Proverbs 4:12 — Word Study
WLCבְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ לֹא־ יֵצַ֣ר צַעֲדֶ֑ךָ וְאִם־ תָּ֝ר֗וּץ לֹ֣א תִכָּשֵֽׁל׃
BSAyour stepstsaʻad [the path of life, regular stride] will notlôʼ be impededyâtsar▸ [hampered, straitened] whenʼim you runrûwts▸ [to rush, move quickly] you will notlôʼ stumblekâshal▸ [lose balance, fall, or falter]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ | when walking you | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common, suffix |
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| יֵצַ֣ר | anyone will hinder | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| צַעֲדֶ֑ךָ | step[s] your | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְאִם־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| תָּ֝ר֗וּץ | you will run | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| תִכָּשֵֽׁל׃ | you will stumble | Verb, Niphal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. |
| KJV | When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. |
| ASV | When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. |
| YLT | In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not. |
| WEB | When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble. |
| BBE | When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall. |
Where they part company is יֵצַ֣ר — see How Translations Differ.
The structure presents one main clause with two conditional phrases, clearly outlining the outcomes of walking and running wisely.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbצרר
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 4:12
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 — Guidance on the Path of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 4:12 emphasizes the importance of wisdom in daily living. The surrounding verses highlight the benefits of following wise instruction, promising that those who do will navigate life without hindrance. This teaching aligns with the broader themes of the book of Proverbs, which often contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:22 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 22:37 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 3 | Job 18:7–8 | His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. |
| 4 | Psalm 18:36 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 5 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יֵצַ֣ר, ye.Tzargenerated
The verb יֵצַ֣ר (ye.Tzar) is in the imperfect tense, indicating a future action. It means 'to hinder' or 'to distress', suggesting that obstacles will not arise on the path of those who walk wisely. This word carries connotations of being pressed or restricted, emphasizing that wisdom provides a clear path.
In this context, the use of יֵצַ֣ר assures the reader that following wisdom leads to a life free from unnecessary complications. The promise is not merely about physical movement but encompasses the broader journey of life.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses impeded for יֵצַ֣ר.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יֵצַ֣ר governs the clause, indicating what will not happen when one walks wisely. The structure includes a prepositional phrase describing the manner of walking and a conditional clause that introduces the second action of running.
The use of clauses emphasizes the conditional nature of the statements: walking and running are both presented as actions that will yield positive outcomes when aligned with wisdom.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יֵצַ֣ר with συγκλεισθήσεταί, which suggests a more definitive sense of being closed off or restricted, indicating a stronger emphasis on the consequences of not following wisdom.
This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the Hebrew text, highlighting the seriousness of the implications for those who do not adhere to wise living.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 4:12 tells us that if we walk wisely, our steps will be clear and we will not face obstacles. It assures that running towards good will also keep us from stumbling. This verse encourages us to follow wisdom for a smoother journey in life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Walking wisely refers to living according to principles of wisdom, making choices that align with understanding and good judgment.
By seeking wisdom and adhering to its teachings, you can navigate life's challenges without unnecessary hindrances.
Reflect on your choices and seek guidance from wise sources, as this verse suggests that wisdom can help prevent stumbling.
Running symbolizes urgency and action; the verse reassures that even in our haste to do good, we can remain steady and not falter.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some practical ways I can apply wisdom in my daily life?
- In what areas do I feel my steps are currently impeded, and how can I seek wisdom to overcome those obstacles?
- How can I encourage others to walk wisely and avoid stumbling?
- What does it mean for me to run towards my goals with wisdom?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early interpretations, such as those by Bede, emphasize the importance of running towards God's commandments without fear of obstacles, illustrating the practical implications of this verse.
And running, you will not have a stumbling block. The more eagerly you run to fulfill God’s commandments, the less you will fear adversities that impede you: for whoever sweats in evil deeds finds a stumbling block in the midst of the…Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 4 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 4:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWhen thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened,.... By enemies, or attended with difficulties and obstructions, or subject to dangers, but be at freedom and liberty in walking; for though saints
Read John Gill on Proverbs 4 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWhen thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThy steps shall not be straitened; thou shalt manage thine affairs with great facility, and safety, and success. It is a metaphor from those who walk in a strait and uneven path, where they are apt to stumble and fall. Not stumble; not miscarry.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 4 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.Ver. 12. And when thou runnest.] Having a good mixture of zeal and knowledge; so that thy zeal doth quicken thy knowledge, and thy knowledge guide thy zeal. For that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; "And he that (so) hasteth with his feet (being indiscreetly zealous) sinneth." Thou shalt not stumble.] Or if thou do, thou shalt recover thy stumbling, and so get ground. But say thou do so stumble as to fall; in falling forwards is nothing so much danger as backward. So he that is earnest in good, though he may carry some things indiscreetly, yet is far better than an…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 4 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 12. Thy steps shall not be straitened] True wisdom will teach thee to keep out of embarrassments. A man under the influence of true religion ponders his paths, and carefully poises occurring circumstances; and as the fear of God will ever lead him to act an upright and honest part, so his way in business and life is both clear and large. He has no by-ends to serve; he speculates not; he uses neither trick nor cunning to effect any purpose. Such a man can never be embarrassed. His steps are not straitened; he sees his way always plain; and when a favourable tide of Providence shows him the necessity of increased exertion, he runs, and is in no danger of stumbling.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges12. goest … runnest] The figure of Pro 4:11 is continued. straitened] “His firm, wide steps of prosperity and security, when he walked in a wide place (Psalms 4:1), become narrowed and hampered.” Widening of the steps is a usual Oriental figure for the bold and free movements of one in prosperity, as straitening of them is for the constrained and timid action of one in adversity. Comp. Proverbs 4:12; Psalms 18:36; and note on Job 18:7, in this Series.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 4 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible12. Straitened — Restrained, confined, embarrassed. When — Rather, if. Thou runnest — In the greatest activity these teachings shall keep thee from stumbling.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 4 →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
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
Tyndale line
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
Whe thou goest, thy gate shall not be strait, and when thou runnest, thou shalt not fall.
Strictly literal
When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.
In your walking your step is not restricted, || And if you run, you do not stumble.
When thou walkest, thy step shall not be narrowed; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
When you walk, no one will stand in your way and if you run, you will not stumble.
From the Latin
Which when thou shalt have entered, thy steps shall not be straitened, and when thou runnest thou shalt not meet a stumblingblock.
Simplified
Nothing will block your way when you walk, you won't stumble when you run.
When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall.
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 closely in the wording of this verse, with all eight words matched. This consistency suggests a stable transmission of the text through these traditions.
בְּֽ֭לֶכְתְּךָ לֹא־ יֵצַ֣ר צַעֲדֶ֑ךָ וְאִם־ תָּ֝ר֗וּץ לֹ֣א תִכָּשֵֽׁל׃
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 4:12
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.
הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.
הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk
Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך
lit.
of persons
Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
in like manner of inanimate things
The inf. abs. is often used
as in other vbs., quite independently
to intensify meaning of finite form
most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.
with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance
twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
quite by itself
13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
In combination with other verbal forms
Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:
pass away, die
H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons
. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
. in like manner of inanimate things
. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently
. to intensify meaning of finite form
. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance
. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
. quite by itself
. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
. In combination with other verbal forms
1980 halak haw-lak'
akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety
of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,
apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,
depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,
forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,
out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,
march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),
be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,
still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,
on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,
(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.
see HEBREW for 03212
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.
: went/go[away]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.
: come[nearer]
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
1c2) to walk about
1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.
: walk/move
1) to go, walk, come
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away
1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to walk
1b2) to walk (fig.)
1c) (Hithpael)
1c1) to traverse
HR/Vqcc/Sp2ms — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vqcc/Sp2ms
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
The Hebrew word צָרַר (tsarar) encompasses meanings related to binding, being restricted, and experiencing distress. It is derived from a primitive root that suggests pressing or narrowing, and can describe both physical and emotional states of being cramped or in straits. The entries highlight its usage in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
צָרַר vb. bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped
trans.
Qal bind or tie up
Pu. tied up (mended by tying)
intrans.
Qal be scant, cramped, in straits
Hiph. make narrow for, press hard upon, cause distress to
base
H3334 צָרַר bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped
3334 yatsar yaw-tsar'
a primitive root; to press (intransitive), i.e. be narrow;
figuratively, be in distress:--be distressed, be narrow, be
straitened (in straits), be vexed.
יָצַר (ya.tsar) — be distressed.
1) to bind, be distressed, be in distress, be cramped, be narrow, be scant, be in straits, make narrow, cause distress, beseige
1a) (Qal) to suffer distress
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
צַ֫עַד (tsa`ad) refers to a step or pace, indicating a regular movement or stride. It can also metaphorically represent the steps one takes in life. The word is derived from a related term, צָעַד (tsa`ad), which emphasizes the concept of movement.
[צַ֫עַד] n.m. step, pace
base
H6806 צַ֫עַד
6806 tsa`ad tsah'-ad
from 6804; a pace or regular step:--pace, step.
see HEBREW for 06804
צַ֫עַד (tsa.ad) — step.
1) step, pace, stride
1a) step, pace
1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp2ms
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
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
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b 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
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
רוּץ (ruts) means to run, encompassing various nuances such as running swiftly or causing someone to run away. It is a primitive root that can imply actions like breaking down or dividing quickly. The word appears in different forms, including participles for runners or messengers. There is some overlap in definitions across lexicons, but they consistently focus on the core idea of running.
רוּץ vb. run
Qal
run
pl. the runners (prop. out-runners)
runner = (royal messenger, post, late)
Pō‛lēl they run swiftly, dart
Hiph. cause to run
base
H7323 רוּץ run
7323 ruwts roots
a primitive root; to run (for whatever reason, especially to
rush):--break down, divide speedily, footman, guard, bring
hastily, (make) run (away, through), post.
רוּץ (ruts) — to run: run.
: run/runner/messenger
1) to run
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to run
1a2) runners (participle as subst)
1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry
1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
רוּץ (ruts) — to run: guard.
: guard
1) to run
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to run
1a2) runners (participle as subst)
1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry
1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
רוּץ (ruts) — to run: pieces.
: pieces
1) to run
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to run
1a2) runners (participle as subst)
1b) (Polel) to run swiftly, dart
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to bring or move quickly, hurry
1c2) to drive away from, cause to run away
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
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
כָּשַׁל (kashal) means to stumble or totter, often due to weakness. It can refer to physical stumbling, as well as metaphorical weakness or failure. The verb has various forms, including causing others to stumble or making them weak. The entries suggest a range of meanings from literal stumbling to broader implications of ruin and weakness.
כָּשַׁל vb. stumble, stagger, totter
Qal
stumble at, over, something (lit. by means of)
totter
Niph.
stumble
be tottering, feeble
Pi. only apparent
Hiph.
cause to stumble
make feeble, weak
Hoph. either and let them be ones who have stumbled before thee, i.e. regard them as such, or and let them be ones overthrown before thee
base
H3782 כָּשַׁל stumble, stagger, totter .. stumble at, over, something (lit. by means of)
. totter
. . stumble
. be tottering, feeble
. only apparent
. . cause to stumble
. make feeble, weak
. either and let them be ones who have stumbled before thee, i.e. regard them as such, or and let them be ones overthrown before thee
3782 kashal kaw-shal'
a primitive root; to totter or waver (through weakness of the
legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter,
stumble, faint or fall:--bereave (from the margin), cast down,
be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall
(down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown,
(cause to) stumble, X utterly, be weak.
כָּשַׁל (ka.shal) — to stumble.
1) to stumble, stagger, totter
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stumble
1a2) to totter
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to stumble
1b2) to be tottering, be feeble
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow
1c2) to make feeble, make weak
1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble
1e) (Piel) bereave
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVNi2ms