Proverbs 21:19
Proverbs 21:19 in Multiple Translations
Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
It is better to dwell in a desert land, Than with a contentious and fretful woman.
It is better to be living in a waste land, than with a bitter-tongued and angry woman.
It's better to live in a desert than with an argumentative and bad-tempered wife.
It is better to dwell in the wildernesse, then with a contentious and angry woman.
Better to dwell in a wilderness land, Than [with] a woman of contentions and anger.
It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful woman.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
It is better to dwell in a wilderness, than with a quarrelsome and passionate woman.
It is better to live alone in a desert than to live with a wife who is always nagging and complaining.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:19
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 21:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֗וֹב
שֶׁ֥בֶת
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
מִדְבָּ֑ר
מֵ/אֵ֖שֶׁת
מדונים
מִדְיָנִ֣ים
וָ/כָֽעַס
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
מֵ/אֵ֖שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Prep | N-fs
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-mp
מִדְיָנִ֣ים
midyân
H4079
contention
N-mp
וָ/כָֽעַס
kaʻaç
H3708
vexation
Conj | N-ms
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 21:19
ט֗וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שֶׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
מִדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
מֵ/אֵ֖שֶׁת
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-mp
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
מִדְיָנִ֣ים
midyân
H4079
"contention"
N-mp
Means contention or strife, describing a quarrel or dispute, as seen in the KJV translation of brawling or contention.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous). See also: Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 18:19.
וָ/כָֽעַס
kaʻaç
H3708
"vexation"
Conj | N-ms
This noun refers to the feeling of anger or frustration, like in Deuteronomy 32 where it describes God's vexation with the Israelites. It can also mean grief or provocation. It's a strong negative emotion.
Definition: anger, vexation Also means: ka.as (כַּ֫עַשׂ "vexation" H3708B)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: anger, angry, grief, indignation, provocation, provoking, [idiom] sore, sorrow, spite, wrath. See also: Deuteronomy 32:19; Psalms 10:14; Psalms 6:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:19
Context — The King’s Heart
17He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
18The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
20Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them. 21He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:9 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
| 2 | Psalms 120:5–6 | Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:6–7 | I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah |
| 4 | Jeremiah 9:2 | If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people. |
Proverbs 21:19 Summary
This verse is saying that it's better to be alone in a difficult place than to be with someone who is always arguing and has a bad temper. This is because a peaceful and loving home life is very important, as seen in Proverbs 17:1 and 1 Peter 3:1-7. It's not saying that all wives are like this, but rather warning about the challenges of living with someone who has these negative traits. By prioritizing good communication, conflict resolution, and a peaceful atmosphere, we can work towards creating a more loving and supportive home life, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a contentious and ill-tempered wife?
This refers to a wife who is constantly argumentative and has a bad temper, making life with her very difficult, as seen in Proverbs 21:19, and similar characteristics are also described in Proverbs 19:13 and 25:24.
Is this verse saying that all wives are contentious and ill-tempered?
No, this verse is not making a general statement about all wives, but rather warning about the specific challenges of living with a wife who has these negative traits, and it's also important to remember the Bible's teachings on the importance of a loving and supportive marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-33 and 1 Peter 3:1-7.
What does living in the desert have to do with this verse?
The desert is being used as a metaphor for a solitary and possibly difficult life, but one that is still preferable to living with someone who is contentious and ill-tempered, as stated in Proverbs 21:19, and this idea is also supported by other Bible verses such as Proverbs 15:17 and 17:1.
How can I apply this verse to my own life and relationships?
This verse can serve as a reminder to prioritize a peaceful and loving home life, and to strive for good communication and conflict resolution skills, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can work on being a more peaceful and loving presence in my own home and relationships?
- How can I balance the need to address conflicts and issues with the importance of maintaining a peaceful and calm atmosphere?
- What are some Bible verses or principles that can help guide me in navigating difficult relationships or conflicts?
- In what ways can I show love, kindness, and respect to those around me, even in challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:19
[It is] better to dwell in the wilderness,.... Where persons live without shelter, and are not only exposed to storms and tempests, but to beasts of prey; where is want of the necessaries of life,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:19
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Compare Proverbs 21:9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
Than, understand, in a wide house, as it is expressed above, , and as the opposition here requires.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
Proverbs 21:19 [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.Ver. 19. It is better to dwell in the wilderness.] Among ravenous beasts and venomous serpents, in greatest danger, and want of all necessary accommodation. This is so much worse than the housetop, as an angry and vexatious woman - which, like a mad dog, bites all about her, and makes them as mad as herself - is worse than her that is not so much angry as unquiet, brawling (as dogs bark sometimes in the night) of custom or fancy, and not provoked by any.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:19
19. wilderness] regarded, as the parallel requires, not as a barren, but as a solitary place. angry] Or, fretful, R.V. text; or, a contentious woman and vexation, R.V. marg. The LXX. introduce a third characteristic, chattering, γλωσσώδης.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:19
19. In… wilderness — αΰψφξγαψ, (beerets midhbar,) in the pasture lands, the uncultivated regions, those not occupied by the dwellings of man. Angry woman — A fretful, morose, or contentious woman.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Choosing a Wife - Beauty Is Vain by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a godly spouse over outward beauty or charm. It warns against the consequences of marrying a contentious or ungodly partner, highl |
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(New Wine in New Wineskins) 3. God Needs Women by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the vital role of women in manifesting God's glory as originally intended at creation. He highlights that women are called to be helpers, mothers, and witness |
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Couples Night - Part 5 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the challenges and dynamics of marriage, drawing examples from historical figures like John Wesley and biblical characters like David and his wife. It explo |
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Psalm 120 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on Psalm 120, highlighting the distress caused by slander and the soul's refuge in prayer. He emphasizes that tribulation is inevitable for believers, but prayer |
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2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights |
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They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggle |
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Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a |