Proverbs 17:21
Proverbs 17:21 in Multiple Translations
A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.
He who has an unwise son gets sorrow for himself, and the father of a foolish son has no joy.
A stupid son brings grief to his father; the father of a child who does stupid things has no joy.
He that begetteth a foole, getteth himselfe sorow, and the father of a foole can haue no ioy.
Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.
He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father shall not rejoice in a fool.
Children who are foolish soon cause their parents to be very sad; their parents will not be joyful at all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:21
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 17:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹלֵ֣ד
כְּ֭סִיל
לְ/ת֣וּגָה
ל֑/וֹ
וְ/לֹֽא
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
אֲבִ֣י
נָבָֽל
יֹלֵ֣ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal
כְּ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
לְ/ת֣וּגָה
tûwgâh
H8424
grief
Prep | N-fs
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֲבִ֣י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
נָבָֽל
nâbâl
H5036
foolish
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:21
יֹלֵ֣ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
כְּ֭סִיל
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
לְ/ת֣וּגָה
tûwgâh
H8424
"grief"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word describes a feeling of grief or sorrow, often translated as heaviness. It is used to express emotional pain or depression, as seen in various psalms and biblical accounts.
Definition: grief, heaviness, sorrow
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: heaviness, sorrow. See also: Psalms 119:28; Proverbs 14:13; Proverbs 10:1.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יִ֝שְׂמַ֗ח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
אֲבִ֣י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
נָבָֽל
nâbâl
H5036
"foolish"
Adj
A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.
Definition: foolish, senseless, fool
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:21
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
19He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction.
20The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
22A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 23A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:1 | The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:13 | A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:25 | A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:32–35 | You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:20 | A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. |
| 6 | Genesis 26:34 | When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:15–16 | My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice. My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 18:33 | The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 2:3 | I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. |
| 10 | Philemon 1:19–20 | I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. |
Proverbs 17:21 Summary
This verse is saying that when a parent raises a child who makes poor choices and lives a foolish life, it brings great sadness and pain to the parent. As a parent, it's essential to teach your children the ways of the Lord and set a good example, so they can grow up to be wise and responsible, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4. By doing so, you can experience the joy of seeing your children thrive and make good choices, rather than suffering the grief of watching them make foolish decisions. This principle can also be applied to our relationship with our heavenly Father, who desires us to live wisely and obediently, as seen in Matthew 7:24-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'father a fool' in Proverbs 17:21?
To 'father a fool' means to raise a child who rejects wisdom and lives a life of foolishness, which brings grief to the parent, as seen in the consequences described in Proverbs 10:1 and Proverbs 19:13.
Is this verse saying that parents are always to blame for their children's foolish behavior?
No, this verse is not saying that parents are always to blame, but rather that parents have a significant influence on their children's lives, and foolish behavior can be a result of poor parenting, as warned in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21.
How can parents avoid 'fathering a fool' according to the Bible?
Parents can avoid 'fathering a fool' by teaching their children the ways of the Lord, disciplining them in love, and setting a good example, as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4.
What is the significance of 'no joy' for the father of a fool?
The phrase 'no joy' signifies that the father of a fool will experience sorrow, pain, and disappointment, rather than the joy and pride that comes from seeing their children walk in wisdom, as described in Proverbs 23:24 and 3 John 1:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the wisdom of Proverbs 17:21 to my own life as a parent or future parent?
- How can I ensure that I am not contributing to foolish behavior in my own children or the children in my life?
- What does it mean for me to 'father a fool' in a spiritual sense, and how can I avoid this in my own relationships and discipleship?
- In what ways can I seek to bring joy to my heavenly Father by living a life of wisdom and obedience, as seen in Matthew 25:21 and Luke 15:20-24?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:21
He that begetteth a fool [doth it] to his sorrow,.... As it proves in the issue; though it was joy to him when a man child was born, and took delight in him while in infancy and childhood, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:21
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
A fool; not a natural, but a wilful fool, or a wicked son. The father; and consequently the mother also. Hath no joy, which parents usually have in the birth of a child, and especially of a son; but hath great cause of sorrow, the contrary being implied in this and such-like expressions, as in Scripture, as , &c., so also in profane authors; whose words see in my Latin Synopsis.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.Ver. 21. He that begetteth a fool, doeth it to his sorrow.] Solomon might speak this by experience, and wish, as Augustus did, utinam caelebs vixissem, aut orbus periissem. Oh that I had either lived a bachelor or died childless! To "bring forth children to the murderer," children to the devil, that old manslayer; oh, what a grief is this to a pious parent! how much better were a "miscarrying womb, and dry breasts!" What heavy moan made David for his Absalom, dying in his sin! How doth many a miserable mother weep and warble out that mournful ditty of hers in Plutarch over her deceased children, Quo pueri estis profecti? Poor souls, what is become of you! And the father of a fool hath no joy.] No more than Oedipus had, who cursed his children when he died, and breathed out his last with “ Per coacervatos pereat domus impia luctus.” No more than William the Conqueror had in his ungracious children, or Henry II, who, finding that his sons had conspired against him with the king of France, fell into a grievous passion, cursing both his sons, and the day wherein himself was born; and in that distemperature departed the world, which himself had so oft distempered. Daniel, fol. 112.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
(21) He that begetteth a fool (khesîl).—See above, on Proverbs 1:32. The father of a fool (nâbhâl).—See above, on Proverbs 17:7.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:21
21. a fool … a fool] The Heb. word so rendered is not the same in the two clauses of the verse. The first word in the first clause describes the fool as dull or senseless, or as some think obstinate. The second word points him out as shameless, like Nabal, whose name (the Heb. word here) was descriptive of his character (1 Samuel 25:25). There is a third Heb. word, used more commonly than either of these in this Book, which regards a fool as one who is perverse, or as some render, weak.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
21. A fool — A boor; a dolt. Two different words are rendered “fool” in the text. They are akin in sense, but there is a shade of difference between them.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Cry of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the concept of wisdom and its connection to intelligence and understanding. He highlights the complexity and intricacy of the human bod |
|
Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
|
To Build or Not to Build by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories from their family history to illustrate the challenges and trials they faced. The first story is about their grandmother, who experie |
|
|
A Son That Brings Shame by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the word of God and traveling across the nation. He recalls a powerful encounter with a man who commended him for fe |
|
God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |
|
|
Every House Divided Against Itself Shall Not Stand! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being worn out and upset due to the constant fighting and turmoil happening in the church. He witnesses a group of peop |
|
There Is a Song in Every Barren Womb by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four hundred years of silence from God and how He never leaves Himself without a testimony. The speaker emphasizes that God determined to |