Proverbs 31:18 — Word Study
WLCטָ֭עֲמָה כִּי־ ט֣וֹב סַחְרָ֑הּ לֹֽא־ יִכְבֶּ֖ה בַלַּ֣יְלָה נֵרָֽהּ׃
BSAShe seesṭâʻam■ [perceives, knows] thatkîy her gainçachar [merchandise, profit] [is] goodṭôwb [pleasant, beneficial] and her lampnîyr [candle, light] is notlôʼ [never] extinguishedkâbâh▸ [put out, quenched] at nightlayil [in the darkness, during adversity]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| טָ֭עֲמָה | she perceives | Verb, Qal, perfect third person feminine singular |
| כִּי־ | that | Particle |
| ט֣וֹב | [is] good | Adj |
| סַחְרָ֑הּ | profit her | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| יִכְבֶּ֖ה | it is extinguished | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בַלַּ֣יְלָה | in the night | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| נֵרָֽהּ׃ | lamp her | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. |
| KJV | She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. |
| ASV | She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night. |
| YLT | She hath perceived when her merchandise [is] good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night. |
| WEB | She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. |
| BBE | She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night. |
The translations agree on the rendering of the key terms in this verse.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by descriptive phrases that elaborate on her perception and the status of her lamp.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbטָעַם
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 31:18
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 — The Virtuous Womangenerated
Proverbs 31:18 highlights the wisdom and diligence of a capable woman who recognizes the goodness of her work. This passage emphasizes her ability to manage her household and her business affairs effectively, showcasing her strength and insight in both practical and spiritual matters.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 31:40 | As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. |
| 2 | Psalm 127:2 | In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved. |
| 3 | Matthew 25:3–10 | The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 2:9 | Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 | For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — טָעֲמָה, Ta.'a.mahgenerated
The verb טָעַם (ta'am) is a perfect tense form, indicating a completed action. It conveys the sense of tasting or perceiving, suggesting that the woman has discerned the quality of her work.
This word can refer to both the physical act of tasting and the figurative sense of understanding or appreciating something. In this context, it emphasizes her awareness of the value and benefit of her profit.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse uses sees for טָעֲמָה, which aligns with the KJV and ASV that also translate it as sees.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb טָעֲמָה, she perceives, governs the sentence, indicating her understanding of her profit. The structure includes a predicate that describes the quality of her gain and a clause that discusses the status of her lamp.
The sentence emphasizes the woman's perception and the continuous action of her lamp, which is a metaphor for her ongoing strength and vigilance.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates טָעֲמָה as ἐγεύσατο (egeusato), meaning 'she tasted.' This choice highlights the experiential aspect of her understanding, suggesting a deeper appreciation of her work's value.
The Greek translation captures the essence of the Hebrew term while also reflecting a broader understanding of perception and experience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 31:18 tells us that the woman recognizes that her work is valuable and that her lamp remains lit at night, symbolizing her strength and diligence even in difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means she understands the value of her work and the benefits it brings to her and her household.
The lamp symbolizes her strength and the light she brings to her household, indicating that she is active and vigilant even during challenging times.
It illustrates her wisdom, diligence, and ability to manage her affairs effectively, showcasing her as a model of virtue.
We learn that recognizing the value of our work and maintaining our strength is important, especially during difficult times.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I recognize the value of my work and its impact on those around me?
- How can I ensure that my 'lamp' remains lit during challenging times?
- What qualities of the virtuous woman resonate with me, and how can I embody them in my life?
- How do I balance my responsibilities while maintaining a sense of purpose and strength?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Bede comments on this verse, noting the woman's understanding of her work's value and the spiritual implications of her diligence.
She tasted and saw that her trading was good, etc. What he says, "Her trading," surely refers to that field which he mentioned above: "She considered a field and bought it." Therefore, the holy Church tasted, a perfect soul tasted,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 31 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 31:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleShe perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good,.... That it turns to good account; that her trading to heaven is of great advantage; that she grows rich hereby; that her merchandise with Wisdom, or
Read John Gill on Proverbs 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWho can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The praises of a virtuous woman; forming a Hebrew acrostic. The 22 years begin with the several 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet consecutively; M.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 31 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleShe perceiveth that her merchandise is good; she finds great comfort and good success in her labours. Her candle goeth not out by night; which is not to be taken strictly, but only signifies her unwearied care and industry, which is oft expressed by labouring day and night, or continually.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night.Ver. 18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.] She feels the sweet of it, and is heartened to redouble her diligence, as a draught horse feeling his load coming, draws the harder. The good soul doth the same. For, having once tasted how sweet the Lord is, it can never have enough of him, but is carried after him with strength of desire, as the doves to their dove cotes, as the eagles to the carcases. No reason would satisfy Moses, but when God had done much for him he must still have more.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good] 8. She takes care to manufacture the best articles of the kind, and to lay on a reasonable price that she may secure a ready sale. Her goods are in high repute, and she knows she can sell as much as she can make. And she finds that while she pleases her customers, she increases her own profits. 9. She is watchful and careful. Her candle - her lamp, burns all night, which is of great advantage in case of sudden alarms; and in the times and places where there were so many banditti, this was a very necessary family regulation. Perhaps some works were carried on during the night, those employed sleeping in the daytime. Thus labour never…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18. perceiveth] Lit. tasteth, A.V. margin (ἐγεύσατο, LXX.; gustavit, Vulg.), finds by experience. good] i.e. profitable, R.V. Comp. “better than the merchandise of silver,” Proverbs 3:14. her candle] Rather, lamp. To be understood literally, see Proverbs 31:15, not figuratively as in Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 31 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible18. She perceiveth — Literally, tastes, proves. Her merchandise is good — Valuable, profitable, and highly appreciated, and this makes her all the more industrious; so that sometimes, at least, she
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 31 →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
She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.
She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.
She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night.
Tyndale line
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: her lamp goeth not out by night.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She feeleth that her marchandise is good: her candle is not put out by night.
Strictly literal
She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night.
She hath perceived when her merchandise [is] good, Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
She has perceived when her merchandise [is] good, || Her lamp is not extinguished in the night.
She perceiveth that her profit is good: [therefore] her lamp goeth not out by night.
She perceives what will make a good profit for her; all night long her lamp is not extinguished.
From the Latin
She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night.
Simplified
She knows that the things she makes are valuable. She keeps busy—her lamp burns late into the night.
She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night.
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 agree in the wording of Proverbs 31:18, with all words matched, indicating a consistent understanding of the text across these traditions.
טָ֭עֲמָה כִּי־ ט֣וֹב סַחְרָ֑הּ לֹֽא־ יִכְבֶּ֖ה בַלַּ֣יְלָה נֵרָֽהּ׃
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.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 31:18
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.
טָעַם (ta`am) is a primitive root meaning to taste or perceive. The entries indicate that it can refer to the physical act of tasting as well as the figurative sense of perception. It is associated with the Aramaic equivalent טְעֵם (H2939), meaning 'to feed.'
טָעַם vb. taste, perceive
base
H2938 טָעַם
2938 ta`am taw-am'
a primitive root; to taste; figuratively, to perceive:--X
but, perceive, taste.
טָעַם (ta.am) — to perceive.
1) to taste, perceive, eat
1a) (Qal) to taste
Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
V-Qal-Perf-3fs — Verb · Qal · perfect third person feminine singularHVqp3fs
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.
טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good
pleasant, agreeable to the senses
pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
good, excellent, of its kind
good, rich, valuable in estimation
good, appropriate, becoming
c. מִן compar. = better
of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
good, kind, benign
good (ethical), right
base
טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
good = benefit
moral good
base
טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
bounty, good
base
H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses
. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
. good, excellent, of its kind
. good, rich, valuable in estimation
. good, appropriate, becoming
. c. מִן compar. =better
. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
. good, kind, benign
. good (ethical), right
H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good
2896 towb tobe
from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used
likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,
the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a
good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or
women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,
bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,
fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),
graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,
merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,
prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well
((-favoured)).
see HEBREW for 02895
טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.
adj
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
טוֹב (tov) — good.
1) a good thing, benefit, welfare
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) good, benefit
1d) moral good
טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.
1) welfare, benefit, good things
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) bounty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
סַ֫חַר (sachar) refers to profit or gain, particularly in the context of trade and merchandise. It is derived from a related term and encompasses meanings related to traffic and commerce. The entries consistently highlight its association with profit from trade without any noted disagreement among the lexicons.
[סָ֫חַר] n.m. traffic, gain
base
H5504 [סַ֫חַר] traffic, gain
5504 cachar sakh'-ar
from 5503; profit (from trade):--merchandise.
see HEBREW for 05503
סַחַר (sa.char) — profit.
1) traffic, gain, profit, gain from merchandise
1a) traffic, gain from traffic
Also means: sa.char (סָ֫חַר "merchandise" H5505)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3fs
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
כָּבָה (kabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to quench or extinguish, particularly in reference to fire or light. It has a range of uses, including both the action of putting out a flame and the state of being extinguished. The entries highlight its forms in different stems, such as Qal and Piel, which indicate the verb's active and causative aspects.
[כָּבָה] vb. be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp
Qal be quenched, extinguished
Pi. quench, extinguish
base
H3518 כָּבָה be quenched, extinguished, go out, of fire or lamp .be quenched, extinguished
. quench, extinguish
3518 kabah kaw-baw'
a primitive root; to expire or (causatively) to extinguish
(fire, light, anger):--go (put) out, quench.
כָּבָה (ka.vah) — to quench.
1) to quench, put out, be put out, be quenched, be extinguished
1a) (Qal) to be quenched, be extinguished
1b) (Piel) to quench, extinguish
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
לַ֫יְלָה (layil) means 'night' and is derived from a root that suggests a twist away from light. It encompasses the literal sense of night as opposed to day, as well as figurative uses related to gloom or adversity. The term appears in contexts like Isaiah 21:11.
לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל 242 n.m. night
base
H3915 לַ֫יְלָה, לַ֫יִל night
3915 layil lah'-yil
or (Isa. 21:11) leyl {lale}; also laylah {lah'- yel-aw}; from
the same as 3883; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e.
night; figuratively, adversity:--((mid-))night (season).
see HEBREW for 03883
לַ֫יְלָה (lay.lah) — night.
1) night
1a) night (as opposed to day)
1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
nit.
See DAY AND NIGHT for the natural usage and the various terms.
1. In the Old Testament:
Figurative uses: The word "night" (laylah or layil is sometimes used figuratively in the Old Testament. Thus, Moses compares the brevity of time, the lapse of a thousand years, to "a watch in the night" (Ps 90:4). Adversity is depicted by it in such places as Job 35:10; compare Isa 8:20; Jer 15:9. Disappointment and despair are apparently depicted by it in the "burden of Dumah" (Isa 21:11,12); and spiritual blindness, coming upon the false prophets (Mic 3:6); again sudden and…
[DAY]
The ancient Hebrews began their artificial day at evening, and ended it the next evening, so that the night proceeded the day. This usage may probably be traced to the terms employed in describing the creation, Ge 1:5,8,13, etc., "The evening and the morning were the first day." The Hebrews allowed twelve to the day; but these hours were not equal, except at the equinox. At other times, when the hours of the night were long, those of the day were short, as in winter; and when the hours of night were short, as at midsummer, the hours of the day were long in proportion. See HOURS.
The nights are sometimes extremely cold in Syria, when the days are very hot; and travelers in the deserts and among the mountains near Palestine refer to their own sufferings from these opposite extremes, in illustration of Jacob’s words in
נֵר (ner) and נִיר (nir) both mean 'lamp' in Hebrew. The word is derived from a root that suggests brightness or glistening, and it can refer to a literal lamp or light as well as a figurative one. The entries indicate that these forms are interchangeable, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
נֵר 43 n.m. lamp
base
נִיר n.[m.] lamp
base
H5216a נֵר lamp H5216b נִיר lamp
5216 niyr neer
or nir {neer}; also neyr {nare}; or ner {nare}; or (feminine)
nerah {nay-raw'}; from a primitive root (see 5214; 5135)
properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner) or
light (literally or figuratively):--candle, lamp, light.
see HEBREW for 05214
see HEBREW for 05135
נֵר (ner) — lamp.
lamp
Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
נִיר (nir) — lamp.
lamp
Another spelling of ner (נֵר "lamp" H5216A)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3fs