Proverbs 26:21
Proverbs 26:21 in Multiple Translations
Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
Like breath on coals and wood on fire, so a man given to argument gets a fight started.
An argumentative person fires up quarrels like putting charcoal on hot embers or wood on a fire.
As ye cole maketh burning coles, and wood a fire, so the contentious man is apt to kindle strife.
Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so an angry man stirreth up strife.
Putting charcoal on burning coals or putting wood on a fire causes the fire to keep burning; similarly, people who like to quarrel cause people to keep arguing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:21
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 26:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּחָ֣ם
לְ֭/גֶחָלִים
וְ/עֵצִ֣ים
לְ/אֵ֑שׁ
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
מדונים
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
לְ/חַרְחַר
רִֽיב
פֶּחָ֣ם
pechâm
H6352
coal
N-ms
לְ֭/גֶחָלִים
gechel
H1513
coal
Prep | N-cp
וְ/עֵצִ֣ים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Conj | N-mp
לְ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-mp
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
midyân
H4079
contention
N-mp
לְ/חַרְחַר
chârar
H2787
to scorch
Prep | V-l-Inf-a
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
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 26:21
פֶּחָ֣ם
pechâm
H6352
"coal"
N-ms
This word refers to a piece of coal, whether it is still burning or has been charred. It is used in the Bible to describe coals or embers. In the KJV, it is translated as 'coals'.
Definition: coal, charcoal, ember
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: coals. See also: Proverbs 26:21; Isaiah 44:12; Isaiah 54:16.
לְ֭/גֶחָלִים
gechel
H1513
"coal"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
וְ/עֵצִ֣ים
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
לְ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וְ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-mp
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים
midyân
H4079
"contention"
N-mp
Means contention or strife, describing a quarrel or dispute, as seen in the KJV translation of brawling or contention.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous). See also: Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 18:19.
לְ/חַרְחַר
chârar
H2787
"to scorch"
Prep | V-l-Inf-a
To scorch means to burn or dry up something, like a plant in the desert. In the Bible, this word can also mean to be angry or passionate, like in Psalm 69:9 where it describes a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to burn, be hot, be scorched, be charred 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hot, be scorched 1a2) to burn, be burned 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scorched, be burned 1b2) to burn 1b3) to be dry, be angry 1c) (Pilpel) to cause to burn Aramaic equivalent: cha.rakh (חֲרַךְ "to singe" H2761)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, dry, kindle. See also: Job 30:30; Isaiah 24:6; Psalms 69:4.
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:21
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. 23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 2 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 20:1 | Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” |
| 4 | Psalms 120:4 | Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
| 5 | 1 Kings 12:2–3 | When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, |
| 6 | Proverbs 30:33 | For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.” |
| 7 | 1 Kings 12:20 | When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David. |
| 8 | Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. |
Proverbs 26:21 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 26:21, teaches us that a quarrelsome person can easily start a conflict, just like charcoal or wood can fuel a fire. To avoid being this kind of person, we should strive to speak gently and kindly, as the Bible advises in Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:29. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can help prevent strife and promote peace in our relationships, as also encouraged in Romans 12:18. Remember, our goal should be to build others up, not tear them down, and to live at peace with everyone, as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a quarrelsome person in kindling strife?
According to Proverbs 26:21, a quarrelsome person is like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, meaning they provide the fuel for conflict to ignite and spread, much like the way gossip can fuel a conflict as described in Proverbs 26:20.
How can I avoid being a quarrelsome person?
To avoid being a quarrelsome person, it's essential to be mindful of your words and actions, as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 15:1 that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger, and in Ephesians 4:29 to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
What is the relationship between quarrelsome people and strife?
Proverbs 26:21 highlights that quarrelsome people are instrumental in kindling strife, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and gentle interactions, as also encouraged in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone, if possible.
How does this verse relate to my relationships with others?
This verse reminds us that our words and actions have the power to either fuel conflict or promote peace in our relationships, as seen in Proverbs 12:18 where the tongue of the wise brings healing, and in Matthew 5:9 where peacemakers are called blessed.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my words and actions to avoid kindling strife in my relationships?
- How can I recognize and avoid being around quarrelsome people who might be stirring up conflict?
- What role can I play in promoting peace and resolving conflicts in my community, as encouraged in Proverbs 26:21 and other verses like Matthew 5:9?
- In what situations do I find myself being quarrelsome, and how can I change my approach to be more peaceful and constructive?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:21
As coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire,.... As brands, wood half burnt, or dead coals put to live and burning ones, soon take fire and become like them, and fit and proper fuel for them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:21
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (As) coals (are) to burning coals, and wood to fire; so (is) a contentious man to kindle strife (Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 29:22).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
Heb. A man of contentions, that loveth and giveth him self up to contentions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
Proverbs 26:21 [As] coals [are] to burning coals, and wood to fire; so [is] a contentious man to kindle strife.Ver. 21. So is a contentious man.] Heb., A man of contentions, Vir biliosus et bellicosus; a man made up of discords, as Democritus said the world was - that loves to live in the fire, as the salamander doth; the dog days continue with such all the year long, and, like mad dogs, they bite and set a-madding all they can fasten on, as did Sheba, Korah, and Judas, who set all the disciples murmuring at the oil poured on Christ’ s head. So Arius set all the Christian world on a light fire, and Pope Hildebrand cast abroad his firebrands.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:21
21. kindle] Better, inflame, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:21
Coals - Charcoal.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:21
21. As coals — Charcoal. The sentiment in these two verses is similar, but not identical, that is represented in two different ways. A contentious man — One who is fault-finding, irritating, and consequently vexatious.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |
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Marriage: Anger, the Great Destroyer by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the issues of anger, highlighting how it can be a destructive force in our lives, fueled by selfishness, jealousy, pride, addiction, and guilt. The speaker em |
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Imptaitnce Is a Soul-Destroying, God-Discouraging, and Devil-Begotten Spirit by Milton Haney | Milton Haney preaches about the dangers of impatience, emphasizing that even holy individuals can fall into sin due to impatience, which can lead to a loss of sanctification. He hi |
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A Sign of What's Inside by Henry Drummond | Henry Drummond emphasizes the destructive nature of human wrath, explaining how it does not align with the righteousness of God. He delves into the deeper implications of temper, h |
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On the Nature of God by James Arminius | Steven Cole preaches on the importance of an overseer not being quick-tempered, emphasizing the need for self-control and patience, as quick-tempered individuals are easily provoke |
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Fight the Good Fight of Faith by A.B. Simpson | The sermon delves into the significance of the term 'RACA' in biblical times, portraying it as a word of utter contempt and dehumanizing contempt used by the Jews during the time o |
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Exhortations by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto the promises of God. He uses the analogy of four beautiful and powerful creatures: the lion, the greyhound (o |