Proverbs 14:25
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
Original Language Analysis
נְ֭פָשׁוֹת
souls
H5315
נְ֭פָשׁוֹת
souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עֵ֣ד
witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
3 of 7
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
אֱמֶ֑ת
A true
H571
אֱמֶ֑ת
A true
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
4 of 7
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
וְיָפִ֖חַ
witness speaketh
H6315
וְיָפִ֖חַ
witness speaketh
Strong's:
H6315
Word #:
5 of 7
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
Historical Context
Mosaic Law required multiple witnesses for capital cases (Deuteronomy 17:6) and prescribed death for perjurers in capital cases (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). Naboth died through false witnesses (1 Kings 21:10-13). Jesus faced false testimony at His trial (Matthew 26:59-61). Stephen was martyred through false witnesses (Acts 6:13). The ninth commandment prohibits false witness (Exodus 20:16), recognizing its power to destroy lives.
Questions for Reflection
- In what contexts might your testimony (words, reputation, witness) either deliver or harm others?
- How does Christ as the true witness (Revelation 3:14) provide the ultimate model for truthful living?
- What does it mean to be a faithful witness for Christ, delivering souls through gospel truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. Ed emet matsil nefashot (עֵד אֱמֶת מַצִּיל נְפָשׁוֹת, a witness of truth delivers souls). Natsal (נָצַל, deliver, rescue, save) shows truthful testimony can save lives—preventing wrongful execution, protecting the innocent. Veyafiyach kezavim mirmah (וְיָפִיחַ כְּזָבִים מִרְמָה, but one who breathes lies—deceit). False witnesses literally breathe out lies, destroying lives through deception. In legal systems depending on oral testimony, truthfulness meant life or death. Christ is the faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14), whose testimony delivers souls eternally.