Proverbs 9:16
Proverbs 9:16 in Multiple Translations
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,
Whoever is simple, let him come in here: and to him who is without sense, she says:
“Everybody who needs to learn, come and see me!” To people who don't have any sense she says,
Who so is simple, let him come hither, and to him that is destitute of wisedome, shee sayth also,
'Who [is] simple? let him turn aside hither.' And whoso lacketh heart — she said to him,
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
Whoever is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
He that is a little one, let him turn to me. And to the fool she said:
“You people who need to understand more, come into my house!” And to those who are ignorant, they call out,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:16
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 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִי
פֶ֭תִי
יָסֻ֣ר
הֵ֑נָּה
וַ/חֲסַר
לֵ֝֗ב
וְ/אָ֣מְרָה
לּֽ/וֹ
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
פֶ֭תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
simple
N-ms
יָסֻ֣ר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
הֵ֑נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
here/thus
Adv
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Conj | Adj
לֵ֝֗ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
וְ/אָ֣מְרָה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
לּֽ/וֹ
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 9:16
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
פֶ֭תִי
pᵉthîy
H6612
"simple"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means being simple or naive, like someone who is easily influenced. It appears in Proverbs 1:4, where Solomon advises against being foolish. In the Bible, it often refers to someone lacking wisdom.
Definition: adj simple, foolish, open-minded
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: foolish, simple(-icity, one). See also: Psalms 19:8; Proverbs 9:6; Psalms 116:6.
יָסֻ֣ר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
הֵ֑נָּה
hênnâh
H2008
"here/thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means a location or direction, like here or there, and can also refer to a point in time, such as now. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'here' or 'hither'.
Definition: here, there, now, hither
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: here, hither(-to), now, on this (that) side, [phrase] since, this (that) way, thitherward, [phrase] thus far, to...fro, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 15:16; 2 Samuel 20:16; Psalms 71:17.
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Conj | Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵ֝֗ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, 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
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וְ/אָ֣מְרָה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
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.
לּֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
Context — The Way of Folly
14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city,
15calling out to those who pass by, who make their paths straight.
16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
17“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!” 18But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 9:4 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. |
Proverbs 9:16 Summary
[This verse is talking about a person who is naive and lacks good judgment, and is being tempted by someone who wants to lead them astray. The woman in this verse is trying to get the simple person to come and join her, but her intentions are not good, as seen in the context of the surrounding verses. We can learn from this verse by seeking wisdom and discernment, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, and by being careful not to be tempted by things that seem appealing but are actually harmful, as warned in Proverbs 5:3-6. By seeking wisdom and being mindful of the company we keep, we can avoid falling into the traps of folly and instead follow the path of wisdom, which leads to life and happiness, as seen in Proverbs 3:13-18 and Proverbs 8:32-36.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the woman speaking in Proverbs 9:16?
The woman speaking in this verse is often interpreted as a symbol of foolishness or temptation, as seen in the context of Proverbs 9, which contrasts wisdom and folly. In Proverbs 9:1-6, wisdom is personified as a woman who invites people to come and dine with her, while in Proverbs 9:13-18, folly is personified as a woman who also invites people to come and dine with her, but with very different consequences.
What does it mean to be 'simple' in this verse?
To be 'simple' in this context means to be naive, lacking in discernment or judgment, as seen in the phrase 'he who lacks judgment' in the same verse. This is similar to the idea expressed in Proverbs 1:4, where the wise man writes that his words are for 'the simple' who will gain prudence.
Is the woman in this verse trying to help or harm the simple person?
The woman in this verse is trying to harm the simple person, as seen in the context of the surrounding verses, which describe her as leading people to death and destruction, as stated in Proverbs 9:18. This is the opposite of the woman who represents wisdom, who leads people to life and happiness, as seen in Proverbs 9:6.
How can we avoid being like the simple person in this verse?
We can avoid being like the simple person in this verse by seeking wisdom and discernment, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10, which remind us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and that wisdom is more valuable than any earthly treasure, as stated in Proverbs 3:13-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'simple' or lacking in judgment in my own life, and how can I seek wisdom to overcome these areas?
- How can I distinguish between the voice of wisdom and the voice of folly in my life, and what are some practical steps I can take to follow wisdom?
- What are some ways in which the world around me may be trying to tempt me with 'stolen water' or 'bread eaten in secret', and how can I resist these temptations?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate discernment and judgment in my life, and how can I seek accountability from others to help me stay on the right path?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:16
Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither,.... The harlot's house, Popish chapels and churches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:16
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
Simple; which title is not given to them by her, for such a reproach would not have allured them, but driven them away; but by Solomon, who represents the matter of her invitation in his own words, that he might discover the truth of the business, and thereby dissuade and deter those whom she invited.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
Proverbs 9:16 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,Ver. 16. Who is simple.] Wisdom’ s own words. Take heed, saith our Saviour; they come unto you "in sheep’ s clothing"; but trust them not, for "with fair words and flattering speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple" Samuel himself could not have spoken more gravely, severely, divinely to Saul, than the fiend at Endor did. When the devil himself puts on gravity and religion, who can marvel at the hypocrisy of men?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
(16) Whoso is simple . . .—She imitates Wisdom closely in her address: Satan, too, transforms himself into an “angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Folly attracts those undecided characters who are in the right track, but have not the constancy to persevere in it; who, “in time of temptation, fall away.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
Verse 16. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither] FOLLY or PLEASURE here personified, uses the very same expressions as employed by Wisdom, Proverbs 9:4. Wisdom says, "Let the simple turn in to me." No, says Folly, "Let the simple turn in to me." If he turn in to Wisdom, his folly shall be taken away and he shall become wise; if he turn in to Folly, his darkness will be thickened, and his folly will remain. Wisdom sets up her school to instruct the ignorant: Folly sets her school up next door, to defeat the designs of Wisdom. Thus the saying of the satirist appears to be verified: - "Wherever God erects a house of prayer, The devil surely builds a chapel there. And it is found upon examination, The latter has the larger congregation." DE FOE.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 9:16
Proverbs 9:13-18. The Introduction, or first main division of the Book, ends with the contrasted picture of Folly. She too has her house, at the door of which she sits (Proverbs 9:14); she too, though the charm of secrecy is added to her enticements (Proverbs 9:17), is seen flaunting shamelessly, in the high places of the city (Proverbs 9:14), and bruits abroad her noisy invitation, not only to attract the vicious (Proverbs 9:16), but to beguile, if it may be, the passers by who are going right on their way (Proverbs 9:15).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:16
16. Turn in hither — “The feast of reason” and virtue to which wisdom invites is, as becomes its pure and elevated character, a public entertainment — open to the day — without blinds, or screens, or