commandmentמִצְוָה
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
A divine or authoritative instruction or regulation given to guide conduct. In the context of wisdom literature, it represents the foundational truths or direct instructions revealed by God.
teachingתּוֹרָה
torah · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, this term refers to divine instruction or law, often pointing to the broader body of instruction given by God to His people to live in holiness and wisdom.
lampנֵר
ner · Hebrew Noun
A tool for providing light in darkness, used metaphorically to represent divine truth that dispels spiritual ignorance and guides the believer's path.
lightאוֹר
or · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical term for the enlightening power of wisdom and God's law, which enables a person to see the path of righteousness and avoid stumbling.
reproofsתּוֹכָחוֹת
tokachah · Hebrew Noun
The act of correcting, rebuking, or chastening. Biblically, it is viewed as a necessary process for maturity and holiness, often administered by God or parents to turn the person from folly.
disciplineמוּסָר
musar · Hebrew Noun
Systematic training and instruction, often involving correction or chastisement. It is the process by which wisdom is instilled and folly is corrected, essential for a godly life.
way of lifeדֶּרֶךְ
derek · Hebrew Noun
The course or manner of living. Biblically, it refers to the path one takes—either the broad path of destruction or the narrow, disciplined path of obedience that leads to life.
evil womanאִשָּׁה זָרָה
ishshah zarah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A woman who is characterized by sexual immorality and unfaithfulness. In Proverbs, she is often a personification of the enticement of sin that leads away from wisdom and God’s covenant.
adulteressנָכְרִיָּה
nokriyah · Hebrew Noun
One who is unfaithful to the marriage covenant. Biblically, it represents not only physical adultery but also the deeper spiritual betrayal of God and one's commitments.
desireחָמַד
chamad · Hebrew Verb
A strong inner longing or craving. While desire itself is natural, the Bible warns against misplaced desires that compete with one's devotion to God and His wisdom.
prostituteזוֹנָה
zonah · Hebrew Noun
A person who engages in sexual activity for payment. Biblically, it is associated with immorality, lack of wisdom, and the degradation of the marriage covenant.
precious lifeנֶפֶשׁ יְקָרָה
nephesh yeqarah · Hebrew Noun phrase
In Hebrew thought, 'life' (nephesh) often denotes the whole person, soul, or living being. 'Precious life' suggests the high value of a person’s integrity, spirit, and existence, which is endangered by adultery.
married womanאֵשֶׁת אִישׁ
eshet ish · Hebrew Noun phrase
A woman who is under a covenantal marriage bond. Engaging with her is strictly forbidden by the seventh commandment and is treated as a grave sin against both the neighbor and God.
fireאֵשׁ
esh · Hebrew Noun
A natural element representing destruction, judgment, or intense passion. In wisdom literature, it serves as a metaphor for the inevitable, self-destructive consequences of sin.
unpunishedנָקָה
naqah · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew concept of 'punishment' or 'guilt' (naqah) implies being held accountable or declared guilty before the law. It conveys the certainty of divine or judicial retribution for moral transgression.
thiefגַּנָּב
gannab · Hebrew Noun
One who takes property belonging to another without permission. In biblical law, theft is a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor and respect property, though it is viewed through different lenses depending on the necessity of the thief.
appetiteנֶפֶשׁ
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The physical or metaphorical desire or craving of a person. It refers to the basic human drive for sustenance or satisfaction, which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to sinful behavior.
payשָׁלַם
shalam · Hebrew Verb
In biblical law and wisdom, to pay or restore something, often implying the concept of restitution for a wrong committed. The number seven is frequently associated with completeness or the intensity of the penalty required to satisfy justice.
goodsהוֹן
hon · Hebrew Noun
A general term referring to material possessions, wealth, or substance. In the context of wisdom literature, it represents the fruits of one's labor or the resources God has provided to an individual.
commits adulteryנָאַף
na'aph · Hebrew Verb
Sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse, considered a serious sin against God, the covenant of marriage, and one’s neighbor. It is treated in Proverbs as a betrayal of trust and a violation of divine wisdom.
lacks senseחֲסַר־לֵב
chasar-leb · Hebrew Noun phrase
A phrase denoting a deficiency of heart or understanding; it implies a failure to grasp divine wisdom or the fatal consequences of one's sinful actions. The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of the intellect, will, and moral decision-making.
dishonorקָלוֹן
qalon · Hebrew Noun
A state of shame, public humiliation, or loss of reputation. In a biblical context, it often refers to the natural and divine consequences of sin that mar the image of God in an individual.
jealousyקִנְאָה
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
An intense, consuming emotion, often used in Scripture to describe God’s protective zeal for His people or His holiness. When applied to humans, it can refer to a burning, righteous, or self-destructive passion, particularly in the context of broken covenant or infidelity.
revengeנָקָם
naqam · Hebrew Noun
The act of inflicting harm or penalty in response to a perceived injury or injustice. While God reserves the right of ultimate vengeance, Scripture warns that human attempts at personal, unbridled vengeance are often driven by sinful passion rather than divine justice.
compensationכֹּפֶר
kopher · Hebrew Noun
A ransom, payment, or atonement offered to satisfy a debt or mitigate the consequences of an offense. In legal contexts, it is the price paid to cover a wrong, though in cases of adultery, the text emphasizes its insufficiency.
