Psalms 94:4 — Word Study
WLCיַבִּ֣יעוּ יְדַבְּר֣וּ עָתָ֑ק יִֽ֝תְאַמְּר֗וּ כָּל־ פֹּ֥עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן׃
BSAThey pour outnâbaʻ▸ [utter, speak] arrogantʻâthâq [proud, bold] wordsdâbar▸ [speaking boastfully] allkôl [every, everything] workerspâʻal [doers, performers] of iniquityʼâven [evil, wickedness] boastʼâmar▸ [praise themselves, speak proudly]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יַבִּ֣יעוּ | they pour forth | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| יְדַבְּר֣וּ | they speak | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| עָתָ֑ק | arrogance | Adj |
| יִֽ֝תְאַמְּר֗וּ | they boast | Verb, Hithpael, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| כָּל־ | all | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| פֹּ֥עֲלֵי | [those who] do | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine plural common |
| אָֽוֶן׃ | wickedness | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. |
| KJV | How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? |
| ASV | They prate, they speak arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast themselves. |
| YLT | They utter — they speak an old saw, All working iniquity do boast themselves. |
| WEB | They pour out arrogant words. All the evildoers boast. |
| BBE | Words of pride come from their lips; all the workers of evil say great things of themselves. |
Where they part company is יְדַבְּר֣וּ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents the actions of the wicked, with a subordinate clause describing their boastful nature.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbנָבַע
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 — Psalms 94:4
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 Arrogance of the Wickedgenerated
Psalm 94:4 reflects the psalmist's observation of the wicked who speak arrogantly and boastfully. This verse is part of a larger lament where the psalmist questions how long the wicked will continue to exult and oppress the righteous, as seen in the preceding and following verses. The psalmist's concern for God’s people is evident as he highlights the injustices they face.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 31:18 | May lying lips be silenced— lips that speak with arrogance against the righteous, full of pride and contempt. |
| 2 | Psalm 59:7–12 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 3 | Psalm 64:3–4 | who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, |
| 4 | Psalm 73:8–9 | They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. |
| 5 | Psalm 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 19 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יַבִּ֣יעוּ, ya.Bi.'ugenerated
The verb יַבִּ֣יעוּ (ya.Bi.'u) is a Hiphil imperfect form meaning 'they pour forth.' It is derived from the root נָבַע (naba`), which conveys the idea of bubbling or gushing forth. This term captures the essence of words that flow out abundantly, whether good or bad.
In this context, it emphasizes the overflowing nature of the wicked's speech, which is characterized by arrogance and pride. The choice of this verb suggests a continuous action, indicating that their boastful words are not occasional but rather a persistent feature of their character.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase 'They pour out arrogant words' is consistent with the KJV and ASV, all translating יַבִּ֣יעוּ as 'pour out'.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse features two main verbs: יַבִּ֣יעוּ (they pour forth) and יְדַבְּר֣וּ (they speak), with the adjective עָתָק (arrogance) describing the nature of the words being spoken. This arrangement emphasizes the actions of the wicked alongside their characteristics.
The Hebrew word order places the verbs at the forefront, highlighting the actions of the wicked as the primary focus of the verse, while the description of their speech follows.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יַבִּ֣יעוּ as φθέγχονται (they utter), which suggests a more formal or literary expression of speech compared to the more dynamic Hebrew term. This choice indicates a slight shift in nuance, emphasizing the act of speaking rather than the overflowing nature of the words.
The Greek word ἀδικίαν for אָוֶן reflects a focus on injustice or wrongdoing, aligning with the overall theme of the psalm regarding the wicked's actions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 94:4 describes how the wicked speak arrogantly and boast about their actions. This verse highlights the psalmist's concern over the prideful words of those who do evil, emphasizing their ongoing oppression of God's people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means they continuously express their pride and boastfulness, showing a lack of humility and respect.
This verse illustrates the psalmist's lament over the oppression of the righteous by the wicked, highlighting their arrogant attitude.
It indicates a boldness in their speech that is disrespectful and defiant, reflecting their character.
It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the importance of humility in our own speech.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see arrogance manifest in my own words or actions?
- How can I cultivate humility in my speech to reflect God's character?
- What are some examples of boastful attitudes in society today, and how can we respond?
- How does this verse challenge me to consider the impact of my words on others?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 94:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHow long shall they utter and speak hard things?,.... Against Christ, his person and offices, his ministers, his people, his truths and ordinances; this is very applicable to antichrist, who has a
Read John Gill on Psalms 94 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryLORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? Lord, how long shall the wicked ... triumph?
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 94 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleUtter; or, pour forth freely, constantly, abundantly, as a fountain doth waters, as this Hebrew word signifies. Hard things; grievous, and insolent, and intolerable words against thee and thy people; blasphemous, malicious, contemptuous, and minatory words. Boast themselves; boast of their invincible power, and prosperous success in their wicked designs.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 94 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 94:4 [How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?Ver. 4. How long shall they utter] Heb. They will bluster (or well-out, as a fountain), they will speak hard things (speak millstones, throw daggers), they will boast themselves (talk largely of their good parts and practices); all this is expressed by an elegant asyndeton, to show that they did all this ordinarily and incessantly. Aκολαστονεχοντεςγλωσσαν, αισχιστηννοσον(Euripid.). A rhetorical figure which omits the conjunction.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 94 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) How long . . . and.—It is better to omit the italics, and render: They speak out of utter impudence: all evil-doers boast. The word rendered “boast” is by modern scholars connected with the Arabian title Emir, a “commander.” They make themselves out to be persons of distinction, or, perhaps, lord it over God’s people.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 94 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. They utter and speak] יביאו yabbiu, their hearts get full of pride and insolence; and then, from the abundance of such vile hearts, the mouth speaks; and the speech is of hard things, threatenings which they are determined to execute, boastings of their power, authority, &c.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 94 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. The verses run in pairs, and it seems preferable, with A.V., to regard Psalms 94:4 as a continuation of the question in Psalms 94:3, rather than, with R.V., to render it as an affirmative sentence. Workers of iniquity is the subject to the whole verse. (How long) shall all workers of iniquity Belch out, talk arrogantly, act haughtily? Cp. Psalms 59:2; Psalms 59:7; Psalms 31:18. The exact sense of the last verb is doubtful. It may mean ‘exalt themselves,’ or ‘speak proudly one with another.’
Read Cambridge on Psalms 94 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHow long shall they utter and speak hard things? - The word rendered utter means to pour forth - as water from a fountain; to pour forth copiously.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 94 →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
They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
They pour out arrogant words. All the evildoers boast.
They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
They spew out threats and speak defiantly; all the evildoers boast.
Tyndale line
How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
They prate, they speak arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast themselves.
They prate, they speak arrogantly: all the workers of iniquity boast themselves.
How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
They prate and speake fiercely: all the workers of iniquitie vaunt themselues.
Strictly literal
[How long] shall they utter [and] speak insolence — all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
They utter — they speak an old saw, All working iniquity do boast themselves.
They utter—they speak arrogance, || All working iniquity boast [about] themselves.
They sputter, they speak hard things: all the workers of wickedness boast themselves.
They pour out their arrogant words; all those who do evil boast.
From the Latin
For in his hand are all the ends of the earth: and the heights of the mountains are his.
Simplified
How long will you let them pour out their arrogant words? How long will these evil people go on boasting?
Words of pride come from their lips; all the workers of evil say great things of themselves.
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 of Psalms 94:4 states, 'יַבִּ֣יעוּ יְדַבְּר֣וּ עָתָ֑ק יִֽ֝תְאַמְּר֗וּ כָּל־ פֹּ֥עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן׃' which translates to 'They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.' The Septuagint aligns closely with the Masoretic Text, maintaining the same essential meaning, though its word order and articles differ due to its Greek structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q84) partially preserve the text, with some words supplied by an editor, but agree with the Masoretic Text in the main phrases. Overall, the Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls support the reading of the Masoretic Text, confirming the same core message regarding the arrogance of the wicked.
יַבִּ֣יעוּ יְדַבְּר֣וּ עָתָ֑ק יִֽ֝תְאַמְּר֗וּ כָּל־ פֹּ֥עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן׃
7 of the 7 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.
[יביעו] [ידברו] עתק [יתאמרו] [כל] [פעלי] [און]
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 6 supplied entire by an editor.
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 Psalms 94:4
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.
נָבַע (naba`) is a primitive root meaning to gush forth or bubble up. It encompasses actions like flowing, pouring out, and emitting, with uses in both literal and figurative contexts, including the utterance of words. The entries indicate that it can also refer to producing a foul odor, as in belching forth.
[נָבַע] vb. flow, spring, bubble up, poet. and late
Qal a flowing wady
Hiph. pour out, emit, cause to bubble, belch forth
base
H5042 נָבַע
5042 naba` naw-bah'
a primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good
or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor):--belch
out, flowing, pour out, send forth, utter (abundantly).
נָבַע (na.va) — to bubble.
1) to flow, pour out, pour, gush forth, spring, bubble up, ferment
1a) (Qal) to flow
1b)(Hiphil) to pour out, emit, cause to bubble, belch forth
1b1) to pour out
1b2) to cause to bubble, ferment
1b3) to pour forth, emit, belch forth
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVhi3mp
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…
דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.
[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)
Qal speak
Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk
Pi. speak
Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for
Hithp. speaking this word
Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues
base
H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)
1696 dabar daw-bar'
a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used
figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive
sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,
declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,
say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,
use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.
: speak/tell/command
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.
: subdue
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.
: promise/declare
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVpi3mp
עָתָק (athaq) primarily means 'forward' or 'arrogant,' particularly in the context of speech. It is derived from a root that suggests a sense of license or impudence. The entries consistently emphasize its connotation of boldness and arrogance.
עָתָק forward, arrogant (of speech)
base
H6277 עָתָק forward, arrogant (of speech)
6277 `athaq aw-thawk'
from 6275 in the sense of license; impudent:--arrogancy,
grievous (hard) things, stiff.
see HEBREW for 06275
עָתָק (a.taq) — arrogant.
1) forward, bold, arrogant
1a) of speech
Adj — AdjHAamsa
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hithpael · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVti3mp
bost (halal, "to praise"; kauchaomai, "to vaunt oneself," used both in a good and a bad sense): To praise God: "In God have we made our boast all the day long" (Ps 44:8); to praise oneself, to vaunt (Ps 10:3). In the New Testament the Revised Version (British and American) frequently translates "glory," where the King James Version has "boast," in a good sense (2Co 7:14). In the sense of self-righteousness (Eph 2:9; Ro 2:17,23). Boaster (alazon, "a braggart") occurs in the King James Version (Ro 1:30; 2Ti 3:2); the…
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
פָּעַל (pa'al) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, often used in a systematic or habitual sense. It encompasses actions like committing, ordaining, and working, with a poetic nuance compared to the more common verb for 'to do' (עָשָׂה). The entries consistently highlight its usage in the Qal stem, emphasizing its foundational role in expressing action.
פָּעַל 67 vb. do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
Qal
do
make
base
H6466 פָּעַל do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
6466 pa`al paw-al'
a primitive root; to do or make (systematically and
habitually), especially to practise:--commit, (evil-)
do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er).
פָּעַל (pa.al) — to work.
1) to do, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do
1a2) to make
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine plural commonHVqrmpc
אָ֫וֶן (aven) encompasses meanings related to trouble, sorrow, and wickedness. It may also refer to idolatry and the concept of vanity or nothingness. The entries suggest a range of negative connotations, including affliction and iniquity, indicating a strong moral or ethical dimension. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
אָ֫וֶן 85 n.m. trouble, sorrow, wickedness
trouble, sorrow
idolatry
trouble of iniquity, wickedness
base
H205 אָ֫וֶן trouble, sorrow, wickedness
205 'aven aw-ven'
from an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant (hence,
to exert oneself, usually in vain; to come to naught);
strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness;
specifically an idol:--affliction, evil, false, idol,
iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust,
unrighteous, vain ,vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare 369.
see HEBREW for 0369
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: wickedness.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
אָ֫וֶן (a.ven) — evil: trouble.
1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow
1a) trouble, sorrow
1b) idolatry
1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
wik'-ed-nes:
1. In the Old Testament:
The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…
