Proverbs 21:30
Proverbs 21:30 in Multiple Translations
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.
Wisdom and knowledge and wise suggestions are of no use against the Lord.
Whatever wisdom, understanding, or guidance you may have is nothing before the Lord.
There is no wisedome, neither vnderstanding, nor counsell against the Lord.
There is no wisdom, nor understanding, Nor counsel, over-against Jehovah.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
There is no wisdom, there is no prudence, there is no counsel against the Lord.
Thinking that we are wise, and that we understand many things, and that we have good insight, does not help us if Yahweh is ◄acting against/not pleased with► us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:30
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 21:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֣ין
חָ֭כְמָה
וְ/אֵ֣ין
תְּבוּנָ֑ה
וְ/אֵ֥ין
עֵ֝צָ֗ה
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
יְהוָֽה
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
תְּבוּנָ֑ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
עֵ֝צָ֗ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 21:30
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
תְּבוּנָ֑ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
עֵ֝צָ֗ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
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.
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:30
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:30
Context — The King’s Heart
28A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.
29A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.
30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:21 | Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. |
| 2 | Acts 5:39 | But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 4 | Isaiah 14:27 | The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back? |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 3:19–20 | For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 7 | Acts 4:27–28 | In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. |
| 8 | Isaiah 7:5–7 | For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. |
| 9 | Isaiah 46:10–11 | 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.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 2:8 | and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
Proverbs 21:30 Summary
[This verse reminds us that no matter how smart or wise we think we are, God's plan and purpose are always greater and will ultimately prevail. As we see in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are called to trust in the LORD with all our heart, and not lean on our own understanding. This means that we can have confidence and peace, knowing that God is in control, even when things seem uncertain or overwhelming. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find rest and assurance, just as Psalm 37:7 encourages us to rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that no wisdom or counsel can prevail against the LORD?
This means that no human plan or strategy can overcome God's sovereign will, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will stand, and no one can thwart them.
Is this verse saying that humans are not wise or intelligent?
No, this verse is not diminishing human wisdom or intelligence, but rather emphasizing that even the greatest human wisdom is no match for God's power and sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 19:21, where we see that many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?
This verse does not negate human free will, but rather highlights that even with our choices, God's ultimate plan and purpose will still be accomplished, as seen in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good to those who love God.
What comfort can be derived from this verse?
This verse can bring great comfort, as it reminds us that regardless of the circumstances, God is in control, and His plan is perfect, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises to give us a future and a hope.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I try to rely on my own wisdom or understanding, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I apply the truth of this verse to a current situation in my life where I feel overwhelmed or uncertain?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan and purpose, even when I don't understand the circumstances?
- How does this verse impact my prayer life, and what should I be praying for in light of God's sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:30
[There is] no wisdom nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. (Isaiah 7:9-10; Acts 5:39; cf. the issue of Ahithophel's wise counsel, 2 Samuel 16:23; 2 Samuel 17:1-14; 2 Samuel 17:23.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
Which can prevail against the counsel and will of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
Proverbs 21:30 [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Ver. 30. There is no wisdom against the Lord.] That is, they are all to no purpose. If God deny concourse, and influence, the arm of human power and policy, as Jeroboam’ s, shrinks up presently. Excellently Gregory - Divinum consilium dum devitatur impletur; humana sapientia dum reluctatur, comprehenditur. God’ s decree is fulfilled by those that have least mind to it. Human wisdom, while it strives for masteries, is overmastered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
(30) There is no wisdom . . . against the Lord—Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:19; Isaiah 54:17; Psalms 2:4.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:30
30. Even more forcible is the Hebrew: There is no wisdom and there is no understanding and there is no counsel against Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:30
Two companion proverbs. Nothing avails against, nothing without, God. The horse is the type of warlike strength, used chiefly or exclusively in battle.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:30
30. There is no wisdom, etc. — The proverb is understood to teach that it is vain to hope for success in any enterprise, however well planned and well fortified by counsel, if its accomplishment is
Sermons on Proverbs 21:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr |
|
The Man Who Knew Too Much by Gilbert K. Chesterton | Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the mysterious and elusive Prince Michael, known for his talent of appearing and disappearing at will, leading to a series of daring escapes an |
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Some Considerations Proposed to the City of London, &C. by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a sermon urging the City of London and the nation of England to calm their spirits and wait for the Lord's plans, cautioning against rushing into ruin and |
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Wisdom and Grace; Or, Within and Without by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of cultivating the friendship between wisdom and grace as believers, as they are both attributes of God. Believers are encouraged to walk wi |
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"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 |