Proverbs 25:18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭חֶרֶב
and a sword
H2719
וְ֭חֶרֶב
and a sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 9
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְחֵ֣ץ
arrow
H2671
וְחֵ֣ץ
arrow
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
שָׁנ֑וּן
and a sharp
H8150
שָׁנ֑וּן
and a sharp
Strong's:
H8150
Word #:
4 of 9
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
אִ֥ישׁ
A man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
A man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עֹנֶ֥ה
that beareth
H6030
עֹנֶ֥ה
that beareth
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Jeremiah 9:8Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.Jeremiah 9:3And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Mosaic Law severely punished false witness - false accuser received penalty his testimony would have brought on accused (Deuteronomy 19:16-21). Naboth's murder by false testimony (1 Kings 21) illustrates this sin's devastation. Jesus faced false witnesses at trial (Matthew 26:59-61). James 3:6 describes tongue as 'fire, a world of iniquity...it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.'
Questions for Reflection
- What false or misleading statements have you made that wounded others?
- How can you ensure your testimony and speech are truthful, not weaponized?
- What reputational damage might require making amends for past false witness?
Analysis & Commentary
A man bearing false witness against his neighbor is like a club, sword, or sharp arrow. The Hebrew 'ed sheqer' (false witness) and weapons imagery emphasize destructive power. False testimony devastates like physical weapons. Lies injure profoundly - destroying reputations, relationships, lives. The ninth commandment ('Thou shalt not bear false witness') protects against this violence. Speech can wound as deeply as weapons; truthfulness is moral imperative.