Ecclesiastes 7:25 — Word Study
WLCסַבּ֨וֹתִֽי אֲנִ֤י וְלִבִּי֙ לָדַ֣עַת וְלָת֔וּר וּבַקֵּ֥שׁ חָכְמָ֖ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן וְלָדַ֙עַת֙ רֶ֣שַׁע כֶּ֔סֶל וְהַסִּכְל֖וּת הוֹלֵלֽוֹת׃
BSAIʼănîy directedçâbab■ [applied, turned] my mindlêb [heart, inner being] to understandyâdaʻ [to know, to ascertain] to exploretûwr [to spy] to search outbâqash [to seek, to investigate] wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, good judgment] and explanationscheshbôwn [reason, reckoning] and to understandyâdaʻ [to know, to perceive] the stupiditykeçel [foolishness, wickedness] of wickednessreshaʻ [wrong, immoral actions] and the follyçiklûwth [foolish, silly behavior] of madnesshôwlêlâh [lack of wisdom, foolishness]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי | I turned | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| אֲנִ֤י | I | Pronoun |
| וְלִבִּי֙ | heart my | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לָדַ֣עַת | to know | Preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| וְלָת֔וּר | and to examine | Conjunction, preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| וּבַקֵּ֥שׁ | and to seek | Conjunction, verb piel infinitive construct common |
| חָכְמָ֖ה | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וְחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן | and an explanation | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְלָדַ֙עַת֙ | and to know | Conjunction, preposition, verb qal infinitive construct common |
| רֶ֣שַׁע | wickedness | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| כֶּ֔סֶל | stupidity | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְהַסִּכְל֖וּת | and the folly | Conjunction, particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| הוֹלֵלֽוֹת׃ | madness | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness. |
| KJV | I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: |
| ASV | I turned about, and my heart was set to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness. |
| YLT | I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness. |
| WEB | I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness. |
| BBE | I gave my mind to knowledge and to searching for wisdom and the reason of things, and to the discovery that sin is foolish, and that to be foolish is to be without one's senses. |
Where they part company is חָכְמָ֖ה — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is supported by several infinitive phrases that detail the Teacher's pursuits, showcasing a complex structure of thought.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectרֶשַׁע
verbסָבַב
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 7:25
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 Search for Wisdomgenerated
Ecclesiastes 7:25 presents the Teacher's introspective journey as he seeks to grasp wisdom and its implications, while also recognizing the inherent foolishness in wickedness. This exploration reflects the broader themes of Ecclesiastes, where the search for meaning in life often leads to the acknowledgment of life’s complexities and contradictions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 1:13–17 | And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid upon the sons of men to occupy them! |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 2:1–3 | I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 7:27 | “Behold,” says the Teacher, “I have discovered this by adding one thing to another to find an explanation. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 2:15 | So I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will also befall me. What then have I gained by being wise?” And I said to myself that this too is futile. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 3:16–17 | Furthermore, I saw under the sun that in the place of judgment there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 16 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי, sa.Bo.tigenerated
The verb סָבַב (savav) means 'to turn' or 'to surround.' It conveys the action of changing direction or focus, which is essential in this context as the Teacher directs his thoughts towards understanding. The perfect tense indicates a completed action, suggesting that this turning of the mind has been a deliberate and purposeful endeavor.
This word appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts, often implying a physical or metaphorical turning. In this verse, it emphasizes the Teacher's active role in seeking wisdom, as he turns his attention to different aspects of understanding.
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 main verb סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי, I turned, governs the entire sentence, with several infinitive phrases detailing the actions the Teacher undertakes: to understand, to explore, to search out, and to know. This structure emphasizes the Teacher's active engagement in the pursuit of wisdom.
The sentence features a series of coordinated phrases, each beginning with 'to' or 'and to,' which collectively illustrate the multifaceted approach the Teacher takes in his quest for understanding.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי as ἐκύκλωσα, which means 'I surrounded' or 'I encompassed.' This choice suggests a broader interpretation of the Teacher's mental engagement with wisdom, indicating a thorough and encompassing search.
This translation aligns with the Hebrew's emphasis on turning one's mind, reflecting a similar intent in the Greek rendering.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 7:25 describes the Teacher's effort to understand wisdom and its contrasts with wickedness. He actively seeks knowledge and insight, recognizing the foolishness found in immoral actions and madness.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means to purposefully focus one's thoughts and efforts on gaining knowledge and insight.
The contrast highlights the futility of immoral actions and the importance of seeking true understanding.
It illustrates the Teacher's journey of exploration and the complexities of life, emphasizing the search for meaning amidst folly.
Recognizing folly and madness is essential for discerning the value of wisdom and making sound choices in life.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I actively seek wisdom in my own life?
- How do I discern between wisdom and folly in my daily decisions?
- What experiences have taught me about the consequences of wickedness?
- How can I apply the insights from this verse to my understanding of life's complexities?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 7:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom,.... Or, "I and my heart turned about" (h); took a circuit, a tour throughout the whole compass of things; looked into every
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryI applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: I applied mine heart to know ... -
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 7 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI applied mine heart; I was not discouraged, but provoked by the difficulty of the work to undertake it; which is an argument of a great and generous soul. To know, and to search, and to seek out; he useth three words signifying the same thing, to intimate his vehement desire and vigorous and unwearied endeavour after it. The reason of things, both of God’ s various providences, and of the differing and contrary counsels and courses of men. To know the wickedness of folly, that I might clearly and fully understand the great evil of sin, and all that wickedness and folly or madness which is bound up in the hearts of all men by nature, and which discovers itself in the course of their lives.
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 7 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 7:25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason [of things], and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness [and] madness:Ver. 25. I applied mine heart.] Circuivi ego et cot meum, so the original runs; I and my heart turned about, or made a circle to know, &c. He took his heart with him, and resolved, hard or not hard, to make further search into wisdom’ s secrets. Difficulty doth but whet on heroic spirits: it doth no whit weaken but waken their resolutions to go through with the work. When Alexander met with any hard or hazardous piece of service, he would say, Iam periculum par anime Alexandri, He ever achieved what he…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 7 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(25) The reason of things.—The corresponding verb “to count” is common. This noun is almost peculiar to this book, where it occurs again in Ecclesiastes 7:27; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ecclesiastes 9:10; save that in 2 Chronicles 26:15 we have the plural in the sense of military engines.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ecclesiastes 7 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 25. I applied mine heart] I cast about, סבותי sabbothi, I made a circuit; I circumscribed the ground I was to traverse; and all within my circle I was determined to know, and to investigate, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things. Has man reason and understanding? If so, then this is his work. God as much calls him to use these powers in this way, as to believe on the Lord Jesus that he may be saved; and he that does not, according to the means in his power, is a slothful servant, from whom God may justly take away the misemployed or not used talent, and punish him for his neglect. Every doctrine of God is a subject both for reason and faith to work on. To know the…
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 7 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges25. I applied mine heart to know] The present text and punctuation give, as in the marginal reading of the A. V., I and my heart. The expression has no exact parallel in O. T. language, but harmonizes with the common mode of speech, familiar enough in the poetry of all times and countries, furnishing a title (“My Soul and I”) to a poem of Whittier’s, in which a man addresses his heart or soul (comp. Luke 12:19), as something distinguishable from himself. So in ch. Ecclesiastes 1:13 we have “I gave my heart.” Here the thought implied seems to be that of an intense retrospective consciousness of the experience, or experiment, of life which the seeker is about to narrate. The words indicate…
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 7 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleReason - The same word is translated “account” Ecclesiastes 7:27, “invention” Ecclesiastes 7:29, and “device” Ecclesiastes 9:10 : it is derived from a root signifying “to count.”
Read Albert Barnes on Ecclesiastes 7 →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
I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.
I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.
Tyndale line
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
I turned about, and my heart was set to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness.
I turned about, and my heart was set to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know that wickedness is folly, and that foolishness is madness:
I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things , and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
All this haue I prooued by wisedome: I thought I will be wise, but it went farre from me.
Strictly literal
I turned, I and my heart, to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and reason, and to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness;
I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.
I have turned around, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and the madness of foolishness.
Then I turned myself about together with my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and experience, and to know the wickedness of folly, and the foolishness of madness.
I turned my heart to learn and examine and seek wisdom and the explanations of reality, and to understand that evil is stupid and that folly is madness.
From the Latin
Much more than it was: it is a great depth, who shall find it out?
Simplified
I turned my thoughts to discover, investigate, and to find out more about wisdom and what makes sense. I wanted to know more about how stupid evil really is, and how ridiculous it is to be a fool.
I gave my mind to knowledge and to searching for wisdom and the reason of things, and to the discovery that sin is foolish, and that to be foolish is to be without one's senses.
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 Ecclesiastes 7:25 presents a clear and structured expression of the author's quest for wisdom and understanding. The Septuagint, while matching 12 of the 13 words from the Masoretic Text, has its own sentence structure and word order, which may reflect a slightly different emphasis or interpretation. However, the core ideas of seeking wisdom and understanding the folly of wickedness remain consistent between the two texts. There are no significant differences in meaning, but the variation in wording and structure is noteworthy for understanding how the text was transmitted and interpreted in different traditions.
סַבּ֨וֹתִֽי אֲנִ֤י וְלִבִּי֙ לָדַ֣עַת וְלָת֔וּר וּבַקֵּ֥שׁ חָכְמָ֖ה וְחֶשְׁבּ֑וֹן וְלָדַ֙עַת֙ רֶ֣שַׁע כֶּ֔סֶל וְהַסִּכְל֖וּת הוֹלֵלֽוֹת׃
12 of the 13 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 7:25
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.
The Hebrew word סָבַב (savav) means to turn or go around, encompassing a range of actions such as surrounding, marching, and changing direction. It is built from a primitive root and has various applications, both literal and figurative, including transforming or enclosing. The entries detail its uses in different verbal forms, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicons.
סָבַב vb. turn about, go around, surround
Qal
turn, intrans.
march, or walk, around
go partly round, circle, skirt
make a round, or circuit, go about to
surround, encompass
Niph.
turn oneself against, close round upon
turn round (from a direct course)
esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
pass. be turned over to, into the power of
Pi. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
Po‛.
encompass (with protection)
come about, assemble round
march or go about
enclose, envelop
Hiph.
turn (trans.), cause to turn
bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
turn into, of changing name
= bring round, of changing name
cause to go around
surround with (acc.) wall
perh. also encompass (as foe)
Hoph.
be turned, of cart wheel
surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
base
H5437 סָבַב turn about, go around, surround .. turn, intrans.
. . march, or walk, around
. go partly round, circle, skirt
. make a round, or circuit, go about to
. surround, encompass
. . . turn oneself against, close round upon
. turn round (from a direct course)
. esp. of boundary: turn round from, toward
. pass. be turned over to, into the power of
. to change, transform, the aspect of the matter
. . encompass (with protection)
. come about, assemble round
. march or go about
. enclose, envelop
. . . turn (trans.), cause to turn
. bring over (i.e. to allegiance)
. turn into, of changing name
. = bring round, of changing name
. . cause to go around
. surround with (acc.) wall
. perh. also encompass (as foe)
. . be turned, of cart wheel
. surrounded, i.e. set, of jewels
5437 cabab saw-bab'
a primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in
various applications, literally and figuratively (as
follows):--bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, X whirl, X
round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset
(about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to
come about, X circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round),
drive, environ, X on every side, beset (close, come, compass,
go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit
down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back).
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: turn.
: turn/bring_around
1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change
1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round
1b2) to be turned over to
1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform
1d) (Poel)
1d1) to encompass, surround
1d2) to come about, assemble round
1d3) to march, go about
1d4) to enclose, envelop
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round
1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass
1f) (Hophal)
1f1) to be turned
1f2) to be surrounded
סָבַב (sa.vav) — to turn: surround.
: surround/go_round
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
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
The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means 'heart' and encompasses the inner man, mind, will, and emotions. It refers to the center of feelings, intellect, and moral character, as well as the seat of appetites and courage. The entries suggest a broad range of meanings related to human experience and thought, with a specific mention of its use in Jeremiah 51:1.
לֵב 599 n.m. (f.) inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the sea
elsewhere of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific reference to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
[various]
for the man himself
as seat of appetites
as seat of emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash Je 51:1.
ref
H3820a לֵב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the sea
. elsewhere of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef., soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific reference to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions and determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. [various]
. for the man himself
. as seat of appetites
. as seat of emotions and passions
. seat of courage
H3820b לֵב קָמָי prob. late Atbash
3820 leb labe
a form of 3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very
widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect;
likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably,
consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-),
(hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X
heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X
themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly,
wisdom.
see HEBREW for 03824
לֵב (lev) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
לֵב (lev) — Leb.
§ Leb- = "heart of"
(probably a cryptic name for Babylon by Atbash)
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to)
discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel,
can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause
to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have
(knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHR/Vqcc
תּוּר (tuwr) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek out, spy out, or explore. It encompasses actions like searching, selecting, and going about, with uses in both Qal and Hiphil forms. The word can refer to explorers or merchants, indicating a range of activities from reconnaissance to trade.
תּוּר vb. seek out, spy out, explore
Qal
seek out, select
spy out, explore
go about
Hiph. they made a reconnaissance at Bethel
base
H8446 תּוּר seek out, spy out, explore
8446 tuwr toor
a primitive root; to meander (causatively, guide) about,
especially for trade or reconnoitring:--chap(-man), sent to
descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek,
(e-)spy (out).
תּוּר (tur) — to spy.
1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something
1a2) to spy out, explore
1a2a) explorers, spies (participle)
1a3) to go about
1a3a) merchant, trader (participle)
1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Conjunction · preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHC/R/Vqcc
בָּקַשׁ (baqash) is a Hebrew verb meaning to seek or search out, often in the context of worship or prayer. It encompasses a range of actions including asking, desiring, and requiring. The verb can appear in different forms, such as Piel and Pual, indicating various nuances of seeking or being sought.
[בָּקַשׁ] 224 vb. seek
Pi.
seek to find
seek to secure
seek the face
desire, demand
require, exact
exact equivalent or penalty for
(late) ask, request
Pu. be sought
base
H1245 בָּקַשׁ seek
1245 baqash baw-kash'
a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically
in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after:--ask,
beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure,
(make) request, require, seek (for).
בָּקַשׁ (ba.qash) — to seek.
1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to seek to find
1a2) to seek to secure
1a3) to seek the face
1a4) to desire, demand
1a5) to require, exact
1a6) to ask, request
1b) (Pual) to be sought
Conj | V-Piel-Inf-a — Conjunction · verb piel infinitive construct commonHC/Vpcc
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)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
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…
חֶשְׁבּוֹן (cheshbown) refers to a reckoning or account, derived from the root meaning 'contrivance' or 'intelligence.' It encompasses concepts of reasoning and calculation. The term appears in contexts that involve accounting or reasoning, though specific verse references are not provided in the entries.
חֶשְׁבּוֹן n.m. reckoning, account
base
H2808 חֶשְׁבּוֹן
2808 cheshbown khesh-bone'
from 2803; properly, contrivance; by implication,
intelligence:--account, device, reason.
see HEBREW for 02803
חֶשְׁבּוֹן (chesh.bon) — explanation.
account, reasoning, reckoning
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to)
discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel,
can have, be (ig-)norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause
to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have
(knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
1) to know
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to know
1a1a) to know, learn to know
1a1b) to perceive
1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern
1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish
1a1e) to know by experience
1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess
1a1g) to consider
1a2) to know, be acquainted with
1a3) to know (a person carnally)
1a4) to know how, be skilful in
1a5) to have knowledge, be wise
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed
1b2) to make oneself known
1b3) to be perceived
1b4) to be instructed
1c) (Piel) to cause to know
1d) (Poal) to cause to know
1e) (Pual)
1e1) to be known
1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)
1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare
1g) (Hophal) to be made known
1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself
Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a — Conjunction · preposition · verb qal infinitive construct commonHC/R/Vqcc
רֶ֫שַׁע (resha`) refers to wickedness or moral wrong. It encompasses various forms of wrongdoing, including violence, crime against civil law, and ethical violations. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be wrong' and is used in contexts relating to both personal and societal morality.
רֶ֫שַׁע n.m. wickedness
base
H7562 רֶ֫שַׁע wickedness
7562 resha` reh'-shah
from 7561; a wrong (especially moral):--iniquity,
wicked(-ness).
see HEBREW for 07561
רֶ֫שַׁע (re.sah) — wickedness.
1) wrong, wickedness, guilt
1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law)
1b) wickedness (of enemies)
1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
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…
כֶּ֫סֶל (kecel) primarily refers to the loins or flank, but it also encompasses meanings related to folly or stupidity, as well as confidence or hope. The word is built from the root related to fatness and can imply both physical and figurative concepts. It appears in contexts that highlight these varying meanings.
כֶּ֫סֶל n.m. 1. loins, 2. stupidity, 3. confidence
base
H3689 כֶּ֫סֶל
3689 kecel keh'-sel
from 3688; properly, fatness, i.e. by implication (literally)
the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the
viscera; also (figuratively) silliness or (in a good sense)
trust:--confidence, flank, folly, hope, loin.
see HEBREW for 03688
כֶּ֫סֶל (ke.sel) — loin.
1) loins, flank
2) stupidity, folly
3) confidence, hope
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
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)
Conj | Art | N-fs — Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncfsa
fol'-i.
See FOOL.
הוֹלֵלָה (howlelah) is a feminine noun meaning 'madness' or 'folly.' It is derived from the root word for 'to be foolish' (H1984). The entries consistently define it as a form of madness without significant disagreement among lexicons.
[הוֹלֵלָה] n.f. madness
base
H1947 הוֹלֵלָה
1947 howlelah ho-lay-law'
feminine active participle of 1984; folly:--madness.
see HEBREW for 01984
הוֹלֵלָה (ho.le.lah) — madness.
madness
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
mad'-nes.
See MAD, MADNESS.
Madness
This word is used in its proper sense in Deut. 28:34, John 10:20, 1 Cor. 14:23. It also denotes a reckless state of mind arising from various causes, as over-study (Eccl. 1:17; 2:12), blind rage (Luke 6:11), or a depraved temper (Eccl. 7:25; 9:3; 2 Pet. 2:16). David feigned madness (1 Sam. 21:13) at Gath because he “was sore afraid of Achish.”
In Scripture "madness" is recognized as a derangement proceeding either from weakness and misdirection of intellect or from ungovernable violence of passion. In one passage alone, (John 10:20) is madness expressly connected with demoniacal possession by the Jews in their cavil against our Lord; in none is it referred to any physical causes.
→ See INSANITY