abhorrence. It can denote expressing indignation verbally or showing anger, with nuances in its usage across different forms. The entries highlight its primitive root related to foaming at the mouth, emphasizing the intensity of the emotion.
זָעַם vb. be indignant
[Qal]
be indignant, have indignation
express indignation in speech, denounce, curse
Niph. face stirred with indignation.
base
H2194 זָעַם be indignant
2194 za`am zaw-am'
a primitive root; properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e. to be
enraged:--abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have)
indignation.
זָעַם (za.am) — be indignant.
1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant
1a2) to be abhorrent
1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse
1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVNrmpa
The Hebrew word לָשׁוֹן (*lashon*) primarily means 'tongue,' referring to both the organ of speech in humans and animals. It can also denote 'language' and has figurative uses, such as a 'tongue-shaped' wedge or bay. The entries highlight its literal and metaphorical applications, but do not present any significant disagreements among the lexicons.
לָשׁוֹן n.m. and (more oft.) f. tongue
tongue of men
= language
tongue of animals
tongue of fire
= (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
= (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
base
H3956 לָשׁוֹן tongue . tongue of men
. = language
. tongue of animals
. tongue of fire
. = (tongue-shaped) wedge of gold
. = (tongue-shaped) bay of sea
3956 lashown law-shone'
or lashon {law-shone'}; also (in plural) feminine lshonah
{lesh-o-naw'}; from 3960; the tongue (of man or animals), used
literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech),
and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of
water):--+ babbler,bay, + evil speaker, language, talker,
tongue, wedge.
see HEBREW for 03960
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue.
: tongue/words
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: language.
: language
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
לָשׁוֹן (la.shon) — tongue: bar.
: bar/projection/bay
1) tongue
1a) tongue (of men)
1a1) tongue (literal)
1a2) tongue (organ of speech)
1b) language
1c) tongue (of animals)
1d) tongue (of fire)
1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
N-cs — Noun common · both singular constructHNcbsc
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…
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.
ref
H5643a סֵ֫תֶר covering, hiding-place, secrecy H5643b סִתְרָה shelter, protection
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
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
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa