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Proverbs 22:1 — Word Study

Depth

WLCנִבְחָ֣ר שֵׁ֭ם מֵעֹ֣שֶׁר רָ֑ב מִכֶּ֥סֶף וּ֝מִזָּהָ֗ב חֵ֣ן טֽוֹב׃

BSAA good nameshêm [reputable, honorable, identity, character] is more desirablebâchar [to be chosen, preferred] than greatrab [abundant, plentiful] richesʻôsher [wealth, treasures] favorchên [loving kindness, graciousness] is betterṭôwb [more valuable, preferable] than silverkeçeph [money, payment] and goldzâhâb [precious, valuable metal]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 22
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 1 opens the 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 (Tov) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 22:1quick helps
In a sentenceProverbs teaches that a good name is more valuable than wealth.
Who is speakingThe writer of Proverbs, likely Solomon, conveying wisdom.
Where we areIn the book of Proverbs, which offers practical advice for living.
The hard wordנִבְחָ֣ר
Take awayValue character and reputation over material wealth.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectשֵׁם verbבָּחַר 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 22:1

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 in Proverbsgenerated

1A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:1 emphasizes the importance of a good name, suggesting that one's reputation and character hold more value than material riches. This verse is situated within a collection of wise sayings that guide individuals in their relationships and conduct, highlighting the contrast between inner worth and external wealth. The following verses continue to explore themes of humility, prudence, and the nature of true riches.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Kings 1:47The king’s servants have also gone to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make the name of Solomon more famous than your own name, and may He make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king has bowed in worship on his bed,
2Ecclesiastes 7:1A good name is better than fine perfume, and one’s day of death is better than his day of birth.
3Luke 10:20Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
4Philippians 4:3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
5Hebrews 11:39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.1 Kings 1:47 Ecclesiastes 7:1 Luke 10:20 Philippians 4:3 Hebrews 11:39
loving favour rather thanActs 7:10

The Key Word נִבְחָ֣ר, niv.Chargenerated

The word נִבְחָ֣ר (niv.char) is a participle form of the verb בָּחַר (bachar), which means to choose or select. It conveys the idea of being chosen or preferred, indicating a deliberate decision-making process. This word appears frequently in contexts that involve selection, often highlighting the significance of the choice made.

In this verse, it underscores the value of a good name as something that is actively chosen or preferred over material wealth. The parsing indicates it is in the Niphal stem, suggesting a passive or reflexive action, which emphasizes that a good name is not merely acquired but recognized and esteemed by others.


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 more desirable, which is consistent with the KJV and ASV.

Where others part company with the BSB is in the rendering of רָ֑בgreat (ASV, KJV) versus abundant (ILT) — and טֽוֹבgood (ASV, KJV) versus preferable (ILT).


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main clause is governed by the finite verb נִבְחָ֣ר, is chosen, with two prepositional phrases providing further detail: one comparing a good name to riches, and another comparing favor to silver and gold. The structure emphasizes the comparative nature of the statements, highlighting the value of character over wealth.

The word order places the subject שֵׁ֭ם (shem, name) at the beginning, drawing attention to the importance of reputation as the focal point of the verse.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates נִבְחָ֣ר as αἱρετώτερον, indicating a preference or choice that aligns with the Hebrew meaning of being chosen. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of the value placed on a good name in the context of wisdom literature.

This rendering shows a consistent interpretation of the Hebrew text, emphasizing the significance of reputation as more desirable than material wealth.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 22:1 teaches that having a good name is more valuable than having great riches, and that favor is better than silver and gold. This highlights the importance of character and reputation over material wealth.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that a good name is better than riches?

A good name represents a person's character and reputation, which are more enduring and valuable than material wealth.

How can I cultivate a good name?

By acting with integrity, kindness, and honesty in all dealings with others.

Why is favor considered better than silver and gold?

Favor often leads to relationships and opportunities that money cannot buy, reflecting the importance of social capital.

What are some examples of a good name in the Bible?

Examples include the names of faithful figures like Abraham, David, and Jesus, whose reputations were built on their actions and character.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what ways do I value my reputation and character over material possessions?
  2. How can I demonstrate kindness and favor to others in my daily life?
  3. What actions can I take to build a good name for myself in my community?
  4. How does understanding the value of a good name change my perspective on success and wealth?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

Early church fathers referenced this verse to discuss the value of a good name and favor, emphasizing their significance in spiritual and moral life.

Ambrose of MilanLETTER 15 c. 339–397
A good name is more excellent than money, and good favor is better than heaps of silver. Faith itself redounds to itself, sufficiently rich and more than rich in its possession.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 22 →
BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
A good name is better, etc. He speaks of a good name, not one praised by the masses of the ignorant, but praised by the testimony of the faithful, even if few.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 22 →
BedeCommentary on Proverbs c. 673–735
Better than silver and gold is good grace. He signifies that grace when one is praised by the good for his good work, and indeed, for the conferred gifts of merit, the Father who is in heaven is glorified.
Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 22 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 22:1 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches,.... The word "good" is not in the text, but is rightly supplied, as it is by the Targum, Septuagint, and Vulgate Latin versions; for it is

Read John Gill on Proverbs 22 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. A (good) name (cf. Ecclesiastes 7:1) is rather to be chosen ... (and) loving favour rather the silver.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 22 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

CHAPTER 22 A good name, Heb. name put for good name, as , the word good being easily understood out of the next clause, in which it is expressed in the Hebrew text. A good reputation amongst wise and good men. Is rather to be chosen than great riches; partly, because it is a most special blessing from God, being appropriated to worthy persons, whereas God commonly throws away riches upon the basest of men; partly, because it gives a man that tranquillity and satisfaction of mind, and that content and comfort in his condition, which no riches can purchase; and partly, because as it is commonly an evidence of a man’ s virtue and piety, so it is accompanied with God’ s love and favour, whereas…

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 22 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 22:1 A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.Ver. 1. A good name is rather to be chosen.] Heb., A name, as "a wife," for a good wife. Better no wife than an ill wife, so better no name than an ill name. This good name proceeding from a good conscience, this honour from virtue, this perfume of faith and obedience, this splendour and sparkle of the "white stone," which only shines upon heavenly hearts - is far more desirable than great riches. For, first, These oft take away the life of the owners thereof. The greater wealth, the greater spoil awaits a man. As a tree with thick and large boughs, every man desires to…

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 22 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

XXII. (1) Loving favour.—Or, favour is better than silver and gold. “Favour” may signify the grace which wins love, as well as the favour gained thereby.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 22 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

CHAPTER XXII A good reputation. The rich and the poor. The idle. Good habits formed in infancy. Injustice and its effects. The providence of God. The lewd woman. The necessity of timely correction. Exhortation to wisdom. Rob not the poor. Be not the companion of the froward. Avoid suretyship. Be honest. The industrious shall be favoured. NOTES ON CHAP. XXII Verse 1. A good name] שם shem, a name, put for reputation, credit, fame. Used nearly in the same way that we use it: "He has got a name;" "his name stands high;" for "He is a man of credit and reputation." טבא toba, καλον, [Arabic] hamood, and bonum, are added by the Chaldee, Septuagint, Arabic, and Vulgate, all signifying good or…

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 22 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

1. A good name] Heb. a name, as in Ecclesiastes 7:1. Comp. Sir 41:12 : “Have regard to thy name; For it continueth with thee longer than a thousand great treasures of gold.” loving favour rather than] Or, favour is better than, A.V. and R.V. marg.

Read Cambridge on Proverbs 22 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Omit “good.” The word is an insertion. To the Hebrew, “name” by itself conveyed the idea of good repute, just as “men without a name” (compare Job 30:8 margin) are those sunk in ignominy.

Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 22 →

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

A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

NETBNew English Translation2006

A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favor rather than silver and gold.

RVARevised Version, American1894

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

A good name is to be chosen aboue great riches, and louing fauour is aboue siluer and aboue golde.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

A [good] name is rather to be chosen than great riches; loving favour rather than silver and gold.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

A name is chosen rather than much wealth, Than silver and than gold — good grace.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

A name is chosen rather than much wealth, || Than silver and than gold—good grace.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

A good name is preferable to abundant riches, and good grace, to silver and to gold.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

A good name is to be chosen over great riches and favor is better than silver and gold.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

A good name is better than great riches: and good favour is above silver and gold.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

A good reputation is a much better choice than plenty of money; respect is better than silver and gold.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

A good name is more to be desired than great wealth, and to be respected is better than silver and gold.

Word by word, the decisions they made

רָ֑בRav great H7227 2 different renderings
greatASV BBE BSB DBY DRA GNV KJV MSB NETB NWB RVA ULB WEB
abundantILT
טֽוֹב׃Tov good H2896 2 different renderings
goodASV BBE BSB DBY DRA FBV GNV KJV LSV MSB NETB NWB RVA ULB WEB YLT
preferableILT

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.

clauseclauseverbנִבְחָ֣ר[is].to.be.chosensubjectשֵׁ֭םa.nameprepositional phrase · prepositionalמֵmorenoun phraseעֹ֣שֶׁרthan.wealthרָ֑בgreatclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִmoreכֶּ֥סֶףthan.silverוּ֝andprepositional phraseמִmoreזָּהָ֗בthan.goldnoun phrase · subjectחֵ֣ןfavorטֽוֹבgood

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 agree on the wording of this verse, with all eight words matched, indicating a consistent transmission of the text across these traditions.

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

נִבְחָ֣ר שֵׁ֭ם מֵעֹ֣שֶׁר רָ֑ב מִכֶּ֥סֶף וּ֝מִזָּהָ֗ב חֵ֣ן טֽוֹב׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
נִבְחָ֣רαἱρετώτερονשֵׁ֭םὄνομαמֵעֹ֣שֶׁרπλοῦτοςרָ֑בπολύςמִכֶּ֥סֶףἀργύριονוּ֝מִזָּהָ֗בξρυσίονחֵ֣ןξάριςטֽוֹב׃ἀγαθή

8 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 22:1בָּחַר[is to be] [is to be] chosבָּחַרשֵׁםa namea nameשֵׁםעֹ֫שֶׁרmore than wmore than wealtעֹ֫שֶׁררַבgreatgreatרַבכֶּ֫סֶףmore than smore than silveכֶּ֫סֶףזָהָבand more thand more than gזָהָבחֵןfavorfavorחֵןטוֹבgoodgoodטוֹבשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםעָשַׁרto enrichto enrichעָשַׁררָבַבto multiplto multiplyרָבַבכָּסַףto longto longכָּסַףחָנַןbe gracioube graciousחָנַןטוֹבbe pleasinbe pleasingטוֹבמָאַסto rejectto rejectמָאַסמָקוֹםplaceplaceמָקוֹםקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָאיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהנֶ֫כֶסwealthwealthנֶ֫כֶסכָּבוֹדglorygloryכָּבוֹדנְבוּזַרְאֲדָןNebuzaradaNebuzaradanנְבוּזַרְאֲדָןטַבָּחguardguardטַבָּחשֶׁ֫קֶלshekelshekelשֶׁ֫קֶלכִּכָּרtalenttalentכִּכָּרצָפָהto overlayto overlayצָפָהכֶּ֫סֶףsilver: mosilver: moneyכֶּ֫סֶף
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 22:1

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.

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
נִבְחָ֣רniv.Char [is to be] chosen H977 Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singular
171× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Amplified meaning
to be chosen, preferred
Tyndale gloss
to choose
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בָּחַר vb. choose

Qal

with בְּ,

divine choice

man’s choice

with אֲשֶׁר:

divine choice

man’s choice

with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for

with acc. and מִן, choose, select from

acc.

divine choice

man’s choice

with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction

with לְ of acc. chosen

test, try

Niph. to be chosen

Pu. chosen, selected

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try

. prove, test, try

. to be tried, proved

. the trial has been made

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

977 bachar baw-khar'

a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)

select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,

join, be rather, require.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.

1) to choose, elect, decide for

1a) (Qal) to choose

1b) (Niphal) to be chosen

1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singular
HVNrmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

cho'-z'-n.

See CHOOSE.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Chosen

Spoken of warriors (Ex. 15:4; Judg. 20:16), of the Hebrew nation (Ps. 105:43; Deut. 7:7), of Jerusalem as the seat of the temple (1 Kings 11:13). Christ is the “chosen” of God (Isa. 42:1); and the apostles are “chosen” for their work (Acts 10:41). It is said with regard to those who do not profit by their opportunities that “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 20:16). (See ELECTION.)

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
שֵׁ֭םShem a name H8034 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Amplified meaning
reputable, honorable, identity, character
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

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

nam (shem; onoma; Latin nomen (2 Esdras 4:1); verbs onomazo; Latin nomino (2 Esdras 5:26)): A "name" is that by which a person, place or thing is marked and known. In Scripture, names were generally descriptive of the person, of his position, of some circumstance affecting him, hope entertained concerning him, etc., so that "the name" often came to stand for the person. In Ac 1:15; Re 3:4, onoma stands for "persons"; compare Nu 26:53,55.

I. Old Testament Word and Use.

1. General:

The word for "name" in the Old Testament is shem (also the name of one of the sons of Noah). The etymology is uncertain, although it may be from shamah (obs.), "to set a mark"; shum is the Aramaic form. For the name as descriptive of the person see NAMES.…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Value of a good Pr 22:1; Ec 7:1

→ A new name given to persons who have spiritual adoption Isa 62:2

→ To Abraham Ge 17:5

→ Sarah Ge 17:15

→ Jacob Ge 32:28

→ Paul Ac 13:9

→ Intercessional influence of the name of Jesus, for his people Na 1

→ See JESUS, IN HIS NAME

→ SYMBOLICAL Ho 1:3,4,6,9; 2:1

Thompson Chain Reference topics

(1) Good

1Sa 18:30; Pr 22:1; Ec 7:1; Ac 6:3; 10:22; 16:2; 22:12

2Co 8:18; 3Jo 1:12

(2) Of the Lord, Mighty

Ne 9:5; Ps 113:3; Pr 18:10; Isa 50:10; Mal 1:11

(3) Of the Lord to be Reverenced

Le 22:2; De 28:58;

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
מֵעֹ֣שֶׁרme.'O.sher more than wealth H6239 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
37× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Amplified meaning
wealth, treasures
Tyndale gloss
riches
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

עֹ֫שֶׁר (osher) primarily means 'riches' or 'wealth.' It is derived from the root word associated with abundance. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning related to material wealth, with no significant disagreement among lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6239 עֹ֫שֶׁר riches

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6239 `osher o'-sher

from 6238; wealth:--X far (richer), riches.

see HEBREW for 06238

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֹ֫שֶׁר (o.sher) — riches.

wealth, riches

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Nave's Topical Bible

→ See RICHES

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
רָ֑בRav great H7227 Adj
454× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Amplified meaning
abundant, plentiful
Tyndale gloss
many
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רַב (rav) means much, many, or great, often used in contrast to מְעַט (me'at). It can describe abundance in quantity or rank and is also used as a noun for chief or captain. The word conveys a range of meanings from numerous to exceedingly, and it can function as both an adjective and a noun.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רַב 429 adj. much, many, great

(oft. opp. מְעַט)

much: of substances

esp. of collectives, numerous

pl. many

רַב as subst. coll. pers.

cstr. = abounding in

מִן comp. = more numerous than

רַב = abundant, enough

as adv. much, exceedingly

less oft. great

base

רַב 49 n.m. chief

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7227a רַב much, many, great . (oft. opp. מְעַט) . . much: of substances

. esp. of collectives, numerous

. pl. many

. רַב as subst. coll. pers.

. cstr. = abounding in

. + מִן comp. = more numerous than

. רַב = abundant, enough

. as adv. much, exceedingly

. less oft. great

H7227b רַב chief

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7227 rab rab

by contracted from 7231; abundant (in quantity, size, age,

number, rank, quality):--(in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly),

captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man,

one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold,

things, a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very)

much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous,

populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent).

see HEBREW for 07231

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רַב (rav) — many.

adj

1) much, many, great

1a) much

1b) many

1c) abounding in

1d) more numerous than

1e) abundant, enough

1f) great

1g) strong

1h) greater than

adv

1i) much, exceedingly

רַב (rav) — chief.

captain, chief

Aramaic equivalent: rav.re.van (רַבְרְבָן "noble" H7261)

רַב (rav) — (Sidon) the Great.

Combined with tsi.don (צִידוֹן "Sidon" H6721H)

§ captain, chief

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
מִכֶּ֥סֶףmi.Ke.sef more than silver H3701 Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
403× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Amplified meaning
money, payment
Tyndale gloss
silver: money
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money

= silver ore, raw silver

silver as bright, shining

silver, as wealth

silver as spoil of war

silver as merchandise

silver as costly gift

silver as material

silver as measure of weight and value

among vbs. and phr.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3701 keceph keh'-sef

from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,

money:--money, price, silver(-ling).

see HEBREW for 03700

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.

: money/payment/silver

1) silver, money

1a) silver

1a1) as metal

1a2) as ornament

1a3) as colour

1b) money, shekels, talents

כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.

: price

1) silver, money

1a) silver

1a1) as metal

1a2) as ornament

1a3) as colour

1b) money, shekels, talents

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HR/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Silver

Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
וּ֝מִזָּהָ֗בu.mi.za.Hav and more than gold H2091 Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
389× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Amplified meaning
precious, valuable metal
Tyndale gloss
gold
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

זָהָב 385 n.m. gold

= gold-ore, gold in raw state

gold as wealth

gold as spoil of war

gold as merchandise

gold as costly gift

gold as material

gold described by its source

gold defined by var. adj. and pts.

as measure of weight and value

= golden oil, from colour

often named with

the chief vbs. used

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2091 זָהָב gold

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2091 zahab zaw-hawb'

from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,

something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--

gold(-en), fair weather.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.

1) gold

1a) as precious metal

1b) as a measure of weight

1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)

Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absolute
HC/R/Ncmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

gold (zahabh; chrusos):

1. Terms:

No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).

Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;

Gold

(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).

(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).

(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Ps. 19:10; 21:3, etc.).

(4.) Heb. betzer, “ore of gold or silver” as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
חֵ֣ןchen favor H2580 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
69× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Amplified meaning
loving kindness, graciousness
Tyndale gloss
favor
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵן (chen) refers to favor or grace, encompassing meanings like kindness, beauty, and elegance. It can denote both subjective qualities, such as graciousness, and objective attributes, like pleasantness. The term appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, highlighting its multifaceted nature.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵן n.m. favour, grace

favour, grace, elegance

favour, acceptance

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2580 חֵן favour, grace . favour, grace, elegance

. favour, acceptane

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2580 chen khane

from 2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or

objective (beauty):--favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious,

(well-)favoured.

see HEBREW for 02603

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵן (chen) — favor.

1) favour, grace, charm

1a) favour, grace, elegance

1b) favour, acceptance

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

fa'-ver (chen, ratson, with other Hebrew words; charis): Means generally good will, acceptance, and the benefits flowing from these; in older usage it meant also the countenance, hence, appearance. Alternating in English Versions of the Bible with "grace," it is used chiefly of man, but sometimes also of God (Ge 18:3; 30:27; 39:21; Ex 3:21; 2Sa 15:25, "in the eyes of Yahweh," etc.). It is used perhaps in the sense of "countenance" in Pr 31:30, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain" (the King James Version), where for "favor" the Revised Version (British and American) has "grace"; the reference is to external appearance. "Favored" is used in the sense of "appearance" in…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ See GOD, GRACE OF

[is to be] chosen a name more than wealth great more than silver and more than gold favor good
טֽוֹב׃Tov good H2896 Adj
538× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Amplified meaning
more valuable, preferable
Tyndale gloss
pleasant
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good

pleasant, agreeable to the senses

pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

good, excellent, of its kind

good, rich, valuable in estimation

good, appropriate, becoming

c. מִן compar. = better

of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

good, kind, benign

good (ethical), right

base

טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

good = benefit

moral good

base

טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good

welfare, prosperity, happiness

good things

bounty, good

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses

. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well

. good, excellent, of its kind

. good, rich, valuable in estimation

. good, appropriate, becoming

. c. מִן compar. =better

. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous

. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding

. good, kind, benign

. good (ethical), right

H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2896 towb tobe

from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used

likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,

the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a

good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or

women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,

bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,

fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),

graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,

merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,

prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well

((-favoured)).

see HEBREW for 02895

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.

adj

1) good, pleasant, agreeable

1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)

1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)

1c) good, excellent (of its kind)

1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation

1e) good, appropriate, becoming

1f) better (comparative)

1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)

1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)

1i) good, kind, benign

1j) good, right (ethical)

Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

טוֹב (tov) — good.

1) a good thing, benefit, welfare

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) good, benefit

1d) moral good

טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.

1) welfare, benefit, good things

1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness

1b) good things (collective)

1c) bounty

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

good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.

(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:

(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).

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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