Proverbs 22:21
Proverbs 22:21 in Multiple Translations
to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
To make you see how certain are true words, so that you may give a true answer to those who put questions to you?
They are to make it clear to you what's right and true, so you can give a truthful explanation to those who sent you.
That I might shewe thee the assurance of the wordes of trueth to answere the wordes of trueth to them that sende to thee?
To cause thee to know the certainty of sayings of truth, To return sayings of truth to those sending thee.
To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send to thee?
That I might shew thee the certainty, and the words of truth, to answer out of these to them that sent thee.
From them, you will learn what is right and what is true, in order that you will be able to bring back a good report to those who sent you to school (OR, give a good answer to those who ask you questions).
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:21
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 22:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/הוֹדִֽיעֲ/ךָ֗
קֹ֭שְׁטְ
אִמְרֵ֣י
אֱמֶ֑ת
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
אֲמָרִ֥ים
אֱ֝מֶ֗ת
לְ/שֹׁלְחֶֽי/ךָ
לְ/הוֹדִֽיעֲ/ךָ֗
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
קֹ֭שְׁטְ
qôsheṭ
H7189
bow
N-ms
אִמְרֵ֣י
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֲמָרִ֥ים
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
אֱ֝מֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
לְ/שֹׁלְחֶֽי/ךָ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:21
לְ/הוֹדִֽיעֲ/ךָ֗
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
קֹ֭שְׁטְ
qôsheṭ
H7189
"bow"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means truth or reality, like something being evenly weighed. It appears in the Bible as a translation of the Aramaic word for truth. It is about being honest and fair.
Definition: bow
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: truth. See also: Psalms 60:6; Proverbs 22:21.
אִמְרֵ֣י
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
לְ/הָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אֲמָרִ֥ים
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
אֱ֝מֶ֗ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
לְ/שֹׁלְחֶֽי/ךָ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:21
Context — Saying 1
19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.
20Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,
21to show you true and reliable words, that you may soundly answer those who sent you?
22Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, 23for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:3–4 | Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 3:15 | But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, |
| 3 | John 20:31 | But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. |
| 4 | 1 John 5:13 | I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. |
Proverbs 22:21 Summary
Proverbs 22:21 is telling us that the words of wisdom and knowledge in the book of Proverbs are true and reliable, and that they will help us to provide wise and confident answers to those who have entrusted us with a task or responsibility. This is similar to what is mentioned in Psalm 119:42, where the psalmist says that he has hope in God's word. By trusting in the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:19, and by following the principles in the book of Proverbs, such as Proverbs 15:1-2, we can provide answers that are rooted in wisdom and integrity. As we seek to provide wise and reliable answers, we should also remember to show compassion and empathy towards those who are struggling, as seen in Proverbs 22:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the thirty sayings mentioned in Proverbs 20:20?
The thirty sayings were written to provide counsel and knowledge, and to show true and reliable words, as stated in Proverbs 22:21, so that the reader may soundly answer those who sent them, with the ultimate goal of trusting in the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:19.
Who are the 'those who sent you' in Proverbs 22:21?
The 'those who sent you' in Proverbs 22:21 likely refers to the individuals who have entrusted the reader with a task or responsibility, such as a king or a leader, and the reader is expected to provide wise and reliable answers to them, as guided by the principles in the book of Proverbs, such as Proverbs 15:1-2.
What does it mean to 'soundly answer' in Proverbs 22:21?
To 'soundly answer' in Proverbs 22:21 means to respond with wisdom, confidence, and integrity, as guided by the true and reliable words of God, as seen in Psalm 119:42, and to provide answers that are rooted in the fear of the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7.
How does Proverbs 22:21 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Proverbs 22:21 is connected to the surrounding verses, such as Proverbs 22:22-23, which warn against robbing the poor and oppressing the afflicted, and instead, encourages the reader to trust in the LORD and to provide wise and just answers, as guided by the principles of the book of Proverbs, such as Proverbs 19:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to provide wise and reliable answers to those who have entrusted me with a task or responsibility?
- How can I ensure that my answers are rooted in the true and reliable words of God, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:21?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate trust in the LORD, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:19, in my daily life and interactions with others?
- How can I balance the need to provide wise and reliable answers with the need to show compassion and empathy towards those who are struggling, as seen in Proverbs 22:22-23?
- What are some practical steps that I can take to cultivate the wisdom and knowledge necessary to soundly answer those who sent me, as guided by the book of Proverbs?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:21
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,.... Such are the doctrines of the Gospel; they are "the words of truth"; are written in the Scriptures of truth; come from the God of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:21
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
That I may make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that I may teach thee, not false, or vain, or uncertain things, as the teachers of the heathen nations do, but the true and infallible oracles of God. That thou mightest answer the words of truth; that being instructed by me, thou mayst be able to give true, and solid, and satisfactory answers. To them that send unto thee, to wit, for thine advice in great and difficult matters. Or, to those that send thee, i.e. that employ the in any business of moment, whereof they expect an account from thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?Ver. 21. That I might make thee know the certainty.] And so find firm footing for thy faith. "These words of God are true," saith the angel. These words are "faithful and true" - void of all insincerity and falsehood. How can it be otherwise, whenas they are, as Gregory speaks, Cor et anima, the very heart and soul of the God of truth? There must needs be a certainty in these words of truth, neither need we hang in suspense. When some took Christ for John Baptist, some for Elias, some for Jeremiah; But "whom say ye that I am?" - to teach that Christ would not have men stand doubtful, halt between two, be in religion as beggars are in their way, ready to go which way soever the staff falleth; but to "search the Scriptures," and grounding thereon, to get a certainty, a "full assurance of understanding," so as to be able to say, "We have believed, therefore have we spoken." Greg., in Reg. iii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
(21) That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?—This rendering is somewhat doubtful, but seems to give the best sense to the passage. The scholar is to be instructed not for his own profit alone, but in order that he may be able to teach others also. (Comp. 1 Peter 3:15.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
Verse 21. That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth] 1. These are words or doctrines of truth: 1) They are true in themselves. 2) Come from the God of truth. 3) Are truly fulfilled to all that believe. 2. These words of truth are certain, קשט koshet, they are not of dubious or difficult interpretation; they point directly to the great end for which God gave them; they promise, and they are fulfilled. He who pleads them by faith, receives their accomplishment in the spirit and power of Divine love. The Scriptures, as far as they concern the salvation of the soul, are to be experimentally understood; and, by this experimental knowledge, every believer has the witness in himself, and knows the certainty of the words of truth. VI. What we know ourselves to be true, and of infinite importance to the welfare of men in general, we should carefully proclaim and witness, that they also may believe. That thou mightest answer the words of truth] 1. When the doctrine of salvation is preached, there will be many inquirers.
What is this doctrine? Have any persons received these blessings-the remission of sins, witness of the Holy Spirit, purification of the heart, c., &c.? Who are they? What are the collateral arguments that prove these things, and show us that you have not misapprehended the meaning of these Scriptures? 2. Inquiries of this kind should meet with the speediest and most distinct answers and the doctrines of truth should be supported and illustrated with the words of truth. "That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:21
21. send unto thee] Rather, send thee, with A.V. marg. and R.V. The verse is well rendered in the Rel. Tract. Society’s Annotated Bible: “To teach thee truth, even words of faithfulness; That thou mayest bring back faithful words to them that send thee”; i.e. to train thee in truthfulness, that thou mayest be faithful and trustworthy in whatever business thou art employed.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:21
To them that send unto thee - Better as in the margin; compare Proverbs 10:26. The man who has learned the certainty of the words of truth will learn to observe it in all that men commit to him.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:21
21. The words of truth — The meaning is commonly supposed to be, that the pupil has been taught to discriminate between that which is true and good on the one hand, and false and evil on the other.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Luke) 04 - Unbelief-Faith of Mary by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Luke, specifically chapter 1, verses 3 and 4. The purpose of Luke's writing is to provide assurance and certainty to the readers |
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The Incarnation Part 8 - "Luke's Genealogy of Messiah" by Charles Alexander | Charles Alexander delves into Luke's detailed account of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing Luke's unique perspective as a historian with perfect understanding of the events. L |
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A Short Examination of Some of the Scripture-Proofs, Alledged by the Divines at Westminster by Robert Barclay | Robert Barclay addresses the assertions made by others regarding God's will being wholly committed to writing and the ceasing of former ways of revelation. He refutes these claims |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Preachers in the Last Days! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for preachers to separate themselves from worldly influences and dedicate themselves fully to preaching the word of God. He critici |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |
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The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5 by Alan Redpath | The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love o |
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The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |