Ecclesiastes 2:13 — Word Study
WLCוְרָאִ֣יתִי אָ֔נִי שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ יִתְר֛וֹן לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה מִן־ הַסִּכְל֑וּת כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן הָא֖וֹר מִן־ הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃
BSAAnd Iʼănîy sawrâʼâh■ [recognized, perceived] thatyêsh wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, or good judgment] exceedsyithrôwn [is better than, excels] follyçiklûwth [foolish or silly behavior] just as lightʼôwr [like, in the same way, natural or spiritual illumination, happiness] exceedsyithrôwn [is more excellent than] darknesschôshek [physical or spiritual, misery, destruction]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְרָאִ֣יתִי | and I saw | Conjunction, verb qal perfect first person common singular |
| אָ֔נִי | I | Pronoun |
| שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ | that there | Particle |
| יִתְר֛וֹן | [is] advantage | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה | of wisdom | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| מִן־ | more than | Preposition |
| הַסִּכְל֑וּת | folly | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן | like [the] advantage of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| הָא֖וֹר | light | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| מִן־ | more than | Preposition |
| הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃ | darkness | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness: |
| KJV | Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. |
| ASV | Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. |
| YLT | And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness. |
| WEB | Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. |
| BBE | Then I saw that wisdom is better than foolish ways — as the light is better than the dark. |
Where they part company is יִתְרוֹן — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause followed by a comparative phrase, establishing a clear relationship between the two ideas.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאֲנִי
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 — Ecclesiastes 2:13
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 Value of Wisdomgenerated
Ecclesiastes 2:13 reflects on the author's observations regarding wisdom and folly. The author sees wisdom as a significant advantage over foolishness, drawing a parallel with light's superiority over darkness. This theme is prevalent throughout Ecclesiastes, where the pursuit of wisdom is often contrasted with the futility of folly. The surrounding verses emphasize the importance of discernment and understanding in navigating life's complexities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:11–12 | Wisdom, like an inheritance, is good, and it benefits those who see the sun. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 9:16 | And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 4:5–7 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 5 | Malachi 3:18 | So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יִתְרוֹן, yit.Rongenerated
The Hebrew word יִתְרוֹן (yithrown) means advantage or gain, indicating something that is profitable or excellent. It is derived from a root that conveys the idea of preeminence, suggesting superiority in comparison to something else.
In this verse, it highlights the superiority of wisdom over folly, emphasizing the benefits and excellence that wisdom brings in life. The parsing indicates that it is a masculine singular noun, which aligns with its function in the sentence as the subject of comparison.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb וְרָאִ֣יתִי (ve.ra.'I.ti), meaning 'and I saw,' governs the entire verse, establishing the author's observation as the main action. The structure supports a comparison between wisdom and folly, with additional phrases elaborating on this relationship.
The sentence is constructed to emphasize the superiority of wisdom, with the noun phrases חָכְמָ֖ה (cha.khe.Mah) and סִכְלוּת (sikluwth) clearly delineating the subjects of the comparison. The use of prepositional phrases enhances the clarity of the relationships being drawn.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew יִתְרוֹן is rendered as περισσεία (perisseia), which also conveys the idea of abundance or excess. This choice reflects a similar understanding of the concept of advantage, emphasizing the richness that wisdom brings over folly.
The translation maintains the comparative structure found in the Hebrew text, reinforcing the message that wisdom is indeed superior to folly, akin to how light surpasses darkness.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 2:13 states that the author observed wisdom as superior to folly, similar to how light is superior to darkness. This verse highlights the value of wisdom in life, suggesting that it provides clarity and understanding that folly lacks.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that wisdom offers more advantages and benefits in life than foolishness, guiding better decisions and understanding.
Light represents clarity, understanding, and enlightenment, contrasting with darkness, which symbolizes ignorance and folly.
This comparison emphasizes the significance of pursuing wisdom in life, as it leads to better outcomes and a deeper understanding of the world.
We learn that choosing wisdom over folly is crucial for making sound decisions that lead to positive results.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life can I seek wisdom rather than folly?
- How can I apply the principles of wisdom to my daily decisions?
- What are some practical ways to cultivate wisdom in my life?
- How does understanding the value of wisdom change my perspective on challenges I face?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early interpretations of this verse highlight the contrast between wisdom and folly, as seen in quotations from Jerome and John Chrysostom, who reflect on the significance of understanding.
"And I perceived that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. "I am allowed, he says, to see through that very wisdom of mankind, which is mixed with uncertainty.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 2 →
And what is the use of understanding, you will say, to the poor person? As might be expected you are ignorant; for neither does the blind person know what is the advantage of light.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 2 →
And what is the use of understanding, thou wilt say, to the poor man? As might be expected thou art ignorant; for neither doth the blind man know what is the advantage of light.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 2 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 2:13 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen I sat that wisdom excelleth folly,.... However, this upon a review of things he could not but own, that natural wisdom and knowledge, though there was no true happiness and satisfaction in them,
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 2 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 2 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThen I saw; or, yet I saw; for this is added to prevent an Objection or mistake. Wisdom excelleth folly; although wisdom is not sufficient to make men truly and perfectly happy, yet it is of a far greater use and excellency than vain pleasures, or any other follies. As far as light excelleth darkness, i.e. vastly and unspeakably. Light is very pleasant and comfortable, and withal of great necessity and singular use to discover the differences of persons and things, to prevent mistakes and dangers, and to direct all a man’ s paths in the right way; whereas darkness is in itself doleful, and leads men into innumerable confusions, and errors, and miseries.
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 2 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.Ver. 13. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly,] i.e., Philosophy and human wisdom, though it cannot perfect the mind, nor make a man happy, yet it is as far beyond sensuality and brutishness as light is beyond darkness. Those that seek for the philosopher’ s stone, though they miss their end, yet they find many excellent things by the way. So philosophers, politicians, moralists, though they missed the "pearl of price," yet they sought out other "goodly pearls" (with that wise merchant, Matthew 13:45), for the which they have their just praise and profit:
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 2 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(13) Wisdom surely has an advantage over folly, yet how full of “vanity” is that advantage. Let the wise man have done his best, soon death comes; the wise man is forgotten, and all he has gained by his labour passes, without labour, into the hands of one who may be no inheritor of his wisdom. Excelleth.—There is profit in wisdom more than in folly. The same word “profit” is used as in Ecclesiastes 5:11. (See Note on Ecclesiastes 1:3.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ecclesiastes 2 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 13. Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly] Though in none of these pursuits I found the supreme good, the happiness my soul longed after; yet I could easily perceive that wisdom excelled the others, as far as light excels darkness. And he immediately subjoins the reasons.
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 2 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges13. I saw that wisdom excelleth folly] Better, as keeping up, in the English as in the Hebrew, the characteristic word of the book, There is profit in wisdom more than in folly, and so in the second clause. Something then had been gained by the experience. In language like that of the Stoics he sings the praises of wisdom. Even the wisdom that brings sorrow (ch. Ecclesiastes 1:13) is better than the mirth of fools. A man is conscious of being more truly man when he looks before and after, and knows how to observe. Light is, after all, better than darkness, even if it only shews us that we are treading the path that leads to nothingness. The human heart obeys its instincts when it cries out…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 2 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible13. Wisdom excelleth folly — The verdict follows the comparison.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ecclesiastes 2 →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
And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:
Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.
And I saw that wisdom exceeds folly, just as light exceeds darkness:
I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly, just as light is preferable to darkness:
Tyndale line
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Then I saw that there is profite in wisdome, more then in follie: as the light is more excellent then darkenes.
Strictly literal
And I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as light excelleth darkness.
And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.
And I saw that there is an advantage to wisdom above folly, like the advantage of the light above the darkness.
But I saw indeed that wisdom hath the advantage over folly, as great as the advantage of light over darkness.
Then I began to understand that wisdom has advantages over folly, just as light is better than darkness.
From the Latin
And I saw that wisdom excelled folly, as much as light differeth from darkness.
Simplified
I recognized that wisdom is better than foolishness just as light is better than darkness.
Then I saw that wisdom is better than foolish ways — as the light is better than the dark.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in meaning and structure for this verse, with all words matched. This consistency suggests a strong preservation of the original intent across different manuscript traditions.
וְרָאִ֣יתִי אָ֔נִי שֶׁיֵּ֥שׁ יִתְר֛וֹן לַֽחָכְמָ֖ה מִן־ הַסִּכְל֑וּת כִּֽיתְר֥וֹן הָא֖וֹר מִן־ הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ׃
11 of the 11 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 Ecclesiastes 2:13
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.
רָאָה (ra'ah) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to see' and encompasses a wide range of visual and perceptual actions, including looking, observing, and causing others to see. It can refer to both literal sight and figurative understanding, with various grammatical forms indicating different nuances, such as appearing or being visible. The entries indicate a rich semantic field without significant disagreement among lexicographers.
רָאָה 1315 vb. see
Qal 1141
see, subj.
see, c. acc. rei
see, sq. acc. cl. or phr. of closer design
see, so as to learn to know
abs. see, have (power of) vision
see = perceive
look at, see, by direct volition
of mental observation
c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
see, c. acc. rei
Niph.
appear
be seen
be visible
Pu. appar. his bones are not detected
Hithp. recipr. look at each other
Hiph.
cause one to see something, shew
cause to experience something
cause to look intently at, to behold
Hoph.
be caused to see, be shewn
be exhibited to
base
H7200a רָאָה see .. . see, subj.
. see, c. acc. rei
. see, sq. acc. + cl. or phr. of closer design
. see, so as to learn to know
. abs. see, have (power of) vision
. see = perceive
. look at, see, by direct volition
. of mental observation
. . c. ב, lit., look into, hence look at with interest
. see, c. acc. rei
. . appear
. be seen
. be visible
. appar. his bones are not detected
. recipr. look at each other
. . . cause one to see something, shew
. cause to experience something
. cause to look intently at, to behold
. . be caused to see, be shewn
. be exhibited to
H7200b רְאוּת look
7200 ra'ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in
numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive,
intransitive and causative):--advise self, appear, approve,
behold, X certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have
experience, gaze, take heed, X indeed, X joyfully, lo, look
(on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up,
upon), mark, meet, X be near, perceive, present, provide,
regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one
another), shew (self), X sight of others, (e-)spy, stare, X
surely, X think, view, visions.
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: see.
: see/show
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out
1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish
1a6) to look at, gaze at
1a7) to provide, choose
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to appear, present oneself
1b2) to be seen
1b3) to be visible
1c) (Pual) to be seen
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to cause to see, show
1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at
1e) (Hophal)
1e1) to be caused to see, be shown
1e2) to be exhibited to
1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face
רָאָה (ra.ah) — to see: examine.
: examine/consider
1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to see
1a2) to see, perceive
1a3) to see, have vision
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Conjunction · verb qal perfect first person common singularHC/Vqp1cs
so.
See TOOLS.
Egyptian saws, so far as has yet been discovered, are single-handed. As is the case in modern Oriental saws, the teeth usually incline toward the handle, instead of away from it like ours. They have, in most cases, bronze blades, apparently attached to the handles by leathern thongs. No evidence exists of the use of the saw applied to stone in Egypt, but we read of sawn stones used in the temple. (1 Kings 7:9) The saws "under" or "in" which David is said to have placed his captives were of iron. The expression in (2 Samuel 12:31) does not necessarily imply torture, but the word "cut" in (1 Chronicles 20:3) can hardly be understood otherwise.
אֲנִי, transliterated as aniy, is a first-person singular pronoun meaning 'I' or 'me.' It is often used for emphasis and can also imply possession, as in 'mine' or 'myself.' The word is derived from a form that indicates self-reference, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי pron. 1s. comm. I
base
H589 אֲנִי, אָ֑נִי I
589 'aniy an-ee'
contracted from 595; I:--I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, X
which, X who.
see HEBREW for 0595
אֲנִי (a.ni) — I.
I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Pron — PronounHPp1bs
יֵשׁ (yesh) refers to being, substance, or existence. It is used to assert existence, functioning as a copula for the verb 'to be' in various forms. The word can mean 'there is' or 'there are,' and its Aramaic equivalent is אִיתַי (itay).
יֵשׁ 137 subst. being, substance, existence
substance
elsewhere (prop. as a subst. in in the st. c.), it asserts existence, and so corresponds to the verb substantive, is (are, was, were, will be), lit. the being, presence of …
base
H3426 יֵשׁ subst. being, substance, existence . substance
. elsewhere (prop. as a subst. in in the st. c.), it asserts existence, and so corresponds to the verb substantive, is (are, was, were, will be), lit. the being, presence of …
3426 yesh yaysh
perhaps from an unused root meaning to stand out, or exist;
entity; used adverbially or as a copula for the substantive
verb (1961); there is or are (or any other form of the verb to
be, as may suit the connection):--(there) are, (he, it, shall,
there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had,
hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is,
substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt,
wouldest.
see HEBREW for 01961
יֵשׁ (yesh) — there.
1) being, existence, substance, there is or are
1a) substance
1b) existence
1c) there is or are
Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Rel | Part — ParticleHTr/Acbsc
יִתְרוֹן (yithrown) refers to concepts of advantage, profit, and excellency. It is derived from the root word meaning preeminence. The term is noted in the context of Ecclesiastes, where it conveys the idea of gain or benefit.
יִתְרוֹן n.[m.] advantage, profit, only Ec
base
H3504 יִתְרוֹן
3504 yithrown yith-rone'
from 3498; preeminence, gain:--better, excellency(-leth),
profit(-able).
see HEBREW for 03498
יִתְרוֹן (yit.ron) — advantage.
advantage, profit, excellency
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
ad-van'-taj (cakhan): In Job 35:3 is interpreted in succeeding clause as "profit." In Ro 3:1 perissos, is likewise interpreted by a paraphrase in the next sentence. the Revised Version (British and American) prefers to render pleonekteo by "take advantage," where the King James Version has "defraud" (2Co 7:2), or "make gain of" (2Co 12:17; compare 2Co 2:11). In Jude 1:16 "advantage" (opheleia) means "profit."
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…
The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.
מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not
with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal
from, against
מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
of position, off, on the side of, on
Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
Partitively
Of time—
as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
towards, to
(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
In comparisons, beyond, above
מן is prefixed to an infin.:
with causal force, from, on account of, through
after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
with a temporal force, since, after
Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
In compounds:
base
H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against
. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
. of position, off, on the side of, on
. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
. Partitively
. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
. towards, to
. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
. In comparisons, beyond, above
. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through
. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
. with a temporal force, since, after
. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
4480 min min
or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)
{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;
hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as
follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason
of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,
since, X then, through, X whether, with.
see HEBREW for 04482
מִן־ (min) — from.
prep
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
1b) out of
1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
1b2) (of material from which something is made)
1b3) (of source or origin)
1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
1d) from, since, after (of time)
1e) than, more than (in comparison)
1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
conj
2) that
Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
מֵן (men) — portion.
n.m.
portion
HR — PrepositionHR
סִכְלוּת (sikluwth) means folly or foolishness. It is derived from a root that suggests silliness. The term appears in Ecclesiastes 1:17, where it conveys a sense of foolishness. Different entries confirm this meaning without significant disagreement.
סִכְלוּת, שִׂכְלוּת n.f. folly
base
H5531a סִכְלוּת, שִׂכְלוּת folly H5531b סִכְלוּת, שִׂכְלוּת folly
5531 cikluwth sik-looth'
or sikluwth (Eccl. 1:17) {sik-looth'}; from 5528;
silliness:--folly, foolishness.
see HEBREW for 05528
שִׂכְלוּת (sikh.lut) — folly.
folly, foolishness
Another spelling of sikh.lut (סִכְלוּת "folly" H5531B)
סִכְלוּת (sikh.lut) — folly.
folly, foolishness
Also means: sikh.lut (שִׂכְלוּת "folly" H5531A)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
fol'-i.
See FOOL.
יִתְרוֹן (yithrown) refers to concepts of advantage, profit, and excellency. It is derived from the root word meaning preeminence. The term is noted in the context of Ecclesiastes, where it conveys the idea of gain or benefit.
יִתְרוֹן n.[m.] advantage, profit, only Ec
base
H3504 יִתְרוֹן
3504 yithrown yith-rone'
from 3498; preeminence, gain:--better, excellency(-leth),
profit(-able).
see HEBREW for 03498
יִתְרוֹן (yit.ron) — advantage.
advantage, profit, excellency
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אוֹר (or) means 'light' and encompasses various forms of illumination, including daylight, dawn, and the light of heavenly bodies like the sun and stars. It can also refer to metaphorical concepts such as the light of life, prosperity, and instruction, as well as Yahweh as a source of light.
אוֹר 121 n.m. light
light as diffused in nature, light of day
morning light, dawn
light of the heavenly luminaries
daylight
lightning
light of lamp
light of life
light of prosperity
light of instruction
light of face
Yahweh
base
H216 אוֹר light . light as diffused in nature, light of day
. morning light, dawn
. light of the heavenly luminaries
. daylight
. lightning
. light of lamp
. light of life
. light of prosperity
. light of instruction
. light of face
. Yahweh
216 'owr ore
from 215; illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every
sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.):--bright, clear,
+ day, light (-ning), morning, sun.
see HEBREW for 0215
אוֹר (or) — light.
1) light
1a) light of day
1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars)
1c) day-break, dawn, morning light
1d) daylight
1e) lightning
1f) light of lamp
1g) light of life
1h) light of prosperity
1i) light of instruction
1j) light of face (fig.)
1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
lit ('or, ma'or; phos; many other words):
1. Origin of Light
2. A Comprehensive Term
(1) Natural Light
(2) Artificial Light
(3) Miraculous Light
(4) Mental, Moral, Spiritual Light
3. An Attribute of Holiness
(1) God
(2) Christ
(3) Christians
(4) The Church
4. Symbolism
5. Expressive Terms
1. Origin of Light:
The creation of light was the initial step in the creation of life. "Let there be light" (Ge 1:3) was the first word of God spoken after His creative Spirit "moved" upon the primary material out of which He created the heavens and the earth, and which lay, until the utterance of that word, in the chaos of darkness and desolation. Something akin, possibly, to the all-pervasive electro-magnetic activity of the aurora borealis penetrated the chaotic night of the world. The ultimate focusing of light (on the 4th day of creation,
Light
The offspring of the divine command (Gen. 1:3). “All the more joyous emotions of the mind, all the pleasing sensations of the frame, all the happy hours of domestic intercourse were habitually described among the Hebrews under imagery derived from light” (1 Kings 11:36; Isa. 58:8; Esther 8:16; Ps. 97:11). Light came also naturally to typify true religion and the felicity it imparts (Ps. 119:105; Isa. 8:20; Matt. 4:16, etc.), and the glorious inheritance…
One of the most wonderful, cheering, and useful of all the works of God; called into being on the first of the six days of creation, by his voice: "Let there be light;" and there was light. No object better illustrates whatever is pure, glorious, spiritual, joyful, and beneficent. Hence the beauty and force of the expressions, "God is light," 1Jo 1:5, and "the Father of lights," Jas 1:17; Christ is the "Sun of righteousness," and "the light of the world," Joh 1:9 8:12. So also the word of God is "a light," Ps 119:105; truth and Christians are lights, Joh 3:19 12:36; prosperity is "light," Es 8:16; and heaven is full of…
The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.
מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not
with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal
from, against
מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
of position, off, on the side of, on
Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
Partitively
Of time—
as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
towards, to
(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
In comparisons, beyond, above
מן is prefixed to an infin.:
with causal force, from, on account of, through
after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
with a temporal force, since, after
Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
In compounds:
base
H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against
. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
. of position, off, on the side of, on
. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
. Partitively
. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
. towards, to
. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
. In comparisons, beyond, above
. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through
. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
. with a temporal force, since, after
. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
4480 min min
or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)
{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;
hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as
follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason
of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,
since, X then, through, X whether, with.
see HEBREW for 04482
מִן־ (min) — from.
prep
1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than
1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of
1b) out of
1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling)
1b2) (of material from which something is made)
1b3) (of source or origin)
1c) out of, some of, from (partitively)
1d) from, since, after (of time)
1e) than, more than (in comparison)
1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or
1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons)
1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive)
conj
2) that
Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
מֵן (men) — portion.
n.m.
portion
HR — PrepositionHR
חֹ֫שֶׁךְ (choshek) refers to darkness or obscurity, both in a literal sense and in various figurative contexts such as distress, ignorance, and evil. It can also denote secret or hiding places. The word is built from a root meaning 'dark' and encompasses a range of meanings related to judgment and confusion.
חֹ֫שֶׁךְ n.m. darkness, obscurity
darkness (opp. אוֹר)
= secret place(s); = hiding-place
fig.
= distress
= dread, terror, symbol. of judgment
= mourning
= perplexity; confusion
= ignorance
= evil, sin
= obscurity
base
H2822 חֹ֫שֶׁךְ darkness, obscurity . darkness (opp. אוֹר)
. = secret place(s); = hiding-place
. fig. . = distress
. = dread, terror, symbol. of judgment
. = mourning
. = perplexity; confusion
. = ignorance
. = evil, sin
. = obscurity
2822 choshek kho-shek'
from 2821; the dark; hence (literally) darkness;
figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow,
wickedness:--dark(-ness), night, obscurity.
see HEBREW for 02821
חֹ֫שֶׁךְ (cho.shekh) — darkness.
1) darkness, obscurity
1a) darkness
1b) secret place
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
Darkness
The plague (the ninth) of darkness in Egypt (Ex. 10:21) is described as darkness “which may be felt.” It covered “all the land of Egypt,” so that “they saw not one another.” It did not extend to the land of Goshen (ver. 23).
When Jesus hung upon the cross (Matt. 27:45; Luke 23:44), from the “sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.”
is spoken of as encompassing the actual presence of God, as that out of which he speaks, --the envelope, as it were, of divine glory. (Exodus 20:21; 1 Kings 8:12) The plague of darkness in Egypt was miraculous. The darkness "over all the land," (Matthew 27:45) attending the crucifixion has been attributed to an eclipse, but was undoubtedly miraculous, as no eclipse of the sun could have taken place at that time, the moon being at the full at the time of the passover. Darkness is also, as in the expression "land of darkness," used for the state of the dead, (Job 10:21,22) and frequently, figuratively, for ignorance and unbelief, as the privation of spiritual light. (
The absence of natural light, Ge 1:2, and hence figuratively a state of misery and adversity, Job 18:6 Ps 107:10 Isa 8:22 9:1; also the absence of the sun and stars, and hence the fall of chief men and national convulsions, Isa 13:10 Ac 2:20. "Works of darkness," are the impure mysteries practiced in heathen worship, Eph 5:11. "Outer darkness" illustrates the gloom of those on whom the gates of heaven are closed, Mt 8:12. The darkness in Egypt,