Proverbs 23:10
Proverbs 23:10 in Multiple Translations
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Remove not the ancient landmark; And enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Do not let the landmark of the widow be moved, and do not go into the fields of those who have no father;
Don't move ancient boundary markers, and don't encroach on fields belonging to orphans,
Remooue not the ancient boundes, and enter not into the fieldes of the fatherlesse.
Remove not a border of olden times, And into fields of the fatherless enter not,
Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Touch not the bounds of little ones: and enter not into the field of the fatherless:
Do not steal someone’s property by removing a boundary marker that has been there for a long time, and do not take for yourself the land that belongs to orphans,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:10
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 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּ֭סֵּג
גְּב֣וּל
עוֹלָ֑ם
וּ/בִ/שְׂדֵ֥י
יְ֝תוֹמִ֗ים
אַל
תָּבֹֽא
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּ֭סֵּג
nâçag
H5253
to remove
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
וּ/בִ/שְׂדֵ֥י
sâdeh
H7704
field
Conj | Prep | N-mp
יְ֝תוֹמִ֗ים
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
N-mp
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תָּבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
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 23:10
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּ֭סֵּג
nâçag
H5253
"to remove"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to move away or retreat, often implying a turning back from something. It appears in various forms, such as departing or removing something. This concept is seen in the lives of biblical figures like Moses, who had to remove himself from a situation.
Definition: 1) to move away, backslide, move, go, turn back 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to displace, move back 1b2) to remove, carry away 1d) (Hophal) to be driven back, be moved back
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: departing away, remove, take (hold), turn away. See also: Deuteronomy 19:14; Isaiah 59:13; Proverbs 22:28.
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
וּ/בִ/שְׂדֵ֥י
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
יְ֝תוֹמִ֗ים
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תָּבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:10
Context — Saying 11
8You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
9Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you. 12Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 22:28 | Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed. |
| 2 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 27:17 | ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 19:14 | You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:3 | This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. |
| 6 | James 1:27 | Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 7:5 | For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, |
| 8 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 9 | Job 24:2–3 | Men move boundary stones; they pasture stolen flocks. They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge. |
| 10 | Job 31:21–23 | if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket. For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower. |
Proverbs 23:10 Summary
This verse is warning us not to take advantage of people who are vulnerable, like those who don't have parents to protect them. It's like respecting a fence that marks someone's property - we shouldn't move it or take what's not ours. This is similar to what we see in Proverbs 22:28, where we are warned not to move an ancient boundary stone. We should always try to do what's right and fair, and trust that God will take care of those who are being treated unfairly, as seen in Psalms 68:5, where God is called the Father of the fatherless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of an ancient boundary stone in Proverbs 23:10?
An ancient boundary stone marked the edges of a person's property, and moving it would be a form of theft, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:14 and Deuteronomy 27:17, where the Israelites were warned not to move their neighbor's boundary markers.
Why are we warned not to encroach on the fields of the fatherless?
We are warned not to encroach on the fields of the fatherless because they are vulnerable and have no one to defend them, and God is their Redeemer, as stated in Proverbs 23:11, and He will take up their case against those who wrong them, similar to what is seen in Exodus 22:22-24 where God promises to punish those who oppress the fatherless.
What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of social justice?
This verse highlights the importance of social justice, particularly in protecting the rights of the vulnerable, such as the fatherless, as also seen in Isaiah 1:17, where we are called to defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility as Christians to care for the poor and marginalized?
As Christians, we are called to care for the poor and marginalized, including the fatherless, and to advocate for their rights, as seen in James 1:27, where pure and undefiled religion is defined as caring for the fatherless and widows in their distress.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of respecting boundaries in my own life, whether it's related to property, relationships, or other areas?
- How can I be an advocate for the vulnerable in my community, such as the fatherless or widows, and what resources are available to help me do so?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring or disregarding the boundaries and rights of others, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust in God as my Redeemer, just as the fatherless can trust in Him, and how can this trust shape my interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:10
Remove not the old landmark,.... [See comments on Proverbs 22:28]; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless; to carry off the increase of them, to reap their wheat, or mow their grass, or turn
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:10
Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: Enter not into the fields of the fatherless (in order to appropriate their property, as thinking they have none to defend
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
Either to take away their goods; or rather, to possess their lands, as this phrase is used, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:Ver. 10. Remove not the ancient landmark.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
(10) Remove not the old landmark.—See above, on Proverbs 22:28.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
Verse 10. Remove not the old landmark] See the preceding chapter, Proverbs 22:28. Enter not into the fields of the fatherless] Take nothing that belongs to an orphan. The heaviest curse of God will fall upon them that do so.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:10
10. See Proverbs 22:28. enter not into] to do him wrong as the parallelism implies.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:10
10, 11. Remove not… landmark — That which marked the border of the field. Encroach not upon the rights of others, especially of the orphan or other defenceless person. See Proverbs 22:28.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
|
Not for Sale by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Naboth's vineyard from the Bible as a metaphor for the loss of Christian values in America. The preacher emphasizes the importan |
|
God's Purpose in Marriage - and at Present by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of love and respect in marriage, highlighting the need for patience, kindness, and appreciation towards one's partner. It encourages treating |
|
Bethany-the House of Revival by David Smithers | David Smithers preaches about the significance of Bethany as a place where Jesus found rest and hospitality, emphasizing the need for the Church to prepare a dwelling place for the |
|
His Presence by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of maintaining the ancient landmarks of faith and the necessity of God's presence in our lives. He draws parallels between the struggl |
|
Why History Matters pt.1 by Ted Byfield | Ted Byfield emphasizes the importance of history, particularly Christian history, in shaping civilizations and societies. He highlights the essentiality of simple moral rules in ma |
|
41 - Preparation Questions for North Korea Opening by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the importance of preparing for the opening of North Korea through the Prepared People Organization. He emphasizes the need to understand the d |