1
ἐργάτης μέθυσος οὐ πλουτισθήσεται ὁ ἐξουθενῶν τὰ ὀλίγα κατὰ μικρὸν πεσεῖται
A drunken workman will not become rich, and the one who despises small things will fall little by little.
Opens with the slow logic of dissipation: contempt for incremental discipline produces incremental collapse.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἐργάτηςworkerN1M NSM · ἐργάτηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐργάτης: meaning 'worker'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μέθυσοςμέθυσοςA1 NSM · μέθυσοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμέθυσος: meaning 'μέθυσος'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
πλουτισθήσεταιbecome richVS FPI3S · πλουτίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπλουτίζω: meaning 'become rich'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐξουθενῶνdespisingV2 · παπνσμ οὐδενέω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ οὐδενέω + ἐκ: meaning 'despising'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὀλίγαlittleA1 APN · ὀλίγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὀλίγος: meaning 'little'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
μικρὸνsmall / insignificantA1A ASN · μικρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμικρός: meaning 'small'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πεσεῖταιfallVF FMI3S · πίπτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπίπτω: meaning 'fall'; 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.
2
οἶνος καὶ γυναῖκες ἀποστήσουσιν συνετούς καὶ ὁ κολλώμενος πόρναις τολμηρότερος ἔσται
Wine and women will lead the intelligent astray, and the one who clings to prostitutes will become more reckless.
Pleasure is treated here as an anti-school of wisdom, capable of dislodging even the intelligent from sound judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
οἶνοςwineN2 NSM · οἶνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοἶνος: meaning 'wine'; 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.
γυναῖκεςwomanN3K NPF · γυνήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγυνή: meaning 'woman'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀποστήσουσινwill lead astrayVF FAI3P · ἵστημι + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἵστημι + ἀπο: meaning 'will lead astray'; 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.
συνετούςintelligentA1 APM · συνετόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσυνετός: meaning 'intelligent'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κολλώμενοςclingingV3 · πμπνσμ κολλάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ κολλάω: meaning 'clinging'; 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.
πόρναιςprostitutesN1 DPF · πόρνηdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπόρνη: meaning 'prostitutes'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τολμηρότεροςmore recklessA1A NSMC · τολμηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτολμηρός: meaning 'more reckless'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἔσταιshall beVF FMI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureεἰμί: meaning 'shall be'; 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.
3
σήπη καὶ σκώληκες κληρονομήσουσιν αὐτόν καὶ ψυχὴ τολμηρὰ ἐξαρθήσεται
Rot and worms will inherit him, and a bold soul will be taken away.
The proverb intensifies from moral recklessness to bodily decay and the loss of life itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
σήπηrotN1 NSF · σήπηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσήπη: meaning 'rot'; 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.
σκώληκεςwormsN3K NPM · σκώληξnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσκώληξ: meaning 'worms'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κληρονομήσουσινshall inheritVF FAI3P · κληρονομέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκληρονομέω: meaning 'shall inherit'; 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.
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.
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.
ψυχὴsoulN1 NSF · ψυχήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceψυχή: meaning 'soul'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τολμηρὰboldA1A NSF · τολμηρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτολμηρός: meaning 'bold'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐξαρθήσεταιshall be removedVC FPI3S · αἴρω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureαἴρω + ἐκ: meaning 'shall be removed'; 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.
4
ὁ ταχὺ ἐμπιστεύων κοῦφος καρδίᾳ καὶ ὁ ἁμαρτάνων εἰς ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ πλημμελήσει
The one who trusts too quickly is light of heart, and the one who sins against his own soul will go astray.
Sirach links gullibility with inner lightness and treats moral carelessness as self-harm rather than merely a social mistake.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ταχὺtachusD · ταχύςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastταχὺ: meaning 'tachus'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐμπιστεύωνtrustingV1 · παπνσμ πιστεύω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ πιστεύω + ἐν: meaning 'trusting'; 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.
κοῦφοςlightA1 NSM · κοῦφοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκοῦφος: meaning 'light'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καρδίᾳheartN1A DSF · καρδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; 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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἁμαρτάνωνthe sinnerV1 · παπνσμ ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'the sinner'; 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.
ψυχὴνlifeN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλημμελήσειwill go astrayVF FAI3S · πλημμελέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureπλημμελέω: meaning 'will go astray'; 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.
5
ὁ εὐφραινόμενος καρδίᾳ καταγνωσθήσεται
The one who delights in his heart will be condemned.
Unruled inward delight is not morally neutral; the heart's pleasures can become grounds of exposure and judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 4 words
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐφραινόμενοςrejoicingV1 · πμπνσμ εὐφραίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ εὐφραίνω: meaning 'rejoicing'; 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.
καρδίᾳheartN1A DSF · καρδίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καταγνωσθήσεταιwill be condemnedVS FPI3S · γιγνώσκω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureγιγνώσκω + κατα: meaning 'will be condemned'; 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.
6
καὶ ὁ μισῶν λαλιὰν ἐλαττονοῦται κακίᾳ
And the one who hates talk is diminished in evil.
A distaste for idle chatter is presented as moral economy: evil loses one of its common channels when speech is restrained.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
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.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μισῶνhatingV2 · παπνσμ μισέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ μισέω: meaning 'hating'; 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.
λαλιὰνspeechN1A ASF · λαλιάaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλαλιά: meaning 'speech'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐλαττονοῦταιis diminishedV4 PMI3S · ἐλαττονόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐλαττονόω: meaning 'is diminished'; 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.
κακίᾳwickedness / evilN1A 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.
7
μηδέποτε δευτερώσῃς λόγον καὶ οὐθέν σοι οὐ μὴ ἐλαττονωθῇ
Never repeat a report, and nothing at all will be lost to you.
The sage now turns from describing the damage of loose speech to forbidding rumor's repetition outright.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
μηδέποτεneverD · μηδέποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμηδέποτε: meaning 'never'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δευτερώσῃςrepeatVA AAS2S · δευτερόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδευτερόω: meaning 'repeat'; 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.
λόγονwordN2 ASM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'word'; 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.
οὐθένουδειςA3 NSN · οὐδείςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοὐδείς: meaning 'ουδεις'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; 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.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλαττονωθῇbe diminishedVC APS3S · ἐλαττονόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἐλαττονόω: meaning 'be diminished'; 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.
8
ἐν φίλῳ καὶ ἐχθρῷ μὴ διηγοῦ καὶ εἰ μή ἐστίν σοι ἁμαρτία μὴ ἀποκάλυπτε
Tell it neither to friend nor to enemy, and unless it would be sin for you, do not disclose it.
Confidential restraint applies across friend and enemy alike, except where silence would itself become a moral offense.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 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.
φίλῳfriendA1 DSM · φίλοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφίλος: meaning 'friend'; 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.
ἐχθρῷto an enemyA1A DSM · ἐχθρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐχθρός: meaning 'to an enemy'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
διηγοῦtellV2 PMD2S · ἡγέομαι + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἡγέομαι + δια: meaning 'tell'; 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.
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μήnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐστίνbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; 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.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἁμαρτίαsinN1A NSF · ἁμαρτίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἁμαρτία: meaning 'sin'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποκάλυπτεdiscloseV1 PAD2S · καλύπτω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateκαλύπτω + ἀπο: meaning 'disclose'; 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.
9
ἀκήκοεν γάρ σου καὶ ἐφυλάξατό σε καὶ ἐν καιρῷ μισήσει σε
For he has heard you and watched you, and in due time he will hate you.
Repeated speech breeds surveillance and eventual enmity, so the social cost of disclosure is built into the act itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀκήκοενhas heardVX XAI3S · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: meaning 'has heard'; 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.
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.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within 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.
ἐφυλάξατόhas watchedVAI AMI3S · φυλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristφυλάσσω: meaning 'has watched'; 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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
καιρῷtimeN2 DSM · καιρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαιρός: meaning 'time'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μισήσειwill hateVF FAI3S · μισέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureμισέω: meaning 'will hate'; 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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
10
ἀκήκοας λόγον συναποθανέτω σοι θάρσει οὐ μή σε ῥήξει
Have you heard a word? Let it die with you; take courage, it will not burst you open.
A heard report should be buried inwardly, and Sirach mocks the fear that silence is somehow unbearable.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἀκήκοαςyou have heardVX XAI2S · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἀκούω: meaning 'you have heard'; 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.
λόγονwordN2 ASM · λόγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλόγος: meaning 'word'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
συναποθανέτωlet it die withVB AAD3S · θνήσκω + συν + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateθνήσκω + συν + ἀπο: meaning 'let it die with'; 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.
σοιto youRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοι: meaning 'to you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
θάρσειtake courageV2 PAD2S · θαρρέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateθαρρέω: meaning 'take courage'; 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.
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.
μήnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμή: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ῥήξειwill utterVF FAI3S · ῥήγνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureῥήγνυμι: meaning 'will utter'; 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.
11
ἀπὸ προσώπου λόγου ὠδινήσει μωρὸς ὡς ἀπὸ προσώπου βρέφους ἡ τίκτουσα
Because of a word a fool will be in labor, like a woman giving birth because of a child.
The fool suffers under unspoken information like a woman in labor, because he lacks the inner discipline to contain it.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουface / presenceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
λόγουwordN2 GSM · λόγοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλόγος: meaning 'word'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὠδινήσειwill be in laborVF FAI3S · ὠδίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureὠδίνω: meaning 'will be in labor'; 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.
μωρὸςfoolishA1A NSM · μωρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμωρός: meaning 'foolish'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
προσώπουface / presenceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
βρέφουςchildN3E GSN · βρέφοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβρέφος: meaning 'child'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τίκτουσαπαπνσφ τικτωV1 · παπνσφ τίκτωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσφ τίκτω: meaning 'παπνσφ τικτω'; 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.
12
βέλος πεπηγὸς ἐν μηρῷ σαρκός οὕτως λόγος ἐν κοιλίᾳ μωροῦ
Like an arrow stuck in the thigh of flesh, so is a word in the belly of a fool.
The hidden word becomes a lodged projectile inside the fool, painful precisely because it is retained without wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
βέλοςan arrowN3E NSN · βέλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβέλος: meaning 'an arrow'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πεπηγὸςembeddedVX · χαπνσν πήγνυμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνσν πήγνυμι: meaning 'embedded'; 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.
μηρῷthighN2 DSM · μηρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμηρός: meaning 'thigh'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σαρκόςfleshN3K GSF · σάρξgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσάρξ: meaning 'flesh'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὕτωςthusD · οὕτωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὕτως: meaning 'thus'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λόγοςwordN2 NSM · λόγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceλόγος: meaning 'word'; 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.
κοιλίᾳwombN1A DSF · κοιλίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκοιλία: meaning 'womb'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
μωροῦfoolA1A GSM · μωρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμωρός: meaning 'fool'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
13
ἔλεγξον φίλον μήποτε οὐκ ἐποίησεν καὶ εἴ τι ἐποίησεν μήποτε προσθῇ
Reprove a friend, lest perhaps he did not do it; and if he did do something, so that he may not do it again.
Correction should begin with charitable uncertainty and aim at preventing repetition rather than at immediate condemnation.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἔλεγξονreproveVA AAD2S · ἐλέγχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλέγχω: meaning 'reprove'; 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.
φίλονfriendA1 ASM · φίλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφίλος: meaning 'friend'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
μήποτεlest perhapsD · μήποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμήποτε: meaning 'lest perhaps'; 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.
ἐποίησενdidVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'did'; 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.
εἴifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἴ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τιanythingRI ASN · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτι: meaning 'anything'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐποίησενdidVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'did'; 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.
μήποτεlest perhapsD · μήποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμήποτε: meaning 'lest perhaps'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
προσθῇaddV2 PAS3S · θέω + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyθέω + προς: meaning 'add'; 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.
14
ἔλεγξον τὸν πλησίον μήποτε οὐκ εἶπεν καὶ εἰ εἴρηκεν ἵνα μὴ δευτερώσῃ
Reprove your neighbor, lest perhaps he did not say it; and if he did say it, so that he may not repeat it.
The same discipline applies to speech: first verify, then correct for amendment instead of amplifying hearsay.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἔλεγξονreproveVA AAD2S · ἐλέγχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλέγχω: meaning 'reprove'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: 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.
μήποτεlest perhapsD · μήποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμήποτε: meaning 'lest perhaps'; 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.
εἶπενsaidVBI AAI3S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἶπον: meaning 'said'; 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.
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἴρηκενsaidVX XAI3S · εἶπονverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateεἶπον: meaning 'said'; 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.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δευτερώσῃhe repeats itVA AAS3S · δευτερόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδευτερόω: meaning 'he repeats 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.
15
ἔλεγξον φίλον πολλάκις γὰρ γίνεται διαβολή καὶ μὴ παντὶ λόγῳ πίστευε
Reprove a friend, for slander often arises, and do not believe every report.
Because slander arises often, friendship requires reproof joined to disciplined distrust of mere reports.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἔλεγξονreproveVA AAD2S · ἐλέγχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλέγχω: meaning 'reprove'; 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.
φίλονfriendA1 ASM · φίλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφίλος: meaning 'friend'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πολλάκιςoftenD · πολλάκιςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπολλάκις: meaning 'often'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
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.
γίνεταιbecomesV1 PMI3S · γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processγίγνομαι: meaning 'becomes'; 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.
διαβολήslanderN1 NSF · διαβολήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδιαβολή: meaning 'slander'; 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.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
παντὶallA3 DSM · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
λόγῳwordN2 DSM · λόγοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceλόγος: meaning 'word'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
πίστευεbelieveV1 PAD2S · πιστεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπιστεύω: meaning 'believe'; 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.
16
ἔστιν ὀλισθάνων καὶ οὐκ ἀπὸ ψυχῆς καὶ τίς οὐχ ἥμαρτεν ἐν τῇ γλώσσῃ αὐτοῦ
There is one who slips and not from the soul; and who has not sinned with his tongue?
Sirach tempers the call to correction by acknowledging that not every stumble is willful and that everyone fails in speech at some point.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
ὀλισθάνωνslippingV1 · παπνσμ ὀλισθαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ὀλισθαίνω: meaning 'slipping'; 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.
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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ψυχῆςlifeN1 GSF · ψυχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; 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.
τίςwho / whatRI NSM · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: meaning '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.
οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἥμαρτενsinVBI AAI3S · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'sin'; 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.
τῇtheRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γλώσσῃtongueN1S DSF · γλῶσσαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceγλῶσσα: meaning 'tongue'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
17
ἔλεγξον τὸν πλησίον σου πρὶν ἢ ἀπειλῆσαι καὶ δὸς τόπον νόμῳ ὑψίστου
Reprove your neighbor before you threaten, and give place to the law of the Most High.
Before threats escalate conflict, reproof must yield to the higher order of the Most High's law.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἔλεγξονreproveVA AAD2S · ἐλέγχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateἐλέγχω: meaning 'reprove'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: 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.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πρὶνbeforeD · πρίνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπρὶν: meaning 'before'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢexceptD · ἤadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'except'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπειλῆσαιthreatenVA AAN · εἰλέω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεἰλέω + ἀπο: meaning 'threaten'; 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.
δὸςgiveVO AAD2S · δίδωμιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateδίδωμι: meaning 'give'; 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.
τόπονplaceN2 ASM · τόποςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτόπος: meaning 'place'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
νόμῳlawN2 DSM · νόμοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceνόμος: meaning 'law'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὑψίστουMost HighA1 GSM · ὕψιστοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὕψιστος: meaning 'Most High'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
20
πᾶσα σοφία φόβος κυρίου καὶ ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ ποίησις νόμου
All wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and in all wisdom there is the practice of the law.
The chapter's theological center identifies wisdom not as technique but as fear of the Lord expressed in law-shaped action.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
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.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φόβοςfearN2 NSM · φόβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφόβος: meaning 'fear'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κυρίουof the LORDN2 GSM · κύριοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκύριος: meaning 'of the LORD'; 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.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πάσῃallA1S DSF · πᾶςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
σοφίᾳwisdomN1A DSF · σοφίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ποίησιςpracticeN3I NSF · ποίησιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceποίησις: meaning 'practice'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
νόμουlawN2 GSM · νόμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationνόμος: meaning 'law'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
22
καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν σοφία πονηρίας ἐπιστήμη καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὅπου βουλὴ ἁμαρτωλῶν φρόνησις
And there is no wisdom in the knowledge of wickedness, and where sinners deliberate there is no prudence.
Wicked expertise does not qualify as wisdom, because sin's counsel lacks the prudence it claims.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
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.
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.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
σοφίαwisdomN1A NSF · σοφίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πονηρίαςof wickednessN1A GSF · πονηρίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπονηρία: meaning 'of wickedness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπιστήμηunderstanding / knowledgeN1 NSF · ἐπιστήμηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπιστήμη: meaning 'understanding'; 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.
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.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
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.
βουλὴcounselN1 NSF · βουλήnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβουλή: meaning 'counsel'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἁμαρτωλῶνof sinnersA1B GPM · ἁμαρτωλόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἁμαρτωλός: meaning 'of sinners'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
φρόνησιςφρόνησιςN3I NSF · φρόνησιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφρόνησις: meaning 'φρόνησις'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
23
ἔστιν πανουργία καὶ αὕτη βδέλυγμα καὶ ἔστιν ἄφρων ἐλαττούμενος σοφίᾳ
There is a cleverness, and this is an abomination; and there is a fool diminished in wisdom.
Sirach distinguishes between cleverness that is abhorrent and humble limitation that may still be closer to wisdom.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
πανουργίαcunningN1A NSF · πανουργίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπανουργία: meaning 'cunning'; 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.
αὕτηthisRD NSF · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὕτη: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
βδέλυγμαabominationN3M NSN · βδέλυγμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβδέλυγμα: meaning 'abomination'; 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.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
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.
ἐλαττούμενοςdiminishedV4 · πμπνσμ ἐλαττόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ ἐλαττόω: meaning 'diminished'; 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.
σοφίᾳwisdomN1A DSF · σοφίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσοφία: meaning 'wisdom'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
24
κρείττων ἡττώμενος ἐν συνέσει ἔμφοβος ἢ περισσεύων ἐν φρονήσει καὶ παραβαίνων νόμον
Better is one deficient in understanding who is God-fearing than one abounding in intelligence and transgressing the law.
Reverent weakness is better than brilliant lawlessness, because obedience outranks mere cognitive surplus.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
κρείττωνbetterA3C NSM · κρείσσωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκρείσσων: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡττώμενοςinferiorV3 · πμπνσμ ἡττάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ ἡττάω: meaning 'inferior'; 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.
συνέσειin understandingN3I DSF · σύνεσιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσύνεσις: meaning 'in understanding'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἔμφοβοςfearfulA1B NSM · ἔμφοβοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἔμφοβος: meaning 'fearful'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
περισσεύωνaboundingV1 · παπνσμ περισσεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ περισσεύω: meaning 'abounding'; 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.
φρονήσειφρόνησιςN3I DSF · φρόνησιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφρόνησις: meaning 'φρόνησις'; 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.
παραβαίνωνbreakingV1 · παπνσμ βαίνω + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ βαίνω + παρα: meaning 'breaking'; 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.
νόμονlawN2 ASM · νόμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationνόμος: meaning 'law'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
25
ἔστιν πανουργία ἀκριβὴς καὶ αὕτη ἄδικος καὶ ἔστιν διαστρέφων χάριν τοῦ ἐκφᾶναι κρίμα
There is an exact cleverness, and this is unjust; and there is one who twists favor in order to bring a judgment to light.
There is a meticulous cunning that bends procedure and appearance toward unjust ends while posing as discernment.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
πανουργίαcunningN1A NSF · πανουργίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπανουργία: meaning 'cunning'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀκριβὴςexactA3H NSF · ἀκριβήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀκριβής: meaning 'exact'; 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.
αὕτηthisRD NSF · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὕτη: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἄδικοςunjustA1B NSF · ἄδικοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄδικος: meaning 'unjust'; 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.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
διαστρέφωνpervertingV1 · παπνσμ στρέφω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ στρέφω + δια: meaning 'perverting'; 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.
χάρινfavorN3 ASF · χάριςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχάρις: meaning 'favor'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τοῦtheRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐκφᾶναιbring to lightV6 PAN · φημί + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementφημί + ἐκ: meaning 'bring to light'; 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.
κρίμαjudgmentN3M ASN · κρίμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκρίμα: meaning 'judgment'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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ἔστιν πονηρευόμενος συγκεκυφὼς μελανίᾳ καὶ τὰ ἐντὸς αὐτοῦ πλήρη δόλου
There is a wicked man stooping in gloom, and his inward parts are full of deceit.
The wicked man is drawn externally and internally at once: his bowed posture advertises darkness while his interior stores deceit.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
πονηρευόμενοςdevising evilV1 · πμπνσμ πονηρεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ πονηρεύω: meaning 'devising evil'; 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.
συγκεκυφὼςstoopingVX · χαπνσμ κύπτω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνσμ κύπτω + συν: meaning 'stooping'; 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.
μελανίᾳgloomN1A DSF · μελανίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμελανία: meaning 'gloom'; 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.
τὰtheRA NPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐντὸςinsideD · ἐντόςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἐντὸς: meaning 'inside'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πλήρηfullA3H NPN · πλήρηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπλήρης: meaning 'full'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
27
συγκρύφων πρόσωπον καὶ ἐθελοκωφῶν ὅπου οὐκ ἐπεγνώσθη προφθάσει σε
Hiding his face and pretending deafness, where he is not recognized he will get ahead of you.
Feigning deafness and concealment belong to the same performance of fraud; the wicked wait for unguarded advantage.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
συγκρύφωνhidingV1 · παπνσμ κρύφω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ κρύφω + συν: meaning 'hiding'; 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.
πρόσωπονface / presenceN2N ASN · πρόσωπονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; 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.
ἐθελοκωφῶνpretending deafnessV4 · παπνσμ ἐθελοκωφόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ ἐθελοκωφόω: meaning 'pretending deafness'; 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.
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.
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.
ἐπεγνώσθηwas recognizedVSI API3S · γιγνώσκω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω + ἐπι: meaning 'was recognized'; 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.
προφθάσειwill go beforeVF FAI3S · φθάνω + προverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureφθάνω + προ: meaning 'will go before'; 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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
28
καὶ ἐὰν ὑπὸ ἐλαττώματος ἰσχύος κωλυθῇ ἁμαρτεῖν ἐὰν εὕρῃ καιρόν κακοποιήσει
And if because of lack of strength he is prevented from sinning, when he finds an opportunity he will do evil.
Even when weakness restrains him temporarily, the wicked man's will remains bent toward evil and acts when opportunity returns.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
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.
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑπὸbyP · ὑπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὸ: meaning 'by'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐλαττώματοςlackN3M GSN · ἐλάττωμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐλάττωμα: meaning 'lack'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἰσχύοςarmy / forceN3U GSF · ἰσχύςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἰσχύς: meaning 'army'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κωλυθῇbe hinderedVC APS3S · κωλύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyκωλύω: meaning 'be hindered'; 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.
ἁμαρτεῖνhamartanoVB AAN · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'hamartano'; 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.
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὕρῃshe findsVB AAS3S · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyεὑρίσκω: meaning 'she finds'; 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.
καιρόνseasonN2 ASM · καιρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαιρός: meaning 'season'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κακοποιήσειwill harmVF FAI3S · κακοποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureκακοποιέω: meaning 'will harm'; 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.
29
ἀπὸ ὁράσεως ἐπιγνωσθήσεται ἀνήρ καὶ ἀπὸ ἀπαντήσεως προσώπου ἐπιγνωσθήσεται νοήμων
From a man's appearance he will be recognized, and from the meeting of the face one who has understanding will be recognized.
Sirach concludes that character leaks outwardly; a trained observer reads a person from face and encounter.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὁράσεωςvisionN3I GSF · ὅρασιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὅρασις: meaning 'vision'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπιγνωσθήσεταιἐπιVS FPI3S · γιγνώσκω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureγιγνώσκω + ἐπι: meaning '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.
ἀνήρmanN3 NSM · ἀνήρnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀνήρ: meaning 'man'; 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.
ἀπὸfromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπὸ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἀπαντήσεωςresponseN3I GSF · ἀπάντησιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀπάντησις: meaning 'response'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
προσώπουface / presenceN2N GSN · πρόσωπονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπρόσωπον: meaning 'face'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπιγνωσθήσεταιἐπιVS FPI3S · γιγνώσκω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureγιγνώσκω + ἐπι: meaning '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.
νοήμωνprudentA3N NSM · νοήμωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceνοήμων: meaning 'prudent'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
30
στολισμὸς ἀνδρὸς καὶ γέλως ὀδόντων καὶ βήματα ἀνθρώπου ἀναγγελεῖ τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ
A man's clothing, the laughter of his teeth, and his steps will tell what concerns him.
Dress, laughter, and gait become visible disclosures of the inward life, ending the chapter with embodied discernment.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
στολισμὸςclothingN2 NSM · στολισμόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceστολισμός: meaning 'clothing'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀνδρὸςmanN3 GSM · ἀνήρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀνήρ: meaning 'man'; 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.
γέλωςlaughterN3T NSM · γέλωςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγέλως: meaning 'laughter'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὀδόντωνὀδούςN3 GPM · ὀδούςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὀδούς: meaning 'ὀδούς'; 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.
βήματαstepsN3M NPN · βῆμαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβῆμα: meaning 'steps'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀνθρώπουmanN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀναγγελεῖanaVF2 FAI3S · ἀγγέλλω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἀγγέλλω + ἀνα: meaning 'ana'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
περὶconcerningP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'concerning'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.