Proverbs 22:27
Proverbs 22:27 in Multiple Translations
If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
If thou hast not wherewith to pay, Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
If you have nothing with which to make payment, he will take away your bed from under you.
for if you can't pay, why should your bed be taken away from beneath you?
If thou hast nothing to paye, why causest thou that he should take thy bed from vnder thee?
If thou hast nothing to pay, Why doth he take thy bed from under thee?
If you don’t have means to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
For if thou have not wherewith to restore, what cause is there, that he should take the covering from thy bed?
because if you cannot pay it back, people will surely [RHQ] come and take away everything you own, even your bed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:27
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 22:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
אֵֽין
לְ/ךָ֥
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑ם
לָ֥/מָּה
יִקַּ֥ח
מִ֝שְׁכָּבְ/ךָ֗
מִ/תַּחְתֶּֽי/ךָ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לְ/ךָ֥
Prep | Suff
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ֝שְׁכָּבְ/ךָ֗
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-ms | Suff
מִ/תַּחְתֶּֽי/ךָ
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Prep | Suff
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 22:27
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לְ/ךָ֥
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/שַׁלֵּ֑ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יִקַּ֥ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מִ֝שְׁכָּבְ/ךָ֗
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
מִ/תַּחְתֶּֽי/ךָ
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:27
Context — Saying 4
25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed. 29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:16 | Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 4:1 | Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” |
| 3 | Exodus 22:26–27 | If you take your neighbor’s cloak as collateral, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? And if he cries out to Me, I will hear, for I am compassionate. |
Proverbs 22:27 Summary
This verse is warning us against taking on debt that we can't afford to pay back, because it can lead to serious consequences, like losing our belongings. It's like what happens in Exodus 22:26-27, where a person's cloak is taken as a pledge. The Bible teaches us to be wise and responsible with our resources, like in Matthew 25:14-30, where a master expects his servants to be good stewards of the talents given to them. By living within our means and avoiding debt, we can avoid a lot of trouble and stress, and instead live a life of freedom and peace, as promised in Proverbs 22:1, where a good name is better than great riches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main warning of Proverbs 22:27?
The main warning of Proverbs 22:27 is against taking on debt that one cannot afford to pay, as it can lead to severe consequences, such as losing one's possessions, as seen in Exodus 22:26-27 where a person's cloak is taken as a pledge.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?
This verse emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship of one's resources, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30, where a master expects his servants to be wise and responsible with the talents entrusted to them.
Is it ever acceptable to take on debt, according to the Bible?
While the Bible cautions against excessive debt, as seen in Proverbs 22:26-27, it does not entirely prohibit borrowing, as seen in Deuteronomy 15:6, where lending is permitted as an act of kindness and generosity.
What are the potential consequences of ignoring this warning?
Ignoring the warning of Proverbs 22:27 can lead to financial difficulties, loss of property, and damage to one's reputation, as seen in Proverbs 19:1, where a poor but honest person is better off than a dishonest rich person.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be taking on unnecessary financial risks, and how can I adjust my behavior to be more responsible?
- How can I prioritize living within my means and avoiding debt, as taught in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of responsible stewardship to other areas of my life, such as my time, talents, and relationships?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my decision-making when it comes to borrowing and lending, and how can I apply them in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:27
If thou hast nothing to pay,.... When the debtor this, and the creditor demands the debt of the surety: it is weakness in a man to be a surety for another, when he knows he is not able to pay the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:27
If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee? Why should he take away thy bed?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
Why wilt thou put thyself into the hands of such a man, who will exact the debt from thee without any compassion? For though God did not allow this practice, covetous creditors would frequently do it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
Proverbs 22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?Ver. 27. If thou hast nothing to pay.] And yet art gotten into the usurer’ s furnace, he will leave thee at last neither metal nor matter.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
(27) Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?—If the mantle was taken in pledge, it had to be restored before sundown for the poor man to sleep in; but this merciful provision of the Law was evidently evaded. (Comp. Ezekiel 18:12.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
Verse 27. If thou hast nothing to pay] Should any man give security for more than he is worth? If he does, is it not a fraud on the very face of the transaction? Why should he take away thy bed from under thee?] The creditor will not pursue the debtor whom he knows to be worth nothing; but he will sue the bail or bondsman. And why shouldst thou put thyself in such circumstances as to expose thyself to the loss even of thy bed?
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:27
27. he] i.e. the creditor.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:27
He - i. e., The man to whom the surety has been given. The practice of distraining for payment of a debt, seems, though prohibited Exodus 22:27, to have become common.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:27
26, 27. If thou hast nothing — The subject of suretyship has been treated before.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Law of Spiritual Increase by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the symbolism of the widow in the Bible and how it represents the church. He explains that the church is often oppressed and looked down upon |
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Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co |
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Koronis Conference 1970-06 2 Kings 4;1 by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing 2 Kings 4 and Romans 5 to illustrate the concept of debt and provision. He highlights the story of a woman who was in debt and so |
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A Pot of Oil by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of a widow in 2 Kings 4 who faced debt and the threat of losing her sons to slavery, highlighting the importance of faith, prayer, and seeking God |
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The Forgotten Pot of Oil by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the common experience of many Christians who have a superficial knowledge of Jesus Christ. They may have made a genuine decision to receive Ch |
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Soaring 2 - Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings in the Old Testament. The story is about a little bundle that learns to fly and soar without moving its |
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Overcoming Faith - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel focuses on the story of a widow in 2 Kings 4 who faced the threat of losing her sons to slavery due to debt, highlighting the power of faith and prayer |