דָּֽרְבֹנָה H1861b
Goads, sharp-pointed implements; used metaphorically for piercing, directing words of wisdom
This plural form appears in Ecclesiastes's conclusion, where the Preacher compares wise sayings to goads. The metaphor is apt: just as an ox goad pricks the animal to move in the right direction, wisdom's words pierce the conscience and direct behavior. The comparison acknowledges that truth can be uncomfortable—goads hurt—but emphasizes their beneficial purpose. The Teacher also compares wise words to 'firmly embedded nails,' creating a dual image of both sharp motivation and secure foundation. This agricultural metaphor brings abstract wisdom into the realm of lived experience.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Ecclesiastes 12:11 states: 'The words of the wise are like goads,' acknowledging that wisdom often operates through discomfort and redirection rather than comfortable affirmation. The simile recognizes the painful but necessary work of wise counsel—it prods us away from destructive paths. Combined with the nail imagery, the verse suggests wisdom both moves us (goads) and anchors us (nails). This mixed metaphor captures wisdom's dual function: directing change while providing stability. 1×
AR["كَ-دَّرْبُونُوت"]·ben["প্রাণদণ্ডের-মতো"]·DE["[כדרבנות]"]·EN["are-like-goads"]·FR["כדרבנות"]·heb["כ-דרבונות"]·HI["अंकुशों-के-समान"]·ID["seperti-tongkat-penggiring"]·IT["come-il-sono-like-goads"]·jav["kados-penthul"]·KO["같이-채찍"]·PT["é-como-aguilhões"]·RU["как-стрекала,"]·ES["como-aguijones"]·SW["kama-miiba"]·TR["uvendireler-gibi"]·urd["پرانوں-کی-طرح"]
Related Senses
G0846 1. third-person pronoun reference (5552×)H???? 1. (4670×)H6213a 1. do, perform, act (2383×)G4160 1. do, act, perform (473×)H5221 1. Hifil: to strike in battle, smite enemies (362×)H0899b 1. garment, article of clothing (216×)H6213a 2. make, construct, fabricate (148×)H3772 1. cut a covenant / make a pact (97×)H5060 1. touch physically (Qal) (96×)H3615 1. complete a task (Piel) (85×)H3772 2. cut off / destroy (Hifil causative) (81×)H3920 1. capture, seize (Qal) (76×)H???? 12. (76×)H3772 3. be cut off / be eliminated (Niphal) (74×)H6213a 3. be done, be made (Niphal) (73×)G4160 2. make, construct, create (62×)H3847 1. Qal: put on, wear (60×)H8210 1. pour out (liquid/libation) (59×)G2440 1. garment or clothing (general) (54×)H4191 4. kill / put to death (Hifil causative) (50×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
[דָּֽרְבֹנָה] n.[f.] goad, only abs. pl., in sim. דִּבְרֵי חֲכָמִים כַּדָּ֣רְבֹנוֹת Ec 12:11 (cf. De Koh 434).