Proverbs 2:21
Proverbs 2:21 in Multiple Translations
For the upright will inhabit the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it.
For the upright will be living in the land, and the good will have it for their heritage.
For only people who live right will live in the land; only honest people will remain there.
For the iust shall dwell in the land, and the vpright men shall remaine in it.
For the upright do inhabit the earth, And the perfect are left in it,
For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it.
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
For they that are upright shall dwell in the earth, and the simple shall continue in it.
because only godly people will live in this land and receive God’s blessings; only those who have not done wrong will stay here for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:21
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 2:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יְשָׁרִ֥ים
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
אָ֑רֶץ
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
יִוָּ֥תְרוּ
בָֽ/הּ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְשָׁרִ֥ים
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shâkan
H7931
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
tâmîym
H8549
unblemished
Conj | Adj
יִוָּ֥תְרוּ
yâthar
H3498
to remain
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
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 2:21
כִּֽי
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.
יְשָׁרִ֥ים
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
יִשְׁכְּנוּ
shâkan
H7931
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וּ֝/תְמִימִ֗ים
tâmîym
H8549
"unblemished"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means unblemished or perfect, like an animal without defects. It describes something or someone that is whole and complete, like the sacrifices in Leviticus. It is used to describe integrity and truth.
Definition: : unblemished/perfect 1) complete, whole, entire, sound 1a) complete, whole, entire 1b) whole, sound, healthful 1c) complete, entire (of time) 1d) sound, wholesome, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity 1e) what is complete or entirely in accord with truth and fact (neuter adj/subst)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. See also: Genesis 6:9; Deuteronomy 18:13; Psalms 15:2.
יִוָּ֥תְרוּ
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:21
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
19None who go to her return or negotiate the paths of life.
20So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright will inhabit the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
22but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be uprooted.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 84:11 | For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:29 | The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. |
| 3 | Psalms 37:9 | For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. |
| 4 | Proverbs 10:30 | The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not inhabit the land. |
| 5 | Job 42:12 | So the LORD blessed Job’s latter days more than his first. He owned 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:3 | Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. |
| 7 | Psalms 37:22 | Surely those He blesses will inherit the land, but the cursed will be destroyed. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:11 | But the meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity. |
| 9 | Job 1:1 | There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil. |
| 10 | Psalms 112:4–6 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. |
Proverbs 2:21 Summary
Proverbs 2:21 tells us that people who try to do what is right and are blameless will be able to live in the land and stay there. This means that when we follow God's ways and try to live a life that pleases Him, we can experience His blessing and presence in our lives (as seen in Psalm 37:3). It's not just about getting what we want, but about living a life that honors God and brings us closer to Him (as mentioned in Matthew 5:5). By seeking to be upright and blameless, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from living in God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'upright' in Proverbs 2:21?
To be upright means to be morally straight and just, as seen in Psalm 37:37, where it says that the upright will inherit the land, and in Proverbs 28:18, which states that the one who is upright in his way will fear the Lord.
How can we become 'blameless' as mentioned in this verse?
To become blameless, we must strive to live a life pleasing to God, as seen in Philippians 2:15, where we are called to be blameless and innocent children of God, and in 1 Thessalonians 3:13, which encourages us to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
What is the 'land' being referred to in Proverbs 2:21?
The 'land' in this context likely refers to the Promised Land, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:23, but also has spiritual implications, representing a life of blessing and prosperity in God's presence, as mentioned in Psalm 37:3 and Matthew 5:5.
Is this verse promising earthly prosperity or something more?
While Proverbs 2:21 does speak of inhabiting the land, it's essential to understand that the ultimate promise is not just earthly prosperity but also a spiritual inheritance, as seen in Romans 8:17, where we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, and in 1 Peter 1:4, which speaks of an incorruptible and unfading inheritance in heaven.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can strive to be more upright and blameless, and how can I seek God's help in these areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's ways, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Proverbs 2:20?
- How does the promise of inhabiting the land and remaining in it impact my daily decisions and priorities, and what adjustments can I make to align with God's will?
- What does it mean for me to 'remain' in the land, and how can I cultivate a deep sense of roots and stability in my spiritual journey?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:21
For the upright shall dwell in the land,.... Such as are upright in heart, who have a right spirit renewed in them; whose hearts are right with God, have the truth of grace in them; whose faith is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:21
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it - in contrast to the faithless, who go "unto the dead" (Proverbs 2:18-19).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
Shall have a peaceable and comfortable abode in the land of Canaan, which also is a type of their everlasting felicity. See ,9,18,29.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
Proverbs 2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.Ver. 21. For the upright shall dwell in the land.] Of Canaan, a type of heaven; for by these outward and corporeal things, inward, spiritual, and eternal are understood. Here the wise man speaks after the manner of Moses’ law, under which he lived; and howsoever upright men suffer hardship and hunger here, yet they enjoy great tranquillity and felicity, as seeing God in all, and depending wholly upon him for help. "Well for the present, and it will be better hereafter"; - this is the upright man’ s motto. Heaven, thinks he, will make amends for all. He that sees visions of glory will not matter, with St Stephen, a shower of stones. How much less will he think much, though "the Lord give him the bread of adversity, and water of affliction."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
(21) The upright shall dwell in the land—i.e., of Canaan, according to the old promise made to Abraham, renewed in the fifth commandment, and constantly repeated in the prophets.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:21
21, 22. land … earth] The Heb. word is the same, and should have the same rendering, either land or earth, in both verses. To a Jew this would of course mean “the land which the Lord, thy God, giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12; comp. Psalms 37 passim); but in a Book, the colouring of which is not Jewish, but which addresses itself to all mankind, it is open to us to render, earth, with R.V. marg. See Proverbs 11:31.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 2:21
Noticeable here is the Hebrew love of home and love of country. To “dwell in the land” is (compare Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 25:18, etc.) the highest blessing for the whole people and for individual men.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:21
21. The upright shall dwell in the land — According to God’s promise, (Deuteronomy 11:8-21,) those who keep his commandments shall inherit the land, and transmit it to their posterity.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
By Their Fruit - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the power and impact of the word of God. He describes how the word cuts and breaks before it heals and binds. The pastor challenges the listen |
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Pray and Not Lose Heart by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the limitations of a brief encounter with people at a conference and expresses a desire for a conference solely focused on fellowship. The s |
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Battling Lust by John Piper | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of knowledge and allegiance to God and Christ. He believes that by immersing oneself in the f |
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Lost Dimension in Christian Living by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher challenges the audience to reflect on their personal relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and the cost it may require, |
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Self-Sufficiency of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, Dr. Tazer focuses on the profound observation that the Father has life in himself, as stated in John's Gospel, Chapter 5, Verse 26. He emphasizes that Jesus condens |
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Abiding in Him by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of shining forth as a Christian and being clothed with the sun. He warns against deceiving others into thinking one is a Chris |
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Why God Says No by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and stories to emphasize the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. He highlights the regret of not sh |