Menu

Deuteronomy 32:29 — Word Study

Depth

WLCל֥וּ חָכְמ֖וּ יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ זֹ֑את יָבִ֖ינוּ לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃

BSAIf onlylûwʼ they were wisechâkam [having good judgment] they would understandsâkal [to discern, comprehend] itzôʼth they would comprehendbîyn [be prudent, consider carefully] their fateʼachărîyth [their latter end, future outcome]

Word
Listen & take awayDeuteronomy 32
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 29 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (le.'a.cha.ri.Tam) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Deuteronomy 32:29quick helps
In a sentenceMoses expresses a wish that Israel would be wise enough to understand their future.
Who is speakingMoses, addressing the nation of Israel.
Where we areIn a song reflecting on Israel's lack of wisdom.
The hard wordחָכְמ֖וּ
Take awayWisdom leads to understanding one's fate.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbחָכַם The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 — Deuteronomy 32:29

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 Song of Mosesgenerated

28Israel is a nation devoid of counsel, with no understanding among them.
29If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
30How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?
31For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede.

Deuteronomy 32:29 is part of a song where Moses laments Israel's lack of wisdom. He wishes they could understand their situation and the consequences of their actions. This section emphasizes the importance of wisdom in discerning one's fate, contrasting the people's ignorance with the knowledge they should possess.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Deuteronomy 5:29If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.
2Psalm 81:13If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways,
3Psalm 107:15–43Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.
4Isaiah 48:18–19If only you had paid attention to My commandments, your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like waves of the sea.
5Hosea 14:9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

The Key Word חָכְמ֖וּ, cha.khe.Mugenerated

The verb חָכַם (cha.kham) means to be wise or to act wisely. It suggests having good judgment and making intelligent decisions, as seen in various biblical contexts. The parsing indicates it is in the perfect tense, third person common plural, showing that it refers to a completed action or state.

Wisdom in the biblical sense often involves not just knowledge but the application of that knowledge in practical ways. In this verse, Moses expresses a desire for the people to attain this wisdom, which would lead them to a better understanding of their fate.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The verse is rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses wise for חָכְמ֖וּ and understand for יָבִ֖ינוּ.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb in the verse is חָכְמ֖וּ, they were wise, which governs the understanding of the entire sentence. The structure includes a conditional clause introduced by לוּ, if, indicating a hypothetical situation.

Following the main clause, there are two additional clauses that express the outcomes of wisdom: יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ they will comprehend and יָבִ֖ינוּ they will understand, both of which elaborate on the consequences of possessing wisdom.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates חָכְמ֖וּ as ἐφρόνησαν, which conveys a similar meaning of being wise or prudent. This choice aligns well with the Hebrew context, emphasizing the importance of wisdom.

The Greek word συνιέναι for יָבִ֖ינוּ suggests a deeper understanding, indicating that wisdom leads to insight, reinforcing the message of the verse.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Deuteronomy 32:29 expresses Moses' wish that Israel would be wise enough to understand their fate. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and comprehension in recognizing the consequences of their actions.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean to be wise in this context?

To be wise means to have good judgment and to act intelligently, which is crucial for understanding the consequences of one's actions.

Why does Moses express this wish for Israel?

Moses recognizes that the people lack understanding and wishes they could grasp the seriousness of their situation.

How does wisdom relate to understanding one's fate?

Wisdom allows individuals to discern and comprehend the implications of their choices, leading to a clearer understanding of their future.

What is the significance of the conditional 'if only'?

The phrase expresses a longing for a different reality, highlighting the gap between what is and what could be if the people were wise.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom to better understand my circumstances?
  2. How can I apply the concept of wisdom in my daily decisions?
  3. What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper understanding of my future and its implications?
  4. How does the idea of wisdom shape my perspective on the challenges I face?

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Deuteronomy 32:29 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

O that they were wise,.... These are not the words of God, and so no instances of mere velleities, and unsuccessful wishes in him, and as arguing a power in man to make himself wise if he would; but

Read John Gill on Deuteronomy 32 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! Oh that they ... would consider their latter end!

Read Robert Jamieson on Deuteronomy 32 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

What their end will be; and that although God spare them long, yet at last judgment will certainly overtake them.

Read Matthew Poole on Deuteronomy 32 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!Ver. 29. Oh that this people were wise.] Sapiens est, cui res sapiunt prout sunt, saith Bernard. That they would consider their latter end.] This is a high point of heavenly wisdom. Moses himserf desires to learn it. David also would fain be taught it. Solomon sets a "better" upon it. "Jerusalem’ s filthiness was in her skirts, because she remembered not her latter end; therefore also she came down wonderfully." The kite by the turning of his tail directs and winds about all his body. Consideratio finis tanquam caudae, ad vitam optime regendam confert, saith Berchorins. I meet…

Read John Trapp on Deuteronomy 32 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(29) Consider their latter end.—Have some discernment as to their hereafter, what their destiny was, and what they will miss, if they fail to fulfil it.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Deuteronomy 32 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 29. That they would consider their latter end!] אחריתם archaritham, properly, their latter times-the glorious days of the Messiah, who, according to the flesh, should spring up among them. Should they carefully consider this subject, and receive the promised Saviour, they would consequently act as persons under infinite obligations to God; his strength would be their shield, and then:-

Read AdamClarke on Deuteronomy 32 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

29. consider their latter end] This is weak and omits the preposition to which conveys the full sense understand, or see through, to their ultimate fate, past this temporary triumph over Israel to the punishment God has in store for them, Deuteronomy 32:34. Deuteronomy 32:29-31 are regarded by some as a later intrusion by one who wrongly interpreted Deuteronomy 32:28 of Israel; and indeed Deuteronomy 32:32 more naturally connects with 28, which it confirms, than with 31. Note also that God is not the speaker in them.

Read Cambridge on Deuteronomy 32 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

29, 30. O that they were wise — Better, If they were wise, they would understand this. They would consider their future.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Deuteronomy 32 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.

NETBNew English Translation2006

I wish that they were wise and could understand this, and that they could comprehend what will happen to them.”

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!

RVARevised Version, American1894

Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would consider their latter end!

NWBWebster's Bible1833

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Oh that they were wise, then they would vnderstand this: they would consider their latter ende.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

Oh that they had been wise! they would have understood this, They would have considered their latter end!

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

If they were wise — They deal wisely [with] this; They attend to their latter end:

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

If only they were wise, || They would deal wisely [with] this, || They would attend to their latter end!

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

If they were but wise, they would understand this, they would consider their latter end!

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their coming fate!

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

O that they would be wise and would understand, and would provide for their last end.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

How I wish they were wise, so they could understand it; they would recognize what was going to happen to them.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

If only they were wise, if only this was clear to them, and they would give thought to their future!

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.

clauseל֥וּifclauseclauseverbחָכְמ֖וּthey.were.wiseclauseverbיַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּthey.will.comprehendobjectזֹ֑אתthisclauseverbיָבִ֖ינוּthey.will.understandprepositional phrase · prepositionalלְ(to)noun phraseאַחֲרִיתָֽendםtheir

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text is supported by the Septuagint, which matches all six words. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs slightly with three words changed, while the Dead Sea Scrolls show partial restoration, with some words supplied by an editor.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

ל֥וּ חָכְמ֖וּ יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּ זֹ֑את יָבִ֖ינוּ לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
ל֥וּοὐκחָכְמ֖וּἐφρόνησανיַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּσυνιέναιזֹ֑אתταῦταיָבִ֖ינוּκαταδεχάσθωσανלְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃εἰς

6 of the 6 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.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

לא חכמו וישׂכילו זאת ויבינו לאחריתם

3 words differ from the Masoretic Text: לא (not), ו (and), ו (and)

Dead Sea Scrolls — 1Q5a copy a thousand years older than the Leningrad Codex

[לו] [חכמו] [ישכילו] [זאת] יבינו [לאחרית׳ם]

nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 5 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.

Deuteronomy 32:29לוּififלוּחָכַםthey were wthey were wiseחָכַםשָׂכַלthey will cthey will comprשָׂכַלזֶהthisthisזֶהבִּיןthey will uthey will underבִּיןאַחֲרִיתend theirend theirאַחֲרִיתאַחַרafterafterאַחַרשֶׂהשֶׂהשָׁקַלto weighto weighשָׁקַלגָּוַעto dieto dieגָּוַעלִיץto mockto mockלִיץבִּיןto understto understandבִּיןמַ֫עַןbecausebecauseמַ֫עַןתּוֹרָהinstructioinstructionתּוֹרָהשִׁירsongsongשִׁירדַּ֫עַתknowledgeknowledgeדַּ֫עַתחָכָםwisewiseחָכָםרֵאשִׁיתfirst: begfirst: beginninרֵאשִׁיתתִּקְוָהcordcordתִּקְוָה
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Deuteronomy 32:29

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.

if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
ל֥וּlu if H3863 Conjunction
22× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.
Tyndale gloss
if
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

לוּ (lu) is a conditional particle meaning 'if' and expresses a wish, as in 'O that!' or 'if only!'. It indicates unlikely conditions or hypothetical situations. The entries consistently highlight its use in expressing desires or wishes, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

לוּ 17 and לוּא conj. if, O that

if (stating a case which has not been, or is not likely to be, realized)

If only …! i.e. O that! would that!

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3863 לוּ, לוּא if, O that

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3863 luw' loo

or lu {loo}; or luw {loo}; a conditional particle; if; by

implication (interj. as a wish) would that!:--if (haply),

peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

לוּ (lu) — if.

1) if, oh that!, if only!

1a) if (unlikely condition)

1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Conjunction
HC
if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
חָכְמ֖וּcha.khe.Mu they were wise H2449 Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
27× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Amplified meaning
having good judgment
Tyndale gloss
be wise
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חָכַם (chakam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be wise or to act wisely. It encompasses various forms, including teaching wisdom and showing oneself wise. The entries highlight its use in different contexts, such as making others wise or dealing shrewdly. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חָכַם vb. be wise

Qal be or become wise, act wisely

Pi. make wise, teach wisdom

Pu. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom

Hiph. making wise the simple

Hithp. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2449 חָכַם be wise .be or become wise, act wisely

. make wise, teach wisdom

. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom

. making wise the simple

. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2449 chakam khaw-kam'

a primitive root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):--X

exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal

(never so) wisely, make wiser.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חָכַם (cha.kham) — be wise.

1) to be wise

1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely

1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct

1c) (Pual) to be made wise

1d) (Hiphil) to make wise

1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common plural
HVqp3cp
if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
יַשְׂכִּ֣ילוּyas.Ki.lu they will comprehend H7919 Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine plural
62× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Amplified meaning
to discern, comprehend
Tyndale gloss
be prudent
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׂכַל (*sakal*) is a primitive root meaning to be prudent or circumspect. It encompasses a range of meanings including to consider, understand, teach, and prosper. The word can also refer to laying something crosswise in its Piel form. Notably, it appears in contexts that emphasize insight and wisdom.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂכַל vb. be prudent

Qal be prudent, circumspect

Hiph.

look at

give attention to, consider, ponder

have insight, comprehension

cause to consider, give insight, teach

act circumspectly, prudently

prosper, have success

cause to prosper

base

[שָׂכַל] vb. Pi. lay crosswise;—Gn 48:14 (J)

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7919a שָׂכַל be prudent .be prudent, circumspect

. . look at

. give attention to, consider, ponder

. have insight, comprehension

. cause to consider, give insight, teach

. act circumspectly, prudently

. prosper, have success

. cause to prosper

H7919b שָׂכַל Pi. lay crosswise

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7919 sakal saw-kal'

a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act)

circumspect and hence, intelligent:--consider, expert,

instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful),

have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing),

wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(- ly), guide

wittingly.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂכַל (sa.khal) — be prudent.

1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper

1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to look at or upon, have insight

1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent

1b3) to have insight, have comprehension

1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst)

1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach

1b4a) the teachers, the wise

1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely

1b6) to prosper, have success

1b7) to cause to prosper

Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)

שָׂכַל (sa.khal) — to cross hands.

(Piel) to lay crosswise, cross (hands)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVhi3mp
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kom-pre-hend': Used in a twofold sense in both the Old Testament and New Testament. This double meaning appears in two Hebrew and two Greek words which signify in turn

(1) mental or spiritual perception,

(2) capacity to hold or contain, as in a measure or in an all-inclusive principle, e.g.:

(1) yadha`, "to see with the eyes or the mind," hence, "know," "understand." Job was urged by Elihu to accept as inscrutable the ways of God, inasmuch as His operations in the physical world are so mighty and mysterious that "we cannot comprehend" them (Job 37:5). Modern science, in unveiling the secrets of Nature, is opening the way for a better understanding of God's creative purpose and plan.

katalambano, "to lay hold of," hence, mentally to apprehend: used of the spiritual capacity of the Christian "to comprehend (the Revised Version (British and…

if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
זֹ֑אתZot this H2063 Particle
604× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Tyndale gloss
this
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זֹאת (zot) is a demonstrative pronoun and adverb meaning 'this' or 'here.' It can stand alone or be used in apposition to a noun, often serving as a predicate. The word can also attach enclitically to interrogative pronouns to add emphasis. In poetry, it may function as a relative pronoun, though this is rare.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זֶה demonstr.pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here

standing alone

In appos. to subst.

More oft. as pred.

It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

With prefixes (in special senses)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2063 זֶה demonstr. pron. and adv.; fem. זֹאת, once זֹאתָה; this, here . standing alone

. In appos. to subst.

. More oft. as pred.

. It is attached enclitically, almost as an adv., to certain words, esp. interrog. pronouns, to impart, in a manner often not reproducible in Engl. idiom, directness and force, bringing the question or statement made into close relation with the speaker.

. In poetry, as a relative pron. (rare)

. With prefixes (in special senses)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2063 zo'th zothe'

irregular feminine of 2089; this (often used adverb):--

hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she,

so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing),

thus.

see HEBREW for 02089

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זֹאת (zot) — this.

1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such

1a) (alone)

1a1) this one

1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another

1b) (appos to subst)

1b1) this

1c) (as predicate)

1c1) this, such

1d) (enclitically)

1d1) then

1d2) who, whom

1d3) how now, what now

1d4) what now

1d5) wherefore now

1d6) behold here

1d7) just now

1d8) now, now already

1e) (poetry)

1e1) wherein, which, those who

1f) (with prefixes)

1f1) in this (place) here, then

1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter

1f3) thus and thus

1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus

1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side

1f6) on this account

1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Pron — Particle
HTm
if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
יָבִ֖ינוּya.Vi.nu they will understand H995 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
170× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Amplified meaning
be prudent, consider carefully
Tyndale gloss
to understand
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בִּין vb. discern

Qal

perceive

understand, know (with mind)

observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)

have discernment, insight, understanding

Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding

Po. he attentively considereth him

Hiph.

understand

give heed to, attend to, observe, discern

give understanding, make understand, teach

Hithp.

shew oneself attentive, consider diligently

get understanding, understand

shew oneself to have understanding

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H995 בִּין discern .. perceive

. understand, know (with mind)

. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)

. have discernment, insight, understanding

. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding

. he attentively considereth him

. . understand

. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern

. give understanding, make understand, teach

. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently

. get understanding, understand

. shew oneself to have understanding

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

995 biyn bene

a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),

i.e.(generally) understand:--attend, consider, be cunning,

diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct,

have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be

prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause,

make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal)

wise(-ly, man).

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בִּין (bin) — to understand.

1) to discern, understand, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to perceive, discern

1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)

1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider

1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding

1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to understand

1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach

1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently

1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct

2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine plural
HVqi3mp
if they were wise they will comprehend this they will understand end their
לְאַחֲרִיתָֽם׃le.'a.cha.ri.Tam end their H319 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Amplified meaning
their latter end, future outcome
Tyndale gloss
end
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַחֲרִית (achariyth) means 'end' or 'after-part' and encompasses concepts like the future, posterity, and remnants. It can refer to the last time or the latter part of events, often with prophetic implications. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and is noted in various contexts, including discussions of time and lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחֲרִית 61 n.f. after-part, end

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H319 אַחֲרִית after-part, end

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

319 'achariyth akh-ar-eeth'

from 310; the last or end, hence, the future; also

posterity:--(last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most,

length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward.

see HEBREW for 0310

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחֲרִית (a.cha.rit) — end.

1) after part, end

1a) end, issue, event

1b) latter time (prophetic for future time)

1c) posterity

1d) last, hindermost

Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HR/Ncfsc/Sp3mp
Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate