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Proverbs 16:25 — Word Study

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WLCיֵ֤שׁ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יָ֭שָׁר לִפְנֵי־ אִ֑ישׁ וְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּ דַּרְכֵי־ מָֽוֶת׃

BSAThere isyêsh a wayderek [that seems straight, appears right] that seems rightyâshâr [convenient, just] topânîym a manʼîysh [a male person, individual] but its endʼachărîyth [latter part, outcome] is the wayderek [road, path, manner of action] of deathmâveth [natural or violent, eternal separation]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 16
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 25 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (Ma.vet) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 16:25quick helps
In a sentenceThis verse warns that a path may seem right to a person, but ultimately leads to death.
Who is speakingThe author of Proverbs, addressing the nature of human judgment.
Where we areIn the context of wise living and the consequences of choices.
The hard wordמָוֶת
Take awayNot all paths that appear right lead to good outcomes.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

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 16:25

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 Wisdom of Proverbsgenerated

24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

Proverbs 16:25 presents a critical observation about human perception and the nature of choices. The verse emphasizes that while a way may seem correct to an individual, it can ultimately lead to destructive consequences, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss the value of wise words and the motivations behind actions. This theme resonates throughout the book of Proverbs, which often contrasts wisdom with folly.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Proverbs 12:26A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.
2Proverbs 14:12There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
3Isaiah 28:15–19For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.”
4John 7:47–49“Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
5John 9:40Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?”

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.Proverbs 12:26 Proverbs 14:12 Isaiah 28:15–19 John 7:47–49 John 9:40 Acts 26:9 2 Corinthians 13:5

The Key Word יֵשׁ, yeshgenerated

The word יֵשׁ (yesh) indicates existence or presence, functioning as a way to assert that something is. It is commonly translated as 'there is' or 'there are', and is used to express the reality of a situation. In this verse, it introduces the concept of a way that appears right, setting the stage for the contrast that follows.

This word is a part of the broader discussion in Proverbs about the nature of wisdom and understanding. Its usage here highlights the importance of discerning true paths in life, as merely appearing correct does not guarantee a favorable outcome.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

All translations agree that this verse communicates the idea of a way that seems right but ultimately leads to death.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The structure of the verse revolves around a main clause introduced by יֵשׁ (there is), which states the existence of a way. This is followed by a subordinate clause that describes the nature of that way, leading to a conclusion about its end. The arrangement of the clauses highlights the contrast between appearance and reality.

The finite verb יֵשׁ governs the entire verse, with the subject being the way that seems right, and the predicate elaborating on its outcome. The use of this structure emphasizes the importance of the final outcome in relation to the initial perception.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew יֵשׁ is translated as εἰσὶν (they are), which carries a similar meaning of existence. This choice reflects the translators' intent to convey the reality of the way that seems right.

The Greek term ᾅδου is used for the end, indicating a connection to the concept of death and the afterlife, which aligns with the Hebrew understanding of the consequences of one's choices.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 16:25 warns that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end leads to death. This verse teaches that just because something appears correct does not mean it is the right choice, highlighting the importance of seeking true wisdom.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that a way seems right to a man?

It suggests that individuals may perceive their choices as correct based on their understanding, but those choices may lead to negative outcomes.

Why is the end of this way described as death?

Death here refers to the ultimate consequence of following a misguided path, which can be both physical and spiritual separation.

How can this verse apply to daily life?

It reminds us to seek wisdom and discernment in our decisions, rather than relying solely on our perceptions.

What are some examples of ways that seem right but lead to negative outcomes?

Examples include pursuing wealth at the expense of relationships, or making choices based on peer pressure rather than moral values.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I rely on my own understanding rather than seeking wisdom?
  2. How can I discern between paths that seem right and those that truly lead to life?
  3. What steps can I take to ensure my choices align with wisdom and truth?
  4. How can I help others recognize when they are on a path that may lead to negative outcomes?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 16:25 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

Read John Gill on Proverbs 16 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof (are) the ways of death.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 16 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

This whole verse was delivered before, , and is here repeated, partly for its great importance and usefulness to prevent that self-deceit which is so common and dangerous; and partly to keep men from leaning too much to their own understanding, and to oblige them to seek and receive the good counsels of wise and holy men.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 16 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.Ver. 25. There is a way that seemeth right to a man.] This we had before, totidem verbis, in Proverbs 14:12; And think not this a vain repetition; but know that it is thus redoubled, that it may be the better remarked and remembered. Nothing is more ordinary or more dangerous than self-delusion. To deceive another is naught, but to deceive thyself - which yet most men do - is much worse; as to belie one’ s self, kill one’ s self, &c., is counted most abominable. To warn us therefore of this greatest wickedness, it is that this sentence is reiterated.

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 16 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 25. There is a way that seemeth right] This whole verse is precisely the same as that Proverbs 14:12.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 16 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

25. See Proverbs 14:12, where the same proverb occurs.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 16 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

25. Way that seemeth right — Literally, There is a way straight before a man; but the ways of death are the end of it. It is as if the way branched out into many ways, each one leading to death. This is a repetition of Pro 14:12.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 16 →

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

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

NETBNew English Translation2006

There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way that leads to death.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.

RVARevised Version, American1894

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

There is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

There is a way that seemeth right vnto man: but the issue thereof are the wayes of death.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

There is a way right before a man, And its latter end — ways of death.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

There is a way right before a man, || And its latter end—ways of death.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

There is many a way which seemeth even before a man, but its end are the ways unto death.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

There is a way that seemeth to a man right: and the ends thereof lead to death.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

There's a way that seems to be right, but in the end it's the way of death.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

There is a way which seems straight before a man, but its end is the ways of death.

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.

clausepredicateיֵ֤שׁthere.[is]noun phrase · subjectדֶּ֣רֶךְa.wayclausepredicateיָ֭שָׁרrightprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִbeforenoun phraseפְנֵיאִ֑ישׁa.personוְ֝andclausenoun phrase · subjectאַחֲרִיתָ֗endהּitsnoun phrase · predicateדַּרְכֵי[is].the.waysמָֽוֶתof.death

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text presents the verse as יֵ֤שׁ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יָ֭שָׁר לִפְנֵי־ אִ֑ישׁ וְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּ דַּרְכֵי־ מָֽוֶת׃, while the Septuagint matches only 4 of the 8 words. This indicates a degree of agreement in the core message, although the phrasing and structure differ.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

יֵ֤שׁ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יָ֭שָׁר לִפְנֵי־ אִ֑ישׁ וְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּ דַּרְכֵי־ מָֽוֶת׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
יֵ֤שׁεἰσὶνדֶּ֣רֶךְᾅδουאִ֑ישׁἀνδρίוְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּτὰ

4 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.

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.

Proverbs 16:25יֵשׁtherethereיֵשׁדֶּ֫רֶךְ[is] a way[is] a wayדֶּ֫רֶךְיָשָׁרrightrightיָשָׁרפָּנֶהbeforebeforeפָּנֶהאִישׁa persona personאִישׁאַחֲרִיתand end itsand end itsאַחֲרִיתדֶּ֫רֶךְ[is] [the] [is] [the] waysדֶּ֫רֶךְמָ֫וֶתdeathdeathמָ֫וֶתדָּרַךְto treadto treadדָּרַךְיָשַׁרto smoothto smoothיָשַׁראַחַרafterafterאַחַרמוּתto dieto dieמוּתהָיָהto beto beהָיָהאֱנוֹשׁhumanhumanאֱנוֹשׁאִשָּׁהwomanwomanאִשָּׁהפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָהתִּקְוָהcordcordתִּקְוָהצָפוֹןZaphonZaphonצָפוֹןשָׂכָרwageswagesשָׂכָרצַדִּיקrighteousrighteousצַדִּיקעַ֫יִןeyeeyeעַ֫יִןסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסרֵעַneighborneighborרֵעַרֵאשִׁיתfirst: begfirst: beginninרֵאשִׁיתשְׁאוֹלhell: Sheohell: Sheolשְׁאוֹל
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 16:25

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.

there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
יֵ֤שׁyesh there H3426 Part
140× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Tyndale gloss
there
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יֵשׁ (yesh) refers to being, substance, or existence. It is used to assert existence, functioning as a copula for the verb 'to be' in various forms. The word can mean 'there is' or 'there are,' and its Aramaic equivalent is אִיתַי (itay).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יֵשׁ 137 subst. being, substance, existence

substance

elsewhere (prop. as a subst. in in the st. c.), it asserts existence, and so corresponds to the verb substantive, is (are, was, were, will be), lit. the being, presence of …

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3426 יֵשׁ subst. being, substance, existence . substance

. elsewhere (prop. as a subst. in in the st. c.), it asserts existence, and so corresponds to the verb substantive, is (are, was, were, will be), lit. the being, presence of …

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3426 yesh yaysh

perhaps from an unused root meaning to stand out, or exist;

entity; used adverbially or as a copula for the substantive

verb (1961); there is or are (or any other form of the verb to

be, as may suit the connection):--(there) are, (he, it, shall,

there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had,

hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is,

substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt,

wouldest.

see HEBREW for 01961

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יֵשׁ (yesh) — there.

1) being, existence, substance, there is or are

1a) substance

1b) existence

1c) there is or are

Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Part — Part
HAcbsa
there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
דֶּ֣רֶךְDe.rekh [is] a way H1870 Noun common · both singular absolute
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Amplified meaning
that seems straight, appears right
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absolute
HNcbsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

wa ('orach, orcha', 'erets, bo', derekh, halikhah, ma`galah, nathibh; hodos, parodos, poreia, tropos; "highway," mecillah, meclul; diexodoi ton hodon): The list just cited contains only a portion of the words translated "way" or "highway" in the King James Version. Most of them have the primary meaning of "road," "customary path," "course of travel" (Ge 3:24; Ex 23:20; Nu 20:17, etc.). By a very easy and natural figure "way" is applied to the course of human conduct, the manner of life which one lives (Ex 18:20; 32:8; Nu 22:32; 1Sa 8:3;

Of sin, broad Mt 7:13

Jesus is the Joh 14:6; Heb 9:8

Doctrines taught by Christ Ac 9:2; 19:23; 22:4; 24:14,22

there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
יָ֭שָׁרYa.shor right H3477 Adj
119× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Amplified meaning
convenient, just
Tyndale gloss
Jashar
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָשָׁר (yashar) means straight or upright, covering a range of meanings from physical straightness to moral correctness. It can refer to something that is pleasing, just, or fitting, as well as the concept of uprightness itself. The term is also associated with a figure named Jashar, mentioned in Joshua 10:13.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָשָׁר adj. straight, right

straight, level

right, pleasing

straightforward, just, upright

abstr., uprightness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3477 יָשָׁר straight, right . straight, level

. right, pleasing

. straightforward, just, upright

. abstr., uprightness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3477 yashar yaw-shawr'

from 3474; straight (literally or figuratively):--convenient,

equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous),

straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).

see HEBREW for 03474

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.

1) straight, upright, correct, right

1a) straight, level

1b) right, pleasing, correct

1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper

1d) uprightness, righteous, upright

1e) that which is upright (subst)

Also means: ya.shar (יָשָׁר "upright" H3477I)

יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — Jashar.

A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13

יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.

1) straight, upright, correct, right

1a) straight, level

1b) right, pleasing, correct

1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper

1d) uprightness, righteous, upright

1e) that which is upright (subst)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rit (yashar, mishpaT; dikaios, euthus): Many Hebrew words are translated "right," with different shades of meaning. Of these the two noted are the most important: yashar, with the sense of being straight, direct, as "right in the sight" of Yahweh (Ex 15:26; De 12:25, etc.), in one's own eyes (Jud 17:6), "right words" (Job 6:25 the King James Version, yosher), "right paths" (Pr 4:11 the King James Version); and mishpaT "judgment" "cause" etc., a forensic term, as "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Ge 18:25). In

there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
לִפְנֵי־lif.nei- before H6440 Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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)

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Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HR/Ncmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
אִ֑ישׁ'Ish a person H376 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
1,664× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Amplified meaning
a male person, individual
Tyndale gloss
man
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

376 'iysh eesh

contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root

meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male

person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and

in such cases frequently not expressed in

translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +

champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,

husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),

him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,

person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.

Compare 802.

see HEBREW for 0582

see HEBREW for 0802

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אִישׁ (ish) — man.

: man

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.

: husband

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.

: anyone/someone

1) man

1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)

1b) husband

1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)

1d) servant

1e) mankind

1f) champion

1g) great man

2) whosoever

3) each (adjective)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
וְ֝אַחֲרִיתָ֗הּve.'a.cha.ri.Tah and end its H319 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
61× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Amplified meaning
latter part, outcome
Tyndale gloss
end
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אַחֲרִית (achariyth) means 'end' or 'after-part' and encompasses concepts like the future, posterity, and remnants. It can refer to the last time or the latter part of events, often with prophetic implications. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and is noted in various contexts, including discussions of time and lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אַחֲרִית 61 n.f. after-part, end

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H319 אַחֲרִית after-part, end

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

319 'achariyth akh-ar-eeth'

from 310; the last or end, hence, the future; also

posterity:--(last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most,

length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward.

see HEBREW for 0310

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אַחֲרִית (a.cha.rit) — end.

1) after part, end

1a) end, issue, event

1b) latter time (prophetic for future time)

1c) posterity

1d) last, hindermost

Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffix
HC/Ncfsc/Sp3fs
there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
דַּרְכֵי־dar.khei- [is] [the] ways of H1870 Noun common · both plural construct
708× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Amplified meaning
road, path, manner of action
Tyndale gloss
way: road
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

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.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

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

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

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׳

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

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

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

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

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-cp — Noun common · both plural construct
HNcbpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

there [is] a way right before a person and end its [is] [the] ways of death
מָֽוֶת׃Ma.vet death H4194 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
156× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Amplified meaning
natural or violent, eternal separation
Tyndale gloss
death
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מָ֫וֶת (maveth) means 'death' and encompasses various aspects such as natural or violent death, the state of being dead, and the realm of the dead (hades). It can also refer to pestilence or ruin. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to die' and has an Aramaic equivalent, מוֹת (mot).

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מָ֫וֶת 161 n.m. death

death, opp. life

death by violence

state of death or place of death

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4194 מָ֫וֶת death

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4194 maveth maw'-veth

from 4191; death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead,

their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence,

ruin:--(be) dead((-ly)), death, die(-d).

see HEBREW for 04191

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מָ֫וֶת (ma.vet) — death.

1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead

1a) death

1b) death by violence (as a penalty)

1c) state of death, place of death

Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

(maweth; thanatos):

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND FIGURATIVE VIEW

The word "Death" is used in the sense of

(1) the process of dying (Ge 21:16);

(2) the period of decease (Ge 27:7);

(3) as a possible synonym for poison (2Ki 4:40);

(4) as descriptive of person in danger of perishing (Jud 15:18; "in deaths oft" 2Co 11:23). In this sense the shadow of death is a familiar expression in Job, the Psalms and the Prophets;

(5) death is personified in 1Co 15:55 and Re 20:14. Deliverance from this catastrophe is called the "issues from…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Death

May be simply defined as the termination of life. It is represented under a variety of aspects in Scripture: (1.) “The dust shall return to the earth as it was” (Eccl. 12:7).

(2.) “Thou takest away their breath, they die” (Ps. 104:29).

(3.) It is the dissolution of “our earthly house of this tabernacle” (2 Cor. 5:1); the “putting off this tabernacle” (2 Pet. 1:13, 14).

(4.) Being “unclothed” (2 Cor. 5:3, 4).

(5.) “Falling on sleep” (Ps. 76:5; Jer. 51:39;

Is taken in Scripture, first, for the separation of body and soul, the first death, Ge 25:11; secondly, for alienation from God, and exposure to his wrath, 1Jo 3:14, etc.; thirdly, for the second death, that of eternal damnation. Death was the penalty affixed to Adam’s transgression, Ge 2:17 3:19; and all his posterity are transgressors, and share the curse inflicted upon him. CHRIST is "our life." All believers share his life, spiritually and eternally; and though sin and bodily is taken away, and in the resurrection the last enemy shall be trampled under foot, Ro 5:12-21 1Co 15:1-58.

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Miscellaneous Subjects

Called GIVING UP THE GHOST Ge 25:8; 35:29; La 1:19; Ac 5:10

KING OF TERRORS Job 18:14

A CHANGE Job 14:14

GOING TO THY FATHERS Ge 15:15; 25:8; 35:29

PUTTING OFF THIS TABERNACLE 2Pe 1:14

REQUIRING THE SOUL Lu 12:20

GOING THE WAY WHENCE THERE IS NO RETURN Job 16:22

BEING GATHERED TO OUR PEOPLE Ge 49:33

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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