Proverbs 8:9 — Word Study
WLCכֻּלָּ֣ם נְ֭כֹחִים לַמֵּבִ֑ין וִֽ֝ישָׁרִ֗ים לְמֹ֣צְאֵי דָֽעַת׃
BSAThey [are]kôl all plainnâkôach [plain to understand, straightforward] to the discerningbîyn [one who understands, has insight] and uprightyâshâr [right, just, morally straight] to those who findmâtsâʼ [attain, discover] knowledgedaʻath [understanding, wisdom]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כֻּלָּ֣ם | all of them | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| נְ֭כֹחִים | [are] right | Adj |
| לַמֵּבִ֑ין | to the discerning [person] | Preposition, verb hiphil participle (active) masculine singular |
| וִֽ֝ישָׁרִ֗ים | and upright | Conjunction |
| לְמֹ֣צְאֵי | to [those who] find | Preposition, verb qal participle (active) masculine plural common |
| דָֽעַת׃ | knowledge | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge. |
| KJV | They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. |
| ASV | They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge. |
| YLT | All of them [are] plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge. |
| WEB | They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge. |
| BBE | They are all true to him whose mind is awake, and straightforward to those who get knowledge. |
The translations agree on the clarity and moral uprightness of wisdom's words.
The sentence presents a main clause followed by a predicate phrase that elaborates on the qualities of wisdom's words.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 8:9
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
Proverbs 8:9 emphasizes the clarity and righteousness of wisdom's words, indicating that they are easily understood by those who are discerning and morally upright. This passage is situated within a broader context that extols the benefits of wisdom and encourages readers to pursue understanding, as seen in the surrounding verses that highlight the superiority of wisdom over material wealth.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:6 | A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:14–24 | A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:24 | Wisdom is the focus of the discerning, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:1–2 | He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. |
| 5 | Psalm 19:7–8 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — כֹּל, ku.Lamgenerated
The word כֹּל (kol) is a noun meaning 'all' or 'everything.' It signifies totality and can refer to every person or thing within a specified context. In this verse, it underscores that wisdom's words are universally clear and accessible.
As a construct form, it indicates that the entirety of wisdom's teachings is being addressed, emphasizing that nothing is excluded from this clarity.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the rendering of the verse, consistently conveying that wisdom's words are clear and upright for those who seek knowledge.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse is structured around two predicates: נְ֭כֹחִים and יָשָׁר, which describe the qualities of wisdom's words. The main subject is the collective understanding of wisdom, indicated by the noun phrase כֻּלָּ֣ם.
The syntax emphasizes that wisdom's words are both straightforward and morally upright, with the two predicates linked to the audience described by the participial phrases.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates כֹּל as πάντα — meaning 'all' — which aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning of totality. This choice reinforces the universality of wisdom's clarity.
The Greek word for 'upright' is ἐνώπια, indicating a moral dimension that parallels the Hebrew sense of being straight or just.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 8:9 tells us that wisdom's words are clear and straightforward for those who understand, and they are morally right for those who seek knowledge. This verse highlights the importance of pursuing wisdom and understanding in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the teachings of wisdom are clear and easy to understand for those who are discerning and seek to grasp them.
Becoming more discerning involves actively seeking knowledge, reflecting on experiences, and being open to learning from various sources.
Knowledge is portrayed as a valuable pursuit that leads to understanding and moral uprightness, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in making ethical decisions.
This verse connects with other Proverbs that highlight the value of wisdom and understanding, encouraging readers to prioritize these qualities in their lives.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I seek wisdom, and how can I better discern truth?
- What steps can I take to deepen my understanding and knowledge?
- How do I apply the principles of wisdom to my daily decisions?
- What resources or practices can help me cultivate a more discerning mind?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church fathers referenced this verse to discuss the clarity and moral implications of wisdom, illustrating its significance in their teachings.
[Jesus] “spoke all things in parables, and without a parable he spoke nothing” [to the apostles]; and if “all things were made by him,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
That which John calls an eternal gospel, which would properly be called a spiritual gospel, clearly presents both the mysteries presented by Christ's words and the things of which his acts were symbols,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
“Accept discipline, not silver,” so that at a time of calamity or physical illness or domestic trouble, you would think nothing at all perverse of God,Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 8 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 8:9 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThey [are] all plain to him that understandeth,.... Whose understanding is enlightened by the Spirit of God; who is a spiritual man, that has a discerning, and can judge of spiritual things: as for
Read John Gill on Proverbs 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThey are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BiblePlain; evident and clear to their minds; or, right, just and good. To him that understandeth; either to him who with an honest mind applies himself to the study of them in the diligent use of all the means appointed by God to that end; or to him whose mind God hath enlightened by his Spirit, though they seem otherwise to ignorant and carnal-minded men. That find knowledge; that are truly wise and discerning persons, and taught of God.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 8:9 They [are] all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.Ver. 9. They are all plain to him that understandeth.] Plain in things necessary to salvation; for as all duties, so all truths do not concern all men. God doth not expect or require that every man should be a doctor in the chair; but those points that direct to duty here, and salvation hereafter, are clear, express, and obvious to them that desire to understand them; for some there are, qui ut liberius peccent, libenter ignorant. It was a smart answer which M. Durant, a witty and learned minister of the Reformed Church of Paris, gave to a lady of suspected chastity, and now revolted: when she…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(9) They are all plain . . .—Because “the secret of the Lord is (only) with them that fear Him “(Psalms 25:14), and God reveals such things unto them by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10), while the “natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him” (ibid., Proverbs 8:14).
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 8 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 9. They are all plain] נכחים nechochim, straight forward, over against every man, level to every capacity. This is true of all that concerns the salvation of the soul. To them that find knowledge.] When a man gets the knowledge of himself, then he sees all the threatenings of God to be right. When he obtains the knowledge of GOD in Christ, then he finds that all the promises of God are right - yea and amen.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges9. Comp. Matthew 13:11; Matthew 13:16. Proverbs 8:10-11. The treasures she offers. In place of gold and silver and precious stones and whatever else men covet, wisdom offers “durable riches,” intellectual, moral, spiritual treasures, and offers them in and with herself in responsive love to all who love and seek her.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 8 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible9. Plain — Rather, in front of one; hence easily seen. To them that find knowledge — Or, have found; that is, those possessing knowledge; the intelligent, the educated.
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
They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.
They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
All of them are clear to the discerning and upright to those who find knowledge.
Tyndale line
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
They are all plaine to him that will vnderstande, and streight to them that woulde finde knowledge.
Strictly literal
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
All of them [are] plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.
All of them [are] plain to the intelligent, || And upright to those finding knowledge.
They are all evident to the man of understanding, and correct to those that have obtained knowledge.
All of them are straight for the person who understands; my words are upright for those who find knowledge.
From the Latin
They are right to them that understand, and just to them that find knowledge.
Simplified
My words are straightforward to anyone with understanding; they are correct to those who have knowledge.
They are all true to him whose mind is awake, and straightforward to those who get knowledge.
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 of Proverbs 8:9 reads, "כֻּלָּ֣ם נְ֭כֹחִים לַמֵּבִ֑ין וִֽ֝ישָׁרִ֗ים לְמֹ֣צְאֵי דָֽעַת׃" which translates to, "They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in its word-by-word correspondence, confirming the same meaning and intent in the Greek translation. There are no significant differences noted in the surviving witnesses, including the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls, which also align with the Masoretic Text in this verse.
כֻּלָּ֣ם נְ֭כֹחִים לַמֵּבִ֑ין וִֽ֝ישָׁרִ֗ים לְמֹ֣צְאֵי דָֽעַת׃
6 of the 6 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 8:9
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.
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any
(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as
many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,
whoso(-ever).
see HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word נָכֹחַ (*nakoach*) means 'straight' or 'right,' and can refer to concepts of straightforwardness and integrity. It is derived from a related term and covers both literal and figurative meanings, including uprightness and correctness. The entries collectively emphasize its use in describing moral or ethical qualities.
[נָכֹחַ] adj. and subst. straight, right, straightness
base
H5228 נָכֹחַ straight, right, straightness
5228 nakoach naw-ko'-akh
from the same as 5226; straightforward, i.e. (figuratively),
equitable, correct, or (abstractly), integrity:--plain,
right, uprightness.
see HEBREW for 05226
נָכֹחַ (na.kho.ach) — straightforward.
straight, right, straightness, be in front of
Adj — AdjHAampa
rit (yashar, mishpaT; dikaios, euthus): Many Hebrew words are translated "right," with different shades of meaning. Of these the two noted are the most important: yashar, with the sense of being straight, direct, as "right in the sight" of Yahweh (Ex 15:26; De 12:25, etc.), in one's own eyes (Jud 17:6), "right words" (Job 6:25 the King James Version, yosher), "right paths" (Pr 4:11 the King James Version); and mishpaT "judgment" "cause" etc., a forensic term, as "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Ge 18:25). In
בִּין (biyn) is a Hebrew verb meaning to discern or understand. It encompasses a range of meanings including perceiving, considering, and teaching, with various forms indicating different nuances, such as being intelligent or discreet. The entries highlight its use in contexts requiring mental separation or insight, but do not present any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
בִּין vb. discern
Qal
perceive
understand, know (with mind)
observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
have discernment, insight, understanding
Niph. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
Po. he attentively considereth him
Hiph.
understand
give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
give understanding, make understand, teach
Hithp.
shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
get understanding, understand
shew oneself to have understanding
base
H995 בִּין discern .. perceive
. understand, know (with mind)
. observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider (with attention)
. have discernment, insight, understanding
. be intelligent, discreet, discerning, distinguish, have understanding
. he attentively considereth him
. . understand
. give heed to, attend to, observe, discern
. give understanding, make understand, teach
. . shew oneself attentive, consider diligently
. get understanding, understand
. shew oneself to have understanding
995 biyn bene
a primitive root; to separate mentally (or distinguish),
i.e.(generally) understand:--attend, consider, be cunning,
diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct,
have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be
prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause,
make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal)
wise(-ly, man).
בִּין (bin) — to understand.
1) to discern, understand, consider
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to perceive, discern
1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)
1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider
1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding
1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to understand
1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach
1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently
1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct
2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Prep | V-Hiphil — Preposition · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine singularHRd/Vhrmsa
יָשָׁר (yashar) means straight or upright, covering a range of meanings from physical straightness to moral correctness. It can refer to something that is pleasing, just, or fitting, as well as the concept of uprightness itself. The term is also associated with a figure named Jashar, mentioned in Joshua 10:13.
יָשָׁר adj. straight, right
straight, level
right, pleasing
straightforward, just, upright
abstr., uprightness
base
H3477 יָשָׁר straight, right . straight, level
. right, pleasing
. straightforward, just, upright
. abstr., uprightness
3477 yashar yaw-shawr'
from 3474; straight (literally or figuratively):--convenient,
equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), + pleased well right(-eous),
straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness).
see HEBREW for 03474
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Also means: ya.shar (יָשָׁר "upright" H3477I)
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — Jashar.
A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
יָשָׁר (ya.shar) — upright.
1) straight, upright, correct, right
1a) straight, level
1b) right, pleasing, correct
1c) straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper
1d) uprightness, righteous, upright
1e) that which is upright (subst)
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aampa
מָצָא (matsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to find or attain. It encompasses a range of actions, including discovering something lost, encountering someone, or coming upon a situation. The word can also imply being present or sufficient. Lexicons note various forms and uses, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, which indicate different nuances of finding and encountering.
מָצָא 452 vb. attain to, find
Qal
find
find out
= come upon, light upon
noteworthy phrases
Niph. pass. of Qal, be found
Hiph.
cause to find, attain
cause to light upon, come upon, come
cause to encounter
present unto
base
H4672 מָצָא attain to, find
4672 matsa' maw-tsaw'
a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or
exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire;
figuratively, to occur, meet or be present:--+ be able,
befall, being, catch, X certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to
hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion,
out), get (hold upon), X have (here), be here, hit, be left,
light (up-)on, meet (with), X occasion serve, (be) present,
ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
מָצָא (ma.tsa) — to find.
1) to find, attain to
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to find
1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought)
1a1b) to find (what is lost)
1a1c) to meet, encounter
1a1d) to find (a condition)
1a1e) to learn, devise
1a2) to find out
1a2a) to find out
1a2b) to detect
1a2c) to guess
1a3) to come upon, light upon
1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with
1a3b) to hit
1a3c) to befall
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be found
1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered
1b1b) to appear, be recognised
1b1c) to be discovered, be detected
1b1d) to be gained, be secured
1b2) to be, be found
1b2a) to be found in
1b2b) to be in the possession of
1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be
1b2d) to be left (after war)
1b2e) to be present
1b2f) to prove to be
1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to find, attain
1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come
1c3) to cause to encounter
Prep | V-Qal — Preposition · verb qal participle (active) masculine plural commonHR/Vqrmpc
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