Proverbs 10:3
Proverbs 10:3 in Multiple Translations
The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
Jehovah will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; But he thrusteth away the desire of the wicked.
The Lord will not let the upright be in need of food, but he puts far from him the desire of the evil-doers.
The Lord doesn't let good people go hungry, but he stops the wicked from getting what they want.
The Lord will not famish the soule of the righteous: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
Jehovah causeth not the soul of the righteous to hunger, And the desire of the wicked He thrusteth away.
The LORD will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
The Lord will not afflict the soul of the just with famine, and he will disappoint the deceitful practices of the wicked.
Yahweh does not allow righteous people to starve, but he will prevent wicked people from getting what they want.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:3
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 10:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
יַרְעִ֣יב
יְ֭הוָה
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
צַדִּ֑יק
וְ/הַוַּ֖ת
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
יֶהְדֹּֽף
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַרְעִ֣יב
râʻêb
H7456
be hungry
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
וְ/הַוַּ֖ת
havvâh
H1942
desire
Conj | N-fs
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יֶהְדֹּֽף
Hâdaph
H1920
to thrust
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 10:3
לֹֽא
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.
יַרְעִ֣יב
râʻêb
H7456
"be hungry"
V-Hiphil-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.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
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.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/הַוַּ֖ת
havvâh
H1942
"desire"
Conj | N-fs
Havvah refers to a strong desire, but often in a bad sense, and can also mean ruin or calamity. It's used to describe something naughty or wicked, like mischief or iniquity. This concept appears in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire (in bad sense) 2) chasm (fig. of destruction) 2a) engulfing ruin, destruction, calamity
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness. See also: Job 6:2; Psalms 57:2; Psalms 5:10.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יֶהְדֹּֽף
Hâdaph
H1920
"to thrust"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To thrust means to push away or down, as seen in the Bible when driving out or expelling someone, like in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: 1) to thrust, push, drive, cast away, cast out, expel, thrust away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to thrust, push 1a2) to drive out, thrust out 1a3) to depose
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). See also: Numbers 35:20; 2 Kings 4:27; Proverbs 10:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:3
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
1The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
3The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry, but He denies the craving of the wicked.
4Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. 5He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:3 | Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:30–33 | If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:25 | I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:9–10 | Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. |
| 5 | Psalms 33:19 | to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:19 | In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied. |
| 7 | Zephaniah 1:18 | Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth. |
| 8 | Luke 12:31 | But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you. |
| 9 | Job 5:20 | In famine He will redeem you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. |
| 10 | Hebrews 13:5–6 | Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
Proverbs 10:3 Summary
[The Lord promises to take care of those who love and follow Him, making sure they have what they need to live, just like a good father provides for his children, as seen in Psalm 23:1 and Matthew 6:26. This doesn't mean the righteous will never face challenges, but God will always be with them and provide in His own way. We can trust in His goodness and provision, even when things seem tough, because He is our Shepherd and Provider. By seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, we can have confidence that our needs will be met.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to not let the righteous go hungry?
This means that God will provide for the physical and spiritual needs of those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 37:3 and Matthew 6:33, where we are promised that our needs will be met if we seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.
Will the righteous never experience hardship or hunger?
While the Lord promises to provide for the righteous, this does not mean they will never face difficulties, as seen in the example of Job, who suffered greatly but still trusted in God, or in 2 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul says he delights in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for Christ's sake.
What is meant by 'the craving of the wicked'?
This refers to the desires and longings of those who do not follow God, which are often rooted in selfishness and sin, as seen in James 1:14-15, where it is written that each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
How can I be sure I am considered 'righteous' by God?
According to Romans 3:21-24 and 2 Corinthians 5:21, we are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, who took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness, so we can trust in Him for our salvation and provision.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have seen God provide for my physical and spiritual needs in the past, and how can I trust Him more in the present?
- How do I distinguish between my own desires and the cravings that come from a selfish heart, and what can I do to align my desires with God's will?
- In what ways can I seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, and trust that my needs will be met?
- What are some examples of 'idle hands' in my life, and how can I become more diligent in using my time and resources for God's glory?
- How can I cultivate a heart of trust and faith, like Job, even in the midst of hardships and difficulties?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:3
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish,.... Or to perish by famine: not but that good men may be afflicted with it, as Jacob and his sons were, when the famine was in Egypt and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:3
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
Will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; will preserve them from famine, according to his promises, , and elsewhere, which, as other temporal promises, is not to be understood simply and universally, but with this limitation, except this be necessary for God’ s glory, which in all reason should overrule the creatures’ good, and for their own greater benefit. For, to say nothing of eternal felicities which follow every good man’ s death, it is certainly in some times and eases a less evil for men to be killed with famine, than to survive to see and feel those miseries which are coming upon them, and upon the land where they live. The substance, as this word is used, , or the wickedness, i.e. the wealth gotten by wickedness; as righteousness, , is by divers understood of an estate got with righteousness. Of the wicked; who by that means shall be exposed to want and famine.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
Proverbs 10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.Ver. 3. The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous.] That refuseth to enrich himself by evil arts, and to rise by wicked principles. For it might be objected, If I strain not my conscience, I may starve for it. Fear not that, saith the wise man; faith fears not famine. Necessaries thou shall be sure of; superfluities thou art not to stand upon The Hebrews by "righteousness" in the former verse understand alms deeds, as Daniel 4:24; Daniel 4:27 and so the sense here may be. The righteous, though he give much to the poor, shall be never the poorer, since not getting, but giving, is the way to thrive. See my "Common Place of Alms." But he casteth away the substance of the wicked.] For either they lose it, or live beside it, and are little the better for it. "He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and in his end be a fool." God will make a poor fool of him quickly. And the like may be said of the illiberal and tenacious person. Niggards fear to lose their wealth by giving, but fear not to lose their wealth, and souls, and all, by keeping it. τροφηνουτρυφην: σκηπασματαουκοσμηματα.
Quo mihi divitias queis non conceditur uti?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
(3) The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish.—Comp. David’s experience (Psalms 37:25), and the great promise of our Lord to those who “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). (Comp. also below, Proverbs 13:25.) He casteth away the substance of the wicked.—Rather, He repels (the word is used in 2 Kings 4:27, of Gehazi “thrusting away” the Shunammite) the eager, passionate desire of the wicked. However much they long for it, they get it not, “because they ask amiss” (James 4:3).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
Verse 3. But he casteth away the substance of the wicked.] But instead of רשעים reshaim, the wicked, בוגדים bogedim, hypocrites, or perfidious persons, is the reading of twelve or fourteen of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., and some editions; but it is not acknowledged by any of the ancient versions. The righteous have God for their feeder; and because of his infinite bounty, they can never famish for want of the bread of life. On the contrary, the wicked are often, in the course of his providence, deprived of the property of which they make a bad use.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:3
3. to famish] Comp. Psalms 37:25; and for the soul’s highest hungering, Matthew 5:6. casteth away the substance] Rather, thrusteth away (as Gehazi would have done the Shunammite, 2 Kings 4:27) the desire, R.V.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:3
Casteth away ... - Better, “overturns, disappoints the strong desire of the wicked.” Tantalus-like, they never get the enjoyment they thirst after.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:3
3. Soul of the righteous — πτωׁ φγιχ, (nephesh tsaddik.) Nephesh is a word of various and multitudinous signification, and extensive use.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Commit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a viol |
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The Consequences of Not Trusting God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting the challenges and crises he faced as he learned to fully trust God with his life and future. Despite encountering s |
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The Story of My Vw Bug by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon shares a touching story of a man purchasing a 1962 Volkswagen Bug from a young girl who was going to serve as a missionary in the Philippines. It emphasizes the importa |
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What Can You Do? by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and uncertainty that many people feel in the current world, particularly in relation to issues such as terrorism and moral decay. He |
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The Great Contrast Between the Wicked & the Righteous by Mose Stoltzfus | The sermon transcript discusses a testimony of a family whose eight-year-old twin got caught in the beaters of a silage wagon, resulting in severe injuries. The sermon highlights t |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 318 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for revival and acknowledging the need for it in the church and the land. He then talks about the challenges and conflicts that famil |
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All In by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of complete trust and obedience in God, highlighting that disobedience is linked to disbelief, and when we stop believing, we stop obeying. H |