Proverbs 19:7
Proverbs 19:7 in Multiple Translations
All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth them with words, but they are gone.
All the brothers of the poor man are against him: how much more do his friends go far from him! ...
If a poor man's relatives can't stand him, how much more will his friends avoid him! He tries to talk with them but they don't listen.
All the brethren of the poore doe hate him: howe much more will his friends depart farre from him? though hee be instant with wordes, yet they will not.
All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words — they are not!
All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him .
The brethren of the poor man hate him: moreover also his friends have departed far from him. He that followeth after words only, shall have nothing.
Even the relatives of someone who becomes poor hate him, and his friends certainly stay away from him, too; even if he tries to talk with them, they will not be his friends again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:7
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 19:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּ֥ל
אֲחֵי
רָ֨שׁ
שְֽׂנֵאֻ֗/הוּ
אַ֤ף
כִּ֣י
מְ֭רֵעֵ/הוּ
רָחֲק֣וּ
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
מְרַדֵּ֖ף
אֲמָרִ֣ים
לא
ל/וֹ
הֵֽמָּה
כָּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲחֵי
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp
רָ֨שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
שְֽׂנֵאֻ֗/הוּ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
אַ֤ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מְ֭רֵעֵ/הוּ
mêrêaʻ
H4828
companion
N-ms | Suff
רָחֲק֣וּ
râchaq
H7368
to remove
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Piel
אֲמָרִ֣ים
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
לא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ל/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הֵֽמָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
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 19:7
כָּ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲחֵי
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
רָ֨שׁ
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.
שְֽׂנֵאֻ֗/הוּ
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
אַ֤ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מְ֭רֵעֵ/הוּ
mêrêaʻ
H4828
"companion"
N-ms | Suff
A companion or friend, this word describes a close relationship. It refers to someone you trust and spend time with, like a confidential friend. The Bible values strong friendships.
Definition: companion, friend, confidential friend
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: companion, friend. See also: Genesis 26:26; Judges 15:2; Proverbs 19:7.
רָחֲק֣וּ
râchaq
H7368
"to remove"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To remove or go far away, as in Genesis 21:16 where Hagar is sent away by Abraham. It means to create distance or separate oneself from something or someone.
Definition: v 1) to be or become far, be or become distant, be removed, go far away 1a) (Qal) to be far, be distant 1b) (Piel) to send far away, extend 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make or exhibit distance, be gone far 1c2) to remove, put far away 2) (Niphal) loose v inf (as adv) 3) at a distance
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (a-, be, cast, drive, get, go, keep (self), put, remove, be too, (wander), withdraw) far (away, off), loose, [idiom] refrain, very, (be) a good way (off). See also: Genesis 21:16; Psalms 119:150; Psalms 22:12.
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מְרַדֵּ֖ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Piel
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אֲמָרִ֣ים
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.
לא
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.
ל/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הֵֽמָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:7
Context — The Man of Integrity
5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
7All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.
8He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. 9A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:4 | Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. |
| 2 | 1 John 3:17–18 | If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. |
| 3 | James 2:15–16 | Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? |
| 4 | Psalms 88:8 | You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape. |
| 5 | Psalms 88:18 | You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion. |
| 6 | Proverbs 18:23 | The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. |
| 7 | Psalms 38:11 | My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. |
| 8 | Proverbs 21:13 | Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. |
| 9 | James 2:6 | But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–16 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” |
Proverbs 19:7 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 19:7, teaches us that when someone is poor, their friends and even family members may avoid them or treat them poorly. This is not how God wants us to treat others, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches us to love and care for those in need. Instead, we should strive to be like the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, showing kindness and compassion to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. By doing so, we can reflect God's love and character to those around us, as encouraged in 1 John 4:7-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the brothers of a poor man hate him according to Proverbs 19:7?
The Bible does not explicitly state why the brothers hate the poor man, but it may be due to the poor man's inability to provide for himself or others, leading to feelings of resentment or shame, as seen in the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. This highlights the importance of compassion and kindness towards those in need, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of friendship?
Proverbs 19:7 suggests that true friends will stand by someone even in times of poverty or hardship, but in this case, the friends avoid the poor man, illustrating the fleeting nature of worldly friendships, as also warned against in Psalm 41:9. In contrast, a true friend, like the one described in Proverbs 17:17, will love and support their friend through all circumstances.
What can we learn from the poor man's experience in this verse?
The poor man's experience teaches us about the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of rejection, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:35-36, and the need to seek comfort and support from God, rather than relying solely on human relationships, as seen in Psalm 27:10.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of how we treat others, especially those who may be struggling financially or emotionally, and to prioritize building genuine, loving relationships, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and John 13:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show love and support to those around me who may be struggling, just as God commands in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 25:31-46?
- How can I cultivate friendships that are based on mutual love and respect, rather than material gain or social status, as warned against in James 2:1-9?
- What are some ways I can prioritize building my relationship with God, so that I am not reliant solely on human relationships for comfort and support, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33 and John 15:4-5?
- How can I respond to rejection or abandonment, like the poor man in this verse, with faith and perseverance, as seen in the examples of Job and Joseph in the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:7
All the brethren of the poor do hate him,.... They despise him on account of his poverty; they neglect him, and do not take care of him; they reckon him a reproach unto them, and do not choose to own
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:7
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
Brethren; his nearest and dearest relations, who are oft called brethren in Scripture, by a common synecdoche. Hate him, i.e. despise and shun him, as men do any thing which they hate, and as the following words explain it. His friends; his former companions, who in his prosperity professed friendship to him. He pursueth them with words, earnestly imploring their pity; or, he urgeth (Heb. pursueth) their words, i.e. allegeth their former promises and professions of friendship. Or, without any supplement, he seeketh words, as the preacher sought to find out acceptable words, , wherewith he might prevail or move them to pity. They are wanting to him, Heb. they are not; either, 1. His friends are not, to wit, what they pretended to be, friends to him. Or, 2. Their words are vain, and without effect; there is no reality in them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
Proverbs 19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth [them with] words, [yet] they [are] wanting [to him].Ver. 7. All the brethren of the poor do hate him.] How much more then his hired friends? These are like crows to a dead carcase, which if they flock to it, it is not to defend but to devour it; and no sooner have they bared the bones, but they are gone.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
(7) He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to Him.—The first half of a verse has apparently dropped out here. The sense may be, that the poor man hunts after words—i.e., seeks to get promises of help from his friends, and these end in nothing—mere talk.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
Verse 7. Do hate him] They shun him as they do the person they hate. They neither hate him positively, nor love him: they disregard him; they will have nothing to do with him. שנא sana signifies not only to hate, but to show a less degree of love to one than another. So Jacob loved Rachel, but hated Leah-showed her less affection than he did to Rachel.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:7
7. pursueth them with words] sc. of persuasion and entreaty. The R.V. marg. renders, He pursueth after words which are nought, i.e. after the fair but false promises of his friends. wanting to him] Rather, are gone, R.V., desert him in his time of need. The fact that this is the only example in this division of the Book of a proverb, which is a tristich, or consists of three clauses, leaves little doubt that the last clause of this verse properly belongs to another proverb, of which one member has fallen out of our present text. This conclusion is in some measure confirmed by the appearance in the LXX. of two complete distichs, though the whole verse is there confused and apparently corrupt, and does not help to the restoration of the original Heb. text.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:7
It seems best to follow the Vulgate in taking the last clause as a separate maxim, He who pursues words, nought are they; i. e., the fair speeches and promises of help come to nothing.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:7
7. The brethren of the poor — This is probably to be understood as applying particularly to such of his brethren as are in better worldly circumstances than himself.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Church God's Purpose by Francis Chan | This sermon highlights the importance of community and missions, focusing on the impact of supporting and serving others selflessly. It shares stories of partnership with churches |
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Who Is Looking at You by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of shifting our focus from ourselves to others, highlighting how self-centered pursuits can lead to emptiness and a lack of meaning in life. T |
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Studies in 1 John-05 1 John 3:10-24 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the word of God as an authoritative and timeless source of guidance. He prays for the word to be applied to the hearts of t |
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Marks of True Children of God - Part 2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a mother who was willing to give both of her kidneys to save her son's life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love and ha |
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Cd Gv285 Big Vision by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action in spreading the word of God. They acknowledge the progress that has been made in the world of missions but s |
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Men Often Highly Esteem What God Abhors by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that what is highly esteemed by men is often abominable to God, as illustrated by the Pharisees who justified themselves while neglecting true devotion. H |
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Isaiah 58:7-8 by Samuel Johnson | Samuel Johnson preaches about the importance of charity and compassion towards the needy and distressed, emphasizing that God requires us to help those in need as a tribute of grat |