Proverbs 20:20
Proverbs 20:20 in Multiple Translations
Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
If anyone puts a curse on his father or his mother, his light will be put out in the blackest night.
Anyone who curses their father or mother will have their light put out and end in utter darkness.
He that curseth his father or his mother, his light shalbe put out in obscure darkenes.
Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother, Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness.
Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.
Whoever curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
He that curseth his father, and mother, his lamp shall be put out in the midst of darkness.
If someone curses his father or his mother, his life will be ended, just like a lamp is extinguished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:20
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 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְ֭קַלֵּל
אָבִ֣י/ו
וְ/אִמּ֑/וֹ
יִֽדְעַ֥ךְ
נֵ֝ר֗/וֹ
ב/אישון
בֶּ/אֱשׁ֥וּן
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
מְ֭קַלֵּל
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִמּ֑/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
Conj | N-fs | Suff
יִֽדְעַ֥ךְ
dâʻak
H1846
to put out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נֵ֝ר֗/וֹ
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-ms | Suff
ב/אישון
ʼîyshôwn
H380
pupil
Prep | N-ms
בֶּ/אֱשׁ֥וּן
ʼîyshôwn
H380
pupil
Prep | N-ms
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
darkness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:20
מְ֭קַלֵּל
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
אָבִ֣י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אִמּ֑/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
יִֽדְעַ֥ךְ
dâʻak
H1846
"to put out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to put out or extinguish, like a flame or a life. It can also mean to dry up or be consumed, often used to describe the end of something.
Definition: 1) to go out, be extinguished, dry up 1a) (Qal) to go out, be extinguished 1b) (Niphal) to be made extinct, be dried up 1c) (Pual) to be extinguished, be quenched
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be extinct, consumed, put out, quenched. See also: Job 6:17; Psalms 118:12; Proverbs 13:9.
נֵ֝ר֗/וֹ
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-ms | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
ב/אישון
ʼîyshôwn
H380
"pupil"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the pupil of the eye, also meaning the middle of the night, is used in the Bible to describe something cherished, like the apple of God's eye in Deuteronomy 32:10.
Definition: 1) pupil of the eye 2) middle of the night (that is the deepest blackness)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), black, obscure. See also: Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2; Psalms 17:8.
בֶּ/אֱשׁ֥וּן
ʼîyshôwn
H380
"pupil"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the pupil of the eye, also meaning the middle of the night, is used in the Bible to describe something cherished, like the apple of God's eye in Deuteronomy 32:10.
Definition: 1) pupil of the eye 2) middle of the night (that is the deepest blackness)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), black, obscure. See also: Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2; Psalms 17:8.
חֹֽשֶׁךְ
chôshek
H2822
"darkness"
N-ms
This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.
Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:20
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end. 22Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:17 | Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death. |
| 2 | Proverbs 30:11 | There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. |
| 3 | Matthew 15:4 | For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ |
| 4 | Proverbs 24:20 | For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished. |
| 5 | Leviticus 20:9 | If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him. |
| 6 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:17 | As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 9 | Exodus 20:12 | Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. |
| 10 | Matthew 25:8 | The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ |
Proverbs 20:20 Summary
This verse is saying that if we speak against or wish harm on our parents, we will lose our spiritual guidance and hope. It's like having a light in a dark room that gets turned off, leaving us in darkness. We are called to honor our parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12, and to speak kindly and respectfully to them, even if we disagree. By doing so, we can bring light and guidance to those around us, rather than darkness and confusion, and we can trust that God will bless our relationships and our lives, as seen in Ephesians 6:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to curse one's father or mother?
To curse one's father or mother means to speak against them or wish harm upon them, which is a serious offense against God's command to honor one's parents, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3.
What is the significance of the lamp being extinguished in deepest darkness?
The image of the lamp being extinguished in deepest darkness suggests a loss of spiritual guidance and hope, leaving one in a state of confusion and despair, similar to what is described in Proverbs 4:19.
Is this verse only talking about physical parents, or can it apply to spiritual authorities as well?
While the primary focus of this verse is on physical parents, the principle of honoring authority can also be applied to spiritual leaders and those in positions of authority, as seen in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
What is the consequence of disobeying this command?
The consequence of disobeying this command is not only the loss of spiritual guidance, but also the potential for physical and emotional harm, as well as damage to one's relationships and reputation, as seen in Proverbs 10:32 and Proverbs 12:13.
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently speak about my parents, and is my speech honoring to them and to God?
- In what ways can I show honor and respect to my parents, even if we disagree or have difficult relationships?
- What are some ways that I can seek to bring light and guidance to those around me, rather than darkness and confusion?
- How can I balance the desire to speak truth and stand up for what is right with the need to speak with kindness and respect, especially towards those in authority?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother,.... This is dreadful indeed!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:20
Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
Or his mother, Heb. and his mother; which is used for or, , and elsewhere. His lamp; his comfort and happiness, his name and memory, which are oft compared in Scripture to a lamp or light; shall be put out in obscure darkness; shall utterly perish; he shall die childless, and with ignominy.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.Ver. 20. Whoso curseth his father, &c.] Parents usually give their children sweet and savoury counsel; but they, for want of grace, listen rather to flatterers and whisperers, vilipending their parents’ advice, and vilifying them for the same, as Eli’ s sons did. His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.] Heb., In blackness of darkness. These are those "raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." All exquisite torment such are sure of in hell, whom the Holy Ghost curseth in such an emphatic manner, in such exquisite terms; besides the extreme misery they are likely here to meet with, who, when they ought to be "a lamp" to their parents, 1 Kings 15:4 as Abner was, or by his name should have been - do seek to put out their lamp, to cast a slur upon them, and to "quench their coal that is left," as she said, 2 Samuel 14:7. It may very well be that the temporal judgment here threatened, is, that such a graceless child shall die childless, and that there shall be Nullus cui lampada tradat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
(20) His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.—See above, on Proverbs 13:9.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
Verse 20. Whoso curseth his father] Such persons were put to death under the law; see Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9, and here it is said, Their lamp shall be put out-they shall have no posterity; God shall cut them off both root and branch.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:20
20. obscure darkness] Better, the blackest darkness, R.V. Lit. the pupil (of the eye) of darkness (comp. “in the pupil of night,” Proverbs 7:9, and note): i.e. in the darkest part, as the pupil is of the eye, of darkness. There is a trace of this in the version here of the LXX., αἱδὲκόραιτῶνὀφθαλμῶναὐτοῦὄψονταισκότος. In our present Hebrew Bibles, however, the word is corrected in the text to be read into a word which is not found elsewhere, and the meaning of which is uncertain. Vulg. in mediis tenebris.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:20
A connecting link between Leviticus 20:9 and Matthew 15:4. The words, “his lamp shall be put out,” describe the failure of outward happiness.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:20
20. Whose curseth his father or his mother — The word may mean, either by speaking of them lightly or contemptuously, or especially uttering against them imprecations, and thus in the boldest manner
Sermons on Proverbs 20:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Proverbs) ch.19:5 - 20:6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the consequences of lying and the importance of following God's laws. He emphasizes that no one can escape the punishment for their sins, as |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Lips by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's calling. He uses the analogy of hunting for God, stating that sometimes we can los |
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Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 2 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon finds himself in a seemingly impossible situation, with the enemy strongly entrenched and very li |
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Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 1 by Don Courville | This sermon emphasizes the power of blessings over curses, highlighting the importance of praying blessings over others, breaking curses with blessings, and seeking God's blessings |
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Teaching Your Children - Seven Sins to Avoid by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to prioritize waiting on the Lord amidst a distracting world. He shares a vision of families at home, waiting on God, and s |
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Defiling the Temple of God by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical issue of defiling the temple of God, which he clarifies is not about physical buildings but about the hearts of believers. He reflects on Pro |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, an |