Proverbs 6:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

Complete Jewish Bible:

winking his eyes, shuffling his feet, pointing with his fingers.

Berean Standard Bible:

winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.

American Standard Version:

That winketh with his eyes, that speaketh with his feet, That maketh signs with his fingers;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

He winketh^{H7169} with his eyes^{H5869}, he speaketh^{H4448} with his feet^{H7272}, he teacheth^{H3384} with his fingers^{H676};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 6:13

Proverbs 6:13 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to the wisdom of King Solomon, which warns against various forms of dishonesty and deception. The verse itself uses a series of vivid metaphors to describe a person who is not to be trusted, engaging in non-verbal communication that signals deceit and malicious intent.

The historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, which sought to convey ethical teachings and practical advice for living a virtuous life. These teachings were often passed down orally before being compiled into written form. Proverbs 6:13 falls within a section that begins with a warning against surety or cosigning a loan for a friend, and then transitions into a description of the characteristics of a wicked person.

In the verse, "He winketh with his eyes" suggests sly, secretive communication, implying an underhanded agreement or sharing of information that should not be disclosed. "He speaketh with his feet" personifies the body part, indicating that his actions (or where he goes) speak louder than his words, possibly alluding to a person who does not follow through on commitments or who flees from responsibility. Lastly, "he teacheth with his fingers" could be interpreted as using gestures to convey messages, perhaps in a manipulative or instructive way, as if teaching others through example or subtle signs to engage in deceitful behavior.

Overall, Proverbs 6:13 encapsulates the theme of recognizing and avoiding untrustworthy individuals. It uses metaphorical language to highlight the importance of discernment in interpersonal relationships and the need to be wary of those who communicate deceptively through their actions rather than transparently with their words. This verse serves as a caution to be aware of the non-verbal cues that may indicate a person's true, and potentially harmful, intentions.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7169
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרַץ
   Transliteration: qârats
   Pronunciation: kaw-rats'
   Description: a primitive root; to pinch, i.e. (partially) to bite the lips, blink the eyes (as a gesture of malice), or (fully) to squeeze off (a piece of clay in order to mould a vessel from it); form, move, wink.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).
   
3. Strong's Number: H4448
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָלַל
   Transliteration: mâlal
   Pronunciation: maw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to speak (mostly poetical) or say; say, speak, utter.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7272
   There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֶגֶל
   Transliteration: regel
   Pronunciation: reh'-gel
   Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3384
   There are 75 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָרָה
   Transliteration: yârâh
   Pronunciation: yaw-raw'
   Description: or (2 Chronicles 26:15) יָרָא; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach; ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.
   
6. Strong's Number: H676
   There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶצְבַּע
   Transliteration: ʼetsbaʻ
   Pronunciation: ets-bah'
   Description: from the same as צֶבַע (in the sense of grasping); something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe; finger, toe.