Proverbs 18:17 — Word Study
WLCצַדִּ֣יק הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן בְּרִיב֑וֹ וּבָֽא רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃
BSAThe firstriʼshôwn [initial, primary] to state his caserîyb [present his argument, plead his cause] seems righttsaddîyq [appears to be, just, righteous] until anotherrêaʻ [his neighbor, a companion] comesbôwʼ▸ [approaches, enters] and cross-examines himchâqar■ [searches, examines closely]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| צַדִּ֣יק | [is] righteous | Adj |
| הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן | the first | Particle |
| בְּרִיב֑וֹ | in case his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וּבָֽא | and he will come | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ | neighbor his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃ | and he will examine him | Verb qal sequential perfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. |
| KJV | He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. |
| ASV | He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. |
| YLT | Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him. |
| WEB | He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. |
| BBE | The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light. |
Where they part company is צַדִּ֣יק — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause introduces the argument, followed by a subordinate clause that describes the challenge to that argument.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבּוֹא
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 18:17
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom on Justice and Disputesgenerated
Proverbs 18:17 presents a principle about the nature of arguments and justice. The verse highlights that the first person to present their case may seem correct until another individual comes forward to challenge their claims. This reflects a broader theme in Proverbs regarding the importance of careful consideration and the potential for bias in initial judgments, as seen in the surrounding verses that discuss the outcomes of disputes and the wisdom of seeking truth.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:13 | He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 16:1–3 | When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:24–27 | Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. |
| 4 | Acts 24:5–6 | We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — צַדִּיק, tza.Dikgenerated
The word צַדִּיק (tza.Dik) is an adjective meaning just or righteous. It indicates a person who is upright in character and actions, often in relation to moral and ethical standards. This term is frequently used in the context of individuals who are aligned with God's will and justice.
The parsing as an adjective suggests that it describes the state of being righteous, which can apply to personal conduct or legal matters. The word's root and usage in various contexts emphasize its significance in biblical teachings on morality.
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 has seems right, which is echoed in the KJV and ASV.
Where others part company with the BSB is in the rendering of צַדִּ֣יק — just (ASV, KJV) versus righteous (YLT, LSV). Both terms convey a similar meaning but differ in nuance.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is governed by a main clause that introduces the subject, followed by a series of phrases that elaborate on the actions and circumstances. The finite verb בָּֽא (and he will come) anchors the sentence, indicating the action of the second person entering the discussion.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the initial claim and the subsequent challenge, illustrating the dynamics of argumentation and examination in a dispute.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew term צַדִּיק is rendered as δίκαιος (dikaios), which also means just or righteous. This choice maintains the moral implications of the original Hebrew while adapting it for a Greek-speaking audience.
The translation reflects a consistent understanding of righteousness in both texts, emphasizing the importance of justice in legal and personal matters.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 18:17 teaches that the first person to present their argument may seem correct until another person comes to challenge them. This highlights the importance of careful examination in disputes and the need for fairness in judgment.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This means that initial arguments can appear justified until they are critically examined by others, indicating the need for thorough evaluation in disputes.
Cross-examination helps to uncover biases or flaws in reasoning, ensuring that the truth is sought rather than simply accepting the first claim.
In everyday life, this verse encourages us to be cautious in our judgments and to seek multiple perspectives before forming conclusions.
This verse teaches that understanding and resolving conflicts requires careful listening and consideration of all sides involved.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what situations have I accepted an argument without questioning it?
- How can I ensure I am fair in my judgments of others' claims?
- What steps can I take to seek the truth in disputes I encounter?
- How can I apply the principle of cross-examination in my daily interactions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on the themes of justice and humility in this verse, offering insights into the nature of righteousness and conflict resolution.
David also speaks in the Psalms and says, “I made my iniquity known and did not cover my sin. I said, ‘I will proclaim my injustice against myself,’ and you have forgiven the impiety of my heart.” You see, therefore,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 18 →
Speak not in your own praise, nor contrive that others do so. Do not listen to indecent talk. Conceal insofar as you can your own superior gifts.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 18 →
The just man indeed notices his own frailty more than the unjust man; and the wise man recognizes, while the foolish man does not recognize.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 18 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 18:17 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just,.... As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears
Read John Gill on Proverbs 18 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. (He that is) first in his own cause (seemeth) just. The judge is pre-engaged by the gifts or else the earnestness of the first speaker.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 18 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe that is first in his own cause, he that first pleadeth his cause, seemeth just, both to himself and to the judge or court, by his fair pretences. His neighbour cometh, to contend with him in judgment and to plead his cause, and searcheth him; examineth the truth and weight of his allegations, and disproveth them, and detecteth his weakness. Or, discovers him; for seeking or searching are oft put for finding, as ,19, and elsewhere.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 18 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 18:17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.Ver. 17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just.] The first tale is good till the second be heard. How fair a tale told Tertullus for the Jews against Paul, till the apostle came after him, and unstarched the orator’ s trim speech? Judges had need to get and keep that ουςαδιαβληκτον that Alexander boasted of, to keep one ear clear and unprejudiced, for the defendant; for they shall meet with such active actors or pleaders, as can make Quid libet ex quo libet, candida de nigris et de candentibus atra, as can draw a fair glove upon a foul hand, blanch and smooth over the worst…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 18 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(17) He that is first in his own cause seemeth just.—A man who tells his own story can make a good case for himself out of it, “but his neighbour” (i.e., his adversary in the suit) “cometh and searcheth him,” sifts his statements, and shows them to be untenable.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 18 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 17. He that is first in his own cause] Any man may, in the first instance, make out a fair tale, because he has the choice of circumstances and arguments. But when the neighbour cometh and searcheth him, he examines all, dissects all, swears and cross-questions every witness, and brings out truth and fact.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 18 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges17. in his own cause] i.e. in pleading, or stating it. You must wait to hear the other side, the “neighbour’s searching out,” if you would come at the truth. Audi alteram partem is the gist of the proverb.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 18 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleA protest against another fault in judging. Haste is hardly less evil than corruption. “Audi alteram partern “should be the rule of every judge. His neighbor - The other party to the suit “searcheth,” i.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 18 →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 first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.
Tyndale line
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
Strictly literal
He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
The first in his own cause [seems] righteous, || [But] his neighbor comes and has searched him.
He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
The first to plead his case seems right until his opponent comes and questions him.
From the Latin
The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.
Simplified
The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
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 reads צַדִּ֣יק הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן בְּרִיב֑וֹ וּבָֽא רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃, while the Septuagint matches only 2 of the 6 words. This indicates that while there is some agreement, the translations differ significantly in structure and wording.
צַדִּ֣יק הָרִאשׁ֣וֹן בְּרִיב֑וֹ וּבָֽא רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ וַחֲקָרֽוֹ׃
2 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 18:17
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.
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
1) just, lawful, righteous
1a) just, righteous (in government)
1b) just, right (in one's cause)
1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
1e) right, correct, lawful
Adj — AdjHAamsa
The Hebrew word רִאשׁוֹן (*ri'shown*) means 'first' and can refer to something that is primary, former, or chief. It encompasses meanings related to time, rank, and location, indicating ancestors or previous things. The entries consistently emphasize its use as an adjective and adverb, with no significant disagreement noted among the lexicons.
רִאשׁוֹן 182 adj. former, first, chief
base
H7223 רִאשׁוֹן former, first, chief
7223 ri'shown ree-shone'
or riishon {ree-shone'}; from 7221; first, in place, time or
rank (as adjective or noun):--ancestor, (that were)
before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father)
(-most), former (thing), of old time, past.
see HEBREW for 07221
רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first.
: first
adj
1) first, primary, former
1a) former (of time)
1a1) ancestors
1a2) former things
1b) foremost (of location)
1c) first (in time)
1d) first, chief (in degree)
adv
2) first, before, formerly, at first
רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first: previous.
: previous
adj
1) first, primary, former
1a) former (of time)
1a1) ancestors
1a2) former things
1b) foremost (of location)
1c) first (in time)
1d) first, chief (in degree)
adv
2) first, before, formerly, at first
רִאשׁוֹן (ri.shon) — first: chief.
: chief
adj
1) first, primary, former
1a) former (of time)
1a1) ancestors
1a2) former things
1b) foremost (of location)
1c) first (in time)
1d) first, chief (in degree)
adv
2) first, before, formerly, at first
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aomsa
furst ('echadh, ri'shon; proton, to proton, protos):
Of these words, which are those most frequently used for "first," ri'shon is from rosh, "the head, and is used for the highest, chief, etc.; also of time, the beginning, e.g. Ge 8:13, in the first month"; in Isa 44:6; 48:12, it is used of Yahweh as Eternal and solely Supreme--the First and the Last (compare Isa 41:4). Special usages are in connection with "firstborn," "first- fruit," etc.; proton is used of that which is first in order; but also of that which is first or chief in importance, etc. (Mt 6:33; Jas 3:17). In
רִיב (riyb) refers to strife or dispute, encompassing personal or legal contests. It can denote adversarial situations, chiding, or legal cases. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to conflict, such as quarrels and controversies, without significant disagreement among the lexicons.
רִיב 62 n.m. strife, dispute
base
H7379 רִיב strife, dispute
7379 riyb reeb
or rib {reeb}; from 7378; a contest (personal or legal):--+
adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy,
multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing),
suit.
see HEBREW for 07378
רִיב (riv) — strife.
1) strife, controversy, dispute
1a) strife, quarrel
1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Prep | N-cs | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
בּוֹא (bo) is a Hebrew verb meaning to come or go in, with a wide range of applications including entering, arriving, and bringing in. It can refer to both physical movement and abstract concepts like events coming to pass. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal (to come), Hiphil (to cause to come), and Hophal (to be brought). There is no significant disagreement among lexicons regarding its meanings.
בּוֹא 2569 vb. come in, come, go in, go
Qal
come in
come (approach, arrive)
go, i.e. walk, associate with
go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
Hiph.
cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
Hoph.
be brought in (of pers. and things)
be brought
be introduced, put
base
H935 בּוֹא come in, come, go in, go .. come in
. come (approach, arrive)
. go, i.e. walk, associate with
. go from speaker, but with limit of motion given
. . cause to come in, bring in (conduct, lead, obj. persons and animals)
. cause to come, bring, bring near, etc. (animate obj.)
. . be brought in (of pers. and things)
. be brought
. be introduced, put
935 bow' bo
a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of
applications):--abide, apply, attain, X be, befall, +
besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, X
certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out,
upon, to pass), depart, X doubtless again, + eat, + employ,
(cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be
fallen, fetch, + follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war),
grant, + have, X indeed, (in-)vade, lead, lift (up), mention,
pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, X (well) stricken
(in age), X surely, take (in), way.
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): come.
: come/go_in
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
1a5) to go
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lead in
1b2) to carry in
1b3) to bring in, cause to come in, gather, cause to come, bring near, bring against, bring upon
1b4) to bring to pass
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be brought, brought in
1c2) to be introduced, be put
לְב֥וֹא (bo) — Lebo-(Hamath).
This name means to go in, enter
Combined with cha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574)
בּוֹא (bo) — to come (in): towards.
: towards/entrance
1) to go in, enter, come, go, come in
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to enter, come in
1a2) to come
1a2a) to come with
1a2b) to come upon, fall or light upon, attack (enemy)
1a2c) to come to pass
1a3) to attain to
1a4) to be enumerated
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
kum: The translation of many Hebrew and Greek words. In the phrase "The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon him" (Jud 14:6,19; 15:14; 1Sa 10:10; 11:6; 16:13), the word is tsaleah; Jud 14:6; 15:14 "came mightily," which is the uniform translation of the Revised Version (British and American) (compare Jud 13:25 "to move," i.e. to disturb or stir up). In Jud 6:34; 1Ch 12:18; 2Ch 24:20, it is labhesh, "to clothe"; the Revised Version, margin "The Spirit .... clothed itself with Gideon" and .... "with Zechariah,"…
רֵעַ (rea`) refers to a friend, companion, or fellow, emphasizing close associations such as brotherhood or intimacy. It can also denote a neighbor or another person in a broader sense. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to associate.'
רֵעַ 187 n.m. friend, companion, fellow
base
H7453 רֵעַ friend, companion, fellow
7453 rea` ray'-ah
or reya2 {ray'-ah}; from 7462; an associate (more or less
close):--brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover,
neighbour, X (an-)other.
see HEBREW for 0reya2
see HEBREW for 07462
רֵעַ (re.a) — neighbor.
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
1a) friend, intimate
1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
חָקַר (chaqar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to search or examine. It encompasses actions like searching for, exploring, and thoroughly investigating. The word can also imply being found out or ascertained. It appears in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Piel, indicating different nuances of searching and examination.
[חָקַר] vb. search
Qal
search (for)
search through, explore
search a man, find out his sentiments
of י׳ searching man
of examining thoroughly
Niph. be searched out, found out, ascertained
Pi. he sought out many proverbs
base
H2713 [חָקַר] search .. search (for)
. . search through, explore
. search a man, find out his sentiments
. of י׳ searching man
. of examining thoroughly
. be searched out, found out, ascertained
. he sought out many proverbs
2713 chaqar khaw-kar'
a primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine
intimately:--find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound,
try.
חָקַר (cha.qar) — to search.
1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to search (for)
1a2) to search through, explore
1a3) to examine thoroughly
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined
1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal sequential perfect third person masculine singular · suffixHc/Vqq3ms/Sp3ms