Proverbs 29:1
Proverbs 29:1 in Multiple Translations
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
A man hating sharp words and making his heart hard, will suddenly be broken and will not be made well again.
Anyone who goes on stubbornly rejecting many warnings will be suddenly destroyed, without hope of healing.
A man that hardeneth his necke when he is rebuked, shall suddenly be destroyed and can not be cured.
A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing.
He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.
Some people remain stubborn [IDM] even though they are often reproved/warned about doing what is wrong, but some day they will be crushed/ruined, and nothing will be able to heal them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:1
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 29:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ישׁ
תּ֭וֹכָחוֹת
מַקְשֶׁה
עֹ֑רֶף
פֶּ֥תַע
יִ֝שָּׁבֵ֗ר
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מַרְפֵּֽא
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תּ֭וֹכָחוֹת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fp
מַקְשֶׁה
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
V-Hiphil
עֹ֑רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
neck
N-ms
פֶּ֥תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
suddenness
Adv
יִ֝שָּׁבֵ֗ר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַרְפֵּֽא
marpêʼ
H4832
healing
N-ms
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 29:1
אִ֣ישׁ
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.
תּ֭וֹכָחוֹת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
מַקְשֶׁה
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
עֹ֑רֶף
ʻôreph
H6203
"neck"
N-ms
The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.
Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.
פֶּ֥תַע
pethaʻ
H6621
"suddenness"
Adv
This Hebrew word means suddenness or quickness, often used to describe something happening in an instant. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of urgency or surprise. In the KJV, it is translated as 'at an instant' or 'suddenly'.
Definition: suddenness, in an instant
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: at an instant, suddenly, [idiom] very. See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 29:1; Proverbs 6:15.
יִ֝שָּׁבֵ֗ר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
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.
מַרְפֵּֽא
marpêʼ
H4832
"healing"
N-ms
Means healing or a cure, like medicine. It can also mean deliverance or a state of being calm and peaceful. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical and emotional healing.
Definition: 1) health, healing, cure 1a) healing, cure 1b) health, profit, sound (of mind) 1c) healing 1c1) incurable (with negative)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (in-)cure(-able), healing(-lth), remedy, sound, wholesome, yielding. See also: 2 Chronicles 21:18; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 4:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:1
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. 3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:15 | Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 2:25 | If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:24–31 | Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:18 | He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. |
| 5 | Zechariah 7:11–14 | But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.” |
| 6 | John 13:18 | I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ |
| 7 | John 6:70–71 | Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus. |
| 8 | John 13:26 | Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this morsel after I have dipped it.” Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. |
| 9 | Acts 1:25 | to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 36:15–17 | Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, |
Proverbs 29:1 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of being stubborn and refusing to listen to correction. When we are stiff-necked, we can face severe consequences, as seen in Proverbs 29:1. To avoid this, we need to be humble and receptive to guidance, as seen in Proverbs 12:1 and James 1:19-20. By being willing to listen and learn, we can avoid being shattered beyond recovery and instead live a life of wisdom and obedience.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be stiff-necked?
To be stiff-necked means to be stubborn and unrepentant, refusing to listen to correction or guidance, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:27 and Acts 7:51. This kind of stubbornness can lead to severe consequences, as warned in Proverbs 29:1.
Is it possible for someone who is stiff-necked to change?
Yes, it is possible for someone to change and become more receptive to correction, as seen in the example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. However, as Proverbs 29:1 warns, if someone remains stiff-necked after much reproof, they may face sudden and severe consequences.
What does it mean to be shattered beyond recovery?
To be shattered beyond recovery means to face a complete and irreparable breakdown, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically, as seen in Psalms 7:2 and 38:4. This is a severe warning to those who refuse to listen to correction and continue in their stubborn ways.
How can we avoid being stiff-necked and facing these consequences?
We can avoid being stiff-necked by being humble and receptive to correction, as seen in Proverbs 12:1 and James 1:19-20. This involves being willing to listen to others, consider their perspectives, and make changes when necessary, as guided by the wisdom of God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be being stiff-necked, and how can I become more receptive to correction?
- How can I balance being confident in my convictions with being humble and open to guidance from others?
- What are some warning signs that I may be headed for a sudden and severe consequence, and how can I turn back to a path of wisdom and obedience?
- How can I help others who may be struggling with being stiff-necked, and what role can I play in encouraging them to listen to correction and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:1
He that being often reported hardeneth [his] neck,.... Or "a man of reproofs" (d); either a man that takes upon him to be a censurer and reprover of others, and is often at that work, and yet does
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
CHAPTER 29 The excellency of wisdom, with rules for government, . The parents’ duty to correct their children, . The misery of them that know not God’ s law, . Of anger, pride, thieving, cowardice, and corruption, . The godly and wicked an abomination to each other, . Hardeneth his neck; is incorrigible, and obstinately persists in those sins for which he is reproved. Without remedy, utterly and irrecoverably.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Ver. 1. He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck.] As an untamed heifer, that "pulleth away the shoulder," and detracteth the yoke; or as the creature called monoceros, the unicorn, interimi potest, capi non potest, may be slain but not taken; so those that refuse to be reformed, hate to be healed, will not bend, shall surely and severely be broken, certissime citissimeque confringentur, they shall certainly and suddenly be dashed in pieces as a potter’ s vessel, that cannot be pieced together again. Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel, and shall not the fierce wrath of God shatter and shiver out a silly sinner that will needs stout it out with him, and yet is no more able to stand before him than a glass bottle before a cannon shot? Let Eli’ s sons, and such refractories, look for ruin. The prophet fitly compares them to headstrong horses that get the bit into their mouths, run desperately upon the rocks, and so in short time break first their hoofs and then their necks. Queen Elizabeth, in talking with Marshal Biron - whom the French king sent ambassador to her, anno 1601 - sharply accused Essex (who had recently lost his head) of obstinacy, rash counsels, and wilful disdaining to ask pardon, and wished that the French king would rather use mild severity than careless clemency, and cut off the heads of treacherous persons in time, &c. This might have terrified Biron from those wicked attempts which he was even at this time plotting against his king, had not his mind been besotted. But the power of his approaching fate did so blind him, that within few months after he underwent the same death that Essex did - though nothing so piously and Christianly, as having hardened his neck against wholesome counsel. Now if men harden their hearts, God will harden his hand, and hasten their destruction, and that without remedy. Solinus.
Corriptimur sed non corrigimur. - Augustine. Cambden’ s Elisabeth, fol. 562.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
XXIX. (1) Hardeneth his neck.—And will not bear the “easy yoke” of God. (Comp. Matthew 11:29-30.) Shall suddenly be destroyed.—Literally, shattered, like a potter’s vessel that cannot be mended (Jeremiah 19:11; Isa. xxx 14). And that without remedy.—For what more can be done for him, if he has despised God’s warnings? (Comp. Hebrews 6:4, sqq.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
CHAPTER XXIX We must not despise correction. The prudent king. The flatterer. The just judge. Contend not with a fool. The prince who opens his ears to reports. The poor and the deceitful. The pious king. The insolent servant. The humiliation of the proud.
Of the partner of a thief. The fear of man. The Lord the righteous Judge. NOTES ON CHAP. XXIX Verse 1. Hardeneth his neck] Becomes stubborn and obstinate.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:1
1. hardeneth his neck] like an obstinate and refractory ox. The same phrase occurs in Deuteronomy 10:16; 2 Kings 17:14. Comp. the similar phrase, stiff-necked, or hard-necked (the Heb. root being the same) Exodus 32:9; Deuteronomy 9:6; Acts 7:51 (σκληροτράχηλοι); and for other figurative expressions drawn from the use of oxen, Jeremiah 31:18; Acts 26:14. destroyed] Rather, broken, R.V., as in Proverbs 6:15, A.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:1
Shall be destroyed - literally, “shall be broken” Proverbs 6:15. Stress is laid on the suddenness in such a case of the long-delayed retribution.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:1
1. Being often reproved — Literally, a man of reproofs; one who has often been reproved. So, generally, the critics; but not universally.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(So Great a Salvation) Awakening by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |
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Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his |
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The Sin That Has No Forgiveness by William P. Nicholson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his frustration and desperation in trying to bring people to Christ. He emphasizes that he has done everything he can to warn and save souls, |
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Attitudes on Spiritual Dating by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of temptation and why people are tempted in different areas. He emphasizes the importance of not being critical of others who are no |
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How to Change Your Heart by Charles Finney | In this sermon, the preacher urges the listeners to cease their rebellion against God and enlist in the service of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus has come to destroy the wo |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 11-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer facing the Philistine army. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan and his compan |
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Sudden Death by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the unpredictability of death and the importance of being prepared for it. He uses examples of individuals who met sudden death without havin |