Proverbs 20:21
Proverbs 20:21 in Multiple Translations
An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; But the end thereof shall not be blessed.
A heritage may be got quickly at first, but the end of it will not be a blessing.
Wealth gained too soon won't do you any good in the end.
An heritage is hastely gotten at the beginning, but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
An inheritance gotten wrongly at first, Even its latter end is not blessed.
An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning won’t be blessed in the end.
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end of it shall not be blessed.
The inheritance gotten hastily in the beginning, in the end shall be without a blessing.
If you very quickly take the property that your parents promise will be yours after they die, you will not receive any good/blessing from it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:21
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 20:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֭חֲלָה
מבחלת
מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
לֹ֣א
תְבֹרָֽךְ
נַ֭חֲלָה
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs
מבחלת
bâchal
H973
to loath
V-Pual-Inf-c
מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת
bâhal
H926
to dismay
V-Pual-Inf-c
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Prep | Adj
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Conj | N-fs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְבֹרָֽךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Pual-Imperf-3fs
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 20:21
נַ֭חֲלָה
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
מבחלת
bâchal
H973
"to loath"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This word means to gain something quickly, often through greedy or selfish means. In some contexts, it can also mean to abhor or reject something, as seen in Psalm 119:163.
Definition: to loathe, abhor, feel loathing
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: abhor, get hastily (from the margin for H926 (בָּהַל)). See also: Proverbs 20:21; Zechariah 11:8.
מְבֹהֶ֣לֶת
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
בָּ/רִאשֹׁנָ֑ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Prep | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וְ֝/אַחֲרִיתָ֗/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
לֹ֣א
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.
תְבֹרָֽךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Pual-Imperf-3fs
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:21
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
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. 23Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:9 | Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:22 | A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. |
| 3 | Proverbs 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished. |
| 4 | Habakkuk 2:6 | Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:8 | He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. |
| 6 | Proverbs 23:4 | Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:22 | A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him. |
| 8 | Malachi 2:2 | If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to honor My name,” says the LORD of Hosts, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already begun to curse them, because you are not taking it to heart. |
| 9 | Job 27:16–17 | Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent. |
| 10 | Zechariah 5:4 | I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” |
Proverbs 20:21 Summary
This verse teaches us that getting rich or acquiring possessions quickly is not always a blessing. In fact, it can lead to problems and troubles in the end. This is because when we get something quickly, we may not appreciate its value or learn to take care of it properly, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5. Instead, we should focus on working hard, being patient, and trusting in God's provision, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to gain an inheritance quickly?
Gaining an inheritance quickly refers to acquiring wealth or possessions suddenly, often through unexpected means, such as a lottery win or an unexpected inheritance, as seen in Proverbs 28:20, which warns against getting rich quickly through dishonest means.
Why won't an inheritance gained quickly be blessed in the end?
An inheritance gained quickly may not be blessed in the end because it can lead to a lack of gratitude, responsibility, and stewardship, as seen in Luke 12:15, where Jesus warns against greed and the dangers of wealth.
How can I ensure that my inheritance is blessed?
To ensure that your inheritance is blessed, it's essential to prioritize hard work, patience, and faithfulness, as seen in Proverbs 10:4-5, which encourages diligence and responsible behavior.
What is the biblical perspective on inheritance and wealth?
The Bible teaches that wealth and inheritance are gifts from God, and we are called to be faithful stewards of what we have been given, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus teaches the parable of the talents.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of gratitude and responsibility for the blessings I have received?
- How can I prioritize faithfulness and patience in my pursuit of wealth and possessions?
- What are some potential dangers of gaining wealth or possessions quickly, and how can I avoid them?
- What does it mean to be a faithful steward of my resources, and how can I apply this principle in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning,.... Of a man's setting out in the world in trade and business; and which sometimes is got lawfully, and this must be excepted from this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. An inheritance (may be) gotten hastily, [so the Qeri' reads, mªbohelet (H926); cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; an estate sometimes is got suddenly, in the very beginning of a man’ s labours for it; in which case it may be presumed that some indirect and unrighteous courses were used for the getting of it, because riches are very seldom given by God, or gotten by men, without men’ s diligence. But this, as well as many other proverbs, are to be understood of the common course, although it admit of some exceptions. For sometimes merchants or others get great estates speedily by one happy voyage, or by some other prosperous event. This translation follows the Hebrew marginal reading, but according to the textual reading it may be thus rendered and understood; An inheritance gotten in the beginning (to wit, of a man’ s endeavours) is abominable, to wit, unto God, being supposed to be unjustly gotten, as was now said. The end thereof shall not be blessed; at last it shall be cursed and wither by God’ s just judgment.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
Proverbs 20:21 An inheritance [may be] gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.Ver. 21. An inheritance may be gotten hastily, &c.] By wishing and working the death of parents, or by any other evil arts whatsoever. See an instance hereof in Achan, Ahab, Gehazi, Adonijah’ s leaping into the throne without his father’ s leave. Jehoahaz also, the younger son of Josiah, would needs be king after his father, putting by his eldest brother, Jehoiakim; but he was soon put down again, and put into bands by Pharaohnechoh. He portrayed the ambitionist to the life, that pictured him snatching at a crown, and falling, with this motto, Sic mea fata sequor. So I am followed by fate.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
(21) The end thereof shall not be blessed.—Comp. Proverbs 28:20 : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belonging to his brother.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
Verse 21. An inheritance - gotten hastily] Gotten by speculation; by lucky hits; not in the fair progressive way of traffic, in which money has its natural increase. All such inheritances are short-lived; God's blessing is not in them, because they are not the produce of industry; and they lead to idleness, pride, fraud, and knavery. A speculation in trade is a public nuisance and curse. How many honest men have been ruined by such!
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:21
21. hastily] Comp. Proverbs 28:20; Proverbs 28:22.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:21
Or, An inheritance gotten hastily (greedily sought after by unjust means) at the beginning, the end thereof shall not be blessed.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:21
21. Inheritance… gotten hastily — It is implied that the hastily gotten wealth is gotten unfairly — by some dishonest or dishonourable means — in consequence of which God’s blessing does not
Sermons on Proverbs 20:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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(Basics) 46. the Love of Money Is Evil by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of a girl's change of heart towards two different young men to illustrate how our love for money and material things can be replaced by a |
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(Basics) 47. Give Back What Belongs to Others by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of the love of money and material possessions. He references the story of Zacchaeus, who repented and decided to return four tim |
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Prove Me Now - Part 7 by Keith Daniel | This sermon addresses the destructive nature of alcoholism and the responsibility of Christians, especially preachers, to avoid causing others to stumble by their actions. It empha |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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Sanctification by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking and standing for truth in a world filled with misinformation. He highlights that while there is an abundance of in |
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How Om Runs - a Simple Lifestyle by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving and generosity in the life of a Christian. He starts by discussing the reasons why Christians should give, including |