Proverbs 29:23 — Word Study
WLCגַּאֲוַ֣ת אָ֭דָם תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ וּשְׁפַל־ ר֝֗וּחַ יִתְמֹ֥ךְ כָּבֽוֹד׃
BSAA man’sʼâdâm [the first human, Adam] pridegaʼăvâh [arrogance, haughtiness] will bring him lowshâphêl▸ [to a state of humility, abasement] but a humbleshâphâl [lowly, gentle] spiritrûwach [the breath of life, mind and emotions] will obtaintâmak▸ [grasp, take hold of] honorkâbôwd [glory, great respect]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| גַּאֲוַ֣ת | [the] pride of | Noun common, feminine singular construct |
| אָ֭דָם | a person | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ | it will bring low him | Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular, suffix |
| וּשְׁפַל־ | and a [person] lowly of | Conjunction |
| ר֝֗וּחַ | spirit | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| יִתְמֹ֥ךְ | he will attain | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כָּבֽוֹד׃ | honor | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| KJV | A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. |
| ASV | A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor. |
| YLT | The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour. |
| WEB | A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. |
| BBE | A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour. |
Where they part company is גַּאֲוָה — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence contrasts two main ideas: pride leading to downfall and humility leading to honor.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbתָּמַךְ
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 29:23
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 — Contrasting Pride and Humilitygenerated
Proverbs 29:23 presents a contrast between pride and humility, illustrating how pride can lead to a person's downfall while a humble spirit can lead to honor. This verse fits within a broader context of wisdom literature that often provides moral guidance and reflections on human behavior. The surrounding verses also address the consequences of anger and trust in God, emphasizing the importance of humility in one's character.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 32:25–26 | But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 33:10–12 | And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. |
| 4 | Job 22:29 | When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly. |
| 5 | Job 40:12 | Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 20 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — גַּאֲוָה, ga.'a.Vatgenerated
The noun גַּאֲוָה (ga'avah) refers to pride or arrogance, built from a root meaning elevation. It encompasses notions of majesty and haughtiness, describing an impressive or inflated sense of self. This word is often associated with negative outcomes in the biblical context, especially in relation to human behavior.
In this verse, it highlights the destructive nature of pride, indicating that it leads to a fall. The use of the feminine singular construct form suggests that this pride is a characteristic trait of a person, particularly in the context of the first human, Adam, as noted in the amplification.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations of this verse generally agree on the core message.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ, it will bring low him, which governs the structure of the sentence. It is followed by a contrasting clause introduced by וּשְׁפַל־, and a lowly, leading to the second verb יִתְמֹ֥ךְ, he will attain.
The Hebrew word order emphasizes the contrast between pride and humility, with the prideful action leading to abasement and the humble spirit leading to honor.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates גַּאֲוָה as ὕβρις, which means 'hubris' or excessive pride. This choice aligns with the understanding of pride as a dangerous trait that can lead to downfall.
The Greek term used for humility in this context may reflect a broader understanding of the moral implications of pride and its consequences in human behavior.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 29:23 teaches that a person's pride can lead to their downfall, while being humble can lead to receiving honor. This verse contrasts two attitudes and their effects on a person's life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This verse indicates that pride can lead to a person's downfall, suggesting that an inflated sense of self can have negative consequences.
The verse states that a humble spirit will obtain honor, implying that humility is a virtue that leads to respect and recognition.
Adam is referenced to illustrate the consequences of pride, as his actions in the biblical narrative exemplify the downfall that pride can cause.
Related verses include Proverbs 18:12 and Job 22:29, which also discuss the consequences of pride and the value of humility.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen pride affect my own life or the lives of others?
- How can I cultivate a humble spirit in my daily interactions?
- What are some examples of humility leading to honor in my community?
- How does understanding the consequences of pride change my perspective on my achievements?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early Church Fathers often referenced this verse to discuss the dangers of pride and the virtues of humility. Quotations from various Fathers are provided here to illustrate their teachings on these themes.
Pride and arrogance have subverted many. Through pride Adam went forth from paradise, and dust became the serpent’s meat. Through pride Cain killed his brother and became a trembler and a straggler on the earth.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 29 →
Give me someone professing perpetual continence, and free from these and all similar vices and blemishes of conduct. For her I fear pride; for her I dread the swelling of self-conceit from so great a blessing.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 29 →
That we ourselves may become worthy of following in his footsteps and ascending to heaven, let us in the meantime become humble on earth for our own good, always mindful that, as Solomon says, “Humiliation follows the proud,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 29 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 29:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleA man's pride shall bring him low,.... As the pride of Adam, in affecting to be as gods, knowing good and evil; he lost the image of God; was brought into a state of darkness and ignorance, into debt
Read John Gill on Proverbs 29 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryA man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12; Luke 14:11.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 29 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleShall bring him low, because both God and man conspire against him, and abhor him. Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; or, as others render it, without any difference in the sense, the humble in spirit shall hold their honour, shall be honoured by God and men. Thus honour, like a shadow, flees from them that pursue it, and follows them who flee from it.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 29 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 29:23 A man’ s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Ver. 23. A man’ s pride shall bring him low.] For it sets God against him, and angels, and men, not good men only, but bad men too, and those that are as proud as themselves. For whereas one drunkard loves another and one thief another, &c., one proud person cannot endure another, but seeks to undermine him, that he alone may bear the bell, carry the commendation, the praise and promotion. See Proverbs 11:12; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 29 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(23) Honour shall uphold the lowly in spirit.—Rather, the lowly in spirit shall lay hold upon honour. (Comp. Proverbs 18:12.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 29 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 23. A man's pride shall bring him low] A proud man is universally despised, and such are often exposed to great mortifications.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 29 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. honour shall uphold, &c.] Rather, He that is lowly in spirit shall obtain honour. Lowly is better than humble (A.V.) in the second clause, because the Heb. word is from the same root as the word bring low, in the first clause. It is substantially the same proverb as that used more than once by our Lord: Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 29 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHonour shall uphold the humble in spirit - Better: The lowly in spirit shall lay hold on honor.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 29 →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 man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.
Tyndale line
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honour.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.
The pride of a man shall bring him lowe: but the humble in spirit shall enioy glory.
Strictly literal
A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.
The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.
The pride of man humbles him, || And humility of spirit upholds honor.
The pride of a man will humble him; but the humble in spirit will attain to honor.
A person's pride brings him low, but one who has a humble spirit will be given honor.
From the Latin
Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
Simplified
If you're proud, you'll be humiliated; but if you're humble, you'll be honored.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
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 in the Hebrew and Greek texts. This consistency highlights the shared understanding of the concepts of pride and humility across these traditions.
גַּאֲוַ֣ת אָ֭דָם תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ וּשְׁפַל־ ר֝֗וּחַ יִתְמֹ֥ךְ כָּבֽוֹד׃
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 29:23
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.
גַּאֲוָה (ga'avah) refers to concepts of majesty and pride, encompassing meanings like arrogance and haughtiness. It can also denote a physical rising or swelling, such as that of the sea. The word is built from the root associated with elevation, and its usage in the Old Testament reflects these themes of pride and exaltation.
גַּאֲוָה n.f. majesty, pride
rising up, swelling of the sea
majesty
pride, haughtiness
base
H1346 גַּאֲוָה majesty, pride
1346 ga`avah gah-av-aw'
from 1342; arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely)
ornament:--excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly,
swelling.
see HEBREW for 01342
גַּאֲוָה (ga.a.vah) — pride.
1) pride, majesty, a rising up
1a) a rising up, swelling (of the sea)
1b) majesty (of Israel)
1c) pride, haughtiness
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…
אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind
a man = human being
coll. man, mankind
n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)
n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)
base
H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being
. coll. man, mankind
120 'adam aw-dawm'
from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the
species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common
sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
see HEBREW for 0119
אָדָם (a.dam) — man.
1) man, mankind
1a) man, human being
1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)
1c) Adam, first man
1d) city in Jordan valley
אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).
The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19;
married to Eve (H2332);
father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33;
Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121)
man, human being
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
שָׁפֵל (shaphel) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be or become low or abased. It can refer to both a physical lowering and a figurative humbling, with usages in different forms indicating actions like laying low or humbling oneself. The entries emphasize its application in contexts of humiliation and lowering one's status.
שָׁפֵל vb. be or become low, be abased
Qal
all Is: become (be brought, laid) low
to be lowly of spirit
of sound
Hiph.
usu. fig., lay low
hum. subj. set one in a lower place
as helping vb.: make low, sit down = take low seat
base
H8213 שָׁפֵל be or become low, be abased
8213 shaphel shaw-fale'
a primitive root; to depress or sink (expec. figuratively, to
humiliate, intransitive or transitive):--abase, bring (cast,
put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put)
low(-er).
שָׁפֵל (sha.phel) — to abase.
1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased
1a) (Qal) to be or become low
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate
1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement
1b3) to make low, sit down
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect third person feminine singular · suffixHVhi3fs/Sp3ms
שָׁפָל (shaphal) means low or humble, referring to both physical height and social status. It can describe a modest kingdom or a state of humiliation. The word is derived from a root meaning to depress, and it encompasses various nuances of being lowly or base.
שָׁפָל adj. low
low, in height
of a modest, unambitious kingdom
humiliated
lowly, as subst.
base
H8217 שָׁפָל low . low, in height
. of a modest, unambitious kingdom
. humiliated
. lowly, as subst.
8217 shaphal shaw-fawl'
from 8213; depressed, literally or figuratively:--base(-st),
humble, low(-er, -ly).
see HEBREW for 08213
שָׁפָל (sha.phal) — low.
1) low, humble
1a) low (in height)
1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit)
1c) humiliated
1d) lowly (as subst)
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsc
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…
רוּחַ (ruach) means breath, wind, or spirit. It encompasses various meanings, including the breath of life, emotional disposition, and the spirit of God. The term can refer to both physical phenomena, like wind, and abstract concepts, such as moral character or mental acts. Notably, it is used frequently in the context of divine inspiration and the Holy Spirit.
רוּחַ 378 n.f. (less oft. m.) breath, wind, spirit
breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
wind (117 t.)
spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
spirit of the living, breathing being
spirit as seat of emotion
occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
rarely of the will
רוּחַ esp. of moral character
spirit of God (94 t.)
base
H7307 רוּחַ breath, wind, spirit . breath of mouth or nostrils (33 t.)
. wind (117 t.)
. spirit, as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation = temper, disposition (76 t.)
. spirit of the living, breathing being
. spirit as seat of emotion
. occasionally (and late) = seat or organ of mental acts
. rarely of the will
. רוּחַ esp. of moral character
. spirit of God (94 t.)
7307 ruwach roo'-akh
from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or
even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger,
unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by
resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including
its expression and functions):--air, anger, blast, breath, X
cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit((-ual)),
tempest, X vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y).
see HEBREW for 07306
רוּחַ (ru.ach) — spirit.
: spirit
1) wind, breath, mind, spirit
1a) breath
1b) wind
1b1) of heaven
1b2) quarter (of wind), side
1b3) breath of air
1b4) air, gas
1b5) vain, empty thing
1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation)
1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour
1c2) courage
1c3) temper, anger
1c4) impatience, patience
1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented)
1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse
1c7) prophetic spirit
1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals)
1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being
1e) spirit (as seat of emotion)
1e1) desire
1e2) sorrow, trouble
1f) spirit
1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts
1f2) rarely of the will
1f3) as seat especially of moral character
N-cs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
spir'-it (ruach; pneuma; Latin, spiritus):
1. Primary and Figurative Senses
(1) As Wind, Breath
(2) As Anger or Fury
(3) As Mental and Moral Qualities in Man
2. Shades of Meaning
(1) As Life-Principle
(2) As Surviving Death
(3) Spiritual Manifestations
3. Human and Divine Spirit
(1) The Human as Related with the Divine
(2) Operations of the Divine Spirit as Third Person of the Trinity
4. Old Testament Applications
5. Various Interpretations
1. Primary and Figurative Senses:
Spirit
(Heb. ruah; Gr. pneuma), properly wind or breath. In 2 Thess. 2:8 it means “breath,” and in Eccl. 8:8 the vital principle in man. It also denotes the rational, immortal soul by which man is distinguished (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 5:5; 6:20; 7:34), and the soul in its separate state (Heb. 12:23), and hence also an apparition (Job 4:15; Luke 24:37, 39), an angel (Heb. 1:14), and a demon (Luke 4:36; 10:20). This…
A word employed in various senses in Scripture.
1. For THE HOLY, HOLINESS SPIRIT, the third person of the Holy Trinity, who inspired the prophets, animates good men, pours his unction into our hearts, imparts to us life and comfort; and in whose name we are baptized and blessed, as well as in that of the Father and the Son. When the adjective Holy is applied to the term Spirit, we should always understand it as here explained; but there are many places whether it must be taken in this sense, although the term Holy is omitted. See HOLY, HOLINESS SPIRIT.
2. BREATH, respiration; or the principle of animal life, common to men and animal: this God has given, and this he recalls when he takes away life, Ec 3:21. See SOUL.
The Hebrew word תָּמַךְ (tamak) is a primitive root meaning to grasp, support, or attain. It covers actions like holding fast, maintaining, and helping. The Qal form includes meanings such as to hold up or keep, while the Niphal form suggests being seized or held. There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
[תָּמַךְ] vb. grasp, support, attain
Qal
grasp, lay hold of
hold up, support
hold, keep
Niph. in the cords of his sin is he seized
base
H8551 תָּמַךְ grasp, support, attain
8551 tamak taw-mak'
a primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep
fast; figuratively, to help, follow close:--(take, up-)hold
(up), maintain, retain, stay (up).
תָּמַךְ (ta.makh) — to grasp.
1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain
1a2) to hold up, support
1a3) to hold, keep
1a4) to take hold of each other
1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
a-tan': The rendering of qanah = "buy," "get" (Pr 1:5); nasagh= "reach," "a meal-offering .... according as he is able" (Eze 46:7 margin), "not attained unto the days" (Ge 47:9); yakhol or yakhowl ="be able," "overcome," "attain to innocency" (Ho 8:5); bo' = "come," "follow" (2Sa 23:19,23; 1Ch 11:21,25); katantao="arrive at" (Ac 27:12 the King James Version; Php 3:11); katalambano ="take eagerly," "seize," "apprehend," "attained to righteousness" (
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
N-cs — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa