Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 21:13 in Multiple Translations
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.
He whose ears are stopped at the cry of the poor, will himself get no answer to his cry for help.
If you refuse to hear the cries of the poor, your cries won't be heard either.
He that stoppeth his eare at the crying of the poore, he shall also cry and not be heard.
Whoso is shutting his ear from the cry of the poor, He also doth cry, and is not answered.
Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.
Whoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
He that stoppeth his ear against the cry of the poor, shall also cry himself and shall not be heard.
There are people who refuse to listen when poor people cry out for help; but some day they themselves will cry out for help, and no one will hear them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:13
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 21:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֹטֵ֣ם
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
מִ/זַּעֲקַת
דָּ֑ל
גַּֽם
ה֥וּא
יִ֝קְרָ֗א
וְ/לֹ֣א
יֵעָנֶֽה
אֹטֵ֣ם
ʼâṭam
H331
to shutter
V-Qal
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
מִ/זַּעֲקַת
zaʻaq
H2201
outcry
Prep | N-fs
דָּ֑ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יִ֝קְרָ֗א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יֵעָנֶֽה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
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 21:13
אֹטֵ֣ם
ʼâṭam
H331
"to shutter"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to shut or close something, like lips or ears, and is used to describe stopping or blocking something, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to shut, shut up, close 1a) (Qal) to shut, stop (of lips) 1b) (Hiphil) of the wicked stopping their ears (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: narrow, shut, stop. See also: 1 Kings 6:4; Isaiah 33:15; Psalms 58:5.
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
מִ/זַּעֲקַת
zaʻaq
H2201
"outcry"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a loud cry or shriek, often expressing distress, like the outcry in Exodus 2:23. It can also describe a clamor or cry for help. In the Bible, it appears in various forms, such as crying out to God.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry 1b) cry of distress 1c) outcry, clamour
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:20; Isaiah 15:8; Proverbs 21:13.
דָּ֑ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יִ֝קְרָ֗א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יֵעָנֶֽה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:13
Context — The King’s Heart
11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. 15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:27 | Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need, but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:14 | For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:28 | Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. |
| 4 | Matthew 7:2 | For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. |
| 5 | James 2:13–16 | For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? |
| 6 | Matthew 18:30–35 | But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed. That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 34:16–17 | But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves. Therefore this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed Me; you have not proclaimed freedom, each man for his brother and for his neighbor. So now I proclaim freedom for you, declares the LORD—freedom to fall by sword, by plague, and by famine! I will make you a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. |
| 8 | Isaiah 58:6–9 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, |
| 9 | Isaiah 1:15–17 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” |
| 10 | Psalms 18:41 | They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer. |
Proverbs 21:13 Summary
This verse is saying that if we ignore the needs of others, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, God will ignore our needs when we cry out for help. This doesn't mean that God is mean or unforgiving, but rather that He wants us to live out our faith in practical ways, like caring for the poor and needy, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:31-46. When we choose to care for others, we are showing that we value and love them, just like God loves us. By doing so, we can experience God's mercy and justice in our own lives, as promised in Psalm 41:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to shut our ears to the cry of the poor?
It means to ignore or turn a deaf ear to those in need, which is contrary to God's command to love and care for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
Will God really not answer our cries for help if we ignore the poor?
According to Proverbs 21:13, yes, if we habitually disregard the needs of others, we can expect God to disregard our own cries for help, as He is a God of justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 34:15-18 and Isaiah 58:6-11.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the needs of those around us, especially the poor and vulnerable, and taking action to help them, as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46 and Luke 12:33-34.
Is this verse saying that God is punitive and unforgiving?
No, this verse is not saying that God is punitive and unforgiving, but rather that He is a God of justice and mercy, who calls us to live out our faith in practical ways, as seen in Micah 6:8 and James 1:27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically care for the poor and vulnerable in my community?
- How can I cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy for those in need?
- What are some distractions or excuses that might cause me to shut my ears to the cry of the poor, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the call to care for others, and what does this look like in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor,.... For want of bread; or, "of the weak", as the Septuagint and other versions; for want of help and protection, when in the greatest distress; and,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, when they cry out by reason of oppression or want, and beg relief from him, he also shall cry himself unto God or men, in his straits which God will bring upon him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Ver. 13. Whoso stoppeth his ear at the cry, &c.] This was fulfilled in Pharaoh; Haman; the rich glutton; Hatto, archbishop of Mentz; Mauricius, the emperor, and many others, who might have better provided for their own comfort in sickness, and other exigencies, had they been more pitiful to poor people. Whereas now, when they shall lie tossing and tumbling upon their sick beds, roaring as bulls, and "tabering upon their breasts," God will not hear them; men will say, It is good enough for them. All hearts, by a divine hand, will be strangely set off from the merciless, as it befell Sejanus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
(13) He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.—Because he showed no mercy. (Comp. Matthew 5:7; Matthew 18:30; James 2:13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
Verse 13. Whoso stoppeth his ears] See the conduct of the priest and Levite to the man who fell among thieves; and let every man learn from this, that he who shuts his ear against the cry of the poor, shall have the ear of God shut against his cry. The words are quite plain; there is no difficulty here.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:13
13. Whoso stoppeth his ears — Refuseth to listen to entreaty. Shall not be heard — His “cry” shall not be answered. It is implied that this shall happen because of his stopping his ears.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Love Who You See by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving others and treating them with justice and equality. They share a personal experience of witnessing the vast differen |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of li |
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Proverbs 21- Decisions Determine Destiny by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the consequences of wandering from the truth. It encourages repentance, obedience, and giving with a che |
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Why Our Prayers Aren't Answered by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the cry of the poor, as it can have consequences for oneself. The preacher suggests that God may be trying to |
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Hindrances to Prayer by Chad Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Luke 6:37-38, which teaches about not judging or condemning others, and the importance of forgiveness. The preacher emphasizes that if we ar |
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Disguised Blessings by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy, revealing that by blessing them, we are actually paving a path to greatness and abundance. He highlights how G |
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Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination) by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, |