Proverbs 9:4
Proverbs 9:4 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: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: As for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,
Whoever is simple, let him come in here; and to him who has no 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, she sayth,
'Who [is] simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath 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: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the unwise she said:
“You people who need to understand more, come in!” And to those who are ignorant, it is as though she calls out,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 9:4
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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִי
פֶ֭תִי
יָסֻ֣ר
הֵ֑נָּה
חֲסַר
לֵ֝֗ב
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
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Adj
לֵ֝֗ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
אָ֣מְרָה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-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 9:4
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.
חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
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.
אָ֣מְרָה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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
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Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 9:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 9:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 9:4
Context — The Way of Wisdom
2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.
4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.
5“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. 6Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:32 | He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. |
| 2 | Proverbs 9:16 | “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:5 | O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. |
| 4 | Matthew 11:25 | At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. |
| 5 | Psalms 19:7 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
| 6 | Revelation 3:17–18 | You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:130 | The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:22 | “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? |
| 9 | Revelation 22:17 | The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. |
Proverbs 9:4 Summary
This verse is talking about someone who is simple or naive, and doesn't have good judgment. The woman in the verse is calling out to this person, inviting them to come and learn from her, as seen in Proverbs 9:5-6. She wants to help them gain wisdom and understanding, so they can make better choices and live a better life (as described in Proverbs 3:5-6). By listening to her and seeking wisdom, we can avoid foolishness and live a more fulfilling life, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Proverbs 8:1-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'simple' person being addressed in Proverbs 9:4?
The 'simple' person refers to someone who is naive or lacking in judgment, as described in Proverbs 9:4, and is in need of guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7.
What is the significance of the invitation to 'turn in here' in Proverbs 9:4?
The invitation to 'turn in here' is a call to leave one's foolish ways and come to a place of wisdom and understanding, as further explained in Proverbs 9:5-6, where it says to 'leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding'.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of wisdom in the book of Proverbs?
Proverbs 9:4 is part of a larger discussion on the importance of wisdom and the dangers of foolishness, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 8:1-36, where wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to those who will listen.
What is the role of judgment in this verse?
The person who 'lacks judgment' is one who is unable to discern right from wrong, and is therefore in need of guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be acting 'simple' or lacking in judgment, and how can I seek wisdom in those areas?
- How can I distinguish between the voice of wisdom and the voice of foolishness in my life, as described in Proverbs 9:4?
- What are some ways I can 'leave my folly behind' and 'walk in the way of understanding', as described in Proverbs 9:6?
- How can I be more intentional about seeking wisdom and guidance in my daily life, as encouraged in Proverbs 9:4-6?
- What are some potential consequences of ignoring the call to wisdom and continuing in foolishness, as warned against in Proverbs 9:4?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 9:4
Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither,.... Into Wisdom's house, so well built and furnished; the church of Christ, as a house of instruction; a school, where such who are "simple", weak, and foolish, may learn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 9:4
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: (as for) him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
Simple; ignorant, and weak, and subject to delusion, and willing to learn; to show that wisdom rejects those scholars who are proud and self-conceited. Understanding, Heb. heart, which signifies understanding, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
Proverbs 9:4 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,Ver. 4. Whoso is simple.] And with it persuadable; that have not yet contracted that callum obductum, corneas fibras, brawny breasts, horny heart strings. She saith to him.] It is Christ, then, that speaketh in his ministers: "He that heareth you heareth me." "Ye received it not as the word of man, but as it is indeed, the word of the ever living God."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
(4) Whoso is simple . . . as for him that wanteth understanding.—So God does not call many “wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble” (1 Corinthians 1:26); but chooses the “foolish,” “weak,” and “base,” whom man might overlook; not being willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), especially His “little ones” (Matthew 18:14). who are liable to fall through their inexperience and want of judgment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
Verse 4. Whoso is simple] Let the young, heedless, and giddy attend to my teaching. Him that wanteth understanding] Literally, he that wanteth a heart; who is without courage, is feeble and fickle, and easily drawn aside from the holy commandment.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 9:4
4. Simple — Uninstructed, a novice. (See on Proverbs 1:4.) Wanteth understanding — Hebrew, lacketh heart, intelligence, sense. (See note on Proverbs 7:7.) Compare Proverbs 9:16.
Sermons on Proverbs 9:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage: Removing Destructive Influences by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, addressing the need for restoration in marriages, radical life changes, and the repair of broken homes. It delves into |
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Homily 4 on Romans by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of turning away from God, focusing on the depravity and dishonor that result from abandoning natural relationships an |
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Importance of Purity in Our Life by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful message on the importance of purity in the sexual area as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. He emphasizes the need to possess our bodies in sanctifi |
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Moral Decline by Colin Peckham | Colin Peckham addresses the prevalent immorality in society, particularly focusing on the normalization of pre-marital and extra-marital sexual relationships, contrasting it with t |
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Susanna Teaches Circumspection by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and adultery by recounting the story of Susanna and the elders who fell into sin due to their lustful desires. He emphasizes the imp |
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Homily 5 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome shares a story where he pretends to be involved in a love affair to expose the false teachings of Appion, who promotes adultery using mythologies of gods as example |
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Seventh River -- Adultery by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of adultery, warning against the treacherous path it leads to and the eternal consequences it carries. He emphasizes that God's c |