Proverbs 21:31
Proverbs 21:31 in Multiple Translations
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.
The horse is made ready for the day of war, but power to overcome is from the Lord.
You can get your horse ready for battle, but the victory is the Lord's.
The horse is prepared against the day of battell: but saluation is of the Lord.
A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance [is] of Jehovah!
The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with the LORD.
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is from the LORD.
The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord giveth safety.
We can get horses ready to fight in a battle, but Yahweh is the one who enables us to ◄win victories/defeat our enemies►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:31
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 21:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ס֗וּס
מ֭וּכָן
לְ/י֣וֹם
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
וְ֝/לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
הַ/תְּשׁוּעָֽה
ס֗וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-ms
מ֭וּכָן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hophal-Inf-c
לְ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
וְ֝/לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | Prep | N-proper
הַ/תְּשׁוּעָֽה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
deliverance
Art | N-fs
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 21:31
ס֗וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
מ֭וּכָן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hophal-Inf-c
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לְ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וְ֝/לַֽ/יהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | Prep | 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.
הַ/תְּשׁוּעָֽה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
"deliverance"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means salvation or deliverance, often describing God's rescue of his people. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, where God promises to save and deliver his people.
Definition: : salvation 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency) 1b) salvation (spiritual in sense) Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. See also: Judges 15:18; Psalms 40:17; Psalms 33:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:31
Context — The King’s Heart
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 | Psalms 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 2 | Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 33:17–18 | A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion |
| 4 | Psalms 147:10 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. |
| 5 | Psalms 3:3 | But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. |
| 6 | Psalms 68:20 | Our God is a God of deliverance; the Lord GOD is our rescuer from death. |
| 7 | Psalms 3:8 | Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah |
| 8 | Psalms 144:10 | to Him who gives victory to kings, who frees His servant David from the deadly sword. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 3:23 | Surely deception comes from the hills, and commotion from the mountains. Surely the salvation of Israel is in the LORD our God. |
Proverbs 21:31 Summary
Proverbs 21:31 teaches us that even when we prepare for challenges, the outcome is ultimately in God's hands, reminding us to trust in Him. This means that while it's good to get ready for the tough times, we should always remember that God is the one who decides the outcome, as seen in scriptures like Psalms 44:3. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, knowing that He is in control. This is similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 20:4, where God promises to be with His people in battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Proverbs 21:31?
The main point of Proverbs 21:31 is that while we can prepare for battles or challenges in life, ultimate victory comes from the Lord, as seen in other scriptures like Psalms 60:12 and 1 Samuel 17:47.
Does this verse suggest that preparation is unnecessary?
No, this verse does not suggest that preparation is unnecessary; rather, it emphasizes that even with preparation, like a horse prepared for battle, the outcome is still in the Lord's hands, as noted in Proverbs 19:21 and Isaiah 46:10.
How does this verse relate to trusting in God?
This verse relates to trusting in God by reminding us that our strength and preparations are not enough to guarantee success, and we must trust in the Lord for the outcome, as encouraged in Jeremiah 17:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the significance of the horse in this verse?
The horse in this verse represents human preparation and strength, highlighting the contrast between our efforts and God's sovereignty, a theme also seen in Zechariah 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 3:5.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I relying on my own strength and preparation, and how can I shift my trust to the Lord?
- How does remembering that 'victory is of the Lord' change my approach to challenges and battles in my life?
- What does it mean for me to prepare for the 'day of battle' while still trusting in the Lord for the outcome?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in the Lord's sovereignty over my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 21:31 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:31
The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle,.... The horse is a warlike creature, and was much used formerly, as now, in war; these are prepared against the day of battle, to mount the cavalry
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:31
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
The horse; under which particular all warlike provisions are comprehended. Safety is of the Lord; the success of the battle depends not upon any human strength or art, but merely upon God’ s providence, who gives the victory when and to whom he pleaseth, and ofttimes to those that have least reason to expect it. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
Proverbs 21:31 The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.Ver. 31. The horse is prepared against the day, &c.] A very serviceable creature, and in battle full of terror; so swift in service that the Persians dedicated him to their god, the sun, ασπερτοταλιστοντωταχυτατω, as Pausanias hath it. But as the sun in heaven can neither be outrun nor stopped in his race, so neither by men, though wise, nor by means, though likely, can God’ s purposes be disappointed. "A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength." But safety (or victory) is of the Lord.] He gives it to which side he pleaseth, as he did to the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, though they had no horses to help them, as their adversaries had, and chariots too, both Egyptians and Canaanites.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
(31) The horse is prepared against the day of battle.—These had been imported largely from Egypt in Solomon’s time, though this was in direct contravention of the Law (1 Kings 4:26, and Deuteronomy 17:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
Verse 31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle] Horses were not used among the Jews before the time of Solomon. There was a Divine command against them, Deuteronomy 17:16; but Solomon transgressed it; see 1Kg 10:29. But he here allows that a horse is a vain thing for safety; and that however strong and well appointed cavalry may be, still safety, escape, and victory, are of the Lord. Among the ancient Asiatics, the horse was used only for war; oxen laboured in the plough and cart; the ass and the camel carried backloads; and mules and asses served for riding. We often give the credit of a victory to man, when they who consider the circumstances see that it came from God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:31
31. safety] Rather, victory (A.V. marg. R.V. text), or deliverance (R.V. marg.). “Two companion proverbs (Proverbs 21:30-31). Nothing avails against, nothing without, God.” (Speaker’s Comm.)
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:31
31. The horse is prepared against… battle — This verse connects with the preceding. Its import is, that no preparation for war, however great, however confided in, can be successful without God’s blessing.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Surviving the Anointing - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surviving the anointing by returning to God and embracing His presence. It highlights the dangers of rejecting wisdom, standing in the path |
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God Works for Those Who Wait for Him by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord's work for those who wait for Him, emphasizing that God's labor surpasses human efforts in providing for our needs and |
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Let Us Behave Ourselves Valiantly for Our People, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of behaving valiantly for our people and cities, drawing inspiration from Joab's commitment to God amidst battle. He critiques the societal rel |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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Five Elements of a Victorious Life by Jim Logan | In this video, the speaker shares his experiences with the Sue Indians and their spiritual beliefs. He recounts a story of a woman who was possessed by a spirit but was eventually |