Proverbs 6:30
Proverbs 6:30 in Multiple Translations
Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal To satisfy himself when he is hungry:
Men do not have a low opinion of a thief who takes food when he is in need of it:
People don't condemn a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he's hungry.
Men do not despise a thiefe, when he stealeth, to satisfie his soule, because he is hungrie.
They do not despise the thief, When he stealeth to fill his soul when he is hungry,
Men don’t despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry,
Men do not despise a thief, if he stealeth to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
The fault is not so great when a man hath stolen: for he stealeth to fill his hungry soul:
We do not despise a thief if he steals some food because he is very hungry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:30
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 6:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
יָב֣וּזוּ
לַ֭/גַּנָּב
כִּ֣י
יִגְנ֑וֹב
לְ/מַלֵּ֥א
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
כִּ֣י
יִרְעָֽב
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָב֣וּזוּ
bûwz
H936
to despise
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לַ֭/גַּנָּב
gannâb
H1590
thief
Prep | N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִגְנ֑וֹב
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/מַלֵּ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִרְעָֽב
râʻêb
H7456
be hungry
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 6:30
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָב֣וּזוּ
bûwz
H936
"to despise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To despise or hold in contempt is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which is used in the Bible to describe showing disrespect or disdain for someone or something, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean to consider something insignificant. This term is translated as contemn or despise in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant 1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. See also: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 6:30.
לַ֭/גַּנָּב
gannâb
H1590
"thief"
Prep | N-ms
A thief is someone who takes things that dont belong to them, as seen in the Bible where Jesus teaches about a thief in the night. This word is used to describe people who steal. It appears in various Bible stories.
Definition: thief
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thief. See also: Exodus 22:1; Proverbs 29:24; Psalms 50:18.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִגְנ֑וֹב
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
לְ/מַלֵּ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
נַ֝פְשׁ֗/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִרְעָֽב
râʻêb
H7456
"be hungry"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.
Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
Context — Warnings against Adultery
28Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?
29So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.
31Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house. 32He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:39 | Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions |
Proverbs 6:30 Summary
[This verse is saying that people might not judge someone too harshly if they steal because they are really hungry, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:30. However, it's essential to remember that stealing is still not the right thing to do, as stated in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19. We should try to help those in need and be kind, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:31-46, and always strive to live honestly and uprightly, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 10:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to steal to satisfy one's hunger?
This phrase refers to a situation where someone takes something that doesn't belong to them because they are desperate to meet their basic needs, as seen in Proverbs 6:30, and it's not entirely condemned by society, although it's still considered wrong, as noted in Proverbs 6:31.
Is the Bible saying it's okay to steal if I'm hungry?
No, the Bible is not condoning theft, but rather highlighting the circumstances that might lead someone to steal, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:30, and it's essential to remember that stealing is still a sin, as stated in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of poverty and wealth?
This verse touches on the idea that poverty and desperation can drive people to make questionable choices, as seen in Proverbs 6:30, and it's essential to consider the role of compassion and helping those in need, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:31-46.
What is the main lesson from this verse?
The main lesson is that while society may have some understanding for those who steal out of desperation, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:30, it's crucial to remember that there are consequences for our actions, as noted in Proverbs 6:31, and we should strive to live honestly and uprightly, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 10:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I might be tempted to compromise my values due to desperation or difficult circumstances?
- How can I show compassion and help those in need, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:17, to prevent them from feeling forced to steal or make questionable choices?
- What are some ways I can prioritize honesty and integrity in my daily life, even when faced with challenging situations, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Proverbs 10:9?
- How can I balance having empathy for those who steal out of desperation with the need to uphold justice and accountability, as seen in Proverbs 6:31?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:30
[Men] do not despise a thief, if he steal,.... They do not discommend or reproach him for it, or fix a mark of infamy upon him, or expose him to public shame by whipping him; but rather excuse him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:30
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; (Men) do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
Despise, i.e. abhor or reproach him, but rather pity and pardon him, who is urged by mere necessity to these practices.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
Proverbs 6:30 [Men] do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;Ver. 30. Men do not despise a thief.] We used to say, A liar is worse than a thief; and Siracides saith the same of a constant liar. (chap. 20) But that an adulterer is worse than a thief, the Holy Ghost here assureth us; and his reasons are unanswerable. For, first, his necessity pleads for him: he must either steal or starve; and this doth somewhat excuse him, a tanto, as they say, but not a tote; for as a man should rather die than lie, so he should rather perish than purloin or pilfer. But what excuse hath the adulterer? - non ventris inediam patitur, sed cordis indigentiam, He wants not meat, but wit; he preserveth not his body, but destroyeth his soul. Potior est fur quam qui assidue mentitur. πεινωντικλεπτειν, εσταναγκοιωςεχειν. - Suidas.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
(30) Men do not despise a thief . . .—A man who is driven to theft by poverty is more worthy of pity than disdain; not so the adulterer. Again, the thief can make retribution, while the adulterer can have none to offer.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
Verse 30. Men do not despise a thief if he steal] Every man pities the poor culprit who was perishing for lack of food, and stole to satisfy his hunger; yet no law clears him: he is bound to make restitution; in some cases double, in others quadruple and quintuple; and if he have not property enough to make restitution, to be sold for a bondsman; Exodus 22:1-4; Leviticus 25:39.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:30
30. despise] Some render, make light of, let go unpunished (“non impunis dimittitur fur,” Maur.). But the proper meaning of the Heb. word is to be retained with A.V. and R.V. “The argument appears to be this: The thief, driven by hunger to steal, is regarded with pity rather than contempt, and yet is punished for the protection of society; how much more then shall the adulterer be despised as one who ‘lacketh understanding,’ and visited with a punishment for which there is no redemption.” Rel. Tr. Soc. Comm.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:30
30, 31. Do not despise, etc. — That is, Do not despise his crime, as if it was venial; others say, Do not wonder at it.