### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼivveleth**, represented by `{{H200}}`, denotes **silliness** and **folly**. It appears 25 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the same root as **ʼĕvîyl** `{{H191}}`, a word for a silly or perverse fool, `{{H200}}` describes a state of moral and intellectual foolishness that results in destructive behavior and negative consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, `{{H200}}` is shown to have tangible and detrimental effects. The foolishness of a person **perverteth** `{{H5557}}` his **way** `{{H1870}}`, leading his heart to **fretteth** `{{H2196}}` against the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Proverbs 19:3]]. This state is linked to character flaws, such as a person who is **hasty** `{{H7116}}` of spirit and thereby **exalteth** `{{H7311}}` folly [[Proverbs 14:29]]. The results are destructive, as a foolish `{{H200}}` woman **plucketh it down** `{{H2040}}` her own house [[Proverbs 14:1]]. In the Psalms, the word is used in personal confession, with the psalmist acknowledging his foolishness `{{H200}}` before **God** `{{H430}}` [[Psalms 69:5]] and linking it to his own suffering [[Psalms 38:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the nature and contrast of `ʼivveleth`:
* `{{H191}}` **ʼĕvîyl** (silly; fool(-ish) (man)): As the root word for `ʼivveleth`, it describes the person who embodies this folly. The foolishness `{{H200}}` of an `ʼĕvîyl` is so ingrained that even being brayed in a **mortar** `{{H4388}}` will not cause it to **depart** `{{H5493}}` from him [[Proverbs 27:22]].
* `{{H3684}}` **kᵉçîyl** (stupid or silly; fool(-ish)): This term is frequently paired with `ʼivveleth`. The folly `{{H200}}` of these fools `{{H3684}}` is described as **deceit** `{{H4820}}` [[Proverbs 14:8]], and they are known to **returneth** `{{H8138}}` to their folly `{{H200}}` as a **dog** `{{H3611}}` returns to his **vomit** `{{H6892}}` [[Proverbs 26:11]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom (in a good sense)): This word stands in direct opposition to `ʼivveleth`. While the wisdom `{{H2451}}` of the **prudent** `{{H6175}}` is to **understand** `{{H995}}` his way, the folly `{{H200}}` of fools is deceit [[Proverbs 14:8]].
* `{{H4148}}` **mûwçâr** (instruction, correction, discipline): Folly `{{H200}}` is what results from rejecting correction. Foolishness `{{H200}}` is **bound** `{{H7194}}` in a child's heart, but the **rod** `{{H7626}}` of correction `{{H4148}}` drives it away [[Proverbs 22:15]]. Conversely, someone who dies without instruction `{{H4148}}` will **go astray** `{{H7686}}` in the greatness of his folly `{{H200}}` [[Proverbs 5:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H200}}` is significant, portraying it as a serious moral deficiency.
* **A Moral Failing:** `ʼivveleth` is not merely an intellectual lack but a moral condition. It is explicitly equated with **sin** `{{H2403}}` [[Proverbs 24:9]] and leads a person's heart to **fretteth** `{{H2196}}` against the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Proverbs 19:3]].
* **A Stubborn Condition:** Scripture portrays `ʼivveleth` as a deep-seated characteristic. It is **bound** `{{H7194}}` in the **heart** `{{H3820}}` of a **child** `{{H5288}}` [[Proverbs 22:15]] and is so persistent that it cannot be easily removed, even with harsh measures [[Proverbs 27:22]].
* **Destructive Consequences:** The outworking of `ʼivveleth` is consistently destructive and self-sabotaging. It causes a person to tear down their own life [[Proverbs 14:1]], leads to **shame** `{{H3639}}` [[Proverbs 18:13]], and ultimately results in death without **instruction** `{{H4148}}` [[Proverbs 5:23]].
* **Connection to Hasty Anger:** `ʼivveleth` is closely tied to a lack of self-control. One who is **hasty** `{{H7116}}` of **spirit** `{{H7307}}` **exalteth** `{{H7311}}` folly [[Proverbs 14:29]], and a man who is **soon angry** (`{{H7116}}`, `{{H639}}`) is described as dealing foolishly [[Proverbs 14:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H200}}` is far more than simple silliness; it represents a profound moral and spiritual defect. It is characterized by destructive actions, resistance to correction, and a tendency to pervert one's own path away from wisdom. As presented in scripture, `ʼivveleth` stands as a stark warning about the grave consequences of rejecting instruction and embracing a life of moral foolishness that ultimately leads to ruin and shame.
TRV