Proverbs 3:34
Proverbs 3:34 in Multiple Translations
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
He makes sport of the men of pride, but he gives grace to the gentle-hearted.
He mocks those who mock, but he is kind to the humble.
With the scornefull he scorneth, but hee giueth grace vnto the humble.
If the scorners He doth scorn, Yet to the humble He doth give grace.
Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly.
He shall scorn the scorners, and to the meek he will give grace.
Yahweh makes fun of those who make fun of others, but he kindly helps those who are humble.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:34
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 3:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
לַ/לֵּצִ֥ים
הֽוּא
יָלִ֑יץ
ו/ל/עניים
וְ֝/לַ/עֲנָוִ֗ים
יִתֶּן
חֵֽן
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לַ/לֵּצִ֥ים
lûwts
H3887
to mock
Prep | Adj
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יָלִ֑יץ
lûwts
H3887
to mock
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
ו/ל/עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Conj | Prep | Adj
וְ֝/לַ/עֲנָוִ֗ים
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Conj | Prep | Adj
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חֵֽן
chên
H2580
favor
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 3:34
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לַ/לֵּצִ֥ים
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
Prep | Adj
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יָלִ֑יץ
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
ו/ל/עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Conj | Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
וְ֝/לַ/עֲנָוִ֗ים
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Conj | Prep | Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
חֵֽן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:34
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:34
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 2 | 1 Peter 5:5 | Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 3 | Psalms 138:6 | Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. |
| 4 | Proverbs 9:12 | If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences. |
| 5 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 7 | Proverbs 9:7–8 | He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself. Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 8 | Proverbs 19:29 | Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools. |
Proverbs 3:34 Summary
[This verse means that God has a special dislike for people who mock and make fun of others, but He loves to give help and blessing to those who are humble and recognize their need for Him. Being humble means being willing to listen, learn, and admit when we are wrong, as seen in Proverbs 12:1, where it says 'whoever loves discipline loves knowledge'. When we are humble, God is able to give us the grace and help we need to live a good life, and to become more like Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be humble in the context of Proverbs 3:34?
To be humble means to have a lowly and modest opinion of oneself, recognizing one's dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 51:17, where it says 'a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise'
Who are the mockers being referred to in this verse?
The mockers are those who scorn and ridicule the things of God, as mentioned in Proverbs 14:9, where it says 'fools mock at making amends for sin'
What kind of grace does God give to the humble?
The grace God gives to the humble is unmerited favor, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, where it says 'by grace you have been saved, through faith'
How does God's treatment of the mockers and the humble relate to His character?
God's treatment of the mockers and the humble reflects His justice and mercy, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:17, where it says 'God shows no partiality and accepts no bribes'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I exhibit humility or pride in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a more humble spirit?
- How do I respond to those who mock or ridicule my faith, and what can I learn from their behavior?
- What are some areas in my life where I am in need of God's grace, and how can I humbly seek it from Him?
- How can I balance the desire to stand up for what is right with the need to avoid being confrontational or prideful?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:34
Surely he scorneth the scorners,.... That make a mock at sin, a jest of religion, that scoff at the doctrines of the Gospel and the professors of it; these the Lord looks upon, laughs at, and has them in derision.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:34
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Retribution in kind.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
He scorneth, he will expose to scorn and contempt, the scorners; proud and insolent sinners, who make a mock at sin, , and at God and religion also, and despise all counsels and means of amendment. Compare . He giveth grace, to wit, favour, both with himself and with men, as this word and phrase is used, 11:3 12:36
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
Proverbs 3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.Ver. 34. Surely he scorneth the scorners.] Those proud haughty scorners who jeer at this doctrine, and at those who believe it. Surely God scorneth these scorners, for he loves to retaliate; he that sitteth in heaven laughs a good at them; he makes them also, in his just judgment, a derision to others, and punisheth them with the common hatred of all: contempt being a thing that man’ s nature is most impatient of, and in carnal reason, tallying of injuries is but justice. But he giveth grace to the lowly.] Though oppressed by scorners, yet shall they be no losers, for "God will give grace, and he will give glory" - grace and glory! what things be these? - "and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Humility is both a grace and a vessel to receive grace. And as he that goeth into a pond or river to take up water puts the mouth of his vessel downward, and so takes it up; in like sort, he that looks for any good from God must put his mouth in the dust, and cry out, Lord, I am not worthy, &c. Non sum dignus, at sum indigens, "I am poor and needy, make haste unto me, O God." [Sic.] Facit ut aliis sint ludibrio, ubi in calamitatem inciderint. - Rab. Levi.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
(34) Surely he scorneth the scorners.—Rather, If, or, Although he scorns the scorners, yet to the lowly he giveth grace. Another form of the teaching of Pro 1:24-33. If man rejects God’s offers of mercy, they will in time be withdrawn from him. And so, as man deals with God, will God at last deal with him. (Comp. Leviticus 26:23-24; Psalms 18:25-26; Psalms 81:11-12; Romans 1:24-26.) The verse is quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
Verse 34. Surely he scorneth the scorners; but he giveth grace unto the lowly.] The Septuagint has Κυριοςὑπερηφανοιςαντιτασσεται, ταπεινοιςδεδιδωσιχαριν. The Lord resisteth the proud; but giveth grace to the humble. These words are quoted by St. Peter, 1 Peter 5:5, and by St. James, James 4:6, just as they stand in the Septuagint, with the change of ὁΘεος, God, for Κυριος, the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:34
34. Surely … but] Or, Though … yet, R.V. margin. For the thought comp. James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5. scorners] See Proverbs 1:22, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:34
34, 35. Surely he scorneth the scorners — Stuart connects these two verses together, and renders thus: “When he mocketh the scorners and giveth grace to the humble, the wise shall inherit glory, but
Sermons on Proverbs 3:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Grace Abounding by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of infinitude, which means boundlessness. He tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible, who squandered his inheritance a |
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Message for Youth for Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a |
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Bakht Singh Funeral - Part 9 by Bakht Singh | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again in spirit and establishing a deep relationship with the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. It calls for humility, respect, an |
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(1 Samuel) Attacked, but Blessed by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of responding to manipulation with love and humility. He uses the example of the Roman soldiers and Jewish men during Jesus' time |
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Encounter With a Holy God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the reasons behind Israel's continual wandering from God despite witnessing His incredible works, emphasizing the importance of humility, contrition, and br |
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Heart-Faith and Not Mind-Faith by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in the heart that God raised him from the dead. He explains that true belief in the |
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The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |