Proverbs 3:28
Proverbs 3:28 in Multiple Translations
Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.
Say not to your neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it by you at the time.
Don't tell your neighbor, “Go away. Come back tomorrow and then I'll give it to you,” when you've already got it.
Say not vnto thy neighbour, Go and come againe, and to morow wil I giue thee, if thou now haue it.
Say not thou to thy friend, 'Go, and return, and to-morrow I give,' And substance with thee.
Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you,” when you have it by you.
Say not to thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again: and tomorrow I will give to thee: when thou canst give at present.
If you are able to help someone you interact with, do not say, “Come back later; perhaps I can help you tomorrow.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:28
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 3:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֹּ֘אמַ֤ר
ל/רעי/ך
לְ/רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֨
לֵ֣ךְ
וָ֭/שׁוּב
וּ/מָחָ֥ר
אֶתֵּ֗ן
וְ/יֵ֣שׁ
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֹּ֘אמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
ל/רעי/ך
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-mp | Suff
לְ/רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֨
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וָ֭/שׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וּ/מָחָ֥ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
Conj | N-ms
אֶתֵּ֗ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Conj | Part
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
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 3:28
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֹּ֘אמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל/רעי/ך
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
לְ/רֵֽעֲ/ךָ֨
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וָ֭/שׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וּ/מָחָ֥ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
Conj | N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
אֶתֵּ֗ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
וְ/יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:28
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.
27Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.
28Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. 30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:13 | You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 24:12–15 | If he is a poor man, you must not go to sleep with the security in your possession; be sure to return it to him by sunset, so that he may sleep in his own cloak and bless you, and this will be credited to you as righteousness before the LORD your God. Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 8:11 | Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
| 5 | 1 Timothy 6:18 | Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 11:6 | Sow your seed in the morning, and do not rest your hands in the evening, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will equally prosper. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 9:3 | But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said. |
| 8 | Proverbs 27:1 | Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. |
Proverbs 3:28 Summary
This verse reminds us to be kind and helpful to those around us, and to do so without delay when we have the means. If we have the ability to help someone, we should not put them off until later, but rather act promptly and generously, as encouraged in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 5:42. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships and demonstrate our love and care for others, as seen in John 13:35 and 1 John 3:18. This verse encourages us to be mindful of the needs of those around us and to act with compassion and kindness, just as God acts towards us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with telling my neighbor to come back tomorrow when I already have the means to help?
The problem lies in delaying help when it is readily available, which can be seen as a lack of kindness and compassion, as encouraged in Matthew 25:40 and Proverbs 19:17.
How does this verse relate to being a good neighbor?
This verse emphasizes the importance of being a responsible and caring neighbor, as taught in Leviticus 19:18 and Luke 10:25-37, by providing help when it is needed, rather than putting it off.
Is it ever okay to tell someone to come back later for help?
While there may be situations where it is necessary to delay help, Proverbs 3:28 specifically addresses instances where the means to provide assistance are already available, suggesting that it is better to act promptly, as seen in Matthew 5:42.
What are the potential consequences of putting off helping someone when I have the means?
Delaying help when it is readily available can lead to harm or hardship for the person in need, and can also damage relationships and one's reputation, as warned in Proverbs 10:9 and 1 Peter 2:12.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I apply the principle of providing help when I have the means, in my daily life and interactions with others?
- How can I balance being generous and helping others with being wise and responsible with my resources, as taught in Proverbs 22:1 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7?
- What are some potential excuses or rationalizations that might lead me to delay helping someone, and how can I overcome them?
- How can I cultivate a heart of kindness, compassion, and generosity, as exemplified in Proverbs 11:25 and Acts 2:45, so that I am more inclined to help others when I have the means?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:28
Say not unto thy neighbour,.... Either to whom thou art indebted, and who comes for the payment of a just debt; or to any poor and indigent person that applies for alms: go, and come again, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:28
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
The former verse forbade the denial, and this forbids the delay of this duty. Unto thy neighbour; unto any man, as the word neighbor is commonly used in Scripture, as hath been oft proved. I will give, to wit, what is thy due, in manner before expressed, or what thou needest; for this word is generally used concerning free or charitable gifts, and not concerning due debts.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
Proverbs 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.Ver. 28. Tomorrow.] Bis dat qui cito dat. While ye have time, do good to all; your beneficence must be prompt and present; who can tell what a day may bring forth? "Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God." Currere faciet manus suas ad Dominum, to note their speediness in giving, saith one. Tyrus also, when converted once, makes haste to feed and clothe God’ s poor saints with the money and merchandise she was wont to heap up and hoard. Weems.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
Verse 28. Say not unto thy neighbour] Do not refuse a kindness when it is in thy power to perform it. If thou have the means by thee, and thy neighbour's necessities be pressing, do not put him off till the morrow. Death may take either him or thee before that time.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:28
28. Give (Proverbs 3:27); and not only so, but give promptly. We may compare Seneca’s saying, “ingratum est beneficium, quod diu inter manus dantis hæsit; nam qui tarde fecit, diu noluit.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:28
ADVICES TO THE OF CERTAIN DUTIES, AND OF CERTAIN EVILS, Proverbs 3:27-32. 27, 28. Withhold not good… to whom it is due — Literally, to the owners of it. Here we have a change of style.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Self Denial (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importa |
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The Days of Our Flesh by Steve Hill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who wil |
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(Through the Bible) Ecclesiastes 7-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering God in one's youth. He highlights that most conversions to Jesus Christ happen during the teenage years and en |
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One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. |
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Thou Knowest by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of completing the task at hand and not leaving it unfinished. He shares personal experiences of staying committed to evangeli |
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The Heavenly Race by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the heavenly race and obtaining the ultimate prize of eternal life in heaven. He compares the race to a life-or-de |
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The Way to Serve God by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and doing it with passion and dedication. He encourages the audience to identify what their hands sh |