Proverbs 19:21
Proverbs 19:21 in Multiple Translations
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
There are many devices in a man’s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.
A man's heart may be full of designs, but the purpose of the Lord is unchanging.
Human beings make many plans in their minds, but the final decision is the Lord's.
Many deuises are in a mans heart: but the counsell of the Lord shall stand.
Many [are] the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm.
People plan to do many kinds of things, but what will happen is what Yahweh has decided will happen.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:21
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 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַבּ֣וֹת
מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת
בְּ/לֶב
אִ֑ישׁ
וַ/עֲצַ֥ת
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
הִ֣יא
תָקֽוּם
רַבּ֣וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וַ/עֲצַ֥ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
Conj | N-fs
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
תָקֽוּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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 19:21
רַבּ֣וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מַחֲשָׁב֣וֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
בְּ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | 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.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/עֲצַ֥ת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
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.
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
תָקֽוּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:21
Context — The Man of Integrity
19A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.
20Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
21Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
22The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar. 23The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:9 | A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. |
| 2 | Isaiah 14:24 | The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 33:10–11 | The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations. |
| 5 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 7 | Ephesians 1:11 | In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
| 8 | Job 23:13 | But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. |
| 9 | Isaiah 14:26–27 | This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back? |
| 10 | Proverbs 21:1 | The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. |
Proverbs 19:21 Summary
This verse reminds us that even though we make many plans, it is God's purpose that ultimately prevails. This means that we should not put our trust solely in our own abilities or plans, but rather trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:5. By trusting in God's purpose, we can have peace and confidence, knowing that He is in control, even when our plans do not work out as expected, as in Romans 8:28. We can seek to align our plans with God's purpose by praying and seeking His will, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that many plans are in a man's heart?
This phrase suggests that humans have the capacity to think, plan, and make decisions, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, but it is the Lord's purpose that ultimately prevails, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.
How can I know if my plans align with God's purpose?
To align with God's purpose, we must seek His will through prayer, as in Psalm 119:105, and by being sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in Romans 8:14.
Does this verse mean that my plans are insignificant?
No, this verse does not diminish the importance of human planning, but rather emphasizes that God's plans supersede ours, as seen in Isaiah 55:9, and that we should trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How can I balance my plans with trusting in God's purpose?
Balancing our plans with trusting in God's purpose requires humility, recognizing that our plans may not always align with His, as in James 4:13-15, and being willing to adjust our plans according to His guidance, as seen in Proverbs 16:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some plans or goals that I have been pursuing, and how can I surrender them to God's purpose?
- In what ways have I seen God's purpose prevail in my life, even when my plans did not work out as expected?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially when my plans seem to be failing?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God's will and align my plans with His purpose?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:21
[There are] many devices in a man's heart,.... Some about civil things; to get wealth and riches: to obtain honour and glory among men; to attain to a long life, and to perpetuate their memories
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (There are) many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man’ s heart; understand out of the opposite clause, which shall not stand, but be disappointed. The counsel of the Lord; his eternal, and unchangeable, and most wise decree, which ofttimes contradicts, and always overrules, the designs and purposes of men. Shall stand, i.e. be certainly fulfilled, as this phrase is used, ,29, and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
Proverbs 19:21 [There are] many devices in a man’ s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Ver. 21. There are many devices in a man’ s heart.] They may purpose, but God alone disposeth of all. Some think to rise by ill principles, but it will not be. Some to be rich, but God crosseth them, and holds them to prisoners’ pittances, to hard meat, as we say. Some, to live long, and to enjoy what they have gotten: but they hear, "Thou fool, this very night shall thy soul be taken from thee." Some set themselves to root out true religion, to dethrone the Lord Christ. But God sees and smiles, looks and laughs. The counsel of the Lord, that shall stand when all is done. Christ shall reign in the midst of his enemies: the stone cut out of the mountains without hands shall bring down the golden image with a vengeance, and make it "like the chaff of the summer floor." Sciat Celsitudo vestra et nihil dubitet - saith Luther in a letter to the Elector of Saxony - longe aliter in coelo quam Noribergae de hoc negotio conclusum esse. Let your highness be sure that the Church’ s business is far otherwise ordered in heaven, than it is by the emperor and states at Norimberg.
And Gaudeo quod Christus Dominus est; alioqui totus desperassem, - I am glad that Christ is King; for otherwise I had been utterly out of heart and hope - saith holy Myconius in a letter to Calvin, upon the view of the Church’ s enemies. Scult., Annal
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
(21) There are many devices (or, thoughts) in a man’s heart.—“He disquieteth himself in vain” (Psalms 39:6), endeavouring to carry out his various plans in life, while the one unchangeable “counsel of the Lord,” that shall stand—i.e., abide in all its fulness. (Comp, Isaiah 46:10-11; Psalms 33:11; Job 23:13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
Verse 21. There are many devices, &c.] The same sentiment as in Proverbs 16:1, where see the note. See Clarke on Proverbs 16:1.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:21
Contrast the many purposes of man, shifting, changing, from good to better, from bad to worse, and the one unchanging righteous “counsel” of Yahweh.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:21
21. Are many devices — Schemes, plans. Compare note on Proverbs 16:1-9. Job 23:13; Psalms 33:10.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"His Plan for Me" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the poem 'His Plan for Me' and delves into the concept of surrendering to God's will. It explores the idea of standing before Christ at the judgment seat an |
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K-490 False Prophets of the Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares his personal experience of witnessing a demonstration of power without the presence of the living God. He describes a situation where |
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The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 2 by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's purpose to find meaning in life. It shares a powerful story of a woman who discovered the true meaning of life through unders |
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The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 7 by Stephen Kaung | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God's ways, counsel, and work in order to align ourselves with His righteous and merciful nature. It highlights how Moses understoo |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | This sermon delves into the contrast between liberalism, fundamentalism, and humanism in Christianity, highlighting the shift towards a focus on human happiness rather than true re |
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Seven Reasons Why You Should Go - Part 4 by George Verwer | This sermon emphasizes the joy and fulfillment found in missionary work, debunking the idea of it being a form of purgatory for past mistakes. It encourages listeners to embrace th |
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Proverbs 19- Lord, Why Is This Happening? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, acknowledging the struggles and unknown hindrances that hold us back. It highlights the need for God to reveal and sea |