Proverbs 21:9
Proverbs 21:9 in Multiple Translations
Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
It is better to be living in an angle of the house-top, than with a bitter-tongued woman in a wide house.
It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with a contentious woman in a wide house.
Better to sit on a corner of the roof, Than [with] a woman of contentions and a house of company.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.
It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling women, and in a common house.
It is better to live in the corner of an attic/housetop by yourself than to live inside the house with a wife who is always nagging.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:9
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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֗וֹב
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
עַל
פִּנַּת
גָּ֑ג
מֵ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
וּ/בֵ֥ית
חָֽבֶר
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פִּנַּת
pinnâh
H6438
corner
N-fs
גָּ֑ג
gâg
H1406
roof
N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
midyân
H4079
contention
N-mp
וּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | N-ms
חָֽבֶר
cheber
H2267
spell
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 21:9
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
לָ/שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פִּנַּת
pinnâh
H6438
"corner"
N-fs
This word refers to a corner or an angle, like a pinnacle or a chief ruler. It's used in descriptions of buildings, cities, and leaders in the Bible, like in Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) corner 1a) corner (of square objects) 1b) corner (of ruler or chief-fig.) Also means: pen (פֵּן "Corner" H6434)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. See also: Exodus 27:2; Psalms 118:22; Proverbs 7:8.
גָּ֑ג
gâg
H1406
"roof"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for roof, or the top of an altar, like the one in the temple in Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) roof, top, housetop 1a) roof (of house) 1b) top (of altar of incense)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: roof (of the house), (house) top (of the house). See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 102:8.
מֵ/אֵ֥שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
midyân
H4079
"contention"
N-mp
Means contention or strife, describing a quarrel or dispute, as seen in the KJV translation of brawling or contention.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous). See also: Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 18:19.
וּ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
חָֽבֶר
cheber
H2267
"spell"
N-ms
This word refers to a society, association, or spell, and can also mean a magician or charmer. It appears in the Old Testament, including in the book of Deuteronomy, often in the context of forbidden practices. It can also refer to a group or company of people.
Definition: 1) association, company, band 2) shared, association, society 3) a magician, charmer, spell
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] charmer(-ing), company, enchantment, [idiom] wide. See also: Deuteronomy 18:11; Proverbs 25:24; Psalms 58:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:9
Context — The King’s Heart
7The violence of the wicked will sweep them away because they refuse to do what is just.
8The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
9Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
10The soul of the wicked man craves evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:13 | A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:19 | Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:15–16 | A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike— restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:24 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
| 5 | Proverbs 12:4 | A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones. |
| 6 | Proverbs 17:1 | Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:17 | Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. |
Proverbs 21:9 Summary
Proverbs 21:9 is saying that it's better to live in a small, isolated area than to live with someone who is always arguing and fighting. This doesn't mean that all wives are quarrelsome, but rather that living with someone who is always arguing can be very difficult. The Bible teaches that a good marriage is built on love, respect, and peace, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. By following God's principles for marriage, we can create a more peaceful and loving home, as seen in Proverbs 24:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to live on a corner of the roof in Proverbs 21:9?
In biblical times, the roof was a flat area where people could sleep or relax, so living on a corner of the roof means living in a small, isolated area, which is still preferable to living with a quarrelsome wife, as seen in Proverbs 21:9. This highlights the importance of a peaceful home, as emphasized in Proverbs 24:3-4.
Is Proverbs 21:9 saying that all wives are quarrelsome?
No, Proverbs 21:9 is not saying that all wives are quarrelsome, but rather that living with a quarrelsome wife is extremely difficult, as also seen in Proverbs 19:13. The Bible teaches that a good wife is a blessing from God, as seen in Proverbs 18:22.
How can I apply Proverbs 21:9 to my own life?
If you are married, Proverbs 21:9 encourages you to work on creating a peaceful and loving home, as commanded in Ephesians 5:25-33. If you are not married, it reminds you to consider the importance of a peaceful and harmonious relationship in your future marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:24.
Does Proverbs 21:9 mean that I should just leave my spouse if they are quarrelsome?
No, Proverbs 21:9 is not advising divorce, but rather highlighting the importance of a peaceful relationship, as seen in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. If you are experiencing a difficult marriage, it encourages you to seek wisdom and guidance from God and His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can create a more peaceful and loving atmosphere in my home, as commanded in Proverbs 21:9?
- How can I balance the need for a peaceful home with the reality of living with imperfect people, as seen in 1 Peter 3:1-7?
- What are some biblical principles that can help me navigate conflicts and disagreements with my spouse, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17?
- In what ways can I demonstrate love and respect to my spouse, even in difficult times, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:9
[It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop,.... The roofs of houses in Judea were that, encompassed with battlements, whither persons might retire for solitude, and sit in safety: and it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
To dwell, to wit, alone in quietness, as appears from the opposite clause. Of the house-top; of the roof of the house, which in those countries was flat and plain, and habitable, but was exposed to all the injuries of the weather. In a wide house; or, in a common house; or, a house of society, where husband and wife live together, or which is capable of many friends or companies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
Proverbs 21:9 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.Ver. 9. It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top.] Their house tops were made flat by order of the law. The sense is, then, A man had better abide abroad, sub dio, under the sun exposed to wind and weather, yea, to crowd into a corner, and to live in a little ease, than to cohabit in a convenient house with a contentious woman, that is ever brawling and brangling, that turns coniugium into coniurgium by inserting the dogs’ letter (r), and leading her husband a dog’ s life. Such a one was Zillah, Peninnah, Xantippe, the wife of Phoroneus the lawgiver, who upon his deathbed told his brother he had been a man happy if he had never married. Aristotle affirms, that he that hath miscarried in a wife, hath lost more than half the happiness of his life. Rubius Celer and Albutius Tertius were held happy among the Romans, because the former had lived with a wife three and forty years and eight months, the latter five and twenty years, sine querela, without quarrelling or contending. And this they gave order should be engraven upon their gravestones. Bruson, lib. vii. cap. 22. Arist. in Rhet.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
(9) It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop.—Though there exposed to all the storms of heaven. The flat tops of houses were, in the East, used for exercise (2 Samuel 11:2), sleeping, (1 Samuel 9:26), devotion (Acts 10:9), and various domestic purposes (Joshua 2:6).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
Verse 9. In a corner of the housetop] A shed raised on the flat roof: - a wide house; בית חבר beith chaber, "a house of fellowship;" what we should call a lodging-house, or a house occupied by several families. This was usual in the East, as well as in the West. Some think a house of festivity is meant: hence my old MS. Bible has, the hous and feste.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:9
9. in a corner of the housetop] The LXX. render ἐπὶγωνίαςὑπαίθρου, with no better hiding-place from the storms of heaven than the narrow corner in which the parapet walls of the flat roof meet (Deuteronomy 22:8). a wide house] Lit. a house of society. This may mean, a house shared in common with her, R.V. marg., but it is better to understand it of a house large enough for the society of many people assembling there. Comp. Acts 12:12.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:9
A wide house - literally, “a house of companionship,” i. e., a house shared with her. The flat roof of an Eastern house was often used for retirement by day, or in summer for sleep by night.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:9
9. Corner of the housetop — A slight structure on the roof. See case of prophet’s chamber “on the wall.” 2 Kings 4:10. Brawling woman — Hebrew, woman of contentions; a contentious, quarrelsome woman.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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Couples Night - Part 5 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explo |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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To Build or Not to Build by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories from their family history to illustrate the challenges and trials they faced. The first story is about their grandmother, who experie |
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A Son That Brings Shame by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God and traveling across the nation. He recalls a powerful encounter with a man who commended him for fe |
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(New Wine in New Wineskins) 3. God Needs Women by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the vital role of women in manifesting God's glory as originally intended at creation. He highlights that women are called to be helpers, mothers, and witness |
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A Gift From God by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather reflects on the importance of having a prudent spouse, highlighting the wisdom and guidance that comes from the Lord in relationships. He contrasts a prudent wife with a |