Proverbs 4:21
Proverbs 4:21 in Multiple Translations
Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart.
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart.
Let them not go from your eyes; keep them deep in your heart.
Don't lose sight of them; think about them deeply,
Let them not depart from thine eyes, but keepe them in the middes of thine heart.
Let them not turn aside from thine eyes, Preserve them in the midst of thy heart.
Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart.
Let them not depart from thy eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart.
Let them not depart from thy eyes, keep them in the midst of thy heart:
Keep them close to you; let them penetrate your inner being,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 4:21
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 4:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
יַלִּ֥יזוּ
מֵ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗/ם
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
לְבָבֶֽ/ךָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יַלִּ֥יזוּ
lûwz
H3868
be devious
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
מֵ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗/ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
לְבָבֶֽ/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 4:21
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.
יַלִּ֥יזוּ
lûwz
H3868
"be devious"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn aside or be perverse, like departing from what is right. It appears in the Bible to describe someone who goes against God's ways. In the KJV, it is translated as depart, froward, or perverse.
Definition: 1) to depart, turn aside 1a) (Qal) to depart 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to go wrong, go crooked 1b2) devious, perverse (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to be lost from view 1c2) to become devious
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: depart, froward, perverse(-ness). See also: Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 4:21; Proverbs 3:21.
מֵ/עֵינֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שָׁ֝מְרֵ֗/ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
לְבָבֶֽ/ךָ
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 4:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 4:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 4:21
Context — A Father’s Instruction
19But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.
20My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.
21Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body. 23Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:21 | My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:3 | Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. |
| 3 | Proverbs 7:1–2 | My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. |
| 4 | Psalms 40:8 | I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 2:1 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, |
Proverbs 4:21 Summary
[Proverbs 4:21 teaches us to always remember and think about God's words, keeping them deep in our hearts. This means we should regularly read the Bible, like Joshua 1:8 suggests, and think about how its teachings apply to our lives. By doing this, we follow the command to love God with all our heart, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, and we allow His words to guide us, leading to a life filled with purpose and direction, as promised in Psalm 119:105.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not lose sight' of God's words in Proverbs 4:21?
This means to keep God's teachings constantly in mind and to remember them, as instructed in Proverbs 3:1 and Deuteronomy 6:6-9, so they guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
Why is it important to keep God's words 'within your heart' as stated in Proverbs 4:21?
Keeping God's words within our heart means to internalize and apply them, which leads to a deeper understanding and love for God, as seen in Psalm 119:11 and Matthew 22:37-40, and transforms our lives according to Romans 12:2.
How can we practically apply Proverbs 4:21 in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, like Joshua 1:8, praying for understanding and application, and seeking to live out God's teachings in our relationships and decisions, as encouraged in Colossians 3:16 and James 1:22-25.
What is the relationship between Proverbs 4:21 and the preceding verse, Proverbs 4:20?
Proverbs 4:20 instructs us to pay attention to God's words, and Proverbs 4:21 further emphasizes the importance of retaining those words in our heart, highlighting a progression from hearing to remembering and applying God's teachings, similar to the process described in Matthew 13:18-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can 'keep' God's words within my heart, ensuring they influence my thoughts and actions?
- How do I prevent the 'loss of sight' of God's teachings in the midst of life's challenges and distractions?
- In what ways can I use Scripture to 'guard my heart' as mentioned in Proverbs 4:23, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- What role does obedience to God's words play in experiencing the 'life' and 'health' mentioned in Proverbs 4:22?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 4:21
Let them not depart from thine eyes,.... Commit them to writing, frequently read them over; let them be always in sight, as a rule and directory to steer the course of life by.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 4:21
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
Heartily love them, and stedfastly retain them,
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
Proverbs 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.Ver. 21. Let them not depart.] In the midst of thy heart.] As in a safe repository, a ready repertory.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
Verse 21. Keep them in the midst of thine heart.] Let them be wrapped up in the very centre of thy affections; that they may give spring and energy to every desire, word, and wish.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 4:21
21. In the midst of thine heart — In the very centre of thy affections or mind.
Sermons on Proverbs 4:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Last Days and the Lord's Coming) Enduring in Love by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. He highlights the difference between the wise and foolish virgins, emphasizing that the w |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 5 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to discipline and reproof. He highlights the need for believers to allow the Spirit of God to control their lives |
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The Substantial Excellency of Spiritual Things by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the substantial excellency of spiritual things, emphasizing the importance of seeking after true substance in Christ and grace. He delves into the qual |
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Matthew 13:47 to 52. the Parable of the Fishing-Net. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the parable of the net cast into the sea, emphasizing the distinctions that will be made at the last day based on true faith. Despite the presence o |
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(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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A History of the Life and Actions of the Very Reverend Dr. Martin Luther - Part 1 by Philip Melancthon | Philip Melancthon recounts the life and actions of the very reverend Dr. Martin Luther, highlighting his upbringing, education, entry into monastic life, and his pivotal role in th |