Proverbs 14:8 — Word Study
WLCחָכְמַ֣ת עָ֭רוּם הָבִ֣ין דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וְאִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים מִרְמָֽה׃
BSAThe wisdomchokmâh [prudence, good judgment] of the prudentʻârûwm [cunning, discreet] is to discernbîyn [understand, know] his wayderek [path, manner of life] but the follyʼivveleth [foolishness, silliness] of foolskᵉçîyl [stupid, silly people] deceives themmirmâh [leads astray, cheats]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| חָכְמַ֣ת | [the] wisdom of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| עָ֭רוּם | a sensible [person] | Adj |
| הָבִ֣ין | [is] to understand | Verb, Hiphil, infinitive construct common |
| דַּרְכּ֑וֹ | own way his | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| וְאִוֶּ֖לֶת | and [the] foolishness of | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct |
| כְּסִילִ֣ים | fools | Adj |
| מִרְמָֽה׃ | [is] deceit | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them. |
| KJV | The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. |
| ASV | The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit. |
| YLT | The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way, And the folly of fools [is] deceit. |
| WEB | The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. |
| BBE | The wisdom of the man of good sense makes his way clear; but the unwise behaviour of the foolish is deceit. |
Where they part company is כְּסִילִ֣ים — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence contrasts two main ideas, with each clause presenting a different perspective on wisdom and folly.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבִּין
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 14:8
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 — Contrasting Wisdom and Follygenerated
Proverbs 14:8 contrasts the wisdom of the prudent with the folly of fools, emphasizing the importance of discernment in one's life. The surrounding verses further explore the themes of knowledge and understanding, warning against the pitfalls of foolishness. This section serves as a guide for making wise choices and avoiding the snares of ignorance.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:9 | Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path. |
| 2 | Proverbs 8:20 | I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, |
| 3 | Psalm 111:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! |
| 4 | Psalm 119:5–34 | Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! |
| 5 | Psalm 143:8 | Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָכְמַ֣ת, cha.khe.Matgenerated
The term חָכְמָה (chokmah) signifies wisdom, encompassing skill and good judgment in various areas, including life decisions and moral conduct. This noun is feminine singular and constructed, indicating a specific type of wisdom that is practical and applicable.
In this verse, it highlights the ability to discern one's path, suggesting that true wisdom involves understanding the implications of one's choices. The root of this word connects to the broader concept of wisdom found throughout Proverbs, where it often relates to ethical and practical living.
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. The BSB uses wisdom and folly, which are consistent with the KJV, ASV, and others.
Where others part company with the BSB is in the rendering of כְּסִילִ֣ים. The term is translated as fools in most versions, but stupid is chosen by the FBV, reflecting a more derogatory nuance.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is הָבִ֣ין, to understand, governing the subject and object of the sentence. The structure contrasts two main ideas: the wisdom of the prudent and the folly of fools, highlighting the relationship between understanding and discernment.
The sentence is built around two contrasting clauses, where the first describes the wise person's discernment and the second illustrates the consequences of foolishness, creating a clear dichotomy.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, חָכְמָה is rendered as σοφία, which carries a similar meaning of wisdom but may also imply a deeper philosophical understanding. This choice emphasizes the timeless nature of wisdom across cultures.
The translation of אִוֶּלֶת as ἄνοια suggests a focus on the irrational aspect of folly, highlighting the absurdity of foolish behavior.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 14:8 teaches that wise people understand their path in life, while foolish people are easily deceived by their own silliness. This verse encourages discernment and good judgment in making choices.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Being prudent involves having good judgment and being able to make wise decisions based on understanding and insight.
Folly can lead to deception by causing individuals to make poor choices that stray from wisdom, often resulting in negative consequences.
Understanding one's way signifies the ability to navigate life thoughtfully, making informed decisions that align with wisdom.
Proverbs often contrasts wisdom and folly by illustrating the outcomes of each, showing that wisdom leads to success while folly leads to failure.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom and understanding?
- How can I discern between wise choices and foolish ones?
- What are some examples of folly I have observed in others?
- How can I apply the principles of wisdom in my daily decisions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Clement of Alexandria quotes this verse to illustrate the contrast between wisdom and folly, emphasizing the importance of understanding in moral choices.
“The wisdom of able men will understand the paths of wisdom, but the folly of fools goes in the wrong direction.” Prophecy says,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 14 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 14:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way,.... The way of his calling, in which he should abide, and how to manage it in the best manner; the way of his duty, that he may walk
Read John Gill on Proverbs 14 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 14 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; it consists not in vain speculations, nor in a curious prying into other men’ s matters, nor in cunning arts of deceiving others; but in a diligent study of his own duty, and of the way to true and eternal happiness. The folly of fools is deceit; the wit of ungodly men, which, though they account their wisdom, is really their folly, is employed only in finding out ways of overreaching and deceiving others, and themselves too.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 14 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way: but the folly of fools [is] deceit.Ver. 8. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way.] His wisdom begins in the right knowledge of himself, and ends in the right knowledge of God, that he may "walk worthy of God in all well pleasing," worthy of the calling wherewith he is called, that high and "heavenly calling" to the fruition of high and heavenly privileges, to an angelical and convincing conversation, such as may draw hearts or daunt them. We use to say of him that knows his place, and carries himself accordingly, such a man understands himself well enough. So here. But the folly of fools is deceit.] Or, Is to…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 14 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way.—To look to it carefully that it is such as God would have it; but “the folly of fools (stupid persons, as Proverbs 14:7], is deceit;” it shows itself in trying to cheat others, though they are sure to be detected at last.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 14 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Is to understand his way] Instead of הבין habin, to understand, הכין hachin, to DIRECT his way, is found in one MS. It makes a very good sense.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 14 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. deceit] It has been questioned whether this means self-deceit, as the parallel might seem to suggest, or deceiving others. But the design of the proverb is to shew that the two things are really one. Whereas the wisdom of the prudent consists in his understanding his own character and conduct, in its relation to God, to his neighbour and to himself, the folly of fools is that being self-deceived, they think they can deceive God and man to their own advantage. Comp. 2 Timothy 3:13.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 14 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe Hebrew counterpart to the Greek “Know thyself.” “The highest wisdom is for a person to understand his own way. The most extreme folly is self-deceit.” The word “deceit” may, however, involve fraud practiced upon others.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 14 →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
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
The wisdom of the shrewd person is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deception.
Tyndale line
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdome of ye prudent is to vnderstand his way: but the foolishnes of the fooles is deceite.
Strictly literal
The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way; but the folly of the foolish is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way, And the folly of fools [is] deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent [is] to understand his way, || And the folly of fools [is] deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; but the folly of fools is deceit.
The wisdom of the prudent person is to understand his own way, but the folly of fools is deception.
From the Latin
The wisdom of a. discreet man is to understand his way: and the imprudence of fools erreth.
Simplified
Sensible people use their wisdom to decide where they're going, but the foolishness of stupid people is treacherous.
The wisdom of the man of good sense makes his way clear; but the unwise behaviour of the foolish is deceit.
Word by word, the decisions they made
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 (MT) of Proverbs 14:8 reads: "חָכְמַ֣ת עָ֭רוּם הָבִ֣ין דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וְאִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים מִרְמָֽה׃" which translates to "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." The Septuagint (LXX) aligns closely with the MT, matching all seven words, although its word order and articles differ due to its unique grammatical structure. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q103) also reflect a similar reading, with one word partially restored and five supplied by an editor, indicating that the core message remains consistent across these texts. Overall, the MT, LXX, and the Dead Sea Scrolls agree on the essential meaning of the verse, with minor differences in wording and restoration practices noted in the scrolls.
חָכְמַ֣ת עָ֭רוּם הָבִ֣ין דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וְאִוֶּ֖לֶת כְּסִילִ֣ים מִרְמָֽה׃
7 of the 7 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.
[חכמת] [ערום] [הבין] [דרכ׳ו] ואולת כסילים [מרמה]
1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 5 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 14:8
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.
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 constructHNcfsc
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…
עָרוּם (aruwm) describes a quality of being crafty, shrewd, or sensible, often with a negative connotation of cunning. The term is derived from a passive form of another root, and it encompasses meanings like subtle and prudent. It appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, highlighting traits that can be both positive and negative.
עָרוּם adj. crafty, shrewd, sensible
base
H6175 עָרוּם crafty, shrewd, sensible
6175 `aruwm aw-room'
passive participle of 6191; cunning (usually in a bad
sense):--crafty, prudent, subtil.
see HEBREW for 06191
עָרוּם (a.rum) — prudent.
1) subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible
1a) crafty
1b) shrewd, sensible, prudent
Adj — AdjHAamsa
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--attend, consider, be cunning,
diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct,
have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be
prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause,
make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal)
wise(-ly, man).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
1) to discern, understand, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to perceive, discern
1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)
1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider
1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding
1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to understand
1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach
1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently
1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct
2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Verb · Hiphil · infinitive construct commonHVhcc
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
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp3ms
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (ivveleth) refers to folly or foolishness. It is derived from a root meaning silliness, and is categorized as a feminine noun. The term appears in contexts discussing foolish behavior or actions.
אִוֶּ֫לֶת 25 n.f. folly
base
H200 אִוֶּ֫לֶת
200 'ivveleth iv-veh'-leth
from the same as 191; silliness:--folly, foolishly(-ness).
see HEBREW for 0191
אִוֶּ֫לֶת (iv.ve.let) — folly.
foolishness, folly
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular constructHC/Ncfsc
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…
כְּסִיל (kciyl) refers to a fool or a stupid person. It is derived from a root meaning 'fat' and is used figuratively to describe someone who is foolish, simple-minded, or arrogant. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, emphasizing a lack of wisdom or understanding.
כְּסִיל 70 n.m. stupid fellow, dullard, fool
base
H3684 כְּסִיל
3684 kciyl kes-eel'
from 3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or
silly:--fool(-ish).
see HEBREW for 03688
כְּסִיל (ke.sil) — fool.
fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Adj — AdjHAampa
- All men are, without the knowledge of God
- Deny God
Ps 14:1; 53:1
- Blaspheme God
- Reproach God
- Make a mock at sin
- Despise instruction
מִרְמָה (mirmah) refers to deceit or treachery. It is derived from the root word meaning to deceive and encompasses concepts like fraud, guile, and craftiness. The term appears in contexts that highlight dishonesty and trickery.
מִרְמָה n.f. deceit, treachery
base
H4820 מִרְמָה deceit, treachery
4820 mirmah meer-maw'
from 7411 in the sense of deceiving; fraud:--craft,
deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly,
treachery.
see HEBREW for 07411
מִרְמָה (mir.mah) — deceit.
deceit, treachery
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
de-set' (mirmah; (dolos)): The intentional misleading or beguiling of another; in Scripture represented as a companion of many other forms of wickedness, as cursing (Ps 10:7), hatred (Pr 26:24), theft, covetousness, adultery, murder (Mr 7:22; Ro 1:29). The Revised Version (British and American) introduces the word in Pr 14:25; 2Th 2:10; but in such passages as Ps 55:11; Pr 20:17; 26:26; 1Th 2:3, renders a…