Proverbs 13:23
Proverbs 13:23 in Multiple Translations
Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.
There is much food in the ploughed land of the poor; but it is taken away by wrongdoing.
The unplowed ground of the poor could produce a lot of food, but it's stolen through injustice.
Much foode is in the fielde of the poore: but the fielde is destroyed without discretion.
Abundance of food — the tillage of the poor, And substance is consumed without judgment.
An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it is gathered with out judgment.
Sometimes poor people’s fields produce plenty of food, but unjust people take away all that food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:23
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 13:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָב
אֹ֭כֶל
נִ֣יר
רָאשִׁ֑ים
וְ/יֵ֥שׁ
נִ֝סְפֶּ֗ה
בְּ/לֹ֣א
מִשְׁפָּֽט
רָב
rôb
H7230
abundance
N-cs
אֹ֭כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms
נִ֣יר
nîyr
H5215
fallow ground
N-ms
רָאשִׁ֑ים
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
וְ/יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Conj | Part
נִ֝סְפֶּ֗ה
çâphâh
H5595
to snatch
V-Niphal
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
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 13:23
רָב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
אֹ֭כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
נִ֣יר
nîyr
H5215
"fallow ground"
N-ms
Fallow ground is land that's been plowed but not yet planted. It's soil that's been broken up and is ready for seeds to be sown. The Bible uses this term to describe land that's been prepared for farming.
Definition: tillable or untilled or fallow ground
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fallow ground, plowing, tillage. See also: Proverbs 13:23; Jeremiah 4:3; Proverbs 21:4.
רָאשִׁ֑ים
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
וְ/יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
נִ֝סְפֶּ֗ה
çâphâh
H5595
"to snatch"
V-Niphal
This word means to snatch or sweep something away, like destroying or consuming it. It can also mean to gather or catch up something. The KJV translates it as consume, destroy, or add.
Definition: 1) to sweep or snatch away, catch up, destroy, consume 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be snatched away 1a2) to sweep or snatch away 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swept away, be destroyed 1b2) to be caught up, be captured 1c) (Hiphil) to catch up, gather
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: add, augment, consume, destroy, heap, join, perish, put. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 27:1; Psalms 40:15.
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | 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.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:23
Context — A Father’s Discipline
21Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
23Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.
24He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25A righteous man eats to his heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:11 | The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:19 | The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 5:9 | The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:5–6 | Whoever keeps his command will come to no harm, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. |
| 5 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:6–11 | Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 8:7–10 | Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons. The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush keep their time of migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have? Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. |
| 8 | Proverbs 27:18 | Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. |
| 9 | Proverbs 27:23–27 | Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants. |
| 10 | Proverbs 12:14 | By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. |
Proverbs 13:23 Summary
Proverbs 13:23 tells us that even in the poorest of conditions, there can be an abundance of resources available, but without fairness and justice, these resources can be taken away. This verse reminds us of the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable, as seen in passages like Isaiah 1:17 and Matthew 25:31-46. It also encourages us to trust God to provide for our needs, even in difficult circumstances, and to cultivate a heart of generosity and compassion. By following God's principles of justice and righteousness, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, as seen in Proverbs 19:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fallow ground' mean in Proverbs 13:23?
Fallow ground refers to land that is left unplowed and unseeded for a period of time, allowing it to rest and replenish its nutrients, similar to the concept of Sabbath rest in Exodus 23:10-11, where the land is given a chance to rest and rejuvenate.
Why does the verse mention 'without justice' in relation to the poor?
The phrase 'without justice' highlights the importance of fairness and righteousness in society, as seen in Isaiah 1:17, where God calls us to 'learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow', emphasizing the need for justice to ensure the well-being of the poor and vulnerable.
How does this verse relate to our responsibility to care for the poor?
This verse reminds us that we have a responsibility to care for the poor and ensure they have access to the resources they need, as seen in Proverbs 19:17, which says 'whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done', emphasizing the importance of showing compassion and kindness to those in need.
What does 'swept away' mean in the context of this verse?
The phrase 'swept away' means that without justice, the abundant food and resources available to the poor will be taken away or lost, much like the warnings in Hosea 8:7, where it says 'they sow the wind and reap the whirlwind', highlighting the consequences of neglecting justice and righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can help ensure justice for the poor in my community, and how can I apply the principles of Proverbs 13:23 in my daily life?
- How can I balance the need to care for my own family with the responsibility to care for the poor, as seen in passages like Proverbs 13:23 and Matthew 25:31-46?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'leave a blessing' for future generations, as seen in Proverbs 13:22, and how can I apply this principle in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for my needs, even in times of uncertainty or scarcity, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34?
- How can I cultivate a heart of generosity and compassion, as seen in Proverbs 13:23, and what are some ways I can demonstrate this in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:23
Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor,.... The poor are generally employed in tilling land; from whose labours in ploughing and sowing much food arises to men, bread to the eater, and seed to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:23
Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
Much food is in the tillage of the poor; poor and mean persons, by their diligent labours in tillage or other employments, and God’ s blessing upon them, ofttimes grow rich. Destroyed; or, consumed, to wit, in his estate, brought to poverty. For want of judgment; either, 1. For want of discretion and convenient care and diligence in tilling his land, and in managing his affairs, which he neglects himself, and leaves to the care of others; whereas poor men are forced by their necessities to look to their own concerns, and to use their utmost diligence in them. Or rather, 2. By injustice, as this phrase is used, 22:13 . Nor do I find it in any other scripture. By his frauds, rapines, and oppressions, and other unjust and wicked practices, whereby he seeks to enrich himself, as refusing and scorning to get an estate by honest labours. So this agrees with what is said .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
Proverbs 13:23 Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.Ver. 23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor.] of the poet is well known, Laudato ingentia rura, exiguum colito. It is best for a man to have no more than he can master and make his best of. The ground should be weaker than he that tills it, saith Columella. The earth is a fruitful mother, and "brings forth meat for them by whom it is dressed." But there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.] - viz., In ploughing and sowing, or in managing and husbanding what he hath gotten, for the best. For non minor est virtus quam quaerere, parta tueri. We must be good husbands, and see that condus be fortior promo, our comings in be more than our layings out. Bonus servatius facit bonum bonifacium, saith the Dutchman in his blunt proverb, A good saver makes a well doer. Virgil, Geog., lib. ii. Lib. i. cap. 3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
(23) Tillage.—Properly, the newly-made field, on which much labour has been expended. The poor hardworking man, by God’s blessing, gains an abundant living, while many (rich persons) are ruined for their neglect of what is right.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
Verse 23. That is destroyed for want of judgment.] O, how much of the poverty of the poor arises from their own want of management! They have little or no economy, and no foresight. When they get any thing, they speedily spend it; and a feast and a famine make the chief varieties of their life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:23
23. for want of judgment] Rather, by reason of injustice, R.V. The contrast is between substance gained by honest toil and substance lost by injustice: a poor man by hard labour makes his newly cultivated field yield him much; but you may see a rich man brought to ruin by dishonest practices. Comp. James 5:1-6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:23
The contrast is the ever recurring one between honest poverty and dishonest wealth.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:23
23. Much food is in the tillage of the poor — Their “tillage” or ploughing, as Miller renders, brings from the earth much food.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Fight the Good Fight of Faith by A.B. Simpson | The sermon delves into the significance of the term 'RACA' in biblical times, portraying it as a word of utter contempt and dehumanizing contempt used by the Jews during the time o |
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Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
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(Proverbs) ch.28:19 - 29:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in our daily lives, even in our interactions with others. He highlights Proverbs 28:20, which warns against the |
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Experiencing God by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception of 'experiencing God' and how it is not based on the Bible but rather on ancient occultic practices and modern entertainment culture. H |
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Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |
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Of the Practice of Covetousness in Keeping Wealth by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches about covetousness in keeping wealth, highlighting two practices: hoarding excessively out of fear for the future, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in |
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The Alphabetical Scriptures; or the Divine Acrostics by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the divine design and inspiration of Scripture, highlighting the intricate structure of the Alphabetical Scriptures, such as the Divine Acrostics, which po |