Proverbs 24:13
Proverbs 24:13 in Multiple Translations
Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
My son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:
My son, take honey, for it is good; and the flowing honey, which is sweet to your taste:
My son, eating honey is good for you; the honeycomb tastes sweet.
My sonne, eate hony, for it is good, and the hony combe, for it is sweete vnto thy mouth.
Eat my son, honey that [is] good, And the honeycomb — sweet to thy palate.
My son, eat honey, for it is good, the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste;
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honey-comb, which is sweet to thy taste:
Fat honey, my son, because it is good, and the honeycomb most sweet to thy throat:
My child/son, eat honey, because it is good for you; the honey that drips from honeycombs tastes very sweet.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:13
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 24:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱכָל
בְּנִ֣/י
דְבַ֣שׁ
כִּי
ט֑וֹב
וְ/נֹ֥פֶת
מָ֝ת֗וֹק
עַל
חִכֶּֽ/ךָ
אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְּנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
דְבַ֣שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
N-ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/נֹ֥פֶת
nôpheth
H5317
honey
Conj | N-ms
מָ֝ת֗וֹק
mâthôwq
H4966
sweet
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
חִכֶּֽ/ךָ
chêk
H2441
palate
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:13
אֱכָל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְּנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
דְבַ֣שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ט֑וֹב
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.
וְ/נֹ֥פֶת
nôpheth
H5317
"honey"
Conj | N-ms
Nopheth means honey or a honeycomb, describing something sweet and flowing. It is used in the Bible to describe a delicious food. The KJV translates it as honeycomb.
Definition: flowing honey, honey from the comb, a dropping down, honey, honeycomb
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: honeycomb. See also: Psalms 19:11; Proverbs 24:13; Proverbs 5:3.
מָ֝ת֗וֹק
mâthôwq
H4966
"sweet"
Adj
The Hebrew word for sweet, describing something pleasant and agreeable, used in various Bible passages to describe sweet things and experiences. It appears in the Bible to describe sweet tastes and smells. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: adj 1) sweet n m 2) sweetness, pleasant (thing)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: sweet(-er, -ness). See also: Judges 14:14; Proverbs 27:7; Psalms 19:11.
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.
חִכֶּֽ/ךָ
chêk
H2441
"palate"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:13
Context — Saying 26
11Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.
12If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?
13Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
14Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. 15Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 7:15 | By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey. |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 5:1 | I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. The Friends Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved. |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:16 | If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up. |
| 4 | Psalms 119:103 | How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 4:11 | Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon. |
| 6 | Psalms 19:10 | They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 7 | Matthew 3:4 | John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. |
| 8 | Proverbs 25:27 | It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory. |
Proverbs 24:13 Summary
[Proverbs 24:13 is telling us that God's wisdom is sweet and good, just like honey, and we should enjoy and delight in it. This verse is encouraging us to seek out and savor the wisdom of God, just as we would enjoy a sweet treat. As it says in Psalm 119:103, God's words are sweet to our taste, and in Proverbs 3:13-14, we are told that wisdom is more precious than silver or gold. By seeking out God's wisdom, we can experience the sweetness and joy that it brings.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of honey in Proverbs 24:13?
Honey in Proverbs 24:13 symbolizes the sweetness of wisdom, as also seen in Proverbs 16:24, which says that pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Why is the verse addressed to 'my son'?
The term 'my son' is a paternal address, indicating that the speaker is offering advice and guidance, much like a father would to his child, as seen in Proverbs 1:8, where it says 'Hear, my son, your father's instruction'
How can we apply the concept of eating honey to our daily lives?
Applying the concept of eating honey means to savor and delight in the wisdom and knowledge of God, as Psalm 119:103 says, 'How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth'
Is the honeycomb just a metaphor or is there a deeper meaning?
The honeycomb represents the abundance of wisdom and knowledge that comes from God, as seen in Proverbs 24:14, which says that wisdom is sweet to the soul, and in Job 28:12-13, which describes wisdom as more precious than gold or honey
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'eat honey' and savor the sweetness of God's wisdom in my life?
- How can I balance the desire for worldly sweetness with the pursuit of spiritual sweetness, as described in Proverbs 24:13?
- In what ways can I share the 'honey' of God's wisdom with others, just as the speaker is sharing it with their son?
- What are some 'honeycombs' in my life that bring me joy and satisfaction, and how can I use them to glorify God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:13
My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good,.... It is good for food; there was plenty of it in Palestine, and it was eaten for food, not only by children, but grown persons; and was very
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:13
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: Eat thou honey, because it is good (a gracious invitation to partake of the spiritual honey, Son 5:1;
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
This is not a command, but a concession, and is here expressed only to illustrate the following verse. Honey in those parts was excellent, and a usual and an acceptable food. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:Ver. 13. My son, eat thou honey, because it is good.] Profitable and pleasant, wholesome and toothsome. So, and much more than so, is divine knowledge. Plutarch tells of Eudoxus, that he would be willing to be burned up by the sun presently, so he might be admitted to come so near it as to learn the nature of it. How sweet must it needs be then to know Christ and him crucified! Sweeter it was to David than live honey dropping from the comb. The believing Hebrews knew "within themselves" that there should be a reward, and that their expectation should not be cut off. They drew the circumference of God’ s promises to the centre of their hearts, and so living by faith they had the deserts of the feast of a good conscience as Master Latimer hath it: they tasted of that honey, the sweetness whereof none can find by any discourse, how elegant soever, so well as by eating of it, as Augustine speaketh.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
Verse 13. And the honey-comb] I have often had occasion to remark how much finer the flavour of honey is in the honey-comb than it is after it has been expressed from it, and exposed to the action of the air. But it has been asserted that the honey-comb is never eaten; it must be by those who have no acquaintance with the apiary. I have seen the comb with its contained honey eaten frequently, and of it I have repeatedly partaken. And that our Lord ate it, is evident from Lu 24:42. Nor can any man who has not eaten it in this way feel the full force of the allusions to the honey-comb and its sweetness in several parts of the sacred writings. See 1 Samuel 14:27; Psalms 19:10; Proverbs 5:3; Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 27:7; Son 4:11; Son 5:1; and the place before us.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:13
Honey entered largely into the diet of Hebrew children Isaiah 7:15, so that it was as natural an emblem for the purest and simplest wisdom, as the “sincere milk of the word” was to the New Testament writers.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:13
13, 14. Eat thou honey — These two verses, taken together, imply a comparison. There is first what seems a simple precept concerning diet, which is afterwards applied to the acquisition of wisdom.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Peace Which Christ Gives His True Followers by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the peace that Christ gives to his true followers, emphasizing that this peace is distinct from worldly legacies, as it is a legacy of the new coven |
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His Eyes Were Enlightened by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in the life of a believer, using the story of Jonathan who, amidst the chaos of battle, found strength and enlightenment fro |
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The Presence of a Compassionate God! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unwavering presence of a compassionate God, whose mercies are essential and never fail, as highlighted in Lamentations 3:22. He describes God's nature |
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Christ's Garden by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the believer's heart is Christ's garden, purchased with His blood, and it should be a place of separation from the world. He urges Christians to culti |
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Beside the Drying Brook by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the life of Elijah, emphasizing that he was an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary feats through faith and obedience to God. He highlights the importance of |
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He Comes to His Garden by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus, the Bridegroom, and His people, urging believers to cultivate their spiritual gardens filled with the fruits of the |
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Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate -5- Too Much Honey -6- Pride by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of the sins of pride and the pursuit of self-glory, likening them to the seduction of too much honey. He warns that indulging in self-satisfac |