Proverbs 13:8
Proverbs 13:8 in Multiple Translations
Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat.
The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening.
A man will give his wealth in exchange for his life; but the poor will not give ear to sharp words.
The rich can pay a ransom to save their lives, but the poor aren't troubled in this way.
A man will giue his riches for the ransome of his life: but the poore cannot heare ye reproch.
The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches, And the poor hath not heard rebuke.
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.
The ransom of a man's life is his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but he that is poor beareth not reprehension.
Rich people are able to pay people who want to kill them, with the result that they will be protected, not killed, but poor people do not have to worry about that because no one threatens to kill them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:8
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 13:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֣פֶר
נֶֽפֶשׁ
אִ֣ישׁ
עָשְׁר֑/וֹ
וְ֝/רָ֗שׁ
לֹא
שָׁמַ֥ע
גְּעָרָֽה
כֹּ֣פֶר
kôpher
H3724
ransom
N-ms
נֶֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
עָשְׁר֑/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/רָ֗שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
Conj | V-Qal
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
גְּעָרָֽה
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
rebuke
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:8
כֹּ֣פֶר
kôpher
H3724
"ransom"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
נֶֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עָשְׁר֑/וֹ
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
וְ֝/רָ֗שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
Conj | V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
גְּעָרָֽה
gᵉʻârâh
H1606
"rebuke"
N-fs
A rebuke is a stern warning or correction, often given to someone who has done wrong. It is a way of reproof, aiming to guide the person back to the right path.
Definition: a rebuke, reproof
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: rebuke(-ing), reproof. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Proverbs 13:8; Psalms 18:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:8
Context — A Father’s Discipline
6Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.
7One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. 10Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 16:26 | What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 2 | 1 Peter 1:18–19 | For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. |
| 3 | Psalms 49:6–10 | They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, that he should live on forever and not see decay. For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 24:14 | He carried into exile all Jerusalem—all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained. |
| 5 | Job 2:4 | “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give up all he owns in exchange for his life. |
| 6 | Zephaniah 3:12 | But I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD. |
| 7 | Exodus 21:30 | If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 41:8 | But ten of the men among them said to Ishmael, “Do not kill us, for we have hidden treasure in the field—wheat, barley, oil, and honey!” So he refrained from killing them with the others. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 25:12 | But the captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields. |
| 10 | Proverbs 6:35 | He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. |
Proverbs 13:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that having a lot of money can sometimes protect a person from harm, but being poor can also mean that you have less to lose and therefore may not be as afraid of threats. As the Bible teaches in Psalm 37:3, we should trust in the Lord and do good, and He will provide for us and give us the desires of our heart. It's also important to remember that our true security and worth come from God, not from our wealth or status, as seen in 1 Peter 3:3-4 where it says that our beauty should not come from outward adornment, but from the inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'riches may ransom a man’s life' in Proverbs 13:8?
This phrase suggests that having wealth can sometimes save a person from physical harm or death, as seen in situations where a ransom is paid to spare a life, similar to the concept in Exodus 21:30 where a person's life can be ransomed for a price.
Is this verse saying that being poor is better than being rich?
Not necessarily, as the Bible teaches that both poverty and wealth have their own set of challenges and dangers, as seen in Proverbs 30:8-9 where the writer asks for neither poverty nor riches, and in 1 Timothy 6:10 where the love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual poverty?
While the verse is speaking about physical poverty, the concept of spiritual poverty is also important, as Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' in Matthew 5:3, highlighting the importance of humility and recognition of one's spiritual need.
What does it mean that 'a poor man hears no threat' in this context?
This phrase likely means that a person who is already poor has less to lose and therefore may not be intimidated by threats of financial loss or hardship, as they are already in a state of vulnerability, similar to the situation described in Luke 6:20 where Jesus says 'Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God'.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think the ability to pay a ransom for one's life can affect a person's sense of security and trust in God?
- In what ways can wealth or the lack of it influence our relationships and interactions with others, and how can we maintain a biblical perspective in these situations?
- What are some potential spiritual dangers associated with being rich or poor, and how can we guard against these in our own lives?
- How does the concept of spiritual poverty relate to our daily lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to cultivate humility and recognition of our spiritual need?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:8
The ransom of a man's life [are] his riches,.... As Benhadad's were to him, when he was in the hands of the king of Israel, 1 Kings 20:34; and as the treasures the ten men had in the field were to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:8
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. The ransom of a man's life (are) his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
This verse sets forth, either, 1. The several advantages of riches and poverty. Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from those rebukes and injuries which endanger and oft destroy the rich. Or, 2. The convenience of poverty above riches. Riches frequently expose men to the peril of losing their lives by false accusers, or thieves, or tyrants, which they are forced to redeem with the loss of their riches; whereas poverty commonly secures men not only from such kinds of death, but even from rebukes and injuries; partly because such persons are cautious that they may not offend or provoke others; and partly because their persons and actions are neglected and slighted, and they are esteemed objects of pity.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
Proverbs 13:8 The ransom of a man’ s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. Ver. 8. The ransom of a man’ s life are his riches.] They may help a man out at a dead lift, and get him a release out of captivity, or a lease of his life. "Slay us not," say they, "for we have treasures in the field. So he forebore, and slew them not among their brethren." Some read it thus: ‘ The price of a man’ s life are his riches.’ It costs him his life that he is rich; as Naboth, and as many Turkish viziers. In the days of Caligula the tyrant, publicum crimen fuit divitem fuisse, it was crime enough to be rich. And in the reign of Henry II of France, many were burned for religion, as was pretended; but indeed to satiate the covetousness of Diana Valentina, the king’ s mistress, to whom he had given all the confiscations of goods made in the kingdom for cause of heresy. But the poor heareth not rebuke.] He escapes many times as not considerable, as not worth a chiding, as under law. In a tragedy there is no place for a poor man but only to dance, as Arian hath observed upon Epictetus. Dio. in Calig.
Hist. of Council of Trent, 387.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
(8) The ransom of a man’s life are his riches.—In times of trouble he may have to give them all to save his life. For the spiritual sense comp. Luke 16:9. But the poor heareth not rebuke.—Or, threatening. (Comp. Job 3:18; Job 39:7.) He has no need to regard it; his poverty and insignificance are his protection.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
Verse 8. The ransom of a man's life] Those who have riches have often much trouble with them; as they had much trouble to get them, so they have much trouble to keep them. In despotic countries, a rich man is often accused of some capital crime, and to save his life, though he may be quite innocent, is obliged to give up his riches; but the poor, in such countries, are put to no trouble.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:8
8. heareth] i.e. heedeth. Comp. Proverbs 13:1. rebuke] Rather threatening; ἀπειλήν, LXX. If wealth has its advantage in enabling its possessor to purchase deliverance from danger and death (as, for example, by paying a ransom to robbers, or a fine or bribe in a court of justice), so has poverty in conferring immunity from the perils by which the rich are threatened: cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:8
On the one side is the seeming advantage of wealth. The rich man who gets out of many troubles often escapes from a just retribution by his money.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:8
8. Ransom… man’s life… riches — Under a crushing despotism wealth sometimes causes men to be accused of serious crimes in order to extort money from them.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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"Dow Jones and Revival" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jo |
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Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |
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Strengthen Me Just Once - Alternate 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine experience with God that requires sacrifice and dedication. He compares the pursuit of spiritual anointin |
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What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a lawyer who was led to Jesus Christ. The lawyer credits his salvation not to the preacher's sermon, but to a conversation he had |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin an |
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Take My Life (Compilation) by Compilations | In the sermon 'Take My Life (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our lives to God, highlighting that while we may gain worldly possessions, the true |