Proverbs 28:3
Proverbs 28:3 in Multiple Translations
A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A man of wealth who is cruel to the poor is like a violent rain causing destruction of food.
When someone poor oppresses the poor, it's like heavy rain that beats down the crops.
A poore man, if he oppresse the poore, is like a raging raine, that leaueth no foode.
A man — poor and oppressing the weak, [Is] a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.
A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor, is like a violent shower, which bringeth a famine.
A poor person who oppresses other poor people is like [MET] a very heavy/hard rain that destroys the crops, with the result that there is no food for people to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:3
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 28:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֶּ֣בֶר
רָ֭שׁ
וְ/עֹשֵׁ֣ק
דַּלִּ֑ים
מָטָ֥ר
סֹ֝חֵ֗ף
וְ/אֵ֣ין
לָֽחֶם
גֶּ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
רָ֭שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
וְ/עֹשֵׁ֣ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
to oppress
Conj | V-Qal
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
מָטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
N-ms
סֹ֝חֵ֗ף
çâchaph
H5502
to prostatrate
V-Qal
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:3
גֶּ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
רָ֭שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/עֹשֵׁ֣ק
ʻâshaq
H6231
"to oppress"
Conj | V-Qal
To oppress means to press upon or defraud someone, often violently. It is used to describe wrongdoing in the Bible, such as in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) to press upon, oppress, violate, defraud, do violence, get deceitfully, wrong, extort 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to oppress, wrong, extort 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Pual) to be exploited, be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: get deceitfully, deceive, defraud, drink up, (use) oppress(-ion), -or), do violence (wrong). See also: Leviticus 5:21; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 72:4.
דַּלִּ֑ים
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
מָטָ֥ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
סֹ֝חֵ֗ף
çâchaph
H5502
"to prostatrate"
V-Qal
To prostrate or beat something down is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to scrape or sweep something away. This word is used to describe humility or being brought low.
Definition: 1) to prostrate, beat down 1a) (Qal) prostrating (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be prostrated
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sweep (away). See also: Proverbs 28:3; Jeremiah 46:15.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
1The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 18:28–30 | But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. |
Proverbs 28:3 Summary
Proverbs 28:3 teaches us that a leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food, causing destruction and devastation to the community. This means that when leaders prioritize their own interests over the needs of their people, it can have severe consequences, as seen in Isaiah 10:1-3. In contrast, leaders who prioritize justice and compassion can bring life and flourishing to their communities, as described in Proverbs 29:7 and Jeremiah 22:13. By following the example of leaders like Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:26-28), we can promote justice and equality in our own lives and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a leader to be 'destitute' in Proverbs 28:3?
In this context, a destitute leader refers to someone who lacks the moral and spiritual resources to lead justly, as seen in Proverbs 28:3, which contrasts with the leadership qualities described in Proverbs 29:7 and Proverbs 31:8-9.
How does oppressing the poor affect a community?
According to Proverbs 28:3, oppressing the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food, indicating that it can have devastating consequences for the community, similar to what is described in Isaiah 10:1-3 and Jeremiah 22:13.
What is the significance of the 'driving rain' metaphor in Proverbs 28:3?
The driving rain metaphor suggests that the leader's oppression of the poor is relentless and destructive, leaving the community without the resources it needs to survive, much like the devastating effects of a driving rain, as described in Proverbs 28:3 and supported by Psalm 107:34.
How can we apply the principles of Proverbs 28:3 to our own lives?
We can apply the principles of Proverbs 28:3 by treating others with kindness and respect, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized, as described in Proverbs 19:17 and Luke 6:31, and by seeking to promote justice and equality in our communities, as seen in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can promote justice and equality in my own community, and how can I use my resources to help those in need?
- How can I ensure that my own leadership, whether at home, at work, or in my church, is characterized by kindness, compassion, and a commitment to justice, as described in Proverbs 28:3 and supported by Matthew 20:26-28?
- What are some ways that I can speak out against oppression and injustice, and how can I use my voice to advocate for those who are marginalized or vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 and Esther 4:13-14?
- How can I cultivate a heart of empathy and compassion for those who are struggling, and what are some practical ways that I can demonstrate my love and care for them, as described in Proverbs 19:17 and 1 John 3:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:3
A poor man that oppresseth the poor,.... Either one that is poor at the time he oppresses another like himself, either by secret fraud or open injury; from whom the oppressed can get no redress, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:3
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. A poor man ( geber (H1397): a tyrant, a man of might) that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain, which leaveth no food.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
When a poor man being advanced into a place of authority, abuseth it to oppress those that are poor and unable to resist him, he is like a violent rain or flood, which washeth away the very seeds which are in the earth, and spoileth the corn and fruits which are upon it. He is the worst of all oppressors, because as he is of a base mind, which also is made much worse by a sudden change and elevation into a high condition; so his own necessities inflame his desires, and make him greedy to take all, yea, even the small, advantages of enriching himself; which the ancients expressed by the similitude of an empty horseleech, which sucketh much more strongly than that which is already filled; and of a dry sponge, which licks up far more water than that which was wet before.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
Proverbs 28:3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor [is like] a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.Ver. 3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor, &c.] Such an oppressor bites hard (as a lean louse doth), makes clean work, plunders to the life, as they say, Omnia corradit et converret. Poor men should pity poor men, as knowing the misery of poverty; but to oppress or defraud their comrades is greatest inhumanity, as that merciless fellow servant did. A weasel is a ravenous beast, as well as a lion; a sparrow hawk as greedy as an eagle; and more mercy is to be expected from those more noble creatures than from the base and abject.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
(3) A poor man that oppresseth the poor.—If the recollection of his own former troubles has not softened his heart towards his poor neighbours, he will be rendered more callous to their sufferings. Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.—That sweeps away grain and soil, instead of bringing plenty with it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
Verse 3. A poor man that oppresseth the poor] Our Lord illustrates this proverb most beautifully, by the parable of the two debtors, Matthew 18:23, c. One owed ten thousand talents, was insolvent, begged for time, was forgiven. A fellow servant owed this one a hundred pence: he was insolvent but prayed his fellow servant to give him a little time, and he would pay it all. He would not, took him by the throat, and cast him into prison till he should pay that debt. Here the poor oppressed the poor; and what was the consequence? The oppressing poor was delivered to the tormentors; and the forgiven debt charged to his amount, because he showed no mercy. The comparatively poor are often shockingly uncharitable and unfeeling towards the real poor. Like a sweeping rain] These are frequent in the East; and sometimes carry flocks, crops, and houses, away with them.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:3
3. a poor man] Better, with R.V., a needy man, the Hebrew word being different from that rendered poor immediately after. The proverb has commonly been held to refer to official oppression. “A man in authority is implied. In many Eastern countries the offices of government are frequently sold to needy men, who use their power to reimburse themselves by oppressing others,” Rel. Tr. Soc. Comm. But the scope of the proverb must not be restricted to this. It is quite general, and is verified in the exactions of the needy employer, or owner, or creditor among ourselves, as well as in the oppression of Oriental misrule. “The hungry contractor undertakes the job at the lowest possible price, and secures his profit by getting hungrier and weaker creatures than himself to do the work at a price lower than possible, literally at starvation wages.” Horton. leaveth no food] Heb. without food; Vulg. in quo paratur fames; which, instead of bringing fruitful seasons (Acts 14:17; Isaiah 30:23), takes away man’s food by uprooting the herbs of the field and washing the seed corn out of the earth.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:3
People raise a man of the people, poor like themselves, to power. They find him the worst oppressor of all, plundering them to their last morsels, like the storm-rain which sweeps off the seed-corn instead of bringing fertility.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:3
3. A poor man — βαψψωׁ, (gebher rash,) literally, a strong one poor, possibly a man naturally strong, but poor. The poor — γμιν, (dallim,) the weak, feeble.