אִוֶּ֫לֶת (iv.ve.let)
iv.ve.let
folly
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ivveleth denotes a deep-seated lack of wisdom, often translated as folly or foolishness. It appears twenty-two times in the Old Testament, with the vast majority of occurrences found in the book of Proverbs. The word describes not merely a momentary lapse in judgment, but a persistent character trait that leads to poor decisions and negative consequences.
While it generally aligns with simple silliness or moral failure, the term carries significant weight in wisdom literature. For instance, Proverbs 14:24 contrasts the wise, who gain knowledge, with fools whose "folly is folly," highlighting how this mindset blinds individuals to truth. Similarly, Proverbs 26:11 compares a fool returning to his folly to a dog returning to its vomit, illustrating the repetitive and self-destructive nature of this condition.
Its etymological root connects it to the word for a "fool" (evil), reinforcing the idea that ivveleth is an inherent quality rather than an isolated error. In Psalm 38:5, the psalmist refers to his own sins as his "folly," suggesting that this term can also encompass moral transgressions and impiety alongside intellectual weakness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ivveleth describes more than simple ignorance; it points to a stubborn refusal to accept wisdom or correction. In Proverbs, this trait is often linked to moral failure and poor judgment that leads to self-destruction. It suggests a heart that is closed to guidance, preferring its own limited perspective over truth.
Recognizing this tendency in ourselves allows for growth rather than shame. The Bible acknowledges that folly can be deeply rooted, even in children, but it also offers hope through discipline and instruction. By seeking understanding and remaining teachable, we protect our hearts from the isolating effects of foolishness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- foolishness10×
- foolishness/ his2×
- according to/ foolishness/ his2×
- [the] folly of2×
- [is] folly2×
- in/ foolishness/ his1×
- and/ a foolish woman1×
- and/ [the] foolishness of1×
- [is] foolishness1×
- <in>/ foolishness/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִוֶּֽלֶת\׃7×
- כְּ/אִוַּלְתּ֑/וֹ2×
- אִוֶּ֣לֶת2×
- אִוֶּ֑לֶת2×
- אִ֭וֶּלֶת2×
- וְ֝/אִוֶּ֗לֶת1×
- וְ/אִוֶּ֖לֶת1×
- בְּ/אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- בְ/אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ\׃\ \פ1×
- אִוַּלְתּ֣/וֹ1×
- אִוֶּ֥לֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
This verse highlights that folly is deeply ingrained in human nature, requiring intentional discipline to correct.
-
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
The comparison to a dog returning to its vomit illustrates the repetitive and self-destructive cycle of unrepentant folly.
-
Proverbs 19:3
The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.
It shows how personal foolishness can lead to anger against God, revealing the spiritual danger of rejecting wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ivveleth mean?
How is ivveleth different from simple ignorance?
Where does this word appear most often in the Bible?
Can ivveleth be corrected?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 1 books)
Proverbs 22 verses
He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
Proverbs 12:23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
Proverbs 13:16Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
Proverbs 14:1Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
Proverbs 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 14:17He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
Proverbs 14:18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:24The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
Proverbs 14:29He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly.
Proverbs 15:14The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
Proverbs 15:21Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.
Proverbs 16:22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
Proverbs 17:12Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 18:13He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs 19:3The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.
Proverbs 22:15Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
Proverbs 24:9The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.
Proverbs 26:4Don’t answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
Proverbs 26:5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:11As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.
Proverbs 27:22Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.