Proverbs 24:21
Proverbs 24:21 in Multiple Translations
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; And company not with them that are given to change:
My son, go in fear of the Lord and the king: have nothing to do with those who are in high positions:
My son, honor the Lord and the king, and don't join those who are rebellious,
My sonne feare the Lord, and the King, and meddle not with them that are sedicious.
Fear Jehovah, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself,
My son, fear the LORD and the king. Don’t join those who are rebellious,
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
My son, fear the Lord and the king: and have nothing to do with detracters.
My child/son, revere Yahweh and also honor the king, and do not associate with people who want to rebel against either of them,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:21
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 24:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְרָֽא
אֶת
יְהוָ֣ה
בְּנִ֣/י
וָ/מֶ֑לֶךְ
עִם
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים
אַל
תִּתְעָרָֽב
יְרָֽא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּנִ֣/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
וָ/מֶ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Conj | N-ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים
shânâh
H8138
to change
V-Qal
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּתְעָרָֽב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
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 24:21
יְרָֽא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
וָ/מֶ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
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.
תִּתְעָרָֽב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:21
Context — Saying 30
19Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.
20For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.
21My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.
22For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring? 23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 13:1–7 | Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:13–17 | Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. |
| 3 | Titus 3:1 | Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, |
| 4 | 1 Kings 12:16 | When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, |
| 5 | Exodus 14:31 | When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. |
| 6 | Matthew 22:21 | “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 12:12–19 | But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers. Now, therefore, stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.” |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 8:2–5 | Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 8:5–7 | “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. |
| 10 | Numbers 16:1–3 | Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” |
Proverbs 24:21 Summary
[This verse is telling us to respect and obey God and those in authority over us, like kings or leaders. It's like what we read in Romans 13:1-2, where it says that all authority comes from God. When we respect and obey God and those in authority, we are living a life that is pleasing to Him. We should also be careful not to hang out with people who don't respect God's authority, because they can influence us to do wrong things, as warned in Psalm 1:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear the LORD and the king?
To fear the LORD and the king means to have a deep respect and reverence for their authority, recognizing that they are both established by God (Romans 13:1-2). This fear is not about being afraid, but about having a healthy respect for their power and position.
Who are the rebellious that we should not associate with?
The rebellious are those who reject God's authority and live in disobedience to His commands (Psalm 1:1-2). Associating with them can lead to spiritual harm and destruction, as they can influence us to adopt their rebellious attitudes and behaviors.
Why is it important to fear the LORD and the king?
Fearing the LORD and the king is important because it helps us to live a life of obedience and respect for authority, which is pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:17). It also helps us to avoid the destructive influences of the rebellious and to live a life of wisdom and discernment.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the company we keep and the influences we allow in our lives, and by seeking to live a life of obedience and respect for authority, as commanded in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show respect and reverence for God's authority in my daily life?
- How can I discern whether someone is rebellious against God's authority, and what should I do if I find myself in a situation where I am being influenced by them?
- What are some potential consequences of associating with the rebellious, and how can I protect myself from their destructive influences?
- In what ways can I seek to live a life of obedience and respect for authority, as commanded in this verse and other scriptures like Hebrews 13:17?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the Lord, and the king,.... First the Lord, and then the king; and such as fear the Lord are generally loyal to their king; the fear of God includes love to him, reverence of him,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: Fear thou Lord and the king - the Lord first, then the king, in so far as he is representative of God, and
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
Fear thou the Lord and the king; honour and obey both God and the king, and all in authority. He puts God before the king, because God is to be served in the first place, and our obedience is to be giver, to kings only in subordination to God, and not in those things which are contrary to the will and command of God, as is manifest both from plain Scripture, as , and from the judgment and practice of wise and sober heathens. Meddle not with them, Heb. mix not thyself with them, either in their counsels and practices, or in familiar conversation, that are given to change; that love or use changes; that are unstable in their obedience to God or to the king, and are prone to rebellion against either of them. Those men that wickedly forsake God, and break his laws, are said to change their God, , and to change God’ s judgments and ordinances, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:Ver. 21. My son, fear the Lord and the king.] "Who would not fear thee, O king of nations? for unto thee doth it appertain." God is the prime and proper object of fear. Whence, by an appellative proper, he is called "fear" by the Psalmist. The Greeks call him Yεος quasi Lεος, as some think, from the fear that is due to him. Princes also must be feared and honoured, as those that are invested with God’ s authority, and intrusted with the administration of his kingdom upon earth, by the exercise of vindictive and remunerative justice. And while they be just, ruling in the fear of God, and commanding things consonant to the word and will of God, they must be obeyed for conscience sake, otherwise not. And meddle not with them that are given to change,] i.e., With seditious spirits that affect and effect alterations; lawless persons, as St Paul calls them; malcontents, to whom αειτοπαρονβαρυ, the present government is ever grievous, as Thucydides notes. Such were Korah and his complices; Absalom; Sheba; the ten tribes that cried, Alleys iugum, Ease our yoke; and before them, those in Samuel’ s time that cried, "Nay, but we will have a king." Novatus hath still too many followers, of whom St Cyprian, under whom he lived, thus testifieth: Novatus rerum novarum semper cupidus, arrogantia inflatus, that he was an arrogant innovator. These turbulent spirits prove oft the pests and boutefeaus of the state they live in; and it is dangerous having to deal with them. Mεμψιμοιροι.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
(21) Them that are given to change.—Perhaps rather, those who think differently.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
Verse 21. My son, fear thou the Lord and the king] Pay to each the homage due: to the LORD, Divine honour and adoration; to the king, civil respect, civil honour, and political obedience. Meddle not with them that are given to change] עם שונים אל תתערב im shonim al titharab: "And with the changelings mingle not thyself." The innovators; those who are always for making experiments on modes of government, forms of religion, &c. The most dangerous spirit that can infect the human mind.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:21
21. given to change] i.e. are of a revolutionary and subversive spirit, whether in religion or in politics.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:21
Them that are given to change - Those that seek to set aside the worship of the true God, or the authority of the true king, who represents Him.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:21
21. Meddle not — Mingle not, associate not, with them that are given to change — revolters, revolutionists, innovators, reckless agitators; disorganizers, disturbers of the peace, whether in Church
Sermons on Proverbs 24:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting our parents. He encourages his listeners to value truth, wisdom, instruction, and unders |
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Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f |
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Steadfastness in Conduct by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in conduct, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their faith and pleases God. He draws on biblical examples su |
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Steadfastness in Conviction by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in conviction, drawing from Proverbs 24:21 to highlight the need for unwavering faith in God's Word amidst a changing wor |
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Steadfastness of Character by Duncan Campbell | Duncan Campbell emphasizes the importance of steadfastness of character in the Christian life, urging believers to resist the temptation of change and to hold fast to their convict |
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The Christian and His Country by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow delivers a sermon on 'The Christian and His Country' on the occasion of Singapore's 36th Anniversary, emphasizing the dual citizenship of Christians in the Kingdom of H |