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Proverbs 8:7 — Word Study

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WLCכִּֽי־ אֱ֭מֶת יֶהְגֶּ֣ה חִכִּ֑י וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת שְׂפָתַ֣י רֶֽשַׁע׃

BSAForkîy my mouthchêk [speaks from the heart] will speakhâgâh the truthʼemeth [faithfulness, stability] and wickednessreshaʻ [immoral actions, evil] is detestabletôwʻêbah [an abomination, disgusting] to my lipssâphâh [the edge of my mouth, my language]

Word
Listen & take awayProverbs 8
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 7 is in this 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 (Re.sha') — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Proverbs 8:7quick helps
In a sentenceThe speaker declares a commitment to truth while rejecting wickedness.
Who is speakingWisdom personified, speaking to those who will listen.
Where we areThis verse is part of a discourse on the value of wisdom.
The hard wordאֱמֶת
Take awayTruth is essential, and wickedness is to be shunned.
6 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause verbהָגָה 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 8:7

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 Value of Wisdomgenerated

6Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.
7For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
8All the words of my mouth are righteous; none are crooked or perverse.
9They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.

Proverbs 8:7 emphasizes the importance of truth in speech and the rejection of wickedness. The speaker, representing wisdom, highlights that true wisdom is grounded in honesty and integrity, contrasting it with the moral repugnance of wickedness. This passage invites readers to consider the ethical implications of their words and actions.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Job 36:4For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you.
2John 1:17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
3John 8:14–45Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going.
4John 14:6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
5John 17:17Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word אֱמֶת, 'E.metgenerated

The Hebrew word אֱמֶת ('emet) signifies truth, faithfulness, and stability. It is commonly associated with the character of God and His promises, reflecting reliability and ethical integrity. The parsing as a feminine singular noun indicates its foundational role in moral discourse.

In this context, אֱמֶת represents the core value of wisdom's speech, emphasizing that truth is not merely an abstract concept but a guiding principle for righteous living.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

The translations generally agree on the rendering of אֱמֶת as truth.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb here is יֶהְגֶּ֣ה, it will utter, which governs the subject כִּֽי־ (for) and the object אֱמֶת (truth). This structure places emphasis on the act of speaking truthfully.

The phrase וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת שְׂפָתַ֣י רֶֽשַׁע (and wickedness is detestable to my lips) serves as a predicate, highlighting the contrast between the speaker's commitment to truth and the abhorrence of wickedness.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates אֱמֶת as ἀλήθειαν (aletheian), which carries a similar meaning of truth but can also imply a broader philosophical understanding of reality. This choice reflects the translators' intent to convey the essence of truth in a way that resonates with Greek-speaking audiences.

The term for wickedness in the LXX is ψευδῆ (pseudē), which emphasizes falsehood and deception, aligning with the Hebrew concept of moral wrong.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Proverbs 8:7 states that the speaker's mouth will speak truth and that wickedness is detestable to their lips. This highlights the importance of honesty and the rejection of immoral actions in the pursuit of wisdom.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean for the mouth to speak truth?

It signifies a commitment to honesty and integrity in communication, reflecting the character of wisdom.

Why is wickedness described as detestable?

Wickedness is seen as morally repugnant, contrasting sharply with the values of truth and righteousness.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of wisdom?

This verse underscores that true wisdom is rooted in truthfulness and ethical conduct, essential for righteous living.

What are the implications of speaking truth?

Speaking truth fosters trust and integrity in relationships and aligns with the moral standards set forth in wisdom literature.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. In what areas of my life do I need to prioritize truthfulness?
  2. How can I actively reject wickedness in my speech and actions?
  3. What role does wisdom play in my decision-making processes?
  4. How can I encourage others to value truth and integrity in their lives?

Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Proverbs 8:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

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

For my mouth shall speak truth,.... And nothing but the truth; and nothing more or less can be spoken by Wisdom, or Christ, who is truth itself; nothing else can come out of his mouth, or drop from

Read John Gill on Proverbs 8 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. For my mouth (Hebrew, palate) shall speak truth; and wickedness (is) an abomination to my lips.

Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 8 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Shall speak, Heb. shall meditate, i.e. shall speak not rashly and hastily, but what I have well considered and digested. Is an abomination to my lips: I hate to speak it; therefore you may be assured that I shall not deceive you.

Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 8 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Proverbs 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.Ver. 7. For my month shall speak truth.] Heb., Shall meditate truth; i.e., I will neither speak falsely nor rashly, but upon due deliberation and undoubted certainty. See my "True Treasure," p. 122.

Read John Trapp on Proverbs 8 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 7. My mouth shall speak truth] TRUTH, without falsity, or any mixture of error, shall be the whole matter of my discourse.

Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 8 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

7. My mouth shall speak — More literally, my palate meditates truth; only that which is true çêְ, (hhekh,) mouth or palate means the inner part of the mouth, the seat of taste, often used for the

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 8 →

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

For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

NETBNew English Translation2006

For my mouth speaks truth, and my lips hate wickedness.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

RVARevised Version, American1894

For my mouth shall utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

For my mouth shall speake the trueth, and my lippes abhorre wickednesse.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

For my palate shall meditate truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

For truth doth my mouth utter, And an abomination to my lips [is] wickedness.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

For my mouth utters truth, || And wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

For truth uttereth my palate ever, and the abomination of my lips is wickedness.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

For my mouth speaks what is trustworthy, and wickedness is disgusting to my lips.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate wickedness.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

I say what's right, because I tell the truth and I hate wickedness in all its forms.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

For good faith goes out of my mouth, and false lips are disgusting to me.

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.

כִּֽי(dm)clauseobjectאֱ֭מֶתtruthverbיֶהְגֶּ֣הit.will.utternoun phrase · subjectחִכִּ֑palateיmyוְand.[is].(the)clausenoun phrase · subjectתוֹעֲבַ֖תabominationnoun phraseשְׂפָתַ֣my.lipsיmypredicateרֶֽשַׁעwickedness

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 8:7 states, "For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips," which aligns with the Septuagint's word-by-word Greek translation, as all seven words match in meaning. There are no significant differences between these two witnesses in this verse. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this specific verse, so the agreement between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint is a notable aspect of this text.

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

כִּֽי־ אֱ֭מֶת יֶהְגֶּ֣ה חִכִּ֑י וְתוֹעֲבַ֖ת שְׂפָתַ֣י רֶֽשַׁע׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
כִּֽי־ὅτιאֱ֭מֶתἀλήθειανיֶהְגֶּ֣הμελετήσειחִכִּ֑יμουוְתוֹעֲבַ֖תἐβδελυγμέναשְׂפָתַ֣יξείληרֶֽשַׁע׃ψευδῆ

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.

Proverbs 8:7כִּיforforכִּיאֱמֶתtruthtruthאֱמֶתהָגָהit will uttit will utterהָגָהחֵךְpalate mypalate myחֵךְתּוֹעֵבַהand [is] anand [is] an aboתּוֹעֵבַהשָׂפָהlips mylips myשָׂפָהרֶ֫שַׁעwickednesswickednessרֶ֫שַׁעאָמַןbe faithfube faithfulאָמַןחָנַךְto dedicatto dedicateחָנַךְסָפָהto snatchto snatchסָפָהרָשַׁעbe wickedbe wickedרָשַׁעהָגִיגmeditationmeditationהָגִיגתַּעָבto abhorto abhorתַּעָביָדַעto knowto knowיָדַעחֶ֫סֶדkindnesskindnessחֶ֫סֶדשָׁלוֹםPeacePeaceשָׁלוֹםקִירof Moabiteof Moabite citiקִיריוֹנָהdovedoveיוֹנָהטָעַםto perceivto perceiveטָעַםמָתוֹקsweetsweetמָתוֹקשִׁקּוּץabominatioabominationשִׁקּוּץבּוֹשׁbe ashamedbe ashamedבּוֹשׁיְרִיעָהcurtaincurtainיְרִיעָהלָשׁוֹןtonguetongueלָשׁוֹןצֶ֫דֶקRighteousnRighteousnessצֶ֫דֶק
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 8:7

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.

for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
כִּֽי־ki- for H3588 Particle
4,483× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Tyndale gloss
for
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כִּי conj. that, for, when

that

Of time, when, of the past

elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

Because, since

base

כִּי אם־

each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:

that if

for if

(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—

limiting the prec. clause, except

the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

after an oath, surely

base

כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that

. . Of time, when, of the past

. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם

. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though

. Because, since

H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if

. for if

. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except

. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but

. after an oath, surely

H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3588 kiy kee

a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional

prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent

or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative

conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by

other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,

where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,

even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +

nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,

therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,

whether, while, whom, yea, yet.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כִּי (ki) — for.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if

1f) but rather, but

1g) except that

1h) only, nevertheless

1i) surely

1j) that is

1k) but if

1l) for though

1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.

1) except if

1a) but if

1b) even though

כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.

1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since

1a) that

1a1) yea, indeed

1b) when (of time)

1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)

1c) because, since (causal connection)

1d) but (after negative)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj — Particle
HTc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.

In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
אֱ֭מֶת'E.met truth H571 Noun common · feminine singular absolute
127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Amplified meaning
faithfulness, stability
Tyndale gloss
truth: faithful
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֱמֶת (emeth) encompasses concepts of firmness, faithfulness, and truth. It signifies reliability and stability, often in the context of ethical or religious knowledge. The word can also function as an adverb meaning 'in truth' or 'truly.' There is a consistent emphasis on its meanings related to certainty and trustworthiness across the entries.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֱמֶת n.f. firmness, faithfulness

reliability, sureness

stability, continuance

faithfulness, reliableness

truth

adv. in truth, truly

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H571 אֱמֶת firmness, faithfulness . reliability, sureness

. stability, continuance

. faithfulness, reliableness

. truth

. adv. in truth, truly

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

571 'emeth eh'-meth

contracted from 539; stability; (figuratively) certainty,

truth, trustworthiness:--assured(-ly), establishment,

faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.

see HEBREW for 0539

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: faithful.

: faithful

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: true.

: true

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

1d3) of divine instruction

1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge

1d5) true doctrine

adv

2) in truth, truly

אֱמֶת (e.met) — truth: certain.

: certain/fixed

1) firmness, faithfulness, truth

1a) sureness, reliability

1b) stability, continuance

1c) faithfulness, reliableness

1d) truth

1d1) as spoken

1d2) of testimony and judgment

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absolute
HNcfsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

trooth (`emeth, emunah, primary idea of "firmness," "stability" (compare Ex 17:12), hence "constancy," "faithfulness," etc.; the Septuagint's Apocrypha and the New Testament, aletheia (Ro 3:7), pistis (Ro 3:3); in adjectival and adverbial sense, "in truth," "of a truth," "faithful," etc.; alethos (Lu 21:3; Joh 6:14; 7:40; 1Th 2:13); alethinos (Joh 17:3); ontos (1Co 14:25); pistos (1Ti 3:1); in the King James…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Truth

Used in various senses in Scripture. In Prov. 12:17, 19, it denotes that which is opposed to falsehood. In Isa. 59:14, 15, Jer. 7:28, it means fidelity or truthfulness. The doctrine of Christ is called “the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:5), “the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7; 4:4). Our Lord says of himself, “I am the way, and the truth” (John 14:6).

Nave's Topical Bible

→ Saints should worship God in Joh 4:24; with Ps 145:18

→ Serve God in Jos 24:14; 1Sa 12:24

→ Walk in the presence of God in 1Ki 2:4; 2Ki 20:3

→ Keep religious feasts with 1Co 5:8

→ Esteem, as inestimable Pr 23:23

→ Love Zec 8:19

→ Rejoice in 1Co 13:6

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- God is a God of

De 32:4; Ps 31:15

- Christ is

Joh 14:6; 7:18

- Christ was full of

Joh 1:14

- Christ spoke

Joh 8:45

- The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of

Joh 14:17

- The Holy Spirit guides into all

Joh 16:13

- The word of God is

Da 10:21; Joh 17:17

- God regards, with favour

Jer 5:3

- The judgments of God are according to

for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
יֶהְגֶּ֣הyeh.Geh it will utter H1897 Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
25× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Tyndale gloss
to mutter
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word הָגָה (hagah) encompasses a range of meanings related to vocal expressions, including to moan, growl, and utter. It can imply both inarticulate sounds and more deliberate actions like meditation and devising thoughts. The entries suggest uses in various contexts, including distress and magical mutterings, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

הָגָה vb. moan, growl, utter, speak, muse (only poet.)

Qal

of inarticulate sounds

growl, of lion growling over prey

groan, moan, in distress (like dove)

utter

of inarticulate sounds

(soliloquize) meditate, muse

imagine, devise

Po. a conceiving and an uttering, out of the heart, lying words

Hiph. those that make chirpings and mutterings, of necromancers and wizards

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1897 הָגָה moan, growl, utter, speak, muse (only poet.) .. of inarticulate sounds . growl, of lion growling over prey

. groan, moan, in distress (like dove)

. utter

. of inarticulate sounds . (soliloquize) meditate, muse

. imagine, devise

. a conceiving and an uttering, out of the heart, lying words

. those that make chirpings and mutterings, of necromancers and wizards

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1897 hagah daw-gaw'

a primitive root (compare 1901); to murmur (in pleasure or

anger); by implication, to ponder:--imagine, meditate, mourn,

mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter.

see HEBREW for 01901

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

הָגָה (ha.gah) — to mutter.

1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to roar, growl, groan

1a2) to utter, speak

1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine

1b) (Poal) to utter

1c) (Hiphil) to mutter

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singular
HVqi3ms
for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
חִכִּ֑יchi.Ki palate my H2441 Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Amplified meaning
speaks from the heart
Tyndale gloss
palate
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

חֵךְ (chek) refers to the palate or roof of the mouth, encompassing meanings related to taste and the mouth as an organ for speech and kissing. The entries consistently describe it as relating to the mouth and taste, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

חֵךְ n.m. palate, roof of mouth, gums

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H2441 חֵךְ

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

2441 chek khake

probably from 2596 in the sense of tasting; properly, the

palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the

organ of speech, taste and kissing):--(roof of the) mouth,

taste.

see HEBREW for 02596

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

חֵךְ (chekh) — palate.

mouth, palate, taste, gums

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HNcmsc/Sp1bs
for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
וְתוֹעֲבַ֖תve.to.'a.Vat and [is] an abomination of H8441 Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct
117× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Amplified meaning
an abomination, disgusting
Tyndale gloss
abomination
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

תּוֹעֵבַה (tow`ebah) means 'abomination' and refers to something morally disgusting. It can denote idolatry, unclean food, or ethical wickedness. The word is built from a feminine active participle of another root, and its usage encompasses both ritual and ethical contexts.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

תּוֹעֵבַה 117 n.f. abomination

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8441 תּוֹעֵבַה abomination

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8441 tow`ebah to-ay-baw'

or tonebah {to-ay-baw'}; feminine active participle of 8581;

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an

abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol:--

abominable (custom, thing), abomination.

see HEBREW for 08581

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

תּוֹעֵבַה (to.e.vah) — abomination.

1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable

1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages)

1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-fs — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct
HC/Ncfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

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…

for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
שְׂפָתַ֣יse.fa.Tai lips my H8193 Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
176× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Amplified meaning
the edge of my mouth, my language
Tyndale gloss
lips
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word שָׂפָה (*saphah*) encompasses meanings related to 'lip,' 'speech,' and 'edge.' It is derived from concepts of termination, suggesting boundaries like the edge of a vessel or the bank of a river. The word can refer to physical lips, language, or the edges of various objects, including shores.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge

lip

language

edge: shore of sea; bank of river

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip

. language

. edge: shore of sea; bank of river

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8193 saphah saw-faw'

or (in dual and plural) sepheth {sef-eth'}; probably from

5595 or 8192 through the idea of termination (compare 5490);

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by

analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.):--band,

bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip,

prating, ((sea-))shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.

see HEBREW for 05595

see HEBREW for 08192

see HEBREW for 05490

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lips.

: lips/mouth

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: words.

: words/language

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: edge.

: edge/border/opening

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: shore.

: shore/bank(of_sea/river)

1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding

1a) lip (as body part)

1b) language

1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fd | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffix
HNcmpc/Sp1bs
for truth it will utter palate my and [is] an abomination of lips my wickedness
רֶֽשַׁע׃Re.sha' wickedness H7562 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
30× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Amplified meaning
immoral actions, evil
Tyndale gloss
wickedness
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

רֶ֫שַׁע (resha`) refers to wickedness or moral wrong. It encompasses various forms of wrongdoing, including violence, crime against civil law, and ethical violations. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be wrong' and is used in contexts relating to both personal and societal morality.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

רֶ֫שַׁע n.m. wickedness

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7562 רֶ֫שַׁע wickedness

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7562 resha` reh'-shah

from 7561; a wrong (especially moral):--iniquity,

wicked(-ness).

see HEBREW for 07561

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

רֶ֫שַׁע (re.sah) — wickedness.

1) wrong, wickedness, guilt

1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law)

1b) wickedness (of enemies)

1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)

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

wik'-ed-nes:

1. In the Old Testament:

The state of being wicked; a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality. See SIN. Many words are rendered "wickedness." There are many synonyms for wickedness in English and also in the Hebrew. Pride and vanity lead to it: "All the proud, and all that work wickedness (rish`ah) shall be stubble" (Mal 4:1). Akin to this is the word `awen, "iniquity," "vanity": "She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness" (Pr 30:20). Then we have the word hawwah, meaning "mischief," "calamity," coming from inward intent upon evil: "Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in…

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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