Proverbs 1:17
Proverbs 1:17 in Multiple Translations
How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
For in vain is the net spread In the sight of any bird:
Truly, to no purpose is the net stretched out before the eyes of the bird:
There's no point in trying to lure birds into a net when they can see it.
Certainely as without cause the net is spred before the eyes of all that hath wing:
Surely in vain is the net spread out before the eyes of any bird.
For the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird;
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
But a net is spread in vain before the eyes of them that have wings.
It is useless to put out a ◄trap/net to catch a bird► because when a bird sees it, it stays away from it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
חִ֭נָּם
מְזֹרָ֣ה
הָ/רָ֑שֶׁת
בְּ֝/עֵינֵ֗י
כָל
בַּ֥עַל
כָּנָֽף
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חִ֭נָּם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
מְזֹרָ֣ה
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Pual-Inf-c
הָ/רָ֑שֶׁת
resheth
H7568
net
Art | N-fs
בְּ֝/עֵינֵ֗י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בַּ֥עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
כָּנָֽף
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:17
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חִ֭נָּם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
מְזֹרָ֣ה
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
הָ/רָ֑שֶׁת
resheth
H7568
"net"
Art | N-fs
A net used for catching animals, but also a symbol of judgment or a trap. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it describes a net that can snare people. The tabernacle even had a network of bronze for its altar.
Definition: 1) net 1a) net 1a1) for catching 1a2) of judgment (fig) 1a3) of leaders leading people to sin 1a4) as a trap for man 1b) network (brazen-for altar of tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: net(-work). See also: Exodus 27:4; Psalms 57:7; Psalms 9:16.
בְּ֝/עֵינֵ֗י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בַּ֥עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
כָּנָֽף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:17
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:17
Context — The Enticement of Sin
15my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path.
16For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood.
17How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!
18But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. 19Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 35:11 | who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’ |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:23 | until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare— not knowing it will cost him his life. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 8:7 | Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
Proverbs 1:17 Summary
This verse is saying that it's pointless to try to trick or deceive someone who is already aware of what's going on. It's like trying to catch a bird with a net that the bird can see - it's just not going to work. As it says in Proverbs 10:9, the integrity of the upright guides them, and in Psalms 119:160, the entirety of your word is truth. Instead of trying to manipulate or deceive others, we should strive to be honest and transparent in our interactions with them, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25, and cultivate a spirit of integrity and trustworthiness, just like the Bible teaches in Proverbs 28:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea behind Proverbs 1:17?
The main idea is that it's pointless to try to trap or deceive someone who is aware of the trap, as it is written, 'How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it!' This concept is also seen in Proverbs 12:13, where it warns about the consequences of evil plans.
Is this verse talking about literal birds and nets?
No, this verse is using a metaphor to illustrate a point about human behavior, similar to how Jesus used parables in the Gospel of Matthew 13:1-23 to teach spiritual truths.
How does this verse relate to the context of the surrounding verses?
The surrounding verses, such as Proverbs 1:15-16, warn against walking with evil people and shedding blood, and Proverbs 1:18-19, talk about the consequences of greed, so Proverbs 1:17 is saying that it's foolish to try to catch or deceive someone who is already aware of the danger, and it's better to avoid evil altogether, as seen in Psalms 1:1-2.
What can we learn from this verse about our daily lives?
We can learn that honesty and transparency are important, and trying to deceive or manipulate others will ultimately fail, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, which says that the integrity of the upright guides them, and it's better to be open and truthful in our interactions with others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be trying to 'spread a net' in my own life, and how can I be more honest and transparent?
- How can I apply the principle of not trying to deceive or manipulate others in my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some potential consequences of trying to trap or deceive others, and how can I avoid these consequences in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of honesty and integrity, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:17 and other scriptures, such as Proverbs 28:18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:17
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. Or "without cause" (y), as the word is rendered in Proverbs 1:11; and so the words are an illustration of the preceding; showing that the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:17
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. (Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird) - Hebrew, 'any master of a wing,' (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
The design of these words is to set forth the folly of these men by the similitude of a bird, which yet is very variously applied and understood by divers interpreters. But I shall not confound the reader with the rehearsal of them. This clause, in vain, upon the understanding whereof the whole depends, may be understood, either, 1. In respect of the fowler. So the sense is, The fowler who spreads his net in the sight of the bird loseth his labour, because the bird, perceiving the danger, will not be tempted to come to the bait, but flees away from it. But, or yet, these (as the first words of the next verse may well be, and by the Chaldee translator are, rendered) are more foolish than the silly birds; and though they are not ignorant of the danger and mischief which these evil courses will bring upon themselves, which I have here represented, yet they will not take warning, but madly rush upon their own ruin. Or, 2. In respect of the bird. So the sense is, The silly bird, although it see the spreading of the net, yet is not at all instructed and cautioned by it, but through the greediness of the bait rusheth upon it, and is taken by it. And these men are not one jot wiser, but albeit they know and find that by these practices they expose themselves to the justice of the magistrate, and to the vengeance of God, the sad effects whereof they daily see in the destruction of their brethren in iniquity, yet they will boldly and madly run themselves into the same miseries.
Both ways the sense comes to the same,
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
Proverbs 1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.Ver. 17. Surely in vain the net.] Which is to say, Silly birds pick up the meat, but see not the net, and so become a prey to the fowler. If the fruits of the flesh grow out of the trees of your hearts, saith blessed Bradford, surely, surely the devil is at inn with you; you are his birds, whom when he hath well fed, he will broach you, and eat you, chew you, and champ you, world without end, in eternal woe and misery. Sermon of Repent., p. 70.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
(17) Surely in vain . . .—The second reason: their folly in so doing, for God will bring punishment upon them; in the “same net which they hid privily will their foot be taken “(Psalms 9:15). Even birds are wiser than they. It is useless to spread a net in the sight of any bird.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
Verse 17. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.] This is a proverb of which the wise man here makes a particular use; and the meaning does not seem as difficult as some imagine. The wicked are represented as lurking privily for the innocent. It is in this way alone that they can hope to destroy them and take their substance; for if their designs were known, proper precautions would be taken against them; for it would be vain to spread the net in the sight of those birds which men wish to ensnare. Attend therefore to my counsels, and they shall never be able to ensnare thee.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:17
17. in vain] Because, whereas by the certain destruction which it portends, the net ought to deter the bird from yielding to the solicitations of appetite, the temptation of the bait prevails, and the warning of the visible net is unheeded. “So,” in their unheeding regard of manifest warning, “are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain” . His devices against others (Proverbs 1:11-12) are really devices against himself Proverbs 1:18. “In the net which they hid is their own foot taken” (Psalms 9:15).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 1:17
Strictly speaking, this is the first proverb (i. e., similitude) in the book; a proverb which has received a variety of interpretations.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:17
17, 18. Surely in vain the net is spread — Meaning, I have warned you against their devices. I have uncovered the snares to your sight, and you surely will not be more foolish than the thoughtless bird.
Sermons on Proverbs 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Struggle Is Real by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the reality of the struggle to obey God's wisdom in his sermon 'The Struggle Is Real.' He discusses how wisdom, as outlined in Proverbs, is essential for m |
|
The Vain Self Flatteries of the Sinner by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the self-deception of wicked men who flatter themselves with hopes of escaping punishment until it overtakes them. He highlights the various ways sinne |
|
Being and Doing as God Enables by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgency of preparing for eternity and the folly of procrastination in spiritual matters. He warns against the trap of waiting for help that may never come |
|
Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
|
"Before the Last depression..." by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the warning signs that God may be sending to America through natural disasters and economic indicators, drawing parallels to past events like the Great Depre |
|
|
My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that God is doing something profound in the church and will bring about a deep purification in the coming year. The message is |
|
(In the Word) 15 - the World in the Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the word of God and not being swayed by old traditions or wrong teachings. He urges the listeners to |