Proverbs 27:22
Proverbs 27:22 in Multiple Translations
Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Even if a foolish man is crushed with a hammer in a vessel among crushed grain, still his foolish ways will not go from him.
Even if you ground stupid people in a mortar, crushing them like grain with the pestle, you can't get rid of stupidity from them.
Though thou shouldest bray a foole in a morter among wheate brayed with a pestell, yet will not his foolishnes depart from him.
If thou dost beat the foolish in a mortar, Among washed things — with a pestle, His folly turneth not aside from off him.
Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
Though thou shouldst bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.
Though thou shouldst bray a fool in the mortar, as when a pestle striketh upon sodden barley, his folly would not be taken from him.
Even if you beat/crush a fool severely like [MET] you pulverize grain with a pestle, you probably will not be able to cause him to stop ◄being foolish/doing foolish things►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:22
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 27:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֥ם
תִּכְתּֽוֹשׁ
אֶת
הָ/אֱוִ֨יל
בַּֽ/מַּכְתֵּ֡שׁ
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הָ֭/רִיפוֹת
בַּֽ/עֱלִ֑י
לֹא
תָס֥וּר
מֵ֝/עָלָ֗י/ו
אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
אִ֥ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תִּכְתּֽוֹשׁ
kâthash
H3806
to pound
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֱוִ֨יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Art | Adj
בַּֽ/מַּכְתֵּ֡שׁ
maktêsh
H4388
hollow
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ֭/רִיפוֹת
rîyphâh
H7383
grain
Art | N-fp
בַּֽ/עֱלִ֑י
ʻĕlîy
H5940
pestle
Prep | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָס֥וּר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
מֵ֝/עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep | Suff
אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
folly
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:22
אִ֥ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תִּכְתּֽוֹשׁ
kâthash
H3806
"to pound"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To pound or bray means to crush or grind something into smaller pieces, like grain into flour, as described in the book of Numbers.
Definition: (Qal) to pound, mix by pounding, pound fine, bray
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bray. See also: Proverbs 27:22.
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.
הָ/אֱוִ֨יל
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Art | Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
בַּֽ/מַּכְתֵּ֡שׁ
maktêsh
H4388
"hollow"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a hollow place or a mortar. It is used in books like Proverbs to describe a hollow or a place for grinding. The word is about hollow things.
Definition: mortar
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: hollow place, mortar. See also: Judges 15:19; Proverbs 27:22.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ֭/רִיפוֹת
rîyphâh
H7383
"grain"
Art | N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to grain or grits that have been pounded or ground into smaller pieces. It is used to describe food that has been prepared for eating. The Bible mentions it as ground corn or wheat.
Definition: 1) a grain or fruit (for grinding) 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: ground corn, wheat. See also: 2 Samuel 17:19; Proverbs 27:22.
בַּֽ/עֱלִ֑י
ʻĕlîy
H5940
"pestle"
Prep | N-ms
A pestle is a tool used to grind or crush things. This Hebrew word refers to a pestle, often used to grind grain. The KJV translates it as 'pestle'.
Definition: pestle
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pestle. See also: Proverbs 27:22.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָס֥וּר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
מֵ֝/עָלָ֗י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep | Suff
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.
אִוַּלְתּֽ/וֹ
ʼivveleth
H200
"folly"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means foolishness or silliness, describing someone's ridiculous behavior. It is used to convey a sense of absurdity or nonsense, as seen in the KJV translations of folly and foolishness.
Definition: foolishness, folly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly(-ness). See also: Psalms 38:6; Proverbs 15:14; Psalms 69:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:22
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
23Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; 24for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 5:3 | O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. |
| 2 | Proverbs 23:35 | “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?” |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:5 | Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep rebelling? Your head has a massive wound, and your whole heart is afflicted. |
| 4 | Exodus 12:30 | During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
| 5 | Revelation 16:10–11 | And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and curse the God of heaven for their pains and sores; yet they did not repent of their deeds. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 44:15–16 | Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women standing by—a great assembly—along with all the people living in the land of Egypt and in Pathros, said to Jeremiah, “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! |
| 7 | Exodus 14:5 | When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 28:22–23 | In the time of his distress, King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. Since Damascus had defeated him, he sacrificed to their gods and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me.” But these gods were the downfall of Ahaz and of all Israel. |
| 9 | Exodus 15:9 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ |
Proverbs 27:22 Summary
This verse means that even if we try really hard to teach or correct someone who is being foolish, they might not change their ways. It's like trying to grind grain into flour - no matter how hard you try, the grain will still be grain. This reminds us that we can't force people to change, but we can still love and care for them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. We should also be aware of our own foolish tendencies and ask God to help us become wiser, as encouraged in James 1:5-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle' in Proverbs 27:22?
This phrase is a metaphor for attempting to correct or discipline a foolish person, but it ultimately suggests that their foolishness is deeply ingrained and difficult to change, as seen in Proverbs 26:11 and Proverbs 29:1.
Is the Bible saying that it's impossible to help a foolish person?
While Proverbs 27:22 indicates that a fool's folly may not depart from them, other verses like Proverbs 19:25 and Proverbs 24:23-25 suggest that correction and discipline can still be effective in some cases, especially when administered with love and wisdom.
How does this verse relate to my interactions with others?
Proverbs 27:22 serves as a reminder to be discerning in our relationships and to set boundaries with those who consistently exhibit foolish behavior, as advised in Proverbs 22:24-25 and 2 Timothy 3:1-9.
What is the underlying message of Proverbs 27:22?
The underlying message is that foolishness is a deeply rooted issue that cannot be easily changed, and it requires a willingness to listen, learn, and change, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have tried to 'grind' or correct foolish behavior in myself or others, and what were the results?
- How can I balance the need to correct foolishness with the understanding that it may be deeply ingrained?
- In what areas of my life do I struggle with foolishness, and what steps can I take to overcome it?
- How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 27:22 to my relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle,.... As the manna was, Numbers 11:8; and as wheat beat and bruised in a mortar, or ground in a mill, retains its own nature;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
Not a natural, but a moral and wilful fool, who by long continuance in sin is hardened and stupefied, and so incorrigible under all the means of amendment.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
Proverbs 27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, [yet] will not his foolishness depart from him.Ver. 22. Though thou shouldst bray a fool, &c.] The cypress tree, the more it is watered the more it is withered. So it is with the wicked. Humbled they are, but not humble; low, but not lowly; "wearied" in sin, as Babylon was "in the greatness of her way," but not weary of it. Of these Augustine, Perdidistis, saith he, utilitatem calamitatis, miserrimi factis estis, et pessimi permansistis, ye have lost the fruit of your afflictions; ye have suffered much, and are never the better. "By this the iniquity of Jacob shall be purged, and this is all the fruit, the taking away of his sin." And if this be not done, God will say, as once, "In thy filthiness is lewdness. Because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt have thy will, thou shalt not be purged"; but then I will have my will too, for "I will cause my fury to rest upon thee." How likest thou that? De Civ. Dei, lib. i. cap. 33.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
(22) Though thou shouldest bray (i.e., pound) a fool (a self-willed, headstrong person) in a mortar among wheat with a pestle.—This would separate completely the husks from the wheat; but obstinacy has become a part of such a man’s nature, and cannot be got rid of even by such violent measures.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
Verse 22. Though thou shouldest bray a fool] Leaving all other conjectures, of which commentators are full, I would propose, that this is a metaphor taken from pounding metallic ores in very large mortars, such as are still common in the East, in order that, when subjected to the action of the fire, the metal may be the more easily separated from the ore. However you may try, by precept or example, or both, to instruct a stupid man, your labour is lost; his foolishness cannot be separated from him. You may purge metals of all their dross; but you cannot purge the fool of his folly.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:22
22. wheat] Rather, bruised corn. In the only other place in which it occurs (2 Samuel 17:19) the word is rendered ground corn, A.V., and bruised corn, R.V. See note there in this Series. Proverbs 27:23-27. The praises of agriculture, or of pastoral life. It well repays the diligence bestowed upon it (Proverbs 27:23), and is more reliable in its nature than other kinds of wealth, and even than a kingly crown (Proverbs 27:24). No sooner is one crop carried than another begins to grow, and the harvest of the earth is sure (Proverbs 27:25). The flocks, ever increasing, supply clothing, and equal in value the land which supports them (Proverbs 27:26), while their produce will maintain in plenty their owner and his household (Proverbs 27:27).
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:22
Bray - To pound wheat in a mortar with a pestle, in order to free the wheat from its husks and impurities, is to go through a far more elaborate process than threshing. But the folly of the fool is not thus to be got rid of.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:22
22. Bray — Pound, beat. Wheat — Any kind of grain, or anything pounded or bruised.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Letter 58 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about facing difficulties and trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He encourages the listener to humbly come before God |
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Numbering Our Days by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of truly numbering our days, which goes beyond merely counting years to living each day with purpose and wisdom. He illustrates that many live |
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I Don't Want to Be Right! by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the state of the world and the impact it has on children. He emphasizes the importance of parents setting a good example for th |
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Divine Jealousy for the Truth by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for the truth, asserting that His eyes are constantly watching over it to guard and maintain it. He explains that there is only one |
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A Time of Unusual Sickness and Mortality Improved by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the urgent need for sinners to turn to God in the midst of afflictions and mortality, emphasizing the importance of genuine conversion and the necessit |
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Divine Jealousy for the Truth. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for truth, as expressed in Jeremiah 5:3, where the Lord laments the absence of truth among His people. He asserts that God's watchfu |
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Needed a Broken Body by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the role it plays in the lives of prophets. He shares a personal experience from 1940 when he was in Bath, Engla |