Proverbs 24:5
גֶּֽבֶר־חָכָ֥ם בַּעֹ֑וז וְאִֽישׁ־֝דַּ֗עַת מְאַמֶּץ־כֹּֽחַ׃
Construct Chains: גֶּֽבֶר־חָכָ֥ם and אִישׁ־דַּעַת
The verse opens with two construct chains: גֶּֽבֶר־חָכָ֥ם (“a wise man”) and אִישׁ־דַּעַת (“a man of knowledge”). In both, the first noun (גֶּבֶר, אִישׁ) is in construct form, grammatically bound to the following noun (חָכָם, דַּעַת). These constructions emphasize character through association, turning generic labels into enriched identities: one known for wisdom, the other for knowledge.
Spatial and Figurative Phrase: בַּעֹ֑וז
בַּעֹ֑וז is a prepositional phrase combining בְּ (“in”) and the noun עֹז (“strength,” “might”). The definite article is assimilated into the preposition, as seen in the vowel pointing. The phrase literally reads “in strength,” and metaphorically means “strong.” Thus, גֶּֽבֶר־חָכָ֥ם בַּעֹ֑וז = “a wise man is strong.”
Intensive Verb Form: מְאַמֶּץ
מְאַמֶּץ is a Piel participle of the root א־מ־ץ (“to be strong, to strengthen”), with a doubling dagesh in the second root letter (מ) signaling the Piel stem. The Piel intensifies the root idea — not just “to be strong,” but “to actively strengthen” or “to exert might.” As a participle, it functions adjectivally or nominally: “he who strengthens.”
Object of Strengthening: כֹּֽחַ
The word כֹּֽחַ (“strength,” “power”) is the direct object of the participle מְאַמֶּץ. This creates a vivid picture: the man of knowledge is not only strong but increases strength. The placement of כֹּֽחַ at the end highlights it climactically. The verse implies that knowledge contributes not only wisdom but reinforced capacity — a powerful link between intellect and action.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Proverbs 24:5
| Hebrew Form | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| גֶּבֶר־חָכָם | ג־ב־ר / ח־כ־ם | Construct chain | “Wise man” — subject of clause |
| בַּעֹז | ע־ז־ז | Prepositional phrase (ב + definite noun) | “In strength” — describing quality |
| אִישׁ־דַּעַת | א־נ־ש / י־ד־ע | Construct chain | “Man of knowledge” — parallel subject |
| מְאַמֶּץ | א־מ־ץ | Piel participle (ms) | “One who strengthens” — predicate |
| כֹּחַ | כ־ח־ח | Noun (ms) | “Strength” — direct object of participle |
Wisdom as Power Multiplier
This proverb teaches that inner wisdom and knowledge translate into real-world capability. Not only is the wise man strong, but the man of knowledge augments strength itself. The grammatical structures — construct chains, intensive stems, and word positioning — mirror the thematic force of the verse. Biblical Hebrew doesn’t merely state ideas — it structures them poetically to deepen their resonance.
