Proverbs 22:4 — Word Study
WLCעֵ֣קֶב עֲ֭נָוָה יִרְאַ֣ת יְהוָ֑ה עֹ֖שֶׁר וְכָב֣וֹד וְחַיִּֽים׃
BSAThe rewardsʻêqeb [consequences, outcome] of humilityʻănâvâh [modest mindset, gentleness] [and] the fearyirʼâh [reverence, respect] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] [are] wealthʻôsher [riches, abundance] and honorkâbôwd [glory, great esteem] and lifechay [being alive, spiritual life]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עֵ֣קֶב | [the] consequence of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| עֲ֭נָוָה | humility | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| יִרְאַ֣ת | [the] fear of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| יְהוָ֑ה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| עֹ֖שֶׁר | [is] wealth | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| וְכָב֣וֹד | and honor | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְחַיִּֽים׃ | and life | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life. |
| KJV | By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. |
| ASV | The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life. |
| YLT | The end of humility [is] the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life. |
| WEB | The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. |
| BBE | The reward of a gentle spirit and the fear of the Lord is wealth and honour and life. |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD.
The verse consists of a single main clause that lists the rewards, emphasizing their connection to the virtues mentioned.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
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 22:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Outcomes of Wise Livinggenerated
Proverbs 22:4 emphasizes the positive results of humility and reverence for God, contrasting the prudent with the simple. The surrounding verses highlight the importance of foresight and the consequences of one's choices, which leads into the well-known advice to train children in the right path, as seen in Proverbs 22:6.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:16 | Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:21 | He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. |
| 3 | Psalm 34:9–10 | Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. |
| 4 | Psalm 112:1–3 | Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. |
| 5 | Isaiah 33:6 | He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — עֵ֣קֶב, 'E.kevgenerated
The word עֵ֫קֶב ('eqeb) primarily means 'consequence' and can refer to a reward or end. It is derived from a root related to 'heel,' suggesting a figurative sense of the last or result of something. In this verse, it indicates the outcomes that arise from humility and the fear of the LORD.
This noun is in the masculine singular construct form, indicating that it is part of a phrase describing the rewards. Its use in this context emphasizes the idea that these outcomes are a direct result of the attitudes mentioned.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we refer to the Berean Standard Bible, which states that the rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth, honor, and life.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is straightforward, with a main clause that identifies the rewards — עֵ֣קֶב — followed by a compound predicate listing the outcomes: wealth, honor, and life. This clear arrangement emphasizes the connection between the virtues of humility and the fear of the LORD and their resultant blessings.
The noun phrases are organized in a way that highlights the importance of each reward, with the conjunctions linking them smoothly, thus creating a cumulative effect.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates עֵ֣קֶב as γενεὰ (genea), which means 'generation' or 'offspring.' This choice reflects a broader interpretation, suggesting that the consequences of humility and reverence extend beyond immediate rewards to future generations.
The other terms in the verse are consistently matched, indicating a strong alignment between the Hebrew and Greek texts regarding the core concepts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 22:4 tells us that the rewards of being humble and fearing the LORD are wealth, honor, and life. This verse highlights the benefits of having a modest mindset and reverence for God, suggesting that these qualities lead to significant blessings.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Humility refers to having a modest mindset and being gentle, recognizing one's limitations and valuing others.
The fear of the LORD involves reverence and respect for God, acknowledging His power and authority.
The wealth mentioned can refer to both material riches and spiritual abundance, suggesting a holistic view of prosperity.
These qualities foster a deeper relationship with God, which can lead to spiritual vitality and fulfillment.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I practice humility in my daily life?
- How does having a healthy fear of the LORD affect my decisions?
- What are some examples of wealth and honor that I can seek in my life?
- How can I encourage others to embrace humility and reverence for God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentary from Bede discusses the significance of humility and the fear of the LORD as foundational to good works and lasting rewards.
The reward of humility is the fear of the Lord, etc. By humility, he means the steadfastness of good works; by the fear of the Lord, he means that fear which remains forever.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 22 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 22:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBy humility [and] the fear of the Lord,.... Some render it, "the reward of humility, which [is] the fear of the Lord" (r); so the Targum; an humble man is blessed with it.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 22 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBy humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 22 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBy humility; or, because of humility; or, as many others render it, the reward of humility; that reward which God hath graciously promised and will give to humility; which is a grace of great price in God’ s eyes. See . The fear of the Lord; by which he distinguisheth true and Christian humility from counterfeit and moral humility, because that ariseth from a deep sense of God’ s greatness, and purity, and perfection, compared with our meanness, and filthiness and manifold imperfections, whereas this is quite of another nature, and from other grounds. Life; the comforts of this life, and the happiness of the next, both which are promised to godliness, .
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 22 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 22:4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.Ver. 4. By humility and the fear of the Lord.] Heb., The heel of humility, &c. The humble heart that lies low, and "hearkens what God the Lord will say unto it," that follows him trembling, as the people followed Saul, shall have hard at the heels of it riches - a sufficiency, if not a superfluity - and honour, which is to be chosen before riches, and life, above the danger of those thorns and snares mentioned in the next verse; not life present only, but "length of days for ever and ever." Oh the μυριομακαριοτης, the heaped up happiness of a man that humbles and trembles before the Lord! He that doth…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 22 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) By humility and the fear of the Lord.—Rather, by (or, the reward of) humility is the fear of the Lord. He guides the humble and teaches them His fear. (Comp. Psalms 25:9.) Honour, and life.—Comp. Proverbs 21:21.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 22 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. By humility &c.] Rather, The reward of humility and (or, even) of the fear of the Lord. The copula and is dispensed with in the Heb. because of the similarity, amounting almost to identity, of humility and the fear of Jehovah. Comp. Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:5.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 22 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBetter, (compare the margin) The reward of humility (is) the fear of the Lord, “riches, and honor, and life.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 22 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible4. By humility — On account of; or, as the reward of, “humility.” The fear of the Lord — There is no conjunction between these two phrases, and some think that the latter stands in apposition to the
Read Daniel Denison Whedon 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
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Tyndale line
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.
The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches, and honour, and life.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.
The rewarde of humilitie, and the feare of God is riches, and glory, and life.
Strictly literal
The reward of humility [and] the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honour, and life.
The end of humility [is] the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life.
The end of humility [is] the fear of YHWH, riches, and honor, and life.
The reward of humility [and] the fear of the Lord are riches and honor, and life.
The reward for humility and fear of Yahweh is riches, honor, and life.
From the Latin
The fruit of humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life.
Simplified
The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.
The reward of a gentle spirit and the fear of the Lord is wealth and honour and life.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree on the wording of this verse, with all seven words matched. The Septuagint's word order differs but retains the same essential meaning.
עֵ֣קֶב עֲ֭נָוָה יִרְאַ֣ת יְהוָ֑ה עֹ֖שֶׁר וְכָב֣וֹד וְחַיִּֽים׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 22:4
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.
עֵ֫קֶב (‘eqeb) primarily means 'consequence' and can refer to a reward or end. It is often used adverbially to indicate causation, such as 'because' or 'on account of.' The word is built from the root related to 'heel,' suggesting a figurative sense of the last or result of something.
עֵ֫קֶב n.[m.] consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
base
H6118 עֵ֫קֶב consequence, usu. as adv. acc. as a consequence of, because (that), also reward, end
6118 `eqeb ay'-keb
from 6117 in the sense of 6119; a heel, i.e. (figuratively)
the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also
result, i.e. compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or
relatively) on account of:--X because, by, end, for, if,
reward.
see HEBREW for 06117
see HEBREW for 06119
עֵ֫קֶב (e.qev) — consequence.
1) consequence
1a) consequence
1b) consequence, gain, reward
1c) end
adv
2) as a consequence, because, consequently
conj
3) as a consequence of, that, because
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
עֲנָוָה (anavah) refers to humility, meekness, and gentleness. It is derived from the root word עָנָה (anah) and encompasses both human modesty and divine clemency. The entries consistently highlight its meanings without significant disagreement.
עֲנָוָה n.f. humility; עַנְוָה־ (contr. because of Maqqeph)
base
H6038 עֲנָוָה, עַנְוָה
6038 `anavah an-aw-vaw'
from 6035; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or
divine and objective (clemency):--gentleness, humility,
meekness.
see HEBREW for 06035
עֲנָוָה (a.na.vah) — humility.
humility, meekness
Also means: an.vah (עַנְוָה "gentleness" H6037)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
hu-mil'-i-ti (~[`anawah]; tapeinophrosune):
(1) The noun occurs in the Old Testament only in Pr 15:33; 18:12; 22:4, but the adjective "humble" appears frequently as the translation of `ani, `anaw, shaphal, meaning also "poor," "afflicted"; the verb, as the translation of `anah, "to afflict," "to humble," and of kana`, "to be or become humbled"; tsana`, "to be lowly," occurs in Mic 6:8. For "humble" (Ps 9:12; 10:12) the Revised Version (British and American) has "poor"; Ps 10:17; 34:2; 69:32, "meek"; for "humbled" (Ps 35:13), "afflicted" (Isa 2:11; 10:33), "brought…
Humility
A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).
Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the…
The opposite of pride, in its nature and in the degree of its prevalence. It is often extolled in the Bible, Pr 15:33 16:19; and the Savior especially exalts it, Mt 18:4, and ennobles and endears it by his own example, Joh 13:4-17 Php 2:5-8. Every created being, however holy, should possess it; but in the character of the sinful sons of men it should become a fundamental and allpervading trait, to continue forever.
→ General scriptures concerning De 9:4-29; 15:15; 32:7; Job 5:11; 22:29; 25:5,6; Ps 9:12; 10:17; 22:6,26; 25:9; 37:11; 69:32; 86:1; 131:1,2; 138:6; 147:6; Pr 3:34; 10:8; 11:2; 12:15; 15:33; 16:19; 18:12; 22:4; 25:6,7; 27:2; 29:23; 30:32; Ec 5:2; Isa 29:19; 51:1; 57:15; 66:2; Jer 45:5; Eze 16:63; Mic 6:8; Zep 3:11,12;
יִרְאָה (yir'ah) is a feminine noun meaning 'fear' or 'terror,' encompassing both the emotion and the concept of reverence, particularly in relation to God. It can denote an object that causes fear or the respect and piety associated with divine authority. The entries highlight its moral and emotional dimensions without significant disagreement.
יִרְאָה n.f. fear
fear, terror
a terror = obj. of terror
fear of God, reverence, piety
the fear of י׳ the law as revered.
base
H3374 יִרְאָה fear
3374 yir'ah yir-aw'
feminine of 3373; fear (also used as infinitive); morally,
reverence:--X dreadful, X exceedingly, fear(-fulness).
see HEBREW for 03373
יִרְאָה (yir.ah) — fear.
1) fear, terror, fearing
1a) fear, terror
1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear)
1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety
1d) revered
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular constructHNcfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
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.
H6239 עֹ֫שֶׁר riches
6239 `osher o'-sher
from 6238; wealth:--X far (richer), riches.
see HEBREW for 06238
עֹ֫שֶׁר (o.sher) — riches.
wealth, riches
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ See RICHES
כָּבוֹד (kabowd) refers to concepts of abundance, honour, and glory. It encompasses external splendor, dignity of position, and reputation, as well as the inner nobility of a person. The term can denote both the weightiness of glory and the reverence due to someone. The entries consistently emphasize its positive connotations.
כָּבוֹד n.m. and f. abundance, honour, glory
abundance, riches
honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances
honour, dignity of position
honour, reputation, of character
my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man
honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one
glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying
base
H3519 כָּבוֹד abundance, honour, glory . abundance, riches
. honour, splendor, glory, of external condition and circumstances
. honour, dignity of position
. honour, reputation, of character
. my honour, poet. of the seat of honour in the inner man, the noblest part of man
. honour, reverence, glory, as due to one or ascribed to one
. glory as the object, of honour, reverence and glorifying
3519 kabowd kaw-bode'
rarely kabod {kaw-bode'}; from 3513; properly, weight, but
only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or
copiousness:--glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able).
see HEBREW for 03513
כָּבוֹד (ka.vod) — glory.
1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance
1a) abundance, riches
1b) honour, splendour, glory
1c) honour, dignity
1d) honour, reputation
1e) honour, reverence, glory
1f) glory
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Ncmsa
The Hebrew word חַי (*chay*) means 'alive' or 'living' and covers a range of meanings related to life, including living beings, vitality, and freshness. It can refer to God, animals, vegetation, and even concepts like appetite and community. Variants include חַיָּה (*chayyah*), meaning 'living thing' or 'animal,' and חַיִּים (*chayim*), which emphasizes life and sustenance.
חַי adj. alive, living
of God, as the living one, the fountain of life
of man
of animals, alive, living
animals and man
(dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green
of water, fresh
(dub.) lively, active
reviving
base
[חַי] n.[m.] kinsfolk, pl. sf. 1 S 18:18
ref
חַיָּה n.f. living thing, animal
animal
in general
wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity
living beings, of the cherubic chariot
life, only in late poetry
appetite, activity of hunger
revival, renewal
base
חַיָּה n.f. community
base
חַיִּים n.m. pl. abstr. emph. life
life: physical
life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence
sustenance, maintenance
base
H2416a חַי alive, living . . of God, as the living one, the fountain of life
. of man
. of animals, alive, living
. animals and man
. (dub.) of vegetation, as thorns, green
. of water, fresh
. (dub.) lively, active
. reviving
H2416b חַי kinsfolk H2416c חַיָּה living thing, animal . animal . in general
. wild animals, on account of their vital energy and activity
. living beings, of the cherubic chariot
. life, only in late poetry
. appetite, activity of hunger
. revival, renewal
H2416d חַיָּה community H2416e חַיִּים pl. abstr. emph. life . life: physical
. life: as welfare and happiness in king's presence
. sustenance, maintenance
2416 chay khah'-ee
from 2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water,
year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine
singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether
literally or figuratively:--+ age, alive, appetite, (wild)
beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living
(creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be)
old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.
see HEBREW for 02421
חַי (chay) — alive.
adj
1) living, alive
1a) green (of vegetation)
1b) flowing, fresh (of water)
1c) lively, active (of man)
1d) reviving (of the springtime)
Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
חַי (chay) — kinsfolk.
kinsfolk
חַיָּה (chay.yah) — living thing.
1) living thing, animal
1a) animal
1b) life
1c) appetite
1d) revival, renewal
Aramaic equivalent: che.va (חֵיוָא "beast" H2423)
חַיָּה (chay.yah) — community.
community
חַיִּים (chay.yim) — life.
1) life (abstract emphatic)
1a) life
1b) sustenance, maintenance
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
lif (chayyim, nephesh, ruach, chayah; zoe, psuche, bios, pneuma):
I. THE TERMS
II. THE OLD TESTAMENT TEACHING
1. Popular Use of the Term
2. Complexity of the Idea
III. IN THE APOCRYPHA
IV. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. In the Synoptic Gospels
2. In the Fourth Gospel
3. In the Ac of the Apostles
4. In the Writings of Paul
5. In the Writings of John
6. In the Other Books of the New Testament
LITERATURE
I. The Terms.
Of the Hebrew terms, chayah is the verb which means "to live," "to have life," or the vital principle, "to continue to live," or "to live prosperously." In the Piel it signifies "to give life, or preserve, or quicken and restore life." The Hiphil is much like the Piel. The noun hayyim generally used in the plural is an abstract noun meaning "life," i.e. the possession of the vital principle with its energies and activities. Nephesh often means "living being" or "creature." Sometimes it has the…
Life
Generally of physical life (Gen. 2:7; Luke 16:25, etc.); also used figuratively (1) for immortality (Heb. 7:16); (2) conduct or manner of life (Rom. 6:4); (3) spiritual life or salvation (John 3:16, 17, 18, 36); (4) eternal life (Matt. 19:16, 17; John 3:15); of God and Christ as the absolute source and cause of all life (John 1:4; 5:26, 39; 11:25; 12:50).
In the Bible, is either natural, Ge 3:17; spiritual, that of the renewed soul, Ro 8:6; or eternal, a holy and blissful immortality, Joh 3:36 Ro 6:23. Christ is the great Author of natural life, Col 1:16; and also of spiritual and eternal life; Joh 14:6 6:47. He has purchased these by laying down his own life; and gives them freely to his people, Joh 10:11,28. He is the spring of all their spiritual life on earth, Ga 2:20; will raise them up at the last day; and…