Proverbs 24:5 — Word Study
WLCגֶּֽבֶר־ חָכָ֥ם בַּע֑וֹז וְאִֽישׁ־ דַּ֝֗עַת מְאַמֶּץ־ כֹּֽחַ׃
BSAA wisechâkâm [skilled, intelligent, prudent] mangeber [is] strongʻôz [powerful, mighty] and a manʼîysh of knowledgedaʻath [understanding, insight] enhancesʼâmats [increases, strengthens] his strengthkôach [might, power, ability to overcome]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גֶּֽבֶר־ | a man | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| חָכָ֥ם | wise | Adj |
| בַּע֑וֹז | [who is] in strength | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְאִֽישׁ־ | and a person of | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| דַּ֝֗עַת | knowledge | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| מְאַמֶּץ־ | [is] making firm | Verb, Piel, participle (active) masculine singular |
| כֹּֽחַ׃ | strength | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
| KJV | A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. |
| ASV | A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might. |
| YLT | Mighty [is] the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power, |
| WEB | A wise man has great power. A knowledgeable man increases strength, |
| BBE | A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge makes strength greater. |
All translations agree on the core message of the verse regarding wisdom and strength.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a conjunction and a subordinate clause, emphasizing the relationship between wisdom and strength.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָמֵץ
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 24:5
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 and Strengthgenerated
Proverbs 24:5 emphasizes the relationship between wisdom and strength, illustrating that a wise person possesses a certain power that is enhanced through knowledge. This verse is situated within a broader discourse on the value of wisdom, as seen in the surrounding verses, which discuss the importance of knowledge in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:14 | Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:29 | The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:22 | A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 7:19 | Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 9:14–18 | There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָכָם, cha.Khamgenerated
The word חָכָם (cha.Kham) describes a person who is wise, skilled, or prudent. This term encompasses various aspects of wisdom, including intelligence, craftiness, and ethical understanding, indicating a depth of insight that goes beyond mere knowledge.
In this verse, the wise man is portrayed as strong, suggesting that wisdom itself is a source of strength. The parsing as an adjective highlights its role in characterizing the subject, emphasizing that wisdom is not just an attribute but a foundational quality that contributes to a person's overall power.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree that the verse describes the relationship between wisdom and strength.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around two main subjects: גֶּֽבֶר־ (geber) and אִישׁ־ (iysh), both referring to 'man'. The finite verb מְאַמֶּץ (me'ametz) serves as the action that connects the subjects to their attributes, creating a parallel structure that emphasizes the relationship between wisdom and strength.
The sentence is constructed with two clauses, each highlighting a different aspect of strength: the first clause identifies the wise man, while the second emphasizes the enhancement of strength through knowledge. This parallel construction reinforces the idea that wisdom and knowledge are interlinked.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָכָם as σοφὸς (sophos), which carries a similar meaning of wisdom and skill. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of wisdom as a vital attribute that contributes to strength.
The Greek term used for strength in the Septuagint aligns with the Hebrew concept, further illustrating the continuity of thought regarding the power that wisdom and knowledge provide.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 24:5 tells us that a wise man is strong, and a person of knowledge makes his strength even greater. This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and knowledge in achieving strength and success.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
A wise man is someone who possesses knowledge, skill, and understanding, allowing him to navigate challenges effectively.
Knowledge provides insight and understanding, which can lead to better decision-making and increased confidence, thereby enhancing one's strength.
While physical strength is possible without wisdom, true strength, as described in this verse, is enhanced by wisdom and knowledge.
Wisdom is crucial in leadership as it enables leaders to make informed decisions, guide others effectively, and face challenges with confidence.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen the connection between wisdom and strength in my own life?
- How can I seek to gain more knowledge to enhance my own strength?
- What examples of wise leaders can I think of who demonstrate strength through their knowledge?
- How can I apply the principles of wisdom and knowledge in my daily decisions?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The verse has been commented on by early church fathers, such as Bede, who highlights the significance of wisdom in overcoming struggles.
A wise man is strong, etc. Not everyone who is strong and wise, but everyone who is wise is to be called strong, because even if he is weak in body, if wisdom is present, he conquers all struggles of his adversary, that is, of the devil.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 24 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 24:5 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleA wise man [is] strong,.... He can do that sometimes by his wisdom, and which requires strength and courage too, which another cannot do by his strength; see Proverbs 21:22.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 24 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryA wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. A wise man (Hebrew, geber (H1397), a hero) is strong - Hebrew, is in strength; i:e., invested with it.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 24 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIs strong; is courageous and resolute, and able by wisdom to do greater things than others can accomplish by their own strength.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 24 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 24:5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.Ver. 5. A wise man is strong.]
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 24 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(5) A man of knowledge increaseth strength.—For the spiritual sense, comp. 2 Peter 3:18.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 24 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 5. A wise man is strong.] His wisdom enables him to construct a great variety of machines, by which, under his own influence, he can do the labour of a hundred or even a thousand men. But in all cases wisdom gives power and influence; and he who is wise to salvation can overcome even Satan himself. The Septuagint has: "The wise is better than the strong; and the man who has prudence, than a stout husbandman."
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 24 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges5. strong] Lit. in strength, A.V. and R.V. marg. Comp. The voice of Jehovah is in might; The voice of Jehovah is in majesty. Psalms 29:4. “The expression is more forcible than if adjectives denoting these qualities (‘mighty,’ ‘majestic’) had been used. Comp. ἐνἐξουσίᾳ, Luke 4:32; ἐνἰσχύϊ (rec.), Revelation 18:2.”—Bp Perowne. increaseth strength] Lit., as in margin A.V. and R.V., strengtheneth might.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 24 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIs strong - literally, as in the margin; i. e., rooted and established in strength.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 24 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
A wise man has great power. A knowledgeable man increases strength,
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
A wise warrior is strong, and a man of knowledge makes his strength stronger;
Tyndale line
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.
A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
A wise man is strong: for a man of vnderstanding encreaseth his strength.
Strictly literal
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
Mighty [is] the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,
The wise [is] mighty in strength, || And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,
A wise man is [always] in power; and a man of knowledge fortifieth [his] strength.
A warrior of wisdom is strong, and a man of knowledge increases his strength;
From the Latin
A wise man is strong: and a knowing man, stout and valiant.
Simplified
If you have wisdom, you are strong; if you have knowledge, your power increases,
A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge makes strength greater.
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 Proverbs 24:5, with all seven words matched in the Hebrew text. This consistency indicates a shared understanding of the verse's message across these traditions.
גֶּֽבֶר־ חָכָ֥ם בַּע֑וֹז וְאִֽישׁ־ דַּ֝֗עַת מְאַמֶּץ־ כֹּֽחַ׃
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 24:5
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.
גֶּ֫בֶר (geber) refers to a man, particularly one who is strong or valiant, often distinguished from women and children. The term is used primarily in poetic contexts and emphasizes the qualities of strength and warrior-like attributes. It is derived from a root meaning to be strong, and lexicons highlight its use in describing a mighty or capable individual.
גֶּ֫בֶר 66 n.m. man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
base
H1397 גֶּ֫בֶר man;—man as strong, disting. fr. women, children, and non-combatants whom he is to defend, chiefly poetic
1397 geber gheh'-ber
from 1396; properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a
person simply:--every one, man, X mighty.
see HEBREW for 01396
גָּבֶר (ga.ver) — great man.
man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
See ANTHROPOLOGY.
Man
(1.) Heb. ‘Adam, used as the proper name of the first man. The name is derived from a word meaning “to be red,” and thus the first man was called Adam because he was formed from the red earth. It is also the generic name of the human race (Gen. 1:26, 27; 5:2; 8:21; Deut. 8:3). Its equivalents are the Latin homo and the Greek anthropos (Matt. 5:13, 16). It denotes also man in opposition to woman (Gen. 3:12; Matt. 19:10).
(2.) Heb. ‘ish, like the Latin vir and Greek aner, denotes properly a man in opposition to a woman (1 Sam. 17:33;
Four Hebrew terms are rendered "man" in the Authorized Version: Adam, the name of the man created in the image of God. It appears to be derived from adam , "he or it was red or ruddy," like Edom. This was the generic term for the human race. Ish , "man," as distinguished from woman, husband. Geber , "a man," from gabar , "to be strong," generally with reference to his strength. Methim , "men," always masculine. Perhaps it may be derived from the root muth , "he died."
The Hebrew word חָכָם (*chakam*) means 'wise' and encompasses various aspects of wisdom, including skillfulness in technical work, shrewdness, and ethical understanding. It can refer to a class of learned individuals, including those involved in astrology and magic. The word is derived from a related term, חָכַם (*chakam*), which also relates to intelligence and craftiness.
חָכָם adj. wise
skilful in technical work
wise in the administration of affairs
shrewd, crafty, cunning
pl. class of learned and shrewd men, incl. astrologers, magicians and the like
prudent
wise, ethically and religiously
base
H2450 חָכָם wise . skilful in technical work
. wise in the administration of affairs
. shrewd, crafty, cunning
. pl. class of learned and shrewd men, incl. astrologers, magicians and the like
. prudent
. wise, ethically and religiously
2450 chakam khaw-kawm'
from 2449; wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or
artful):--cunning (man), subtil, ((un-)), wise((hearted),
man).
see HEBREW for 02449
חָכָם (cha.kham) — wise.
1) wise, wise (man)
1a) skilful (in technical work)
1b) wise (in administration)
1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle
1d) learned, shrewd (class of men)
1e) prudent
1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Adj — AdjHAamsa
עֹז (oz) refers to strength or might, encompassing material, physical, personal, social, and political dimensions. It can denote boldness or impudence and is associated with the might of God. The word is built from the root related to strength and power, with various applications noted in the entries.
עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז n.m. strength, might
material and physical
personal, social, and political
might of י׳
= boldness, impudence
= stronghold
base
H5797 עֹז, and (rarely) עוֹז strength, might . material and physical
. personal, social, and political
. might of י׳
. = boldness, impudence
. = stronghold
5797 `oz oze
or (fully) rowz {oze}; from 5810; strength in various
applications (force, security, majesty, praise):--boldness,
loud, might, power, strength, strong.
see HEBREW for 05810
עֹז (oz) — strength.
1) might, strength
1a) material or physical
1b) personal or social or political
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
→ A title given to Jehovah 1Sa 15:29
The Hebrew word אִישׁ (iysh) means 'man' and can refer to an individual male, a husband, or a human being in general. It encompasses various meanings, including champion and great man, and can also imply 'whosoever' or 'each.' The word is built from a root suggesting existence and is used throughout the Old Testament.
אִישׁ 2166 n.m. man (= vir)
base
H376 אִישׁ man (= vir)
376 'iysh eesh
contracted for 582 (or perhaps rather from an unused root
meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male
person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and
in such cases frequently not expressed in
translation):--also, another, any (man), a certain, +
champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-,
husband-)man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree),
him (that is), husband, man(-kind), + none, one, people,
person, + steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy.
Compare 802.
see HEBREW for 0582
see HEBREW for 0802
אִישׁ (ish) — man.
: man
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: husband.
: husband
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
אִישׁ (ish) — man: anyone.
: anyone/someone
1) man
1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female)
1b) husband
1c) human being, person (in contrast to God)
1d) servant
1e) mankind
1f) champion
1g) great man
2) whosoever
3) each (adjective)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
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…
דַּ֫עַת (da`ath) means knowledge, encompassing perception, skill, and moral understanding. It is associated with prophetic knowledge and is noted for its divine aspect, particularly in the context of wisdom literature. The entries highlight its use in various forms of knowledge, including discernment and understanding.
דַּ֫עַת n.f. knowledge
knowledge, perception
= skill (in workmanship)
of proph. knowledge
esp. knowledge with moral quality
knowledge possessed by God
esp. in Wisd Lt = discernment, understanding, wisdom
base
H1847 דַּ֫עַת knowledge . . knowledge, perception
. = skill (in workmanship)
. of proph. knowledge
. esp. knowledge with moral quality
. knowledge possessed by God
. esp. in Wisd Lt = discernment, understanding, wisdom
1847 da`ath dah'-ath
from 3045; knowledge:--cunning, (ig-)norantly, know(-ledge),
(un-)awares (wittingly).
see HEBREW for 03045
דַּ֫עַת (da.at) — knowledge.
1) knowledge
1a) knowledge, perception, skill
1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
אָמֵץ (amats) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be strong, bold, or alert. It encompasses a range of actions such as strengthening oneself, being determined, and exhibiting courage. The word can also imply making firm or obstinate. Various forms of the verb express different nuances, including the Qal (to be strong), Piel (to strengthen), and Hithpael (to make oneself alert).
[אָמֵץ] vb. be stout, strong, bold, alert
Qal
be strong
Imv. be bold
Pi.
make firm, strengthen
assure, secure for oneself
harden, make obstinate
Hithp.
strengthen oneself
confirm oneself in a purpose, be determined
make oneself alert, make haste
Hiph. exhibit strength, be strong
base
H553 אָמֵץ be stout, strong, bold, alert .. be strong
. Imv. be bold
. . make firm, strengthen
. assure, secure for oneself
. harden, make obstinate
. . strengthen oneself
. confirm oneself in a purpose, be determined
. make oneself alert, make haste
. exhibit strength, be strong
553 'amats aw-mats'
a primitive root; to be alert, physically (on foot) or
mentally (in courage):--confirm, be courageous (of good
courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish,
fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make
strong (obstinate, speed).
אָמֵץ (a.mats) — to strengthen.
1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard
1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold
1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure
1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to
1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
V-Piel — Verb · Piel · participle (active) masculine singularHVprmsa
כֹּחַ (koach) refers to both a small reptile, likely a type of lizard, and the concepts of strength and power. The entries highlight its use in contexts of human and divine strength, as well as its association with wealth and capacity. Notably, it appears in Leviticus 11:30 regarding unclean animals.
כֹּחַ n.[m.] a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things Lv 11:30; chameleon
ref
כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ n.m. strength, power
base
H3581a כֹּחַ a small reptile, prob. a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things; chameleon H3581b כֹּחַ and כּוֹחַ strength, power
3581 koach ko'-akh
or (Dan. 11:6) kowach {ko'-akh}; from an unused root meaning
to be firm; vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense)
or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its
hardiness) a large lizard: -ability, able, chameleon, force,
fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth.
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — reptile.
1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean
1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
כֹּחַ (ko.ach) — strength.
1) strength, power, might
1a) human strength
1b) strength (of angels)
1c) power (of God)
1d) strength (of animals)
1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
→ A title given to Jehovah 1Sa 15:29