Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֣ד
witness
H5707
עֵ֣ד
witness
Strong's:
H5707
Word #:
1 of 8
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
אֱ֭מוּנִים
A faithful
H529
אֱ֭מוּנִים
A faithful
Strong's:
H529
Word #:
2 of 8
established, i.e., (figuratively) trusty; also (abstractly) trustworthiness
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְיָפִ֥יחַ
will utter
H6315
וְיָפִ֥יחַ
will utter
Strong's:
H6315
Word #:
5 of 8
to puff, i.e., blow with the breath or air; hence, to fan (as a breeze), to utter, to kindle (a fire), to scoff
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
will not lie
H3577
כְּ֝זָבִ֗ים
will not lie
Strong's:
H3577
Word #:
6 of 8
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
Cross References
Proverbs 19:5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.Proverbs 6:19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.Exodus 23:1Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.Proverbs 12:17He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.Proverbs 14:25A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.Proverbs 13:5A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.Proverbs 19:9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Historical Context
Israel's legal system required two or three witnesses to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). False testimony could result in the false witness receiving the punishment intended for the accused (Deuteronomy 19:19).
Questions for Reflection
- Are you known as a person whose word can be trusted completely?
- In what subtle ways might you bend the truth or engage in 'acceptable' deception?
- How does Christ as the 'faithful and true witness' (Revelation 3:14) set the standard for our speech?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A 'faithful witness' speaks truth, while a 'false witness' breathes out lies. The Hebrew 'kazab' (lies/deception) is parallel to breathing—lying is as natural to the false witness as respiration. This connects to the ninth commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). Reformed theology emphasizes that truth-telling reflects God's character, while lying reflects Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44). In covenant community, reliability in testimony is essential for justice and trust. Our words must have integrity because we serve the God of truth.