Ecclesiastes 7:3 — Word Study
WLCט֥וֹב כַּ֖עַס מִשְּׂחֹ֑ק כִּֽי־ בְרֹ֥עַ פָּנִ֖ים יִ֥יטַב לֵֽב׃
BSASorrowkaʻaç [vexation, deep sadness] is betterṭôwb than laughtersᵉchôwq [mockery, scorn] forkîy a sadrôaʻ [melancholic, sorrowful] countenancepânîym [face, presence] is goodyâṭab▸ [beneficial, pleasing] for the heartlêb [mind, emotions, will]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ט֥וֹב | [is] good | Adj |
| כַּ֖עַס | vexation | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| מִשְּׂחֹ֑ק | more than laughter | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| בְרֹ֥עַ | by sadness of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| פָּנִ֖ים | face | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| יִ֥יטַב | it will be good | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לֵֽב׃ | a heart | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart. |
| KJV | Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. |
| ASV | Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad. |
| YLT | Better [is] sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better. |
| WEB | Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good. |
| BBE | Sorrow is better than joy; when the face is sad the mind gets better. |
Where they part company is in the nuances of the word טוֹב — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause supported by a reason, clearly linking sorrow to its beneficial effects.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectכַּעַס
verbיָטַב
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 7:3
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 — Reflections on Life's Contrastsgenerated
Ecclesiastes 7:3 presents a thought-provoking comparison between sorrow and laughter, suggesting that experiencing sorrow can be more beneficial than the fleeting joy of laughter. This verse is part of a broader discourse that emphasizes the importance of reflecting on life's serious moments, as seen in the surrounding verses that advocate for mourning over feasting. The author encourages readers to take these reflections to heart, highlighting the value of wisdom in understanding life's complexities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 119:67–71 | Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word. |
| 2 | Psalm 126:5–6 | Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 31:8–9 | Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! |
| 4 | Jeremiah 50:4–5 | “In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, the children of Israel and the children of Judah will come together, weeping as they come, and will seek the LORD their God. |
| 5 | Daniel 9:3–19 | So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 15 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — טוֹב, Tovgenerated
The Hebrew word טוֹב (tov) means good or pleasant, and is often used to describe something beneficial or pleasing. Its broad range of meanings includes welfare, happiness, and prosperity. In this verse, it emphasizes the positive impact of a sad countenance on the heart.
As an adjective, טוֹב describes the state of the heart when it is influenced by sorrow, suggesting that such emotions can lead to growth and understanding, making it a crucial aspect of the human experience.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree that sorrow is better than laughter, with the BSB using good for טוֹב, while the KJV, ASV, YLT, WEB, and BBE also reflect this sentiment.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יִ֥יטַב, it will be good, governs the structure of the verse, with two phrases explaining the comparison: one describing the state of sorrow and the other detailing its effect on the heart. The sentence structure emphasizes the relationship between sorrow and its beneficial outcome.
The subject כַּעַס (ka.as) is positioned prominently, indicating that vexation is the focal point of the statement, while the prepositional phrases clarify the conditions under which this good occurs.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew טוֹב is rendered as ἀγαθον, which similarly conveys the idea of goodness. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the beneficial nature of sorrow.
The translation of כַּעַס as θυμος suggests a focus on the emotional aspect of vexation, highlighting the depth of feeling associated with sorrow.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ecclesiastes 7:3 tells us that sorrow is better than laughter because a sad countenance is good for the heart. This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of sorrow in our lives, suggesting that it can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This suggests that experiencing sorrow can lead to greater personal growth and understanding, which is more beneficial than the temporary joy of laughter.
A sad countenance can lead to reflection and deeper emotional processing, which can ultimately be healing and beneficial for one's mental state.
The author values mourning as it encourages contemplation of life's realities, promoting wisdom and understanding over superficial joy.
Sorrow can lead to empathy, stronger relationships, and a greater appreciation for joy, as it allows individuals to process their emotions and learn from their experiences.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced personal growth through sorrow in my life?
- How can I better appreciate the lessons that come from difficult emotions?
- What role does mourning play in my understanding of joy?
- How can I support others who are going through sorrow?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church writers reflect on this verse to discuss the value of sorrow and mourning in life, emphasizing its importance in spiritual growth.
Take the case that someone has subjects, for example, children or slaves. If he is angry with them and in a fury so that he limits the evil, then his anger is good, not anger as such, but the anger of a father over his child,Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →
"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to his heart.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Is it better to go where there is weeping, lamentation, and groans, and anguish, and so much sadness, than where there is the dance, the cymbals, and laughter, and luxury, and full eating and drinking? Yes, truly, [Solomon] replies.Early Church Fathers on Ecclesiastes 7 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ecclesiastes 7:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSorrow [is] better than laughter,.... Sorrow, expressed in the house of mourning, is better, more useful and commendable, than that foolish laughter, and those airs of levity, expressed in the house
Read John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentarySorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Sorrow - such as arises from serious thoughts of eternity. The Hebrew Kahas is translated anger in Ecclesiastes 7:9.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ecclesiastes 7 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleSorrow; either for sin, or any outward troubles. The sadness of the countenance; which is seated in the heart, but manifested in the countenance. Made better; more weaned from the lusts and vanities of this world, by which most men are ensnared and destroyed, and more quickened to seek after and embrace that true and everlasting happiness which God offers to them in his word.
Read Matthew Poole on Ecclesiastes 7 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEcclesiastes 7:3 Sorrow [is] better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.Ver. 3. Sorrow is better than laughter.] Here, as likewise in the two former verses, is a collation and prelation; "Sorrow," or indignation conceived for sin, "is better than laughter," - i.e., carnal and profane mirth. This is παραδοξοναλλουπαραλογον, as Nazianzen speaks in another case, a paradox to the world, but such as may sooner and better be proven than those paradoxes of the ancient Stoics. The world is a perfect stranger to the truth of this sacred position, as being all set upon the merry pin, and having so far banished sadness, as that they are no less enemies to…
Read John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 7 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) Sadness of the countenance.—Genesis 40:7; Nehemiah 3:3. “Anger” (margin). This is the usual meaning of the word, and so in Ecclesiastes 7:9. It is accordingly adopted here by the older translators, but the rendering of our version is required by the context.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ecclesiastes 7 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. Sorrow is better than laughter] The reason is immediately given; for by the sorrow of the countenance - the grief of heart that shows itself in the countenance - The heart is made better.] In such cases, most men try themselves at the tribunal of their own consciences, and resolve on amendment of life.
Read AdamClarke on Ecclesiastes 7 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. Sorrow is better than laughter] The thought is essentially the same as that of the preceding verse, but is somewhat more generalized. We are reminded of the Greek axiom, παθεῖν, μαθεῖν (“Pain is gain”), of the teaching of Ζschylus. Ζῆνα …τὸνφρονεῖνβροτοὺςὁδώ-σαντα, τὸνπάθειμάθοςθέντακυρίωςἔχειν.“Yea, Zeus, who leadeth men in wisdom’s wayAnd fixeth fast the lawThat pain is gain.”Agam. 170. There is a moral improvement rising out of sorrow which is not gained from enjoyment however blameless. The “Penseroso” is after all a character of nobler stamp than the “Allegro.”
Read Cambridge on Ecclesiastes 7 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSorrow - Rather, Seriousness. The heart is made better - i. e., is made bright and joyful (compare 2 Corinthians 6:10).
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
Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.
Sorrow is better than laughter, for a sad countenance is good for the heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.
Tyndale line
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made glad.
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
A good name is better then a good oyntment, and the day of death, then the day that one is borne.
Strictly literal
Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Better [is] sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.
Better [is] sorrow than laughter, || For by the sadness of the face the heart becomes better.
Better is vexation than laughing; for through the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Grief is better than laughter, for after sadness of face comes gladness of heart.
From the Latin
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting: for in that we are put in mind of the end of all, and the living thinketh what is to come.
Simplified
Sorrow is better than laughter, for tragedy helps us by making us think.
Sorrow is better than joy; when the face is sad the mind gets better.
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 their wording, maintaining the same essential meaning. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain partial restorations, but the key elements align with the Masoretic Text, confirming the consistency of this verse across different manuscripts.
ט֥וֹב כַּ֖עַס מִשְּׂחֹ֑ק כִּֽי־ בְרֹ֥עַ פָּנִ֖ים יִ֥יטַב לֵֽב׃
8 of the 8 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.
טוב כעס משחוק [כי] [ברע] [פנים] ייטב לב
4 words on the leather — 1 partly restored, 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ecclesiastes 7:3
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.
טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.
טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good
pleasant, agreeable to the senses
pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
good, excellent, of its kind
good, rich, valuable in estimation
good, appropriate, becoming
c. מִן compar. = better
of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
good, kind, benign
good (ethical), right
base
טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
good = benefit
moral good
base
טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
bounty, good
base
H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses
. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
. good, excellent, of its kind
. good, rich, valuable in estimation
. good, appropriate, becoming
. c. מִן compar. =better
. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
. good, kind, benign
. good (ethical), right
H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good
2896 towb tobe
from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used
likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,
the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a
good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or
women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,
bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,
fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),
graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,
merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,
prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well
((-favoured)).
see HEBREW for 02895
טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.
adj
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
טוֹב (tov) — good.
1) a good thing, benefit, welfare
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) good, benefit
1d) moral good
טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.
1) welfare, benefit, good things
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) bounty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
כַּ֫עַס (ka.as) refers to feelings of vexation and anger, encompassing grief and provocation. It is derived from a root that suggests a sense of irritation or sorrow. The word appears in contexts relating to both human and divine emotions, indicating a range of feelings from frustration to wrath.
כַּ֫עַס n.m. vexation, anger
base
כַּ֫עַשׂ n.m.
vexation, grief
vexation, anger
base
H3708a כַּ֫עַס vexation, anger H3708b כַּ֫עַשׂ . vexation, grief
. vexation, anger
3708 ka`ac kah'-as
or (in Job) kaoas {kah'-as}; from 3707; vexation: -anger,
angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, X sore,
sorrow, spite, wrath.
see HEBREW for 03707
כַּ֫עַס (ka.as) — vexation.
anger, vexation
Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
כַּ֫עַשׂ (ka.as) — vexation.
1) anger, vexation, provocation, grief
1a) vexation
1a1) of men
1a2) of God
1b) vexation, grief, frustration
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
שְׂחֹק (sechok) refers to laughter, encompassing both joyful and mocking expressions. It can denote merriment, derision, or being a laughing stock. The word is derived from a root meaning to laugh, and it appears in contexts of both joy and scorn.
שְׂחֹק, שְׂחוֹק n.[m.] laughter, derision, sport
base
H7814 שְׂחֹק, שְׂחוֹק
7814 schowq sekh-oke'
or schoq {sekh-oke'}; from 7832; laughter (in merriment or
defiance):--derision, laughter(-ed to scorn, -ing), mocked,
sport.
see HEBREW for 07832
שְׂחֹק (se.choq) — laughter.
1) laughter, laughing stock, mocking, derision
1a) laughter
1a1) joyful
1a2) hollow
1b) derision (of object)
1c) sport
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
laf'-ter (chaq, tsachaq, "to laugh," sechoq, "laughter"; gelao, katagelao):
(1) Laughter as the expression of gladness, pleasurable surprise, is the translation of tsachaq (Ge 17:17; 18:12,13,15; 21:6), which, however, should perhaps be "laugh at me," not "with me," as the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) (so Delitzsch and others; see also Hastings in HDB), not in the sense of derision, but of surprise and pleasure. In the same verse for "God hath made me to laugh," the Revised Version (British and American) gives in margin, "hath prepared laughter for me," and this gave his name to the son, the promise of whose birth evoked the laughter (Yitschaq, Isaac); gelao (Lu 6:21,25) has the same meaning of gladness and rejoicing; sechoq, "laughter," has…
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
רֹעַ (roa`) refers to badness or evil, covering both moral and physical aspects. It can denote qualities like wilfulness and sadness, as well as the badness of cattle. The entries consistently emphasize its ethical implications, with no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
רֹעַ n.[m.] badness, evil
badness, bad quality, of cattle
wilfulness
ethical, evil, badness
sadness
base
H7455 רֹעַ badness, evil . badness, bad quality, of cattle
. wilfulness
. ethical, evil, badness
. sadness
7455 roa` ro'-ah
from 7489; badness (as marring), physically or morally:--X
be so bad, badness, (X be so) evil, naughtiness, sadness,
sorrow, wickedness.
see HEBREW for 07489
רֹעַ (ro.a) — evil.
1) badness, evil
1a) badness, bad quality
1b) wilfulness
1c) evil, badness (ethical)
1d) sadness
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…
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
N-cp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
fas: In Hebrew the translation of three expressions:
(1) panim
(2) `ayin, literally, "eye" and
(3) 'aph, literally, "nose," "nostril," already noted under the word COUNTENANCE, which see.
The first and second of these words are used synonymously, even in metaphorical expressions, as, for example in the phrase "the face of the earth," where panim is used (De 6:15 et passim) and `ayin (Nu 22:5 et passim). The third expression preserves more clearly its original meaning. It is generally used in the phrases "to bow one's self to the earth," "to fall on one's face," where the nose actually touched the ground. Often "my face," "thy face" is mere oriental circumlocution for the personal pronoun "I," "me," "thou," "thee." "In thy face" means "in thy presence;" and is often so translated. A…
Face
Means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the “face [R.V., ‘presence’] of the Lord God” (Gen. 3:8; comp. Ex. 33:14, 15, where the same Hebrew word is rendered “presence”). The “light of God’s countenance” is his favour (Ps. 44:3; Dan. 9:17). “Face” signifies also anger, justice, severity (Gen. 16:6, 8; Ex. 2:15; Ps. 68:1; Rev. 6:16). To “provoke God to his face” (Isa.…
Face and presence, expressed by the same word in Hebrew, are often put for the person himself, Ge 48:11 Ex 33:14 Isa 63:9. No man has seen the face of God, that is, had a full revelation of his glory, Ex 33:20 Joh 1:18 1Ti 6:16. To see him "face to face," is to enjoy his presence, Ge 32:30 Nu 14:14 De 5:4, and have a clear manifestation of his nature and grace,
The Hebrew word יָטַב (yatab) is a primitive root meaning to be good or pleasing. It encompasses a range of meanings including being glad, making something good or right, and dealing well with others. The entries highlight its use in both a literal sense (like sound or beautiful) and a figurative sense (like happy or successful).
[יָטַב] vb. be good, well, glad, pleasing
Qal
be glad, joyful
be well placed
impers. be well for or with, go well with
be pleasing
Hithp.
make glad, rejoice
do good to, deal well with
do well or thoroughly
make a thing good, right, beautiful
do well, right, ethically
base
H3190 יָטַב be good, well, glad, pleasing
3190 yatab yaw-tab'
a primitive root; to be (causative) make well, literally
(sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful,
right):--be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make)
better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, + be content,
diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad,
do (be, make) good((-ness)), be (make) merry, please (+ well),
shew more (kindness), skilfully, X very small, surely, make
sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat,
go, have) well (said, seen).
יָטַב (ya.tav) — be good.
1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be glad, be joyful
1a2) to be well placed
1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with
1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to make glad, rejoice
1b2) to do good to, deal well with
1b3) to do well, do thoroughly
1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful
1b5) to do well, do right
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
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)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
hart (lebh, lebhabh; kardia): The different senses in which the word occurs in the Old Testament and the New Testament may be grouped under the following heads:
1. Various Meanings:
It represents in the first place the bodily organ, and by easy transition those experiences which affect or are affected by the body. Fear, love, courage, anger, Joy, sorrow, hatred are always ascribed to the heart--especially in the Old Testament; thus courage for which usually ruach is used (Ps 27:14); joy (Ps 4:7); anger (De 19:6, "while his heart is hot," lebhabh); fear (1Sa 25:37); sorrow (Ps 13:2), etc.
Heart
According to the Bible, the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life. “Heart” and “soul” are often used interchangeably (Deut. 6:5; 26:16; comp. Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33), but this is not generally the case.
The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise (1 Kings 3:12, etc.), pure (Ps. 24:4; Matt. 5:8, etc.), upright and righteous (Gen. 20:5, 6;