Proverbs 27:8
Proverbs 27:8 in Multiple Translations
Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.
Like a bird wandering from the place of her eggs is a man wandering from his station.
Having to leave home is like a bird having to leave its nest.
As a bird that wandreth from her nest, so is a man that wandreth from his owne place.
As a bird wandering from her nest, So [is] a man wandering from his place.
As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that leaveth his place.
Anyone who wanders far from his home/family is like [SIM] a bird that is far from its nest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:8
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 27:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ֭/צִפּוֹר
נוֹדֶ֣דֶת
מִן
קִנָּ֑/הּ
כֵּֽן
אִ֝֗ישׁ
נוֹדֵ֥ד
מִ/מְּקוֹמֽ/וֹ
כְּ֭/צִפּוֹר
tsippôwr
H6833
bird
Prep | N-cs
נוֹדֶ֣דֶת
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
קִנָּ֑/הּ
qên
H7064
nest
N-ms | Suff
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
נוֹדֵ֥ד
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal
מִ/מְּקוֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
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 27:8
כְּ֭/צִפּוֹר
tsippôwr
H6833
"bird"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a little bird, often hopping, and is used to describe a sparrow or fowl in the Bible, such as in Psalm 84:3.
Definition: 1) bird, fowl 1a) bird (singular) 1b) birds (coll) Aramaic equivalent: tse.phar (צְפַר "bird" H6853)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: bird, fowl, sparrow. See also: Genesis 7:14; Psalms 84:4; Psalms 8:9.
נוֹדֶ֣דֶת
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
קִנָּ֑/הּ
qên
H7064
"nest"
N-ms | Suff
A nest is a place where birds or other animals lay their eggs or give birth to their young, and it can also refer to a cozy room or dwelling. In the Bible, nests are mentioned in stories about birds and other creatures, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) nest 1a) nest (of bird) 1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: nest, room. See also: Genesis 6:14; Psalms 84:4; Proverbs 27:8.
כֵּֽן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
נוֹדֵ֥ד
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
מִ/מְּקוֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:8
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:8
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul. 10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:16 | The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. |
| 2 | Isaiah 16:2 | Like fluttering birds pushed out of the nest, so are the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon: |
| 3 | Jonah 1:10–17 | Then the men were even more afraid and said to him, “What have you done?” The men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. Now the sea was growing worse and worse, so they said to Jonah, “What must we do to you to calm this sea for us?” “Pick me up,” he answered, “and cast me into the sea, so it may quiet down for you. For I know that I am to blame for this violent storm that has come upon you.” Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more. So they cried out to the LORD: “Please, O LORD, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life! Do not charge us with innocent blood! For You, O LORD, have done as You pleased.” At this, they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm. Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him. Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 7:20 | Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. |
| 5 | Jonah 1:3 | Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. |
| 6 | Genesis 16:6–8 | “Here,” said Abram, “your servant is in your hands. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she fled from her. Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water in the desert—the spring along the road to Shur. “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 19:9 | There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 22:5 | Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth. |
| 9 | Job 39:14–16 | For she leaves her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand. She forgets that a foot may crush them, or a wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if not her own, with no concern that her labor was in vain. |
| 10 | Genesis 4:16 | So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. |
Proverbs 27:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we leave our homes and the people we love, it can feel scary and alone, like a bird that has flown away from its nest. Just like birds need their nests to feel safe, we need our homes and families to feel loved and supported (Psalm 84:3). When we wander away from these things, we can feel lost and alone, but God is always with us, and He wants us to come back to Him (Luke 15:11-24). By staying close to God and our loved ones, we can find a sense of belonging and peace, just like a bird in its cozy nest.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to wander from home in Proverbs 27:8?
Wandering from home in this verse refers to leaving one's family, community, or place of belonging, much like a bird strays from its nest, as seen in the BSB translation of Proverbs 27:8, and this can lead to feelings of disconnection and unrest, similar to the emotional state described in Psalm 42:1-2.
Is this verse talking about physical or spiritual homes?
While the verse can apply to physical homes, it also has spiritual implications, reminding us that our true home is with God, as stated in John 14:23, and wandering from Him can lead to spiritual restlessness and discontent.
How does this verse relate to the concept of community and belonging?
Proverbs 27:8 highlights the importance of community and belonging, as seen in the value of having a strong support system, like a nest for a bird, and this is reinforced in verses like Hebrews 10:24-25, which encourages believers to gather together and support one another.
What are the consequences of wandering from home, according to this verse?
The verse implies that wandering from home can lead to feelings of disconnection, unrest, and potentially, spiritual danger, as seen in the warnings against wandering from God's path in Deuteronomy 28:14-15 and the importance of staying on the right path in Proverbs 4:11-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be wandering from my spiritual home, and how can I return to a place of rest and connection with God?
- How can I prioritize building strong relationships with my family and community, just as a bird prioritizes its nest?
- In what ways can I create a sense of home and belonging for others, whether it's through hospitality, listening, or other acts of kindness?
- What are some warning signs that I may be straying from my spiritual home, and how can I seek help and guidance when I feel disconnected?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest,.... To seek for food for herself and her young; or that leaves it without returning to it, and so her eggs or her young are exposed, and she herself liable to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. As a bird that wandereth from her nest, (so is) a man that wandereth from his place.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
That wandereth from her nest; that flies very much abroad from place to place, whereby she is exposed to all the arts of fowlers, and to birds of prey, from which she is safe whilst she keeps her nest. That wandereth from his place; that through vanity or lightness changeth the place of his abode, or his calling and course of life, the ill effects whereof have been frequently observed and noted, even in vulgar proverbs, as when we say, A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so [is] a man that wandereth from his place.Ver. 8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest.] Doth it of inconstancy, and oft meets with misery: whereas God had taken order that none should molest a bird upon her nest. So is a man that wandereth from his place.] A vagrant, an idleby, or a busybody, that keeps not his station, abides not in the calling wherein he was called, exposed to misery and mischief, to ruth and ruin. An honest man’ s heart is the place where his calling is: such a one, when he is abroad, is like a fish in the air, whereinto if it leap for recreation or necessity, yet it soon returns to its own element.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
(8) A man that wandereth from his place.—That wandereth forth as an exile that has lost his home. Comp. Genesis 12:4, and, on the contrary, Job’s hope that he would “die in his nest” (Proverbs 29:18). For the spiritual sense comp. Luke 15:13, sqq.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
Verse 8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest] Leaving her own brood, places of retreat, and feeding-ground behind, and going into strange countries, where she is exposed to every kind of danger. So is the man who leaves his family connections and country, and goes into strange parts to find employment, better his circumstances, make a fortune, c. I have seen multitudes of such wanderers from their place come to great misery and wretchedness. God's general advice is, "Do good, and dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:8
8. “The true bird-life is the life of the woods, of the toilsomely-woven nest, of the mate and the brood and the fledglings.… True human life is the life of our fellows, of the diligent laborious housebuilding, of the home, of the young, of the rising nestlings which are to form the next link in the long chain of the generations.” Horton.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:8
Change of place is thought of as in itself an evil. It is not easy for the man to find another home or the bird another nest.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:8
8. Wandereth from her nest, etc. — A caution against hasty, unnecessary changes in life, either in regard to country, home, occupation, or condition.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Wake Up Call to Men in the Church by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the theme of being prone to wander from God's path, drawing parallels to a bird leaving its nest. It delves into the consequences of wandering, especially fo |
|
|
A Funeral Needs to Take Place by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and repentance. It addresses the need for men to lead biblically in their homes, highlighting the des |
|
|
A Wake-Up Call to Men by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'A Wake-Up Call to Men,' emphasizing the tendency of men to wander from their God-given roles and responsibilities. He draws paralle |
|
Joseph Barnes Watson by John Bjorlie | Joseph Barnes Watson, a preacher from Cumberland, England, was deeply influenced by his parents' contrasting personalities and the simple, sincere gatherings of believers. His enco |
|
The Congregation of the Dead by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going wherever God sends us to declare His goodness. He describes Shiloh as the place where the heart of God begins to wor |
|
God's Alarm Clock by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and alert life. He shares a story of a man who fearlessly faced a dangerous situation because he had fa |
|
1 Peter 2:18 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the Apostle Peter's instruction to servants to be submissive to their masters, regardless of whether they are good or harsh. He addresses the misconception amo |