Proverbs 17:23 — Word Study
WLCשֹׁ֣חַד מֵ֭חֵיק רָשָׁ֣ע יִקָּ֑ח לְ֝הַטּ֗וֹת אָרְח֥וֹת מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
BSA◂A wicked [man]râshâʻ [morally wrong, bad] takeslâqach▸ a covertchêyq [secret, hidden] bribeshachad [gift, present] to subvertnâṭâh [pervert, twist] the courseʼôrach of justicemishpâṭ [righteous, moral, judgment, verdict]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| שֹׁ֣חַד | a bribe | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| מֵ֭חֵיק | from [the] bosom | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| רָשָׁ֣ע | a wicked [person] | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| יִקָּ֑ח | he accepts | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לְ֝הַטּ֗וֹת | to turn aside | Preposition, verb hiphil infinitive construct common |
| אָרְח֥וֹת | [the] paths of | Noun common, feminine plural construct |
| מִשְׁפָּֽט׃ | justice | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
| KJV | A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. |
| ASV | A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. |
| YLT | A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment. |
| WEB | A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. |
| BBE | A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause. |
Where they part company is in the interpretation of שֹׁחַד — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has a main clause with two prepositional phrases that clarify the action and its intent.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectרָשָׁע
verbלָקַח
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 17:23
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 Nature of Justicegenerated
Proverbs 17:23 highlights the moral decay that occurs when a wicked person accepts a bribe to manipulate justice. This verse is part of a broader discourse on the consequences of wickedness and the importance of integrity in society. The surrounding verses emphasize the value of a joyful heart and the wisdom of discernment, contrasting the righteous with the foolish.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:16 | A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
| 4 | Exodus 23:8 | Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שֹׁחַד, Sho.chadgenerated
The word שֹׁ֫חַד (shachad) specifically refers to a bribe, indicating a gift intended to influence someone, often in an unethical manner. It is derived from a root that relates to giving, and it is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, including instances where gifts are given for favorable treatment.
In this verse, it illustrates the corrupt practice of accepting a bribe, which is often hidden or secretive, as indicated by its association with מֵחֵיק (mecheik). This highlights the moral implications of such actions, as they distort the course of justice.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term covert bribe.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יִקָּח (yi.kach), meaning 'he accepts', governs the sentence. It is followed by the subject רָשָׁע (ra.sha`) and two prepositional phrases: one describing the source of the bribe and the other indicating the purpose of accepting it.
The structure emphasizes the action of the wicked person accepting the bribe, which leads to the moral corruption of justice. The Hebrew word order places the subject at the beginning, underscoring the focus on the wicked individual.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שֹׁחַד as δῶρα (dōra), meaning 'gifts'. This choice suggests a broader interpretation of the bribe as a gift, which may not inherently carry the negative connotation present in the Hebrew.
The use of κόλπῳ (kolpō) for מֵחֵיק indicates a similar intimate or secretive context, reinforcing the idea of hidden motives behind the acceptance of gifts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 17:23 warns that a wicked person accepts a secret bribe to distort justice. This verse highlights the dangers of corruption and the importance of maintaining integrity in legal matters.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Taking a covert bribe refers to accepting a hidden or secretive gift intended to influence someone's decisions or actions, particularly in a way that is morally wrong.
Accepting a bribe is considered wicked because it undermines justice and fairness, leading to corruption and the perversion of moral principles.
This verse illustrates that justice can be compromised when individuals act unethically, highlighting the need for integrity and righteousness in legal matters.
Examples of bribes today include financial incentives offered to officials for favorable treatment, gifts given to sway decisions, or any form of compensation aimed at influencing someone's actions unlawfully.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see corruption affecting justice in my community?
- How can I ensure that I act with integrity in my own dealings?
- What steps can I take to resist the temptation to accept or offer bribes?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of fairness and justice?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 17:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleA wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom,.... Of another, of a rich man, who takes it out from thence, and offers it to him as a bribe.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 17 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryA wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 17 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleA wicked man, whether judge or witness. Out of the bosom; in secret, as this phrase is expounded, , being privily conveyed from the bosom of the giver into his own bosom. To pervert the ways of judgment; to give or procure an unjust sentence.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 17 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.Ver. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom,] i.e., Closely and covertly, as if neither God nor man should see him. The words may be also read thus: ‘ He,’ - that is, the corrupt judge - ‘ taketh a gift out of the wicked man’ s bosom’ ; there being never a better of them, as Solomon intimateth by this ambiguous expression. Rain is good, and ground is good, yet ex eorum coniunctione fit lutum. So giving is kind, and taking is courteous; yet the mixing of them makes the smooth paths of justice foul and uneven. Stapleton.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 17 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom.—Or rather, receives it. “From the bosom” signifies the folds of the dress in which the bribe was concealed, ready to be slipped into the judge’s hand whose favour was to be bought.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 17 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. A gift out of the bosom] Out of his purse; as in their bosoms, above their girdles, the Asiatics carry their purses. I have often observed this.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 17 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. out of the bosom] i.e. the fold of the garment in which it had been concealed; denoting the stealthy action either of the suitor who proffers, or more probably of the judge who receives the bribe. Comp. Proverbs 21:14.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 17 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe words “out of the bosom,” from the fold of the garment, rather than from the bag or girdle in which money was usually carried, possibly point to the stealthiness with which the “gift” (or, bribe) is offered to the judge.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 17 →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 wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice.
Tyndale line
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of judgment.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosome to wrest the wayes of iudgement.
Strictly literal
A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.
A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
The wicked takes a bribe from the bosom, || To turn aside the paths of judgment.
A wicked man taketh a bribe out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of justice.
A wicked man accepts a secret bribe to pervert the ways of justice.
From the Latin
The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
Simplified
The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.
A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint show agreement in the core message of the verse, though only four of the seven words match directly. The Septuagint's wording reflects a different syntactical structure but conveys a similar meaning regarding the acceptance of gifts and the implications for justice.
שֹׁ֣חַד מֵ֭חֵיק רָשָׁ֣ע יִקָּ֑ח לְ֝הַטּ֗וֹת אָרְח֥וֹת מִשְׁפָּֽט׃
4 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.
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 17:23
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.
שֹׁ֫חַד (shachad) refers specifically to a bribe or present, often implying a venal or redemptive nature. The entries indicate it can mean a gift or reward, stemming from a root related to giving. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meaning.
שֹׁ֫חַד n.m. present, specif. bribe
base
H7810 שֹׁ֫חַד present, specif. bribe
7810 shachad shakh'-ad
from 7809; a donation (venal or redemptive):--bribe(-ry),
gift, present, reward.
see HEBREW for 07809
שֹׁ֫חַד (sha.chad) — bribe.
present, bribe
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
Bribe
None to be taken; “for the gift maketh open eyes blind, and perverteth the cause of the righteous” (Ex. 23:8, literally rendered).
חֵיק (cheq) means 'bosom' and can refer to the literal or figurative sense of being enclosed, such as in the body or in garments. It encompasses meanings like embrace, lap, and secret, indicating a sense of intimacy or closeness. The entries suggest a range of uses, including physical and metaphorical contexts.
חֵיק, חֵק n.[m.] bosom
of fold of garment, at breast
carry in bosom
bosom as part of body
base
H2436 חֵיק, חֵק bosom
2436 cheyq khake
or cheq {khake}; and chowq {khoke}; from an unused root,
apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom (literally or
figuratively):--bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within.
חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: embrace.
: embrace/chest
bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: garment.
: garment
bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)
חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: lap.
: lap/base
bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)
חֵיק (cheq) — bosom: secret.
: secret
bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
A sub-meaning of cheq (חֵיק ": embrace" H2436)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
booz'-um: In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, choq or cheq, "inlet", "lap" (Ex 4:6,7; Nu 11:12; De 13:6; 28:54,56; Ru 4:16; Ps 74:11; Isa 65:6,7; La 2:12). "A present in the bosom" (Pr 21:14): bribes carried ready for use in the fold of the robe. chetsen = "bosom" (with special reference to that portion of the body which is between the arms), occurs in Ps…
Bosom
In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one’s bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Gen. 16:5; 2 Sam. 12:8). Christ is said to have been in “the bosom of the Father,” i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isa. 40:11).
The front of the upper part of the body, the breast. The orientals generally wore long wide, and loose garments; and when about to carry any thing away that their hands would not contain, they used for the purpose a fold in the bosom of their robe above the girdle, Lu 6:38. Our Savior is said to carry his lambs in his bosom, which beautifully represents his tender care and watchfulness over them, Isa 40:11.
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 singular absoluteHNcmsa
The Hebrew word לָקַח (*laqach*) means 'to take' and encompasses a wide range of actions, including to receive, seize, capture, and carry away. It can refer to taking something in hand, taking a wife, or even taking vengeance. The verb has various forms indicating different nuances, such as being taken away or captured.
לָקַח 965 vb. take
Qal
take, take in hand
take and carry along with oneself
take from, or out of
take, carry away
take away from, so as to deprive of
esp. take away life
take to or for a person
take up, upon = put upon
= fetch
take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
take = capture, seize
take = carry off
in phr. take vengeance
Niph.
be captured, of ark
be taken away, removed
be taken, brought unto
Pu.
be taken from, out of
= be stolen from
be taken captive
be taken away, removed
Hoph.
be taken, brought unto
be taken out of
be taken away from
Hithp. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
base
H3947 לָקַח take .. take, take in hand
. take and carry along with oneself
. . take from, or out of
. take, carry away
. take away from, so as to deprive of
. esp. take away life
. take to or for a person
. take up, upon = put upon
. = fetch
. take = lead, conduct (with or without contact)
. take = capture, seize
. take = carry off
. in phr. take vengeance
. . be captured, of ark
. be taken away, removed
. be taken, brought unto
. . be taken from, out of
. = be stolen from
. be taken captive
. be taken away, removed
. . be taken, brought unto
. be taken out of
. be taken away from
. lit. fire taking hold of itself, of lightning
3947 laqach law-kakh'
a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of
applications):--accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch,
get, infold, X many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve,
seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
לָקַח (la.qach) — to take: take.
: take
1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to take, take in the hand
1a2) to take and carry along
1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away
1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept
1a5) to take up or upon, put upon
1a6) to fetch
1a7) to take, lead, conduct
1a8) to take, capture, seize
1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be captured
1b2) to be taken away, be removed
1b3) to be taken, brought unto
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to be taken from or out of
1c2) to be stolen from
1c3) to be taken captive
1c4) to be taken away, be removed
1d) (Hophal)
1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto
1d2) to be taken out of
1d3) to be taken away
1e) (Hithpael)
1e1) to take hold of oneself
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
נָטָה (natah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to stretch out, spread out, or extend. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including bending, inclining, and pitching a tent. The word can also imply moral deflection or turning aside. The entries suggest various applications, from physical actions to metaphorical uses, but do not indicate significant disagreement among the lexicons.
נָטָה 215 vb. stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend
Qal
stretch out, extend, hand, rod
stretch line and plummet
= offer
Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent
Bend, turn, incline
Niph. be stretched out
Hiph.
rarely stretch out, hand
rarely spread out cloth on rock
usu. turn, incline
base
H5186 נָטָה stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend .. . stretch out, extend, hand, rod
. stretch line and plummet
. = offer
. Spread out, i.e. pitch, tent
. Bend, turn, incline
. be stretched out
. . rarely stretch out, hand
. rarely spread out cloth on rock
. usu. turn, incline
5186 natah naw-taw'
a primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication,
to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great
variety of application (as follows):--+ afternoon, apply, bow
(down, - ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down,
be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched,
overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread
(out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away),
wrest, cause to yield.
נָטָה (na.tah) — to stretch.
1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer
1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent)
1a3) to bend, turn, incline
1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down
1a3b) to bend, bow
1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.)
1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to stretch out
1c2) to spread out
1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a — Preposition · verb hiphil infinitive construct commonHR/Vhcc
a-sid': "Distinct from others," "privately," such is the sense of the word in 2Ki 4:4; Mr 7:33. Also "to withdraw" (Lu 9:10 the King James Version; Ac 23:19: hupochoreo, also anachoreo). One is said to have turned aside when he departs from the path of rectitude (Ps 14:3; Sirach 2:7; 1Ti 1:6). In a figurative sense it is used to express the thought of putting aside, to renounce, every hindrance or impediment to a consecrated earnest Christian life (Heb 12:1: apotithemi).
אֹ֫רַח (orach) means 'way' or 'path,' and can refer to both literal and figurative routes in life, including one's manner of living or character. It also denotes a traveler or wayfarer. The word is derived from a root meaning a well-trodden road, and it encompasses various aspects of life’s journey.
אֹ֫רַח n.m. way, path
lit.
fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life
fig. way, of mode of living, or character
by meton. traveller, wayfarer
base
H734 אֹ֫רַח way, path . lit.
. fig. path, way, of course & fortunes of life
. fig. way, of mode of living, or character
. by meton. traveller, wayfarer
734 'orach o'-rakh
from 732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively);
also a caravan:--manner, path, race, rank, traveller, troop,
(by-, high-)way.
see HEBREW for 0732
אֹ֫רַח (o.rach) — way.
1) way, path
1a) path, road
1b) the path, way, passing of life (fig.)
1c) way of living (fig.)
1d) traveller, wayfarer (meton)
Aramaic equivalent: o.rach (אֹ֫רַח "way" H0735)
N-cp — Noun common · feminine plural constructHNcfpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) primarily means judgment or justice and encompasses various aspects such as legal rights, ordinances, and decisions. It is derived from a root meaning to pronounce a verdict, covering both human and divine law. The entries highlight its application in legal contexts, including the act of deciding cases and the attributes of justice and rectitude.
מִשְׁפָּט 422 n.m. judgment
judgment
justice, right, rectitude
ordinance
decision
one's (legal) right, privilege, due
proper, fitting, measure
custom, manner
what manner of
plan
base
H4941 מִשְׁפָּט judgment . judgment
. justice, right, rectitude
. ordinance
. decision
. one's (legal) right, privilege, due
. . proper, fitting, measure
. custom, manner
. what manner of
. plan
4941 mishpat mish-pawt'
from 8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable)
pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree
(human or (participant's) divine law, individual or
collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the
crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a
participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or
even a style:--+ adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime,
custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due,
fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly),
(manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order,
ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
see HEBREW for 08199
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice: judgement.
: judgement/punishment
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man)
1c) ordinance
1d) decision (in law)
1e) right, privilege, due (legal)
1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice.
: justice/right/righteousness
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
jus'-tis (tsedhaqah; tsedheq; dikaiosune): The original Hebrew and Greek words are the same as those rendered "righteousness." This is the common rendering, and in about half the cases where we have "just" and "justice" in the King James Version, the American Standard Revised Version has changed to "righteous" and "righteousness." It must be constantly borne in mind that the two ideas are essentially the same.
See RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1. Human Justice:
Justice had primarily to do with conduct in relation to others, especially with regard to the rights of others. It is applied to business, where just weights and measures are demanded (Le 19:35,36; De 25:13-16; Am 8:5; Pr 11:1; 16:11…
Justice
Is rendering to every one that which is his due. It has been distinguished from equity in this respect, that while justice means merely the doing what positive law demands, equity means the doing of what is fair and right in every separate case.
A principle of righteousness and equity, controlling our conduct, and securing a due regard to all the rights of others-their persons, property, character, and interests. It has to do, not with pecuniary transactions alone, but with all our intercourse with society. It forms a chief element of the character approved in God’s word; and a truly just man has but to "love mercy, and walk humbly with God," to fulfil all righteousness. Justice in magistrates, rulers, and judges, must be fearless and impartial, and all its decisions such as will bear revision before the court of heaven, De 1:16,17 2Sa 23:3 2Ch 19:6-10. Judgement is peculiarly the prerogative of God, and every earthly tribunal lies under the shadow of the "great white…
→ General scriptures concerning Ex 23:1-3,6-8; Le 19:13-15; De 16:18-20; 25:1-4; Ezr 7:26; Ps 72:1,2; 82:2-4; Pr 17:15,26; 18:5,17; 20:8; 22:27; 24:23; 28:21; 29:26; Ec 3:16,17; 5:8; 7:7; Isa 1:17; 56:1; 59:14,15; Jer 22:1-4; La 3:35,36; Am 5:7,11,12;