Proverbs 29:21
Proverbs 29:21 in Multiple Translations
A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last.
If a servant is gently cared for from his early years, he will become a cause of sorrow in the end.
A servant indulged from childhood will in the end become unmanageable.
He that delicately bringeth vp his seruant from youth, at length he will be euen as his sone.
Whoso is bringing up his servant delicately, from youth, [At] his latter end also he is continuator.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him at length become his son.
He that nourisheth his servant delicately from his childhood, afterwards shall find him stubborn.
If someone gives his servants everything that they want, starting from when they are young, some day those servants will take from him everything that he owns.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:21
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 29:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְפַנֵּ֣ק
מִ/נֹּ֣עַר
עַבְדּ֑/וֹ
וְ֝/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
יִהְיֶ֥ה
מָנֽוֹן
מְפַנֵּ֣ק
pânaq
H6445
to pamper
V-Piel
מִ/נֹּ֣עַר
nôʻar
H5290
youth
Prep | N-ms
עַבְדּ֑/וֹ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Conj | N-fs | Suff
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מָנֽוֹן
mânôwn
H4497
progeny
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:21
מְפַנֵּ֣ק
pânaq
H6445
"to pamper"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to pamper or indulge someone, giving them special treatment. It is used in 1 Samuel 1:27 to describe how Hannah cared for her son Samuel before giving him to God.
Definition: (Piel) to indulge, pamper, bring up, treat delicately
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bring up. See also: Proverbs 29:21.
מִ/נֹּ֣עַר
nôʻar
H5290
"youth"
Prep | N-ms
Youth refers to the early years of life, from childhood to young adulthood. In the Bible, it describes a stage of life, like the youth of David or Samuel.
Definition: youth, boyhood, early life
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: child, youth. See also: Job 33:25; Psalms 88:16; Proverbs 29:21.
עַבְדּ֑/וֹ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ֝/אַחֲרִית֗/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מָנֽוֹן
mânôwn
H4497
"progeny"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a descendant or heir, someone who continues a family line, as seen in biblical descriptions of inheritance. It can also mean a grieving person or a thankless child, but its meaning is not always clear.
Definition: 1) grief, progeny, thankless one 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: son. See also: Proverbs 29:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Proverbs 29:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.Proverbs 29:21 Summary
This verse warns against pampering or spoiling servants or children from a young age, as it can lead to a lack of discipline and responsibility, ultimately causing problems and grief. Instead, the Bible teaches the importance of discipline and training in righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4. By finding a balance between love and discipline, we can help those under our care develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic, avoiding the potential consequences of pampering. By following God's principles for parenting and relationships, we can raise individuals who are respectful, responsible, and faithful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'pampered from his youth' in Proverbs 29:21?
This phrase refers to a servant who has been excessively indulged and spoiled from a young age, much like the warnings against pampering children in Ephesians 6:4, which can lead to a lack of discipline and responsibility.
How does pampering a servant lead to 'grief in the end'?
Pampering a servant can lead to an inflated sense of entitlement and a lack of accountability, ultimately causing problems and grief for both the servant and their master, as seen in the consequences of disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:15.
Is this verse only applicable to servants or does it have a broader application?
While the verse specifically mentions a servant, the principle of not pampering or spoiling individuals from a young age applies to all relationships, including parenting, as warned against in Proverbs 22:6 and Proverbs 23:13-14.
What is the alternative to pampering a servant or child?
Instead of pampering, the Bible teaches the importance of discipline, correction, and training in righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4, to help individuals develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be guilty of pampering those under my care, and how can I balance love and discipline?
- How can I apply the principle of not pampering to my own relationships, whether as a parent, employer, or mentor?
- What are some potential consequences of pampering a child or servant, and how can I avoid these outcomes?
- What role does discipline and correction play in helping individuals develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic, and how can I implement these practices in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:21
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child,.... In a very tender and affluent way uses him with great familiarity; makes him sit at table, with him, feeds him with dainties, and clothes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:21
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become (his) son at the length.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
He that delicately bringeth up his servant, allowing him too much freedom, and familiarity, and delicious fare, shall have him become his son; will find him at last grow insolent and presumptuous, and forgetful of his servile condition.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
Proverbs 29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.Ver. 21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant.] A master that would be, as he ought, both loved and feared by his servants, must see to two things: - (1.) The well-choosing; and (2.) The well using of them. This Solomon himself, that thus adviseth here, was not so well advised of; for he saw that Jeroboam, who gave occasion, as it is conceived, of uttering this proverb, was meet for the work, and therefore, not examining his religion, entertained him into his service, yea, placed him over the family of Joseph, admitted him into so much familiarity, and so let loose the bridle of domestic discipline to him, that he took estate upon him as a young master in the house, and soon after turned traitor, and would needs be as his son, and more. The like is to be seen in Abner, Ishbosheth’ s servant, who grew so haughty and haunty, that he might not be spoken to, and in Zimri, whom his master Elah so favoured and esteemed, that he made him captain over the half part of his chariots. But this beggar, thus set on horseback, rides without reins, to the ruin of his master and his whole house. So true is that of the poet - “Aφορητοςεστιμαστιγιαςευτυχων.” “ Asperius nihil est humili dum surgit in altum.” Tobiah the servant is so insolent there is no dealing with him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
(21) Shall have him become his son at the last.—Confidential slaves sometimes rose to be the heirs of their master’s property. (See above on Proverbs 17:2.) But here the warning seems to be rather against spoiling a slave by over-indulgence, lest he at the last forget his position, just as old and petted servants are apt to become somewhat dictatorial.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
Verse 21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant] Such persons are generally forgetful of their obligations, assume the rights and privileges of children, and are seldom good for any thing.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:21
21. his son] The meaning of the word which occurs only here is doubtful (see R.V. marg.), but this is the most probable rendering of it. The Vulg., as referred to in R.V. marg., has sentiet eum contumacem, shall have him become refractory. The LXX. give the proverb differently: “He that lives delicately from his youth shall be a servant, and shall be grieved with himself (ὀδυνηθήσεταιἐφʼ ? ἑαυτῷ) at the last.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:21
Son - The Hebrew word occurs here only and is therefore of doubtful meaning. The favored slave, petted and pampered from boyhood, will claim at last the privilege, perhaps the inheritance, of sonship.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:21
21. His son at the length — So most translators; but some render, “Contumacious, ungrateful.” The English text is generally followed.