Proverbs 21:22
Proverbs 21:22 in Multiple Translations
A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
A wise man goes up into the town of the strong ones, and overcomes its strength in which they put their faith.
The wise can overcome a city belonging to strong warriors, and tear down the fortress they trusted to protect them.
A wise man goeth vp into the citie of the mightie, and casteth downe the strength of the confidence thereof.
A city of the mighty hath the wise gone up, And bringeth down the strength of its confidence.
A wise man scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of its confidence.
The wise man hath scaled the city of the strong, and hath cast down the strength of the confidence thereof.
A wise army commander helps his troops climb over a wall to attack a city that is defended by a strong army, with the result that they are able to ◄get over/destroy► the high walls that their enemies trusted would protect them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:22
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 21:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עִ֣יר
גִּ֭בֹּרִים
עָלָ֣ה
חָכָ֑ם
וַ֝/יֹּ֗רֶד
עֹ֣ז
מִבְטֶחָֽ/ה
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
גִּ֭בֹּרִים
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חָכָ֑ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
וַ֝/יֹּ֗רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֹ֣ז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms
מִבְטֶחָֽ/ה
mibṭâch
H4009
confidence
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:22
עִ֣יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
גִּ֭בֹּרִים
gibbôwr
H1368
"mighty man"
Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
עָלָ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
חָכָ֑ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
וַ֝/יֹּ֗רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
עֹ֣ז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
מִבְטֶחָֽ/ה
mibṭâch
H4009
"confidence"
N-ms | Suff
Mibtach means a place of trust or confidence, like a refuge where one can feel secure and assured.
Definition: 1) trust, confidence, refuge 1a) act of confiding 1b) object of confidence 1c) state of confidence, security
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: confidence, hope, sure, trust. See also: Job 8:14; Proverbs 21:22; Psalms 40:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:22
Context — The King’s Heart
20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.
21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
23He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 24Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 7:19 | Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city. |
| 2 | Proverbs 24:5 | A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 | I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 20:16–22 | a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. Then the woman said, “Long ago they used to say, ‘Seek counsel at Abel,’ and that is how disputes were settled. I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” “Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.” Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 5:6–9 | Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David. ” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward. |
Proverbs 21:22 Summary
[Proverbs 21:22 means that a wise person can overcome even the strongest challenges by trusting in God's power and wisdom. This verse reminds us that our trust should be in God, not in our own strength or abilities (Psalm 20:7). By trusting in God, we can bring down the strongholds that are holding us back and live a life of victory and freedom (Romans 8:37).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'scale the city of the mighty' in Proverbs 21:22?
This phrase means to overcome or conquer the strongholds of the powerful, which can include spiritual strongholds as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4. A wise person, through their faith and trust in God, can bring down these strongholds.
How does a wise man pull down the stronghold in which they trust?
A wise man pulls down the stronghold by trusting in God and applying His wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
What kind of strongholds is Proverbs 21:22 referring to?
The strongholds in Proverbs 21:22 refer to the places of trust and confidence that people have, which can be either physical or spiritual, such as the strongholds of pride, fear, or unbelief, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7.
How can I apply Proverbs 21:22 to my life?
You can apply Proverbs 21:22 by trusting in God's power and wisdom to overcome the challenges and strongholds in your life, as seen in Philippians 4:13, where it says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Reflection Questions
- What are the strongholds in my life that I need to trust God to pull down?
- How can I apply the wisdom of God to overcome the challenges I am facing?
- What does it mean to trust in God's power and wisdom in my everyday life?
- How can I use my faith to bring down the spiritual strongholds that are hindering my walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:22
A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty,.... Which makes good what is elsewhere said, that "wisdom is better than strength", Ecclesiastes 9:16; and sometimes more is done by prudence and wisdom,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:22
A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
A wise man sealeth the city of the mighty; wisdom and policy is ofttimes more considerable and powerful than strength. The strength of the confidence thereof; the strongest forts, to which the citizens trust most for their defence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
Proverbs 21:22 A wise [man] scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.Ver. 22. A wise man scaleth the city of the miyhty.] Wisdom is that τοπαγχρεστον, which is profitable for all things; of singular and sovereign use, as in domestic and politic, so in military affairs and businesses. Here prudence is made out to be better than puissance, and one wise man to be too hard for many mighty, though got into the strongest garrisons. In war wisdom is better than strength, saith Solomon more than once. How did Archimedes hold out Syracuse against the Roman general by his singular skill and industry! And how many strong cities have been scaled and surprised by warlike wiles and stratagems! as Babylon by Cyrus first, and afterwards by Zopyrus, Jerusalem by Pompey, taking the opportunity of the seventh day, Sabbath, wherein he knew the superstitious Jews would not stir to defend themselves, and many others that might out of histories be instanced. Dio.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
Verse 22. A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty] Wisdom is in many respects preferable to strength, even in the case of defence. See what skill does in the fortification and reduction of strong places.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:22
22. While asserting the superiority of skill to force in actual warfare (comp. Joshua 8:3-29; Ecclesiastes 9:13-15), the proverb admits of higher applications. Comp. 2 Corinthians 10:4, where as Dean Plumptre (Speaker’s Comm.) suggests, πρὸςκαθαίρεσινὀχυρωμάτων, may be a reminiscence of the LXX. rendering here, καθεῖλετὸὀχύρωμα.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:22
Even in war, counsel does more than brute strength. So of the warfare which is carried on in the inner battlefield of the soul.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:22
22. The city of the mighty — ςιψ, (‘hir,) βαψιν (gibborim.) It may mean a very strong city, or a city defended by mighty men, or both.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai |
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Living Memorials by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of baptism as a symbol of deliverance from sin's penalty and power. He refers to Romans 6:1-4, explaining that it is not just |
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Cut Off Goliath's Head by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to God and pursuing holiness. He encourages the audience to confront and overcome their besetting si |
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The Original Meaning of Zion by George Warnock | George Warnock explores the original meaning of Zion, emphasizing its historical significance as a stronghold and the spiritual implications of David's actions in establishing a ro |