Proverbs 19:10 — Word Study
WLCלֹֽא־ נָאוֶ֣ה לִכְסִ֣יל תַּעֲנ֑וּג אַ֝֗ף כִּֽי־ לְעֶ֤בֶד׀ מְשֹׁ֬ל בְּשָׂרִֽים׃
BSALuxurytaʻănûwg [delicate living, delightful living] is unseemlynâʼveh [not lovely, not seemly] for a foolkᵉçîyl [stupid person, one who rejects God] how much worseʼaph [much less] for a slaveʻebed [servant, one in bondage] to rulemâshal [have power over, govern] over princessar [rulers, leaders]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לֹֽא־ | not | Particle |
| נָאוֶ֣ה | [is] suitable | Adj |
| לִכְסִ֣יל | for a fool | Preposition |
| תַּעֲנ֑וּג | luxury | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| אַ֝֗ף | indeed? | Particle |
| כִּֽי־ | for | Particle |
| לְעֶ֤בֶד׀ | for a slave | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| מְשֹׁ֬ל | to rule | Verb, Qal, infinitive construct common |
| בְּשָׂרִֽים׃ | over princes | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! |
| KJV | Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. |
| ASV | Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. |
| YLT | Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes. |
| WEB | Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. |
| BBE | Material comfort is not good for the foolish; much less for a servant to be put over rulers. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of the phrase regarding the slave ruling over princes.
The sentence has a main clause followed by a subordinate clause that elaborates on the implications of the first.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectתַּעֲנוּג
verbמָשַׁל
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 19:10
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 Folly and Authoritygenerated
Proverbs 19:10 illustrates the folly of luxury being unsuitable for a fool, emphasizing that it is even more inappropriate for a slave to have authority over princes. This verse fits within a broader discussion in Proverbs about the nature of wisdom and foolishness, as seen in the surrounding verses, which also address the consequences of deceit and the importance of patience and insight in leadership.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:21–22 | Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 25:36 | When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. |
| 3 | Esther 3:15 | The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:11–12 | Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. |
| 5 | Isaiah 22:12–14 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַּעֲנ֑וּג, ta.'a.Nuggenerated
The word תַּעֲנוּג (ta'anuwg) refers to luxury or delightful living, indicating a state of indulgence or comfort. It is derived from a root meaning to be soft or delicate, suggesting a sense of refined enjoyment. In this context, it highlights the absurdity of a fool engaging in such a lifestyle.
The adjective describes a lifestyle that is not only extravagant but also inappropriate for someone lacking wisdom. The use of this term underscores the contrast between the expectations of a fool and the reality of their situation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we look at the verse as rendered in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term luxury to capture the essence of תַּעֲנוּג.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause centers around the verb מְשֹׁ֬ל, to rule, which governs the subject תַּעֲנוּג and the predicate נָאוֶ֣ה. The structure indicates a clear relationship between the elements, emphasizing the folly of the situation described.
The sentence's arrangement places the focus on the foolishness of luxury, followed by the contrasting situation of a slave ruling over princes, thus highlighting the absurdity of both scenarios.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תַּעֲנוּג as τρυφή, which conveys a sense of indulgence and luxury. This choice reflects a similar understanding of excess as inappropriate for those lacking wisdom.
The Greek term used in the Septuagint captures the essence of the Hebrew word, reinforcing the idea that such a lifestyle is unsuitable for a fool.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 19:10 tells us that luxury is not suitable for a fool, and it is even more inappropriate for a slave to rule over princes. This verse emphasizes the foolishness of indulging in excess and the absurdity of a lowly person having authority over those of higher status.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It suggests that a fool, who lacks wisdom, should not indulge in luxury, as it is inappropriate for someone who does not understand its value.
This highlights the irony and absurdity of a person of low status having authority over those who are naturally leaders, emphasizing a reversal of expected roles.
It reflects the broader themes of wisdom and folly in Proverbs, illustrating the consequences of foolish behavior and the proper order of authority.
We learn about the importance of wisdom and the dangers of excess, as well as the need for appropriate leadership based on merit rather than status.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see luxury or indulgence affecting my decisions?
- How can I ensure that I am making wise choices rather than foolish ones in my life?
- What does this verse teach about the nature of authority and leadership?
- How can I apply the lessons of this verse to my own understanding of success and status?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 19:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleDelight is not seemly for a fool,.... Such an one as Nabal, whose name and nature were alike; and whose prosperity ill became him, and the mirth and delight he had in it, 1 Samuel 25:25; for, as the
Read John Gill on Proverbs 19 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryDelight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. Delight is not seemly for a fool.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 19 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleDelight, to live in pleasure, and plenty, and outward glory, is not seemly for a fool; it doth not become him, nor suit with him; partly because prosperity corrupts even wise men, and makes fools mad; and partly because it gives him more opportunity to discover his folly, and to do mischief both to himself and others. He implies that a rod or punishment is fitter for him than pleasure, as is noted, 26:3. A servant; who is of a servile condition and disposition, not much differing from a fool; who is a servant to his lusts, and wholly unfit to rule other men. Over princes, i.e. over men of better quality than himself; for servants are commonly ignorant, and when they are advanced, they grow…
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 19 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.Ver. 10. Delight is not seemly for a fool.] Dignitas in indigno est ornamentum in luto, saith Salvian. Health, wealth, nobility, beauty, honour, and the like, are ill bestowed upon a wicked man, who will abuse them all to his own and other men’ s undoing. The wisest have enough to do to manage these outward good things. What may we hen expect from fools? If they make wise men fools, they will make fools mad men. Much less for a servant to rule over princes.] As Abimelech, that bramble, did over the cedars of Lebanon; as Tobiah, the servant, the Ammonite, sought to do over Nehemiah and the…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 19 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(10) Delight is not seemly for a fool.—He is ruined by prosperity and luxury: much more is a slave unfit to rule over princes. The writer has in his mind the case of an emancipated slave being raised to high place by court favour, and then insolently trampling on those who were once far above him. (Comp. Proverbs 30:22; Ecclesiastes 10:6-7.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 19 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 10. Delight is not seemly for a fool] תענוג taanug, splendid or luxurious living, rank, equipage, c. These sit ill on a fool, though he be by birth a lord. For a servant to have rule over princes.] I pity the king who delivers himself into the hands of his own ministers. Such a one loses his character, and cannot be respected by his subjects, or rather their subjects. But it is still worse when a person of mean extraction is raised to the throne, or to any place of power he is generally cruel and tyrannical.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 19 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10. delight] Rather, luxury, or delicate living, R.V. οὐσυμφέρειἄφρονιτρυφὴ, LXX. Comp. οἱἐντρυφῇὑπάρχοντεςἐντοῖςβασιλείοιςεἰσίν, Luke 7:25; as “a servant” would be if he had “rule over princes.” On this second clause Dean Plumptre (Speaker’s Comm.) quotes Claudian in Eutrop. 1. 183: “nec bellua tetrior ulla est, Quam servi rabies in libera colla furentis.”
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 19 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible“Delight,” high unrestrained enjoyment, is to the “fool” who lacks wisdom but a temptation and a snare.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 19 →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
Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Luxury is unseemly for a fool—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes!
Tyndale line
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Pleasure is not comely for a foole, much lesse for a seruant to haue rule ouer princes.
Strictly literal
Good living beseemeth not a fool; how much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
Luxury is not fitting for a fool, || Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
Delicacy is not seemly for a fool: much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— much less for a slave to rule over princes.
From the Latin
Delicacies are not seemly for a fool: nor for a servant to have rule over princes.
Simplified
It's not right for stupid people to live in luxury, and it's even worse for a slave to rule over leaders.
Material comfort is not good for the foolish; much less for a servant to be put over rulers.
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 of Proverbs 19:10 states that "Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!" The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all nine words correspond, although the word order and articles differ due to the nature of the Greek translation. There are no significant differences in the core message between these texts, indicating a strong consistency in this verse across these ancient witnesses.
לֹֽא־ נָאוֶ֣ה לִכְסִ֣יל תַּעֲנ֑וּג אַ֝֗ף כִּֽי־ לְעֶ֤בֶד׀ מְשֹׁ֬ל בְּשָׂרִֽים׃
9 of the 9 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 19:10
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.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
HTn — ParticleHTn
נָאוֶה (na'veh) is an adjective meaning suitable, beautiful, or comely. It conveys a sense of attractiveness or appropriateness in appearance. The word is derived from roots that suggest beauty and suitability, but the lexicons do not provide specific verse references or significant disagreements.
נָאוֶה adj. comely, seemly
base
H5000 נָאוֶה
5000 na'veh naw-veh'
from 4998 or 5116; suitable, or beautiful:--becometh,
comely, seemly.
see HEBREW for 04998
see HEBREW for 05116
נָאוֶה (na.eh) — lovely.
1) comely, beautiful, seemly
1a) comely, beautiful
1b) seemly
Adj — AdjHAamsa
כְּסִיל (kciyl) refers to a fool or a stupid person. It is derived from a root meaning 'fat' and is used figuratively to describe someone who is foolish, simple-minded, or arrogant. The term appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, emphasizing a lack of wisdom or understanding.
כְּסִיל 70 n.m. stupid fellow, dullard, fool
base
H3684 כְּסִיל
3684 kciyl kes-eel'
from 3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or
silly:--fool(-ish).
see HEBREW for 03688
כְּסִיל (ke.sil) — fool.
fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHR/Aamsa
Any person who does not act wisely, that is, does not follow the warnings and requirements of God, which are founded in infinite wisdom. Hence "a fool" is put for a wicked man, an enemy or neglecter of God, Ps 14:1 Pr 19:1. So folly is put for wickedness, 2Sa 13:12,13 Ps 38:5, foolish lusts for wicked lusts, etc. Foolish talking, foolish questions, are vain, empty, unprofitable conversation, 2Ti 2:23.
תַּעֲנוּג (ta`anuwg) refers to concepts of luxury, daintiness, and exquisite delight. It is derived from the root meaning to be soft or delicate. The term encompasses ideas of pleasantness and comfort, highlighting a sense of refined enjoyment.
תַּעֲנוּג n.[m.] daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight
base
H8588 תַּעֲנוּג
8588 ta`anuwg tah-an-oog'
or taanug {tah-an-oog'}; and (feminine) taeanugah
{tah-ah-oog-aw'}; from 6026; luxury:--delicate, delight,
pleasant.
see HEBREW for 06026
תַּעֲנוּג (ta.a.nug) — luxury.
1) daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight, pleasantness, delight, comfort
1a) luxury
1b) dainty
1c) delight
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
The Hebrew word אַף (aph) is a conjunction that indicates addition, often implying something greater. It can mean 'also,' 'yea,' or 'though,' and is used to connect ideas in a sentence. The entries highlight its use as both an adverb and conjunction, with a focus on its additive nature.
אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea
base
H637 אַף conj. denoting addition, esp. of something greater, also, yea
637 'aph af
a primitive particle; meaning accession (used as an adverb or
conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though:--also, +
although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, + how much less
(more, rather than), moreover, with, yea.
אַף (aph) — also.
conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater)
1) also, yea, though, so much the more
adv
2) furthermore, indeed
Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
DirObjM — ParticleHTj
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
HTc — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.
עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant
slave, servant of household
Subjects, of chief
Servants, worshippers of God
Servant of י׳, in a special sense
Israel as a people is servant of י׳
In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
Phrases
base
H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household
. Subjects, of chief
. Servants, worshippers of God
. Servant of י׳, in a special sense
. Israel as a people is servant of י׳
. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I
. Phrases
5650 `ebed eh'-bed
from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,
(man-)servant.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.
1) slave, servant
1a) slave, servant, man-servant
1b) subjects
1c) servants, worshippers (of God)
1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc)
1e) servant (of Israel)
1f) servant (as form of address between equals)
Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
Slave
Jer. 2:14 (A.V.), but not there found in the original. In Rev. 18:13 the word “slaves” is the rendering of a Greek word meaning “bodies.” The Hebrew and Greek words for slave are usually rendered simply “servant,” “bondman,” or “bondservant.” Slavery as it existed under the Mosaic law has no modern parallel. That law did not originate but only regulated the already existing custom of slavery (Ex. 21:20, 21, 26, 27; Lev. 25:44-46; Josh. 9:6-27). The gospel in its spirit and genius is hostile to slavery in every form, which under its influence is gradually disappearing from among men.
The institution of slavery was recognized, though not established, by the Mosaic law with a view to mitigate its hardship and to secure to every man his ordinary rights. I. Hebrew slaves. -- The circumstances under which a Hebrew might be reduced to servitude were-- (1) poverty; (2) the commission of theft; and (3) the exercise of paternal authority. In the first case, a man who had mortgaged his property, and was unable to support his family, might sell himself to another Hebrew, with a view both to obtain maintenance and perchance a surplus sufficient to redeem his property. (Leviticus 25:25,39) (2) The commission of theft rendered a person liable to servitude whenever restitution could not be made on the scale prescribed by the law. (Exodus 22:1,3) The thief was bound to work…
מָשַׁל (mashal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to rule or have dominion. It can refer to human authority, the dominion of heavenly bodies, or God's sovereignty. The word has a Qal form indicating direct rule and a Hiphil form that implies causing someone to rule or exercising dominion.
מָשַׁל vb. rule, have dominion, reign
Qal
human subj., rule, have dominion over
of heavenly bodies
of God
Hiph. cause to rule; exercise dominion
base
H4910 מָשַׁל rule, have dominion, reign .. human subj., rule, have dominion over
. of heavenly bodies
. of God
. cause to rule; exercise dominion
4910 mashal maw-shal'
a primitive root; to rule:--(have, make to have) dominion,
governor, X indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have)
rule(-ing, -r), have power.
מָשַׁל (ma.shal) — to rule.
1) to rule, have dominion, reign
1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to cause to rule
1b2) to exercise dominion
V-Qal-Inf-a — Verb · Qal · infinitive construct commonHVqcc
שַׂר (sar) refers to a leader or ruler, encompassing a range of meanings from prince and chief to official and captain. It denotes various ranks, including military commanders and religious leaders, and can also imply a noble or merchant of high status. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to rule'.
שַׂר 420 n.m. chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
base
H8269 שַׂר chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
8269 sar sar
from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):--captain
(that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper,
lord, ((-task- ))master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.
see HEBREW for 08323
שַׂר (sar) — ruler.
1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain
1a) chieftain, leader
1b) vassal, noble, official (under king)
1c) captain, general, commander (military)
1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)
1e) heads, princes (of religious office)
1f) elders (of representative leaders of people)
1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)
1h) patron-angel
1i) Ruler of rulers (of God)
1j) warden
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHR/Ncmpa
