Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 16:24 in Multiple Translations
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Pleasing words are like honey, sweet to the soul and new life to the bones.
Kind words are like a honeycomb—they taste sweet and are healthy for the body.
Faire wordes are as an hony combe, sweetenesse to the soule, and health to the bones.
Sayings of pleasantness [are] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Pleasant words are as a honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Well ordered words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Kind words are like honey [SIM]: We enjoy them both, and both cause our bodies to be healthy/strong.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:24
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 16:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צוּף
דְּ֭בַשׁ
אִמְרֵי
נֹ֑עַם
מָת֥וֹק
לַ֝/נֶּפֶשׁ
וּ/מַרְפֵּ֥א
לָ/עָֽצֶם
צוּף
tsûwph
H6688
honeycomb
N-ms
דְּ֭בַשׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
N-ms
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
נֹ֑עַם
nôʻam
H5278
pleasantness
N-ms
מָת֥וֹק
mâthôwq
H4966
sweet
Adj
לַ֝/נֶּפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs
וּ/מַרְפֵּ֥א
marpêʼ
H4832
healing
Conj | N-ms
לָ/עָֽצֶם
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Prep | N-fs
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 16:24
צוּף
tsûwph
H6688
"honeycomb"
N-ms
A honeycomb is a wax structure where bees store honey. In the Bible, it symbolizes something sweet and desirable, like a reward or a blessing. Jonathan found a honeycomb in the woods in 1 Samuel 14.
Definition: honeycomb
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: honeycomb. See also: Psalms 19:11; Proverbs 16:24.
דְּ֭בַשׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
נֹ֑עַם
nôʻam
H5278
"pleasantness"
N-ms
This word describes agreeableness or delightfulness, including kindness, beauty, or favor, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of pleasant things or people. It can also mean symbolic names or pleasantness. It is used to describe things that bring joy.
Definition: 1) kindness, pleasantness, delightfulness, beauty, favour 1a) delightfulness 1b) symbolic name of one of two staves 1c) pleasantness
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beauty, pleasant(-ness). See also: Psalms 27:4; Proverbs 15:26; Psalms 90:17.
מָת֥וֹק
mâthôwq
H4966
"sweet"
Adj
The Hebrew word for sweet, describing something pleasant and agreeable, used in various Bible passages to describe sweet things and experiences. It appears in the Bible to describe sweet tastes and smells. In the Bible, it is used to describe the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: adj 1) sweet n m 2) sweetness, pleasant (thing)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: sweet(-er, -ness). See also: Judges 14:14; Proverbs 27:7; Psalms 19:11.
לַ֝/נֶּפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | 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.
וּ/מַרְפֵּ֥א
marpêʼ
H4832
"healing"
Conj | N-ms
Means healing or a cure, like medicine. It can also mean deliverance or a state of being calm and peaceful. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical and emotional healing.
Definition: 1) health, healing, cure 1a) healing, cure 1b) health, profit, sound (of mind) 1c) healing 1c1) incurable (with negative)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (in-)cure(-able), healing(-lth), remedy, sound, wholesome, yielding. See also: 2 Chronicles 21:18; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 4:22.
לָ/עָֽצֶם
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Prep | N-fs
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:24
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 2 | Proverbs 24:13–14 | Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. |
| 3 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:22 | For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:16 | My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:8 | This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:103 | How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! |
| 8 | Proverbs 27:9 | Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. |
| 9 | Psalms 19:10 | They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 10 | Proverbs 15:26 | The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him. |
Proverbs 16:24 Summary
[Pleasant words are like a sweet treat that nourishes our souls and brings healing to our bodies, just like a honeycomb is sweet and nourishing to our taste buds. When we speak kind and gentle words, we are reflecting the love and kindness of God, who speaks words of love and affirmation to us, as seen in Zephaniah 3:17. By speaking pleasant words, we can bring joy and comfort to those around us, and build strong relationships, as seen in Proverbs 12:25. As we meditate on this verse, let us ask God to help us speak words that are pleasing to Him and bring healing to others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for pleasant words to be a honeycomb?
According to Proverbs 16:24, pleasant words are compared to a honeycomb, which is sweet and nourishing, just like the sweetness of God's Word in Psalm 119:103, and the nourishment it provides to our souls.
How can my words be healing to others?
As Proverbs 16:24 states, pleasant words can be healing to the bones, which means that our words have the power to bring comfort and restoration to those who are hurting, just like the way God's Word brings healing in Psalm 107:20.
What kind of words are considered pleasant?
Pleasant words are those that are kind, gentle, and uplifting, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, where we are told to speak words that are helpful for building others up, and in Proverbs 15:1, where a gentle answer turns away wrath.
Why is it important to speak pleasant words?
Speaking pleasant words is important because it reflects the character of God, who speaks words of love and kindness to us, as seen in Zephaniah 3:17, and it also helps to build strong relationships and bring joy to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 12:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my words to bring healing and comfort to those around me?
- How can I ensure that my words are pleasant and uplifting, rather than hurtful or critical?
- What are some scriptures that I can meditate on to help me speak words that are pleasing to God?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking pleasant words, especially in difficult situations?
- What are some ways I can practice speaking pleasant words in my daily conversations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb,.... Jarchi interprets it of the words of the law; but it may be much better understood of the doctrines of the Gospel; such as the doctrines of God's everlasting
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Pleasant words (are as) an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. "Pleasant words" are "words of the pure" (Proverbs 15:26).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words; the discourses of the wise last mentioned, , which yield both profit and delight; their wholesome counsels and refreshing comforts. To the bones; to the body, synecdochically expressed by the bones, the strongest and greatest parts of it, and the supporters of the rest.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Ver. 24. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb.] Dainty and delicious, such as "the preacher set himself to search out"; such as his father David found God’ s words to be; "wells of salvation." "Breasts of consolation"; the honey drops of Christ’ s mouth. Oh, hang upon his holy lips, as they did! Hast thou found honey with Samson? Eat it as he did. Eat God’ s book as John did; find fatness and sweetness in it. Get "joy and gladness" out of it. And if at any time the word, in searching our wounds, put us to pain, as honey will cause pain to exulcerate parts, let us bear it, and not be like children, who, though they like honey well, yet will they not endure to have it come near their lips when they have sore mouths. Sweet to the soul, health to the bones,] i.e., Satisfactory to the mind and medicinal also to the body, which many times follows the temperament of the mind. Alphonsus, King of Sicily, is said to have recovered from a dangerous disease by the pleasure that he took in reading Quintus Curtius, and some others in like sort by reading Livy, Aventine, &c.
But these were "physicians of no value" to that of David. "Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction." Look how those that are fallen into a swoon may be fetched again with cold water sprinkled on their faces, or with hot water poured down their throats. So those that are troubled in mind may by patience and comfort of the Scriptures recover hope.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
(24) Pleasant words.—Comp. Proverbs 15:26. Health to the bones.—Comp. 1 Samuel 14:27.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
Verse 24. Pleasant words are as a honey-comb] The honey of which is sweeter than that which has been expressed from it, and has a much finer flavour before it has come in contact with the atmospheric air.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:24
24. health] i.e. healthy or wholesome. There is no necessary reference to any medicinal properties in honey. Comp. Proverbs 4:22, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:17; and Jonathan’s experience, when he was exhausted with pursuing the enemy: “See, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey,” 1 Samuel 14:29.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:24
Honey took its place not only among the luxuries, but among the medicines of the Israelites.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
24. Pleasant words — Or, words of kindness. Comp. Proverbs 15:26. Honey-comb — Comp. Psalms 19:10. Bones — The word “bones” stands for the whole body or person.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Lord's Return by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a substitute teacher who asked a question about the walls of Jericho and a student confidently volunteered to knock them down. The |
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |
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Seeking the Good of His People, and Speaking by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking the good of others and speaking peace into their lives. He encourages adopting a mindset of self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness, sugge |
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The Matter of Conversation. by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of our speech, urging that every word should be gracious and beneficial, as our manner of speaking can greatly influence how our message is |
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The Home Conversation by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical role of conversation in the home, arguing that while families invest in physical comforts and education, they often neglect the power of their w |
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Encouraging Others by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of strengthening others through a ministry of encouragement, following the examples of Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus who appreciated and praised in |
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The Misuse of the Gift of Speech by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound gift of speech, highlighting its potential for both good and harm. He notes that while speech can inspire and uplift, it is often misused throug |