Proverbs 23:34
Proverbs 23:34 in Multiple Translations
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
Yes, you will be like him who takes his rest on the sea, or on the top of a sail-support.
You'll stumble around like you're on the rolling ocean, you'll be tossed about like someone lying down at the top of a ship's mast, saying,
And thou shalt bee as one that sleepeth in the middes of the sea, and as hee that sleepeth in the toppe of the maste.
And thou hast been as one lying down in the heart of the sea, And as one lying down on the top of a mast.
Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
And thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
And thou shalt be as one sleeping in the midst of the sea, and as a pilot fast asleep, when the stern is lost.
You will think you are in a ship that is tossing on the sea; you be like [SIM] someone who is trying to sleep when the ship is rolling from one side to the other.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:34
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 23:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֭/הָיִיתָ
כְּ/שֹׁכֵ֣ב
בְּ/לֶב
יָ֑ם
וּ֝/כְ/שֹׁכֵ֗ב
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
חִבֵּֽל
וְ֭/הָיִיתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
כְּ/שֹׁכֵ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Prep | V-Qal
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
וּ֝/כְ/שֹׁכֵ֗ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
חִבֵּֽל
chibbêl
H2260
mast
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 23:34
וְ֭/הָיִיתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/שֹׁכֵ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Prep | V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וּ֝/כְ/שֹׁכֵ֗ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
חִבֵּֽל
chibbêl
H2260
"mast"
N-ms
A mast is a tall pole that supports a ship's sail, mentioned in the Bible as part of a ship's structure.
Definition: mast (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mast. See also: Proverbs 23:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:34
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:34
Context — Saying 19
32In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.
33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.
34You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:
35“They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:2–7 | For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:16–22 | They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk. And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.” “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans. Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 30:16–17 | So he led David down, and there were the Amalekites spread out over all the land, eating, drinking, and celebrating the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and the land of Judah. And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. |
| 4 | Exodus 15:8 | At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. |
| 5 | Joel 1:5 | Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 16:9 | However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. |
| 7 | Luke 17:27–29 | People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 13:28 | Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:33–38 | Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal dead. |
| 10 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
Proverbs 23:34 Summary
This verse in Proverbs 23:34 is saying that when we give in to sinful desires, we can lose our sense of direction and stability, like someone sleeping on a ship in a storm or lying on a mast. It's a warning that sin can lead to chaos and destruction, but God offers us a way out through His wisdom and commands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. By following God’s ways, we can find true stability and peace, as promised in Isaiah 26:3. We can apply this to our lives by seeking God’s help and guidance, and by being mindful of the dangers of sin and rebellion against Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast in Proverbs 23:34?
This verse is using a metaphor to describe the state of being out of control and disconnected from reality, much like someone sleeping on a ship in a storm or lying on a mast, which is a precarious and unstable position, as seen in Psalms 107:27 where it says 'They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits’ end.'
Is this verse talking about literal drunkenness or is it a metaphor for something else?
While the surrounding verses in Proverbs 23 do discuss the dangers of drunkenness, this specific verse is using the image of instability to convey the idea that a person who gives in to sinful desires will lose their footing and sense of direction, as warned in Ephesians 5:18 to not be drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the passage in Proverbs 23:32-35?
This verse is part of a larger warning about the dangers of giving in to sinful desires, particularly the temptation to excess, and how it can lead to a loss of control and a distorted perspective, as seen in the preceding verse Proverbs 23:33 where it says 'Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.'
What is the main idea that the writer of Proverbs is trying to convey in this verse?
The main idea is that a life of sin and rebellion against God will ultimately lead to chaos and destruction, as also warned in Proverbs 10:23, and that true wisdom and stability come from following God’s ways and commands, as seen in Psalms 119:165.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am 'sleeping on the high seas' or 'lying on the top of a mast', and how can I seek God’s help to regain stability and control?
- In what ways do I see the effects of sin and rebellion against God in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I learn from these experiences to make better choices?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God and a greater awareness of my own limitations, so that I can avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance that can lead to instability and chaos?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'wake up' from the stupor of sin and to seek a deeper relationship with God, as encouraged in Romans 13:11-14 to wake up from sleep and to put on the armor of light?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:34
Yea, thou shall be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea,.... Not in the open sea, and the waves of it, there fluctuating and tossed about; nor in an island encompassed by sea; but in a ship
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:34
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
That lieth down to sleep, of which that word is frequently used, in the midst of the sea; in a ship in the midst of the sea. This phrase notes the temper and condition of the drunkard, the giddiness of his brain, the unquietness of his mind, and especially his extreme danger joined with great security. The top of a mast; the worst part of the ship, both for its perpetual tossings, and for the hazard of him that sleeps on it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
Proverbs 23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.Ver. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as he, &c.] Thy brains shall crow, and thou shalt be of Copernicus his opinion, that the earth turns round. Thou shalt also be fearless of the greatest danger, and not refuse to sleep upon a mast pole, dance upon a weather cock, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
(34) As he that lieth down in the midst of the sea.—And so would inevitably be drowned if he trusted to its smooth, glassy appearance. As he that lieth upon the top of a mast.—Whom every roll of the ship might hurl into the waves. The absolute insensibility of the drunkard to danger is here described. Or it may mean that everything round the drunkard and the ground on which he lies, seem to rock like the waves of the sea, or the masthead of a ship.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:34
Verse 34. Lieth down in the midst of the sea] He is utterly regardless of life; which is expressed very forcibly by one in a state of intoxication ascending the shrouds, clasping the mast-head, and there falling asleep; whence, in a few moments, he must either fall down upon the deck and be dashed to pieces, or fall into the sea and be drowned. Reader, if thou be a man given to this appetite, put a knife to thy throat.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:34
34. in the midst of the sea] as if it were a safe resting-place. A strong figure to denote the utter recklessness of danger which excess of drink induces. upon the top of a mast] It only weakens the figure to supply here in the cradle, or the like; just as it does in the former clause to introduce on the deck of a ship. “The rig of an ancient ship was more simple and clumsy than that employed in modern times. Its great feature was one large mast, with one large square sail fastened to a yard of great length,” Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Ship. The drunkard is as foolhardy as one who should lie down to sleep there. It is difficult to understand how Dean Stanley finds here “a notice rare in any ancient writings, unique in the Hebrew Scriptures, of the well-known signs of sea-sickness” (Jewish Church, ii. 186).
Sermons on Proverbs 23:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin |
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Choices for Life - Tim Wiesner Talks With Jim Cymbala - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Symbola of the Brooklyn Tabernacle emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel in a time when people are realizing the uncertainty of tomorrow. He |
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(The Last Days) Dont Get Drunk W/ Worldiness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being ready for the last days and the coming of Christ. It highlights the need for readiness over detailed knowledge of future events, focu |
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Revival Fire - Part 2 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a group of people who experienced a divine encounter with God. They were on their way back from Brownsville when God's pr |
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) Dont Get Drunk With Worldliness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of being spiritually prepared for the second coming of Jesus. He references Luke 21:26, where Jesus speaks about the fear and |
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1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as believers and living in accordance with it. He encourages listeners to stand upon the promise |
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David Wilkerson's Last Message to Usa (Clip) by David Wilkerson | This sermon from 2 Peter 3 discusses the impending day of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of repentance and readiness for the coming judgment. It highlights warnings from vari |