1
ὥσπερ δρόσος ἐν ἀμήτῳ καὶ ὥσπερ ὑετὸς ἐν θέρει οὕτως οὐκ ἔστιν ἄφρονι τιμή
As dew in harvest and as rain in summer, so honor does not belong to a fool.
The proverb sets honor in the wrong season to show how unsuitable it is for folly. What should refresh or bless becomes disordered when attached to the foolish.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δρόσοςdewN2 NSF · δρόσοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδρόσος: meaning 'dew'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀμήτῳharvestN2 DSM · ἀμητόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀμητός: meaning 'harvest'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑετὸςrainN2 NSM · ὑετόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑετός: meaning 'rain'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
θέρειsummerN3E DSN · θέροςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceθέρος: meaning 'summer'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄφρονιto a foolA3N DSM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'to a fool'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τιμήhonorN1 NSF · τιμήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτιμή: meaning 'honor'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
2
ὥσπερ ὄρνεα πέταται καὶ στρουθοί οὕτως ἀρὰ ματαία οὐκ ἐπελεύσεται οὐδενί
As birds fly and sparrows flutter, so an empty curse will come upon no one.
The image suggests aimless motion without lasting effect. A baseless curse has no stable target or enduring power.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄρνεαbirdsN2N NPN · ὄρνεονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄρνεον: meaning 'birds'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πέταταιfliesV3 PMI3S · πέταμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπέταμαι: meaning 'flies'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
στρουθοίsparrowsN2 NPM · στρουθόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceστρουθός: meaning 'sparrows'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀρὰcurseN1A NSF · ἀράnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀρά: meaning 'curse'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ματαίαemptyA1A NSF · μάταιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμάταιος: meaning 'empty'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπελεύσεταιἔρχομαι + ἐπιVF FMI3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἔρχομαι + ἐπι: meaning 'ἔρχομαι + ἐπι'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
οὐδενίto no oneA3 DSM · οὐδείςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceοὐδείς: meaning 'to no one'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
3
ὥσπερ μάστιξ ἵππῳ καὶ κέντρον ὄνῳ οὕτως ῥάβδος ἔθνει παρανόμῳ
As a whip is for a horse and a goad for a donkey, so a rod is for a lawless nation.
The proverb matches instrument to subject. Unruly and lawless behavior invites external compulsion rather than persuasive instruction.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μάστιξwhipN3G NSF · μάστιξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμάστιξ: meaning 'whip'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἵππῳto a horseN2 DSM · ἵπποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἵππος: meaning 'to a horse'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κέντρονgoadN2N NSN · κέντρονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκέντρον: meaning 'goad'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὄνῳto a donkeyN2 DSM · ὄνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄνος: meaning 'to a donkey'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ῥάβδοςrodN2 NSF · ῥάβδοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceῥάβδος: meaning 'rod'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἔθνειnationN3E DSN · ἔθνοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔθνος: meaning 'nation'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
παρανόμῳlawlessA1B DSN · παράνομοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπαράνομος: meaning 'lawless'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
4
μὴ ἀποκρίνου ἄφρονι πρὸς τὴν ἐκείνου ἀφροσύνην ἵνα μὴ ὅμοιος γένῃ αὐτῷ
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him yourself.
The warning protects the wise person from being dragged into the fool's frame of discourse. Some forms of engagement imitate the very disorder they resist.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
μὴdo notD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'do not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποκρίνουanswerV1 PMD2S · κρίνω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateκρίνω + ἀπο: meaning 'answer'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄφρονιto a foolA3N DSM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'to a fool'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πρὸςaccording toP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'according to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνὁRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκείνουthat oneRD GSM · ἐκεῖνοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἐκείνου: meaning 'that one'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀφροσύνηνfollyN1 ASF · ἀφροσύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἵναlest / so thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'lest'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴdo notD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'do not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὅμοιοςlikeA1A NSM · ὅμοιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὅμοιος: meaning 'like'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γένῃyou becomeVB AMS2S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyγίγνομαι: meaning 'you become'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτῷlike himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'like him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
5
ἀλλὰ ἀποκρίνου ἄφρονι κατὰ τὴν ἀφροσύνην αὐτοῦ ἵνα μὴ φαίνηται σοφὸς παρ' ἑαυτῷ
But answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own eyes.
This companion saying clarifies that silence is not always right. At times folly must be exposed so that self-conceit does not harden into apparent wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἀλλὰbutC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλὰ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποκρίνουanswerV1 PMD2S · κρίνω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateκρίνω + ἀπο: meaning 'answer'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄφρονιto a foolA3N DSM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'to a fool'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κατὰaccording toP · κατάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingκατὰ: meaning 'according to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνὁRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀφροσύνηνfollyN1 ASF · ἀφροσύνηaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀφροσύνη: meaning 'folly'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἵναlest / so thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'lest'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴdo notD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'do not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φαίνηταιhe seemV1 PMS3S · φαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyφαίνω: meaning 'he seem'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σοφὸςwiseA1 NSM · σοφόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφός: meaning 'wise'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
παρ'in his own judgmentP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρ': meaning 'in his own judgment'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἑαυτῷhis ownRD DSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestἑαυτῷ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
6
ἐκ τῶν ἑαυτοῦ ποδῶν ὄνειδος πίεται ὁ ἀποστείλας δι' ἀγγέλου ἄφρονος λόγον
He drinks reproach from his own feet who sends a message through a foolish messenger.
Using a fool as the bearer of one's word invites shame upon the sender. The damage circles back to the one who entrusted the task poorly.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῶνὁRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownRD GSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ποδῶνfeetN3D GPM · πούςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπούς: meaning 'feet'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὄνειδοςreproachN3E ASN · ὄνειδοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄνειδος: meaning 'reproach'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πίεταιwill drinkVF FMI3S · πίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίνω: meaning 'will drink'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀποστείλαςsendingVA · ααπνσμ στέλλω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ στέλλω + ἀπο: meaning 'sending'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δι'throughP · διάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingδι': meaning 'through'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀγγέλουmessengerN2 GSM · ἄγγελοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄγγελος: meaning 'messenger'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἄφρονοςfoolA3N GSM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
λόγονmessageN2 ASM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'message'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
7
ἀφελοῦ πορείαν σκελῶν καὶ παροιμίαν ἐκ στόματος ἀφρόνων
Take away the movement of the legs and the proverb from the mouth of fools.
The saying treats a proverb in a fool's mouth as something as unfitting as crippled movement. Wisdom language loses its proper force when wielded by one who lacks wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ἀφελοῦremoveVB AMD2S · αἱρέω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαἱρέω + ἀπο: meaning 'remove'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πορείανmovementN1A ASF · πορείαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπορεία: meaning 'movement'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκελῶνlegsN3E GPN · σκέλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσκέλος: meaning 'legs'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παροιμίανproverbN1A ASF · παροιμίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαροιμία: meaning 'proverb'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
στόματοςmouthN3M GSN · στόμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
8
ὃς ἀποδεσμεύει λίθον ἐν σφενδόνῃ ὅμοιός ἐστιν τῷ διδόντι ἄφρονι δόξαν
He who loosens a stone in a sling is like one who gives glory to a fool.
To honor a fool is to set destructive force loose without control. What should have been restrained becomes dangerous once released.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ὃςhe whoRR NSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'he who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀποδεσμεύειδεσμεύω + ἀποV1 PAI3S · δεσμεύω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processδεσμεύω + ἀπο: meaning 'δεσμεύω + ἀπο'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λίθονstoneN2 ASM · λίθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλίθος: meaning 'stone'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
σφενδόνῃslingN1 DSF · σφενδόνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσφενδόνη: meaning 'sling'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὅμοιόςlikeA1A NSM · ὅμοιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὅμοιος: meaning 'like'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷfor theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
διδόντιgivingV8 · παπδσμ δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπδσμ δίδωμι: meaning 'giving'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄφρονιto a foolA3N DSM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'to a fool'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
δόξανgloryN1S ASF · δόξαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
9
ἄκανθαι φύονται ἐν χειρὶ τοῦ μεθύσου δουλεία δὲ ἐν χειρὶ τῶν ἀφρόνων
Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude is in the hand of fools.
The images depict lack of mastery over what one holds. The drunkard and the fool alike turn what is in hand into injury and bondage.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἄκανθαιthornN1A NPF · ἄκανθαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄκανθα: meaning 'thorn'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φύονταιgrowV1 PMI3P · φύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφύω: meaning 'grow'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χειρὶhandN3 DSF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τοῦὁRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μεθύσουdrunkardA1B GSM · μέθυσοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμέθυσος: meaning 'drunkard'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
δουλείαservitudeN1A NSF · δουλείαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδουλεία: meaning 'servitude'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
χειρὶhandN3 DSF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῶνὁRA GPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
10
πολλὰ χειμάζεται πᾶσα σὰρξ ἀφρόνων συντρίβεται γὰρ ἡ ἔκστασις αὐτῶν
Much flesh is storm-tossed; for the bewilderment of fools is shattered.
The proverb associates folly with instability and exposed vulnerability. Disorder within eventually works itself outward into bodily and communal damage.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
πολλὰgreatlyA1 APN · πολύςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπολύς: meaning 'greatly'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
χειμάζεταιis storm-tossedV1 PPI3S · χειμάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processχειμάζω: meaning 'is storm-tossed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πᾶσαallA1S NSF · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σὰρξfleshN3K NSF · σάρξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσάρξ: meaning 'flesh'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀφρόνωνof foolsA3N GPM · ἄφρωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄφρων: meaning 'of fools'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
συντρίβεταιτρίβω + συνV1 PPI3S · τρίβω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processτρίβω + συν: meaning 'τρίβω + συν'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἡὁRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔκστασιςbewildermentN3I NSF · ἔκστασιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔκστασις: meaning 'bewilderment'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνhimRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
11
ὥσπερ κύων ὅταν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπὶ τὸν ἑαυτοῦ ἔμετον καὶ μισητὸς γένηται οὕτως ἄφρων τῇ ἑαυτοῦ κακίᾳ ἀναστρέψας ἐπὶ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἁμαρτίαν ἔστιν αἰσχύνη ἐπάγουσα ἁμαρτίαν καὶ ἔστιν αἰσχύνη δόξα καὶ χάρις
As when a dog returns to its own vomit and becomes hateful, so a fool, turning back in his own wickedness to his own sin, brings in shame upon sin; and there is a shame that brings glory and favor.
The familiar image of return to vomit shows the fool's habit of re-entering his own corruption. The added reflection distinguishes degrading shame from the kind of shame that leads to restoration and honor.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύωνdogN3 NSM · κύωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκύων: meaning 'dog'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπέλθῃἔρχομαι + ἐπιVB AAS3S · ἔρχομαι + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἔρχομαι + ἐπι: meaning 'ἔρχομαι + ἐπι'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸνὁRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownRD GSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἔμετονvomitN2 ASM · ἔμετοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔμετος: meaning 'vomit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μισητὸςhatefulA1 NSM · μισητόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμισητός: meaning 'hateful'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
γένηταιbecomeVB AMS3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyγίγνομαι: meaning 'become'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄφρωνfoolA3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τῇto hisRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownRD GSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
κακίᾳwickednessN1A DSF · κακίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκακία: meaning 'wickedness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀναστρέψαςturning backVA · ααπνσμ στρέφω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ στρέφω + ἀνα: meaning 'turning back'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὴνὁRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownRD GSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἁμαρτίανsinN1A ASF · ἁμαρτίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁμαρτία: meaning 'sin'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αἰσχύνηshameN1 NSF · αἰσχύνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceαἰσχύνη: meaning 'shame'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπάγουσαπαπνσφ ἄγω + ἐπιV1 · παπνσφ ἄγω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσφ ἄγω + ἐπι: meaning 'παπνσφ ἄγω + ἐπι'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἁμαρτίανsinN1A ASF · ἁμαρτίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁμαρτία: meaning 'sin'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αἰσχύνηshameN1 NSF · αἰσχύνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceαἰσχύνη: meaning 'shame'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δόξαgloryN1S NSF · δόξαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χάριςfavorN3 NSF · χάριςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχάρις: meaning 'favor'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
12
εἶδον ἄνδρα δόξαντα παρ' ἑαυτῷ σοφὸν εἶναι ἐλπίδα μέντοι ἔσχεν μᾶλλον ἄφρων αὐτοῦ
I have seen a man who seemed wise in his own eyes; yet a fool had more hope than he.
Self-conceit is judged more dangerous than ordinary folly because it blocks correction. The proverb reserves its strongest skepticism for the self-satisfied wise man.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἶδονὁράωVBI AAI1S · ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁράω: meaning 'ὁράω'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἄνδραmanN3 ASM · ἀνήρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀνήρ: meaning 'man'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δόξανταααπασμ δοκέωVA · ααπασμ δοκέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασμ δοκέω: meaning 'ααπασμ δοκέω'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
παρ'in his own judgmentP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρ': meaning 'in his own judgment'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἑαυτῷhis ownRD DSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestἑαυτῷ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
σοφὸνwiseA1 ASM · σοφόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσοφός: meaning 'wise'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἶναιisV9 PAN · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐλπίδαhopeN3D ASF · ἐλπίςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐλπίς: meaning 'hope'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μέντοιhoweverX · μέντοιadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμέντοι: meaning 'however'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔσχενhadVBI AAI3S · ἔχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἔχω: meaning 'had'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μᾶλλονratherD · μᾶλλονadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμᾶλλον: meaning 'rather'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄφρωνfoolA3N NSM · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'fool'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
13
λέγει ὀκνηρὸς ἀποστελλόμενος εἰς ὁδόν λέων ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς
The sluggard says when he is sent on a road, 'There is a lion in the roads.'
Laziness fabricates danger in order to avoid ordinary obedience. The excuse is dramatic precisely because the task is ordinary.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
λέγειsaysV1 PAI3S · λέγωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processλέγω: meaning 'says'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὀκνηρὸςsluggardA1A NSM · ὀκνηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀκνηρός: meaning 'sluggard'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀποστελλόμενοςbeing sentV1 · πμπνσμ στέλλω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ στέλλω + ἀπο: meaning 'being sent'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὁδόνroadN2 ASF · ὁδόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὁδός: meaning 'road'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
λέωνlionN3W NSM · λέωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλέων: meaning 'lion'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταῖςtheRA DPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁδοῖςroadN2 DPF · ὁδόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὁδός: meaning 'road'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
14
ὥσπερ θύρα στρέφεται ἐπὶ τοῦ στρόφιγγος οὕτως ὀκνηρὸς ἐπὶ τῆς κλίνης αὐτοῦ
As a door turns on its hinge, so the sluggard turns on his bed.
The sluggard moves, but only within the fixed circle of inaction. Motion without progress becomes the chapter's satire of laziness.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θύραdoorN1A NSF · θύραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθύρα: meaning 'door'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
στρέφεταιturnsV1 PMI3S · στρέφωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processστρέφω: meaning 'turns'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦὁRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στρόφιγγοςhingeN3G GSM · στρόφιγξgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationστρόφιγξ: meaning 'hinge'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀκνηρὸςsluggardA1A NSM · ὀκνηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀκνηρός: meaning 'sluggard'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κλίνηςbedN1 GSF · κλίνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκλίνη: meaning 'bed'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
15
κρύψας ὀκνηρὸς τὴν χεῖρα ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ αὐτοῦ οὐ δυνήσεται ἐπενεγκεῖν ἐπὶ τὸ στόμα
A sluggard hides his hand in his bosom and will not be able to bring it to his mouth.
The image exaggerates sloth into absurd helplessness. Laziness makes even self-feeding feel too burdensome.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
κρύψαςhaving hiddenVA · ααπνσμ κρύπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ κρύπτω: meaning 'having hidden'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὀκνηρὸςsluggardA1A NSM · ὀκνηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀκνηρός: meaning 'sluggard'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τὴνὁRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χεῖραhandN3 ASF · χείρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῷfor theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κόλπῳbosomN2 DSM · κόλποςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκόλπος: meaning 'bosom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οὐnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δυνήσεταιwill be ableVF FMI3S · δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureδύναμαι: meaning 'will be able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπενεγκεῖνto bringVB AAN · φέρω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementφέρω + ἐπι: meaning 'to bring'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπὶuponP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'upon'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τὸὁRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
στόμαmouthN3M ASN · στόμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
16
σοφώτερος ἑαυτῷ ὀκνηρὸς φαίνεται τοῦ ἐν πλησμονῇ ἀποκομίζοντος ἀγγελίαν
A sluggard appears wiser to himself than one who in full abundance brings back a report.
The lazy person often compensates for inactivity with self-estimation. Real usefulness and tested reporting are ranked below imagined cleverness in his own mind.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
σοφώτεροςwiserA1 NSMC · σοφόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφός: meaning 'wiser'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἑαυτῷhis ownRD DSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestἑαυτῷ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὀκνηρὸςsluggardA1A NSM · ὀκνηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀκνηρός: meaning 'sluggard'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φαίνεταιφαίνωV1 PMI3S · φαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφαίνω: meaning 'φαίνω'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τοῦὁRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πλησμονῇfull abundanceN1 DSF · πλησμονήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπλησμονή: meaning 'full abundance'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀποκομίζοντοςbringing backV1 · παπγσμ κομίζω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπγσμ κομίζω + ἀπο: meaning 'bringing back'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀγγελίανreportN1A ASF · ἀγγελίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀγγελία: meaning 'report'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
17
ὥσπερ ὁ κρατῶν κέρκου κυνός οὕτως ὁ προεστὼς ἀλλοτρίας κρίσεως
As one who seizes a dog's tail, so is he who takes charge of another man's dispute.
Meddling in чужой conflict is portrayed as needlessly grasping danger. The proverb warns against entering quarrels that do not belong to you.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κρατῶνseizingV2 · παπνσμ κρατέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ κρατέω: meaning 'seizing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
κέρκουtailN2 GSF · κέρκοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκέρκος: meaning 'tail'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κυνόςdogN3 GSM · κύωνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκύων: meaning 'dog'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
προεστὼςCATSS source 31.Proverbs.mlxx.VXI XAPNSM I(/STHMI PROverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ participial qualificationπροεστὼς: meaning 'CATSS source 31.Proverbs.mlxx.'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀλλοτρίαςanother’sA1A GSF · ἀλλότριοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀλλότριος: meaning 'another’s'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κρίσεωςdisputeN3I GSF · κρίσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκρίσις: meaning 'dispute'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
18
ὥσπερ οἱ ἰώμενοι προβάλλουσιν λόγους εἰς ἀνθρώπους ὁ δὲ ἀπαντήσας τῷ λόγῳ πρῶτος ὑποσκελισθήσεται
As the insane hurl words at men, so the one who answers a matter first will be tripped up.
Hasty first response is likened to reckless and disordered assault. Speaking before due understanding exposes a person to reversal.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οἱὁRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἰώμενοιthe insaneV3 · πμπνπμ ἰάομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ ἰάομαι: meaning 'the insane'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
προβάλλουσινhurlV1 PAI3P · βάλλω + προverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processβάλλω + προ: meaning 'hurl'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λόγουςwordsN2 APM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'words'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀνθρώπουςἄνθρωποςN2 APM · ἄνθρωποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'ἄνθρωπος'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπαντήσαςansweringVA · ααπνσμ ἀντάω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ἀντάω + ἀπο: meaning 'answering'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷfor theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λόγῳmatterN2 DSM · λόγοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceλόγος: meaning 'matter'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πρῶτοςfirstA1 NSMS · πρῶτοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπρῶτος: meaning 'first'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὑποσκελισθήσεταιwill be tripped upVS FPI3S · σκελίζω + ὑποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureσκελίζω + ὑπο: meaning 'will be tripped up'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
19
οὕτως πάντες οἱ ἐνεδρεύοντες τοὺς ἑαυτῶν φίλους ὅταν δὲ φωραθῶσιν λέγουσιν ὅτι παίζων ἔπραξα
So are all who lie in wait for their own friends; and when they are exposed, they say, 'I did it in jest.'
The proverb unmasks harmful prank or betrayal disguised as play. The appeal to joking comes only after the scheme is discovered.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οὕτωςsoD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάντεςallA3 NPM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οἱὁRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνεδρεύοντεςπαπνπμ ἐνεδρεύωV1 · παπνπμ ἐνεδρεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ἐνεδρεύω: meaning 'παπνπμ ἐνεδρεύω'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τοὺςὁRA APM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοὺς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτῶνhis ownRD GPM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτῶν: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
φίλουςfriendsA1 APM · φίλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφίλος: meaning 'friends'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὅτανwhenD · ὅτανadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅταν: meaning 'when'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φωραθῶσινare exposedVC APS3P · φωράομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyφωράομαι: meaning 'are exposed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λέγουσινthey sayV1 PAI3P · λέγωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processλέγω: meaning 'they say'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιὅτιC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'ὅτι'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παίζωνin jestV1 · παπνσμ παίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ παίζω: meaning 'in jest'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἔπραξαI did itVAI AAI1S · πράσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπράσσω: meaning 'I did it'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
20
ἐν πολλοῖς ξύλοις θάλλει πῦρ ὅπου δὲ οὐκ ἔστιν δίθυμος ἡσυχάζει μάχη
With much wood fire flourishes, but where there is no double-minded man, strife grows quiet.
Conflict is sustained by fuel, and the double-hearted person provides it. Remove the inner duplicity and outward contention subsides.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πολλοῖςmanyA1 DPN · πολύςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπολύς: meaning 'many'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ξύλοιςwoodN2N DPN · ξύλονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceξύλον: meaning 'wood'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
θάλλειflourishesV1 PAI3S · θάλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processθάλλω: meaning 'flourishes'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πῦρfireN3 NSN · πῦρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπῦρ: meaning 'fire'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὅπουwhereX · ὅπουadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅπου: meaning 'where'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δίθυμοςdouble-minded manA1B NSM · δίθυμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδίθυμος: meaning 'double-minded man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡσυχάζειgrows quietV1 PAI3S · ἡσυχάζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἡσυχάζω: meaning 'grows quiet'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μάχηstrifeN1 NSF · μάχηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμάχη: meaning 'strife'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
21
ἐσχάρα ἄνθραξιν καὶ ξύλα πυρί ἀνὴρ δὲ λοίδορος εἰς ταραχὴν μάχης
A grate is for coals and wood for fire, but a reviling man is for the disturbance of strife.
As fuel naturally feeds flame, so the abusive person feeds conflict. The saying treats quarrelsomeness as a predictable source of escalation.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἐσχάραgrateN1A NSF · ἐσχάραnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐσχάρα: meaning 'grate'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄνθραξινcoalsN3K DPM · ἄνθραξdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνθραξ: meaning 'coals'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ξύλαwoodN2N NPN · ξύλονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceξύλον: meaning 'wood'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πυρίfor fireN3 DSN · πῦρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπῦρ: meaning 'for fire'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀνὴρmanN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λοίδοροςrevilingA1B NSM · λοίδοροςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλοίδορος: meaning 'reviling'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταραχὴνdisturbanceN1 ASF · ταραχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationταραχή: meaning 'disturbance'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μάχηςstrifeN1 GSF · μάχηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμάχη: meaning 'strife'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
22
λόγοι κερκώπων μαλακοί οὗτοι δὲ τύπτουσιν εἰς ταμίεια σπλάγχνων
The words of tail-bearers are soft, but they strike into the inner chambers of the belly.
Smooth malicious speech penetrates deeply despite its soft exterior. Gossip wounds inwardly before its damage is fully visible.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
λόγοιmessageN2 NPM · λόγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλόγος: meaning 'message'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κερκώπωνtail-bearersN3P GPM · κέρκωψgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκέρκωψ: meaning 'tail-bearers'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
μαλακοίsoftA1 NPM · μαλακόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμαλακός: meaning 'soft'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οὗτοιtheseRD NPM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceοὗτοι: meaning 'these'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τύπτουσινstrikeV1 PAI3P · τύπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processτύπτω: meaning 'strike'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ταμίειαinner chambersN2N APN · ταμιεῖονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationταμιεῖον: meaning 'inner chambers'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σπλάγχνωνof the bellyN2N GPN · σπλάγχνονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσπλάγχνον: meaning 'of the belly'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
23
ἀργύριον διδόμενον μετὰ δόλου ὥσπερ ὄστρακον ἡγητέον χείλη λεῖα καρδίαν καλύπτει λυπηράν
Silver given with deceit is to be regarded like pottery; smooth lips cover a grieving heart.
Externally attractive speech or gift may conceal cheapness and harm. The proverb warns that polish can mask inward bitterness or fraud.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἀργύριονsilverN2N NSN · ἀργύριονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀργύριον: meaning 'silver'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
διδόμενονgivenV8 · πμπνσν δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσν δίδωμι: meaning 'given'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μετὰwithP · μετάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingμετὰ: meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δόλουdeceitN2 GSM · δόλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδόλος: meaning 'deceit'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὥσπερjust asD · ὥσπερadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὥσπερ: meaning 'just as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄστρακονpotsherdN2N NSN · ὄστρακονnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄστρακον: meaning 'potsherd'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡγητέονto be regardedD · ἡγητέονadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἡγητέον: meaning 'to be regarded'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χείληlipN3E NPN · χεῖλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχεῖλος: meaning 'lip'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
λεῖαsmoothA1A NPN · λεῖοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλεῖος: meaning 'smooth'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καρδίανheartN1A ASF · καρδίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καλύπτειcoversV1 PAI3S · καλύπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processκαλύπτω: meaning 'covers'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λυπηράνgrievingA1A ASF · λυπηρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλυπηρός: meaning 'grieving'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
24
χείλεσιν πάντα ἐπινεύει ἀποκλαιόμενος ἐχθρός ἐν δὲ τῇ καρδίᾳ τεκταίνεται δόλους
With his lips an enemy nods assent to everything while weeping, but in his heart he forges deceits.
The enemy's outward tenderness is staged and instrumental. Inner craft is set against outer compliance to show deliberate duplicity.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
χείλεσινwith lipsN3E DPN · χεῖλοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχεῖλος: meaning 'with lips'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πάνταeverythingA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'everything'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπινεύεινεύω + ἐπιV1 PAI3S · νεύω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processνεύω + ἐπι: meaning 'νεύω + ἐπι'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀποκλαιόμενοςweepingV1 · πμπνσμ κλαίω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ κλαίω + ἀπο: meaning 'weeping'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐχθρόςenemyA1A NSM · ἐχθρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: meaning 'enemy'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῇto hisRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίᾳκαρδίαN1A DSF · καρδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: meaning 'καρδία'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τεκταίνεταιforgesV1 PMI3S · τεκταίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processτεκταίνω: meaning 'forges'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δόλουςdeceitN2 APM · δόλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόλος: meaning 'deceit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
25
ἐάν σου δέηται ὁ ἐχθρὸς μεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ μὴ πεισθῇς ἑπτὰ γάρ εἰσιν πονηρίαι ἐν τῇ ψυχῇ αὐτοῦ
If your enemy entreats you with a loud voice, do not be persuaded; for there are seven evils in his soul.
Intense pleading does not necessarily signal sincerity. The number seven marks the fullness of the hidden malice within.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἐάνἐάνC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐάν: meaning 'ἐάν'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σουyourRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δέηταιentreatsV2 PMS3S · δέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδέω: meaning 'entreats'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθρὸςenemyA1A NSM · ἐχθρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: meaning 'enemy'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μεγάλῃloudA1 DSF · μέγαςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμέγας: meaning 'loud'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τῇto hisRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φωνῇvoiceN1 DSF · φωνήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφωνή: meaning 'voice'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μὴdo notD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'do not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πεισθῇςbe persuadedVS APS2S · πείθωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπείθω: meaning 'be persuaded'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἑπτὰsevenM · ἑπτάadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἑπτὰ: meaning 'seven'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γάρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰσινareV9 PAI3P · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'are'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πονηρίαιevilsN1A NPF · πονηρίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπονηρία: meaning 'evils'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῇto hisRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχῇsoulN1 DSF · ψυχήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτοῦhimRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
26
ὁ κρύπτων ἔχθραν συνίστησιν δόλον ἐκκαλύπτει δὲ τὰς ἑαυτοῦ ἁμαρτίας εὔγνωστος ἐν συνεδρίοις
He who hides hatred establishes deceit, but he who uncovers his own sins is well known in assemblies.
Concealed hatred generates fraud, whereas open confession moves toward communal recognition rather than secret corrosion. The proverb values truthful exposure over covert malice.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κρύπτωνπαπνσμ κρύπτωV1 · παπνσμ κρύπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ κρύπτω: meaning 'παπνσμ κρύπτω'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἔχθρανhatredN1A ASF · ἔχθραaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔχθρα: meaning 'hatred'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
συνίστησινestablishesV6 PAI3S · ἵστημι + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἵστημι + συν: meaning 'establishes'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δόλονdeceitN2 ASM · δόλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόλος: meaning 'deceit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐκκαλύπτεικαλύπτω + ἐκV1 PAI3S · καλύπτω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processκαλύπτω + ἐκ: meaning 'καλύπτω + ἐκ'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τὰςὁRA APF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἑαυτοῦhis ownRD GSM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἑαυτοῦ: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἁμαρτίαςsinsN1A APF · ἁμαρτίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁμαρτία: meaning 'sins'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εὔγνωστοςwell knownA1B NSM · εὔγνωστοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceεὔγνωστος: meaning 'well known'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
συνεδρίοιςassembliesN2N DPN · συνέδριονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσυνέδριον: meaning 'assemblies'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
27
ὁ ὀρύσσων βόθρον τῷ πλησίον ἐμπεσεῖται εἰς αὐτόν ὁ δὲ κυλίων λίθον ἐφ' ἑαυτὸν κυλίει
He who digs a pit for his neighbor will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it rolls back upon himself.
The saying expresses moral reversal through physical images. Harm plotted for another returns with fitting force upon its author.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀρύσσωνdiggingV1 · παπνσμ ὀρύσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ὀρύσσω: meaning 'digging'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βόθρονpitN2 ASM · βόθροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβόθρος: meaning 'pit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῷfor theRA DSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πλησίονneighborD · πλησίονadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπλησίον: meaning 'neighbor'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐμπεσεῖταιwill fall intoVF2 FMI3S · πίπτω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίπτω + ἐν: meaning 'will fall into'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτόνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὁὁRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κυλίωνrollingV1 · παπνσμ κυλίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ κυλίω: meaning 'rolling'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λίθονstoneN2 ASM · λίθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλίθος: meaning 'stone'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐφ'ἐπίP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐφ': meaning 'ἐπί'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἑαυτὸνhis ownRD ASM · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἑαυτὸν: meaning 'his own'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
κυλίειrollsV1 PAI3S · κυλίωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processκυλίω: meaning 'rolls'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
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γλῶσσα ψευδὴς μισεῖ ἀλήθειαν στόμα δὲ ἄστεγον ποιεῖ ἀκαταστασίας
A lying tongue hates truth, and an unguarded mouth produces disorders.
The chapter closes by tying falsehood to social instability. Speech without restraint or truthfulness does not merely err; it destabilizes community.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
γλῶσσαtongueN1S NSF · γλῶσσαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγλῶσσα: meaning 'tongue'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ψευδὴςlyingA3H NSF · ψευδήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψευδής: meaning 'lying'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μισεῖhatesV2 PAI3S · μισέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμισέω: meaning 'hates'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀλήθειανtruthN1A ASF · ἀλήθειαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀλήθεια: meaning 'truth'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
στόμαmouthN3M NSN · στόμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceστόμα: meaning 'mouth'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲδέX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'δέ'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄστεγονunguardedA1B NSN · ἄστεγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄστεγος: meaning 'unguarded'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ποιεῖproducesV2 PAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processποιέω: meaning 'produces'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀκαταστασίαςdisordersN1A APF · ἀκαταστασίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀκαταστασία: meaning 'disorders'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.