Proverbs 22:28
Proverbs 22:28 in Multiple Translations
Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
Remove not the ancient landmark, Which thy fathers have set.
Let not the old landmark be moved which your fathers have put in place.
Don't move ancient boundary markers that your forefathers put in place.
Thou shalt not remooue the ancient bounds which thy fathers haue made.
Remove not a border of olden times, That thy fathers have made.
Don’t move the ancient boundary stone which your fathers have set up.
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
Pass not beyond the ancient bounds which thy fathers have set.
Do not steal some of your neighbors’ land by removing the boundary lines/markers that your ancestors placed/set.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:28
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 22:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּ֭סֵּג
גְּב֣וּל
עוֹלָ֑ם
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
עָשׂ֣וּ
אֲבוֹתֶֽי/ךָ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּ֭סֵּג
nâçag
H5253
to remove
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
border
N-ms
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֲבוֹתֶֽי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | 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 22:28
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּ֭סֵּג
nâçag
H5253
"to remove"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to move away or retreat, often implying a turning back from something. It appears in various forms, such as departing or removing something. This concept is seen in the lives of biblical figures like Moses, who had to remove himself from a situation.
Definition: 1) to move away, backslide, move, go, turn back 1a) (Qal) to backslide, prove recreant to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to displace, move back 1b2) to remove, carry away 1d) (Hophal) to be driven back, be moved back
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: departing away, remove, take (hold), turn away. See also: Deuteronomy 19:14; Isaiah 59:13; Proverbs 22:28.
גְּב֣וּל
gᵉbûwl
H1366
"border"
N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
עָשׂ֣וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֲבוֹתֶֽי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:28
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:28
Context — Saying 5
26Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts.
27If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28Do not move an ancient boundary stone which your fathers have placed.
29Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 27:17 | ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 19:14 | You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:10 | Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, |
| 4 | Job 24:2 | Men move boundary stones; they pasture stolen flocks. |
Proverbs 22:28 Summary
This verse means that we should respect the boundaries and standards that have been set by our predecessors, unless they clearly contradict Scripture. It's like respecting the property lines of your neighbor, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 19:14. Just as moving a property line can cause problems, moving an ancient boundary stone can lead to disputes and conflicts. By respecting these boundaries, we can avoid conflicts and ensure a peaceful life, as promised in Proverbs 10:9, where the man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of an ancient boundary stone in Proverbs 22:28?
The ancient boundary stone represents a long-established boundary or a standard set by previous generations, similar to the concept of property lines and borders in Deuteronomy 19:14 and Deuteronomy 27:17, where altering them is considered a serious offense.
Why is it important not to move an ancient boundary stone?
Moving an ancient boundary stone would be a form of disrespect to the previous generations who set the boundaries, and it could also lead to disputes and conflicts, as seen in Job 24:2, where the wicked move boundary marks to steal land from the poor.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse can be applied to our lives by respecting the traditions, rules, and boundaries set by our predecessors, unless they clearly contradict Scripture, and being mindful of the consequences of changing established norms, as warned in Proverbs 23:10-11, where it talks about not moving an old boundary stone and not encroaching on the fields of the fatherless.
Is there a spiritual application of this verse?
Yes, spiritually, this verse can remind us to respect the boundaries and standards set by God in His Word, as seen in Psalms 16:6, where the boundaries of our inheritance are a delightful place to dwell, and to avoid altering or compromising them for personal gain or convenience, as warned in 2 Peter 3:16, where some twist Scripture to their own destruction.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'ancient boundary stones' in my life that I should respect and not move, and how can I ensure I am honoring them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of respecting established boundaries in my relationships, work, and community?
- How can I balance the need to respect tradition with the need for innovation and progress, and what role should Scripture play in guiding my decisions?
- What are some potential consequences of moving or altering established boundaries, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:28
Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set. Or, "the ancient border" or "boundary" (n); by which lands, estates, and inheritances, were marked, bounded, and distinguished; set by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:28
Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
Landmark, whereby the lands of several possessors were distinguished and divided. Do not enrich thyself with the injury of other men; do not invade the rights of others.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
Proverbs 22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.Ver. 28. Remove not the ancient landmark.] Unless ye covet a curse. Let levellers look to it, and know that property is God’ s ordinance; that magistracy is the hedge of a nation; and that "he that breaks a hedge, a serpent shall bite him"; that the ministry is Christ’ s own institution; and that lay preachers may look to speed as Nadab and Abihu, as Uzzah and Uzziah, or as other usurpers: ερμαπολεως.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
(28) Remove not the ancient landmark.—The stones marking the boundaries of the fields: evidently a not uncommon crime, from the earnestness with which it is forbidden. (Comp. Proverbs 23:10; Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
Verse 28. Remove not the ancient landmark] Do not take the advantage, in ploughing or breaking up a field contiguous to that of thy neighbour, to set the dividing stones farther into his field that thou mayest enlarge thy own. Take not what is not thy own in any case. Let all ancient divisions, and the usages connected with them, be held sacred. Bring in no new dogmas, nor rites, nor ceremonies, into religion, or the worship of God, that are not clearly laid down in the sacred writings. "Stand in the way; and see, and ask for the old paths, which is the good way, and walk therein; and ye shall find rest for your souls;" Jeremiah 6:16. But if any Church have lost sight of the genuine doctrines of the Gospel, calling them back to these is not removing the ancient landmarks, as some have falsely asserted. God gave a law against removing the ancient landmarks, by which the inheritances of tribes and families were distinguished. See Deuteronomy 19:14, from which these words of Solomon appear to be taken. Even among the heathens the landmark was sacred; so sacred that they made a deity of it.
Terminus signifies the stone or post that served as a landmark. And Terminus was reputed a god, and had offerings made to him. Hence OVID: - Tu quoque sacrorum, Termine, finis eras. FAST. lib. i., ver. 50. Nox ubi transierit, solito celebratur honore, Separat indicio qui Deus arva suo. Termine, sive lapis, sive es defossus in agro Stipes, ab antiquis sic quoque Numen habes. Te duo diversa domini pro parte coronant; Binaque serta tibi, binaque liba ferunt.---- Conveniunt, celebrantque dapes vicinia simplex; Et cantant laudes, Termine sancte, tuas. Tu populos, urbesque, et regna ingentia finis: Omnis erit, sine te, litigiosus ager. FAST. lib. ii., ver. 639. Here we find the owners of both fields bringing each his garland and libation to the honour of this god.
They sung its praises, put on its top a chaplet of flowers, poured out the libation before it; and the inhabitants of the country held a festival in its honour. It was, in short, celebrated as the preserver of the bounds and territorial rights of tribes, cities, and whole kingdoms; and without its testimony and evidence, every field would have been a subject of litigation.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:28
28. Comp. Proverbs 23:10; Deuteronomy 19:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:28
A protest against the grasping covetousness Isaiah 5:8 which is regardless of the rights of the poor upon whose inheritance men encroach (compare the margin reference).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:28
28. Remove not the ancient landmark — The marks, frequently stones, by which lands were divided, whether private estates or the territories of tribes, were held very sacred, not merely among the
Sermons on Proverbs 22:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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Not for Sale by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Naboth's vineyard from the Bible as a metaphor for the loss of Christian values in America. The preacher emphasizes the importan |
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God's Purpose in Marriage - and at Present by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of love and respect in marriage, highlighting the need for patience, kindness, and appreciation towards one's partner. It encourages treating |
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Bethany-the House of Revival by David Smithers | David Smithers preaches about the significance of Bethany as a place where Jesus found rest and hospitality, emphasizing the need for the Church to prepare a dwelling place for the |
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His Presence by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of maintaining the ancient landmarks of faith and the necessity of God's presence in our lives. He draws parallels between the struggl |
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Why History Matters pt.1 by Ted Byfield | Ted Byfield emphasizes the importance of history, particularly Christian history, in shaping civilizations and societies. He highlights the essentiality of simple moral rules in ma |
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41 - Preparation Questions for North Korea Opening by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the importance of preparing for the opening of North Korea through the Prepared People Organization. He emphasizes the need to understand the d |