What Does Proverbs 8:14 Mean in the King James?

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

Proverbs 8:14 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The wisdom speaking here holds counsel, discernment, and strength as one capacity.

THE MEANING

Wisdom is not only a voice that gives counsel; she is understanding and strength too. What becomes clear is joined to the capacity to meet it, because both belong to the same source.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that seeing clearly leaves you powerless: the wisdom that gives counsel also possesses strength.

THE ROOT

עֵצָה

ʿēṣāh

GROWS FROM

י־ע־ץ

To advise, deliberate, or give counsel.

The word translated “counsel” grows from the verb for advising or deliberating; its word family includes both the counsel given and the counselor. Wisdom speaks as the capacity that can shape a course and offer guidance within it.

ALSO GROWS

yaʿats: To advise or deliberate.

יָעַץ

The verb behind “counsel” shows that wisdom’s counsel involves active judgment, not merely a saying to remember.

yoʿets: Counselor or adviser.

יוֹעֵץ

This branch names the one who gives counsel, echoing Wisdom’s first-person voice in the verse.

בִּינָה

bināh

GROWS FROM

ב־י־ן

To discern or distinguish between things; hence, to understand.

The root carries the idea of discerning between things. Understanding is active distinction-making: Wisdom sees what differs and can therefore offer counsel that fits.

ALSO GROWS

bin: To discern or understand.

בִּין

This verb shows understanding as perception that distinguishes, the seeing within Wisdom’s counsel.

tevunah: Understanding, insight, or discernment.

תְּבוּנָה

This related noun reinforces that the verse presents discernment as part of Wisdom’s own nature.

גְּבוּרָה

gevūrāh

GROWS FROM

ג־ב־ר

To be strong or prevail.

This root connects strength with prevailing: its word family includes the mighty one and the strong person. The verse joins discernment to capacity, presenting strength as something Wisdom possesses, not a force separate from her.

ALSO GROWS

gibbor: Mighty one or warrior.

גִּבּוֹר

This branch shows the root’s sense of strength expressed as might.

gever: Man or strong person.

גֶּבֶר

This related word carries the same root’s association with strength and capacity.

THE PATTERN

In wisdom, counsel and understanding belong together with the strength to prevail.

With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

Job 12:13 · KJVThe verse gathers wisdom, strength, counsel, and understanding into the same source, just as Proverbs does.

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:2 · KJVWisdom, understanding, counsel, and might appear together as a unified set of capacities.

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:24 · KJVWisdom and power are named together, carrying the same union of insight and strength into the New Testament.

THE THREAD

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Isaiah 11:2 · KJV

Isaiah repeats the same Hebrew words translated “counsel” and “might” here, and pairs them with understanding. The echo shows these as joined capacities within Wisdom, rather than separate traits.

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