Proverbs 19:5
Proverbs 19:5 in Multiple Translations
A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape.
A false witness will not go without punishment, and the breather out of deceit will not go free.
A false witness will be punished; liars won't get away with their lies.
A false witnes shall not be vnpunished: and he that speaketh lyes, shall not escape.
A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Those who tell lies in court will surely be punished [LIT]; they will not escape it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 19:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵ֣ד
שְׁ֭קָרִים
לֹ֣א
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
לֹ֣א
יִמָּלֵֽט
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-ms
שְׁ֭קָרִים
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
nâqâh
H5352
to clear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
pûwach
H6315
to breathe
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִמָּלֵֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:5
עֵ֣ד
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
שְׁ֭קָרִים
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-mp
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִנָּקֶ֑ה
nâqâh
H5352
"to clear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To be or make clean, either physically or morally, as seen in the book of Psalms where David asks God to cleanse him. This word is also used to describe being free from guilt or punishment. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off 1a) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleaned out, be purged out 1b2) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent 1b3) to be free, be exempt from punishment 1b4) to be free, be exempt from obligation 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to hold innocent, acquit 1c2) to leave unpunished
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: acquit [idiom] at all, [idiom] altogether, be blameless, cleanse, (be) clear(-ing), cut off, be desolate, be free, be (hold) guiltless, be (hold) innocent, [idiom] by no means, be quit, be (leave) unpunished, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 24:8; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 19:13.
וְ/יָפִ֥יחַ
pûwach
H6315
"to breathe"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to breathe or blow air, and is used in various ways, such as to fan a breeze or kindle a fire. It can also mean to utter or speak. In the Bible, it appears in contexts like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's breath or a person's utterance.
Definition: 1) to breathe, blow 1a) (Qal) to breathe 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to exhale or breathe 1b2) to puff, snort 1b3) to excite, inflame 1b4) to puff, pant for it 1b5) to breathe out, utter 1b6) to blow, blast
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: blow (upon), break, puff, bring into a snare, speak, utter. See also: Psalms 10:5; Proverbs 19:9; Psalms 12:6.
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
kâzâb
H3577
"lie"
N-mp
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמָּלֵֽט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:5
Context — The Man of Integrity
3A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. 7All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:28 | A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:9 | A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. |
| 3 | Proverbs 6:19 | a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:1 | “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. |
| 5 | Daniel 6:24 | At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 5:11 | You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 19:16–21 | If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. So you must purge the evil from among you. Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you. You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 2:9 | Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.” |
| 9 | Psalms 120:3–4 | What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
Proverbs 19:5 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 19:5, reminds us that lying or giving false testimony is a serious offense that will not go unpunished. When we lie or give false testimony, we not only harm others but also damage our relationship with God, as seen in Exodus 20:16. To live a life of honesty and integrity, we must strive to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can avoid the consequences of lying and cultivate a heart of honesty and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a false witness, and why is it so serious?
A false witness is someone who intentionally lies or gives false testimony, often to harm or deceive others, as seen in Proverbs 19:5, and this is a serious offense against God and others, as noted in Proverbs 6:16-19 and Exodus 20:16.
Will God really punish those who lie or give false testimony?
Yes, according to Proverbs 19:5, one who utters lies will not escape punishment, and this is reinforced in Revelation 21:8, which warns that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire.
How can I avoid being a false witness or uttering lies?
To avoid being a false witness, we must strive to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, and be mindful of the power of our words, as warned in James 1:26 and Proverbs 12:22.
What is the ultimate consequence of lying or giving false testimony?
The ultimate consequence of lying or giving false testimony is not only earthly punishment but also eternal separation from God, as seen in Proverbs 19:5 and reinforced in Revelation 21:8 and John 8:44.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be unintentionally giving false testimony or lying in my daily life, and how can I correct this?
- How can I balance the need to speak the truth with the need to speak in love and kindness, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15?
- What are some consequences I have seen or experienced as a result of lying or giving false testimony, and how can I learn from these experiences?
- How can I cultivate a heart of honesty and integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 28:18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished,.... He that bears false witness against his neighbour in an open court of judicature; though be may not be detected by men, and so escape the punishment due
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. A false witness ... and (he that) speaketh (Hebrew, breatheth forth) lies shall not escape. Proverbs 19:9 repeats this.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
Shall not be unpunished; though he escape the observation and punishment of men, yet he shall not avoid the judgment of God. That speaketh lies; that accustometh himself to lying, either in judgment or in common conversation.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.Ver. 5. A false witness shall not be unpunished.] Many poor people care not to lend their rich friend an oath at a need; and many rich, though they think ill of pillory perjury, yet they make little conscience of a merry lie. Neither of these shall pass unpunished. And this sentence may be to them, as those knuckles of a man’ s hand were to Belshazzar, to write them their destiny, or as Daniel was to him, to read it unto them.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:5
5. speaketh] Lit. breatheth out; and so in Proverbs 19:9 below.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:5
5. Not be unpunished — Better, as margin, not “held innocent.” Shall not escape — Namely, not escape punishment. The first clause is equivalent to, shall be guilty; the second, shall not go unpunished.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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Some Indirect Ways of Lying by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller addresses the various forms of untruthfulness, emphasizing that lies can be conveyed through tone, emphasis, and even statistics. He categorizes lies into three types: |
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Lying Lips by Erlo Stegen | This sermon focuses on the seriousness of lying according to Proverbs 12:22, highlighting how lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sp |
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Some of the Mis Representations by Job Scott | In this sermon, the preacher exposes the misrepresentations contained in a pamphlet titled 'A Letter from a Friend in America to Luke Howard of Tottenham, near London.' The preache |
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The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious - Part 3 by William Dool Killen | William Dool Killen preaches about the controversy surrounding the date of the martyrdom of Polycarp and its implications on the Ignatian Epistles. He discusses the arguments prese |
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How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |