King James Version
Proverbs 25:18 in the King James Version says “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.”
Proverbs 25:18 · KJV
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. Withdraw: or, Let thy foot be seldom in weary: Heb. full of thee
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and a sword”
H2719drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
“arrow”
H2671properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
“and a sharp”
H8150to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
“A man”
H376a 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)
“that beareth”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
“witness”
H5707concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e., prince
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 25:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 25:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge