Proverbs Chapter 6 · Verse 18
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֗ב
An heart
H3820
לֵ֗ב
An heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
חֹ֭רֵשׁ
that deviseth
H2790
חֹ֭רֵשׁ
that deviseth
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
2 of 8
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
imaginations
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
imaginations
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
3 of 8
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
אָ֑וֶן
wicked
H205
אָ֑וֶן
wicked
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
4 of 8
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
רַגְלַ֥יִם
feet
H7272
רַגְלַ֥יִם
feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
5 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
מְ֝מַהֲר֗וֹת
that be swift
H4116
מְ֝מַהֲר֗וֹת
that be swift
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
Cross References
Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.Proverbs 1:16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Romans 3:15Their feet are swift to shed blood:Isaiah 59:7Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.Psalms 36:4He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.Proverbs 24:8He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.Zechariah 8:17And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.Micah 2:1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.
Historical Context
Continues the list of abominations (v.16-19). Ancient wisdom recognized sin's origin in internal thought-life, requiring not just behavior modification but heart transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- What wicked imaginations does your heart devise that haven't yet been acted upon?
- How does the gospel address the heart-level sins that precede outward actions?
Analysis & Commentary
A heart that devises wicked imaginations - internal thought-life manufacturing evil schemes. The verse exposes sin's origin in the heart's planning before expression in conduct. Jesus teaches that external sins flow from internal corruption (Matt 15:19). The 'devising' suggests creativity applied to evil - fallen human reason invents new ways of sinning. This requires heart transformation through regeneration.