Proverbs 12:26 — Word Study
WLCיָתֵ֣ר מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ צַדִּ֑יק וְדֶ֖רֶךְ רְשָׁעִ֣ים תַּתְעֵֽם׃
BSAA righteous mantsaddîyq [just, morally upright] is cautioustûwr▸ [careful, discerning] in friendshiprêaʻ [neighborly relationships, companionship] but the waysderek [path, manner of life] of the wickedrâshâʻ [morally wrong, sinful] lead them astraytâʻâh▸ [to go astray, wander in error]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יָתֵ֣ר | he makes a search | Verb, Hiphil, jussive third person masculine singular |
| מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ | from friend his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| צַדִּ֑יק | a righteous [person] | Adj |
| וְדֶ֖רֶךְ | and [the] way of | Conjunction, noun common both singular construct |
| רְשָׁעִ֣ים | wicked [people] | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| תַּתְעֵֽם׃ | it misleads them | Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. |
| KJV | The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. |
| ASV | The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err. |
| YLT | The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err. |
| WEB | A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. |
| BBE | The upright man is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of evil-doers is a cause of error to them. |
Translations agree on the caution of the righteous man, emphasizing the importance of discernment in friendships.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a contrasting clause, highlighting the difference between the righteous and the wicked.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectצַדִּיק
verbתּוּר
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 — Proverbs 12:26
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 — Wisdom in Relationshipsgenerated
Proverbs 12:26 discusses the importance of caution in friendships, contrasting the behavior of the righteous with that of the wicked. The surrounding verses emphasize the value of wise counsel and the consequences of poor choices in relationships. This theme resonates throughout Proverbs, where wisdom is often portrayed as a guiding principle in life decisions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:27 | A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. |
| 3 | Psalm 16:3 | As for the saints in the land, they are the excellence in whom all my delight resides. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:46–48 | If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? |
| 5 | Luke 6:32–36 | If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יָתֵ֣ר, ya.Tergenerated
The verb יָתֵ֣ר (ya.Ter) is a Hiphil form meaning 'to search out' or 'to spy.' It indicates a careful and discerning approach, particularly in the context of friendships. This word suggests an active engagement in evaluating relationships, rather than a passive acceptance.
The parsing as a jussive third person masculine singular indicates intention or desire, implying that the righteous man chooses to be cautious in his friendships, reflecting a proactive stance in moral decision-making.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is read in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses cautious to describe the righteous man's approach to friendship, aligning with the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יָתֵ֣ר (ya.Ter) governs the sentence, with a subject צַדִּ֑יק (tza.Dik) and a second clause describing the outcome of the wicked's ways. The structure highlights the contrast between the carefulness of the righteous and the misleading nature of the wicked.
The sentence is constructed with a main clause followed by a contrasting clause, illustrating the moral dichotomy. The Hebrew word order emphasizes the subject and the actions taken by both the righteous and the wicked.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יָתֵ֣ר as ἐπιγνώμων (epignōmōn), which means 'discerning' or 'thoughtful.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the righteous man's character, emphasizing not just caution but also wisdom in relationships.
This translation suggests a deeper understanding of the righteous person's approach, indicating that discernment is a key aspect of forming friendships.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 12:26 teaches that a righteous person is careful in choosing friends, while the wicked are led astray by their ways. This verse highlights the importance of discernment in relationships and the consequences of poor choices.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means he carefully evaluates his relationships, choosing friends who align with his values and morals.
The ways of the wicked can mislead them into making poor choices, resulting in negative consequences in their lives.
Discernment helps individuals choose companions who will positively influence their lives and support their moral and ethical values.
We should be mindful of the company we keep and strive to build relationships that reflect our values and beliefs.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How do I evaluate my friendships to ensure they align with my values?
- What are some ways I can be a positive influence on my friends?
- In what situations have I seen the consequences of poor choices in relationships?
- How can I apply the wisdom of this verse in my daily interactions with others?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The commentary from Bede discusses the implications of the wicked's ways, emphasizing the dangers of moral failure in relationships.
The way of the wicked will deceive them. When they rejoice in holding their own or seizing others'. Whence it is rightly added:Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 12 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 12:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour,.... Not than his neighbour who is righteous also; for though one may have more excellent gifts than another, or a larger measure of grace; one
Read John Gill on Proverbs 12 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 12 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMore excellent; either, 1. In his temper and disposition, more just, and generous, and public-spirited, and merciful, &c. Or, 2. In his condition, more happy, notwithstanding all his sufferings and the contrary opinion of the world concerning them. Than his neighbour; than any other men. Seduceth them, Heb. maketh them to err or wander, to lose that excellency or happiness which they had promised to themselves in and by their wicked practices.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 12 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 12:26 The righteous [is] more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.Ver. 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.] Let him dwell by whomsoever; he is ever a better man than his neighbours; he is "a prince of God" among them, as Abraham was among the Hittites. The Jews say that those seventy souls that went with Jacob into Egypt, were as much worth as all the seventy nations in the world. Nemo me maior, nisi qui iustior, said Agesilaus, when he heard the king of Persia styled the great king, i.e., I acknowledge none more excellent than myself, unless more righteous; none greater, unless better: "Upon all the glory shall be a defence,"…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 12 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(26) The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour.—Though, perhaps, inferior to him in worldly advantages. Or, it may signify, the just man is a guide to his neighbour, showing him “the way wherein he should walk;” the wicked, on the other hand, so far from guiding others, himself helplessly wanders.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 12 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 26. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour] That is, if the neighbour be a wicked man. The spirit of the proverb lies here: The POOR righteous man is more excellent than his sinful neighbour, though affluent and noble. The Syriac has it, "The righteous deviseth good to his neighbour." A late commentator has translated it, "The righteous explore their pastures." How מרעהו can be translated THEIR pastures I know not; but none of the versions understood it in this way. The Vulgate is rather singular: Qui negligit damnum propter amicum, justus est. "He who neglects or sustains a loss for the sake of his friend, is a just man." The Septuagint is insufferable: "The…
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 12 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges26. is more excellent than] Rather, is a guide to, R.V. Comp. “He guideth (the same word) the perfect in his way,” 2 Samuel 22:33, R.V. seduceth them] Rather, causeth them to err, R.V. The antithesis between the two clauses of the verse is thus brought out more forcibly, especially if we understand by “them” the persons included in the collective word “neighbour.” See Proverbs 11:9, note.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 12 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIs more excellent than - Rather, the just man guides his neighbor.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 12 →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
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Tyndale line
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
The righteous is a guide to his neighbour: but the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
The righteous is more excellent then his neighbour: but the way of the wicked will deceiue them.
Strictly literal
The righteous guideth his neighbour; but the way of the wicked misleadeth them.
The righteous searcheth his companion, And the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
The righteous searches his companion, || And the way of the wicked causes them to err.
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray.
The righteous person is a guide for his friend, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
From the Latin
He that neglecteth a loss for the sake of a friend, is just: but the way of the wicked shall deceive them.
Simplified
Good people look out for their friends, but the way the wicked live leads them astray.
The upright man is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of evil-doers is a cause of error to them.
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 reads: יָתֵ֣ר מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ צַדִּ֑יק וְדֶ֖רֶךְ רְשָׁעִ֣ים תַּתְעֵֽם׃. The Septuagint matches only 3 of the 6 words, indicating a partial agreement in the translation, but with distinct phrasing that reflects its own interpretive choices.
יָתֵ֣ר מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ צַדִּ֑יק וְדֶ֖רֶךְ רְשָׁעִ֣ים תַּתְעֵֽם׃
3 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
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 Proverbs 12:26
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.
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
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · jussive third person masculine singularHVhj3ms
surch: Some peculiar senses are:
(1) In the books of Moses, especially in Nu, "searching out the land" means to spy out (raggel), to investigate carefully, to examine with a view to giving a full and accurate report on.
(2) When applied to the Scriptures, as in Ezr 4:15,19 (baqqer); Joh 5:39; 1Pe 1:11 (eraunao), it means to examine, to study out the meaning. In Ac 17:11, the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "examining" for the "searched" of the King James Version. See SEARCHINGS.
(3) "Search out" often means to study critically, to investigate carefully, e.g. Job 8:8; 29:16;
רֵעַ (rea`) refers to a friend, companion, or fellow, emphasizing close associations such as brotherhood or intimacy. It can also denote a neighbor or another person in a broader sense. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to associate.'
רֵעַ 187 n.m. friend, companion, fellow
base
H7453 רֵעַ friend, companion, fellow
7453 rea` ray'-ah
or reya2 {ray'-ah}; from 7462; an associate (more or less
close):--brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover,
neighbour, X (an-)other.
see HEBREW for 0reya2
see HEBREW for 07462
רֵעַ (re.a) — neighbor.
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
1a) friend, intimate
1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
1) just, lawful, righteous
1a) just, righteous (in government)
1b) just, right (in one's cause)
1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
1e) right, correct, lawful
Adj — AdjHAamsa
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common both singular constructHC/Ncbsc
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…
רָשָׁע (rasha`) refers to someone who is wicked or criminal, encompassing meanings such as guilty and ungodly. It is derived from a root that implies moral wrongdoing. The term is used to describe individuals who are hostile to God or guilty of sin against others.
רָשָׁע 263 adj. wicked, criminal
base
H7563 רָשָׁע wicked, criminal
7563 rasha` raw-shaw'
from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad
person:--+ condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did
wrong.
see HEBREW for 07561
רָשָׁע (ra.sah) — wicked.
1) wicked, criminal
1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst)
1b) wicked (hostile to God)
1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Adj — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
תָּעָה (ta`ah) is a Hebrew verb that means to wander or go astray, both physically and ethically. It can refer to being led astray, as in a moral sense, or to the effects of intoxication. The word has various forms, including Qal (to err), Niphal (to be made to wander), and Hiphil (to cause to wander).
תָּעָה vb. err
Qal
physically wander about
of intoxication
ethically
Niph.
be made to wander about, as a drunkard
ethically: be led astray
Hiph.
physically cause to wander about
of intoxication
mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead
base
H8582 תָּעָה err .. physically wander about
. of intoxication
. ethically
. . be made to wander about, as a drunkard
. ethically: be led astray
. . physically cause to wander about
. of intoxication
. mentally and morally, cause to err, mislead
8582 ta`ah taw-aw'
a primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (literally
or figuratively); also causative of both:--(cause to) go
astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant,
seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the
way.
תָּעָה (ta.ah) — to go astray.
1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger
1a) (Qal) to err
1a1) to wander about (physically)
1a2) of intoxication
1a3) of sin (ethically)
1a4) wandering (of the mind)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard)
1b2) to be led astray (ethically)
1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander
1c1) to cause to wander about (physically)
1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication)
1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular · suffixHVhi3fs/Sp3mp