Proverbs Chapter 6 · Verse 19

Authorized King James Version

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A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Original Language Analysis

יָפִ֣יחַ that speaketh H6315
יָפִ֣יחַ that speaketh
Strong's: H6315
Word #: 1 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
כְּ֭זָבִים lies H3577
כְּ֭זָבִים lies
Strong's: H3577
Word #: 2 of 8
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
עֵ֣ד witness H5707
עֵ֣ד witness
Strong's: H5707
Word #: 3 of 8
concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
שָׁ֑קֶר A false H8267
שָׁ֑קֶר A false
Strong's: H8267
Word #: 4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
וּמְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ and he that soweth H7971
וּמְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ and he that soweth
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 5 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מְ֝דָנִ֗ים discord H4090
מְ֝דָנִ֗ים discord
Strong's: H4090
Word #: 6 of 8
a contest or quarrel
בֵּ֣ין H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's: H996
Word #: 7 of 8
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
אַחִֽים׃ among brethren H251
אַחִֽים׃ among brethren
Strong's: H251
Word #: 8 of 8
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

Analysis & Commentary

A false witness speaking lies and sowing discord among brethren conclude the abominations list. Both violate the ninth commandment and destroy community. False witness corrupts justice; sowing discord corrupts fellowship. That the list ends with sins against community suggests covenant community's importance. Individual piety must include communal responsibility - loving God requires loving neighbor.

Historical Context

Concludes seven abominations (vv.16-19) with sins destroying covenant community. Ancient Israel's justice system and social cohesion depended on truthful witness and brotherly unity.

Questions for Reflection