Proverbs 23:2
Proverbs 23:2 in Multiple Translations
and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
And put a knife to thy throat, If thou be a man given to appetite.
And put a knife to your throat, if you have a strong desire for food.
and cut down if you have a big appetite.
And put the knife to thy throte, if thou be a man giuen to the appetite.
And thou hast put a knife to thy throat, If thou [art] a man of appetite.
put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou art a man given to appetite.
And put a knife to thy throat, if it be so that thou have thy soul in thy own power.
Even if you ◄have a big appetite/want to eat a lot of food►, restrain yourself.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:2
BAB
Word Study
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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 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֣
שַׂכִּ֣ין
בְּ/לֹעֶ֑/ךָ
אִם
בַּ֖עַל
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
אָֽתָּה
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֣
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
שַׂכִּ֣ין
sakkîyn
H7915
knife
N-ms
בְּ/לֹעֶ֑/ךָ
lôaʻ
H3930
throat
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
בַּ֖עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:2
וְ/שַׂמְתָּ֣
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
שַׂכִּ֣ין
sakkîyn
H7915
"knife"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a knife, describing a sharp or edged tool. In the Bible, knives were used for various tasks, like cutting or slaughtering animals. The KJV translates it as knife.
Definition: knife
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: knife. See also: Proverbs 23:2.
בְּ/לֹעֶ֑/ךָ
lôaʻ
H3930
"throat"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the throat or gullet, like in the KJV translation.
Definition: throat
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: throat. See also: Proverbs 23:2.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בַּ֖עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אָֽתָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:2
Context — Saying 7
1When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you,
2and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
3Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. 4Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
| 2 | Matthew 18:8–9 | If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 9:27 | No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. |
Proverbs 23:2 Summary
This verse is telling us to be careful not to let our desires control us, especially in situations where we might feel pressure to overindulge. It's like putting a knife to our throat, reminding us to be mindful of our actions and choices. This principle of self-control is important in all areas of life, as we see in Proverbs 16:32 and Galatians 5:23, and helps us prioritize what's truly important. By being aware of our desires and choosing to exercise self-control, we can live more wisely and honor God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'put a knife to your throat' in Proverbs 23:2?
This is a figurative expression meaning to exercise extreme self-control, especially in situations where one's desires may get the better of them, as seen in Proverbs 23:2, and is similar to the self-control encouraged in 1 Corinthians 9:27.
Is this verse telling me to never enjoy good food?
No, this verse is warning against overindulging in food, especially in a setting where one might feel pressure to keep up with others, as seen in the context of dining with a ruler in Proverbs 23:1, and is in line with the principle of moderation found in 1 Timothy 6:17.
How does this relate to my everyday life?
This verse encourages self-awareness and self-control in all areas of life, including our appetites and desires, as taught in Proverbs 16:32 and Galatians 5:23, and reminds us to prioritize wisdom and restraint over indulgence.
Is this verse only applicable to eating?
While the context is about dining with a ruler, the principle of self-control applies to all areas of life, including our words, actions, and desires, as seen in James 1:26 and Proverbs 12:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with self-control, and how can I apply the principle of 'putting a knife to my throat' to those areas?
- In what ways do I feel pressure to overindulge or keep up with others, and how can I prioritize wisdom and restraint in those situations?
- How does my appetite, whether for food or other desires, reflect my heart's priorities, and what does this reveal about my relationship with God?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate self-awareness and self-control in my daily life, and what biblical principles can guide me in this process?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:2
And put a knife to thy throat,.... Refrain from too much talk at the table; give not too loose to thy tongue, but bridle it, considering in whose presence thou art; do not use too much freedom,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:2
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. And put a knife to thy throat, if thou (be) a man given to appetite - restrain thy gluttony as it were with a knife applied to thy throat (cf. Psalms 39:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
Put a knife to thy throat; restrain and moderate thine appetite, as if a knife or some other thing stuck in thy throat, and hindered thee from swallowing what thou didst desire; or as if a man stood with a knife at thy throat ready to kill thee, if thou didst transgress; or though it be as irksome to thee to do so as if thou hadst a knife put to thy throat. So this is to be understood metaphorically, as that phrase of cutting off the right hand, & c., ,30. Or, For thou dost (or, lest thou shouldst, as the Syriac interpreter renders it; or, otherwise thou wilt or shouldst) put a knife to thy throat. So the sense is, When thou goest to their feasts, thou dost expose thyself to great and manifest hazards, to thy own intemperance, and to all its dangerous consequences, and to the ill effects of other men’ s intemperance. Given to appetite; prone to excess in eating and drinking.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
Proverbs 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [be] a man given to appetite.Ver. 2. And put a knife to thy throat.] Put into thy throat, as Aben Ezra reads it, rather than offend by inordinate appetite. Some read it thus: For thou puttest a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Thou shortenest thy life, and diggest, as it were, thine own grave with thine own teeth. Meat kills as many as the musket; the board as the sword. Tenuis mensa sanitatis mater: but much meat, much malady. Chrysost.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
(2) And put a knife to thy throat.—Use the strongest methods to keep thine appetite in check, if thou art likely to give way to it, and then, overcome by meat and drink, to say or do anything to offend thy host.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
Verse 2. Put a knife to thy throat] Repress thy appetite, and do not be incontinent of speech. Eat, drink, and converse, under a check.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:2
2. put a knife] i.e. Restrain forcibly thy appetite as with a knife held to thy throat. Others render, thou wilt put (R.V. marg.) and understand it to mean, that death may be the penalty of indulgence.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 23:2
i. e., “Restrain thy appetite, eat as if the knife were at thy throat.” Others render the words “thou wilt put a knife to thy throat” etc., i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:2
1-3. When thou sittest to eat with a ruler — The first three verses of this chapter are closely connected, and pertain to one and the same topic.What — Some render who.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fourfold Purpose of the Gospel by Jeff Rose | This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise, highlighting the need to return to the true gospel message, the resistance faced |
|
A Prisoner of Appetite Is Unhealthy Eating a Sin? by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the importance of taking care of our bodies and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, focusing on the struggle to resist temptations and the need to prioritize ph |
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The Love of the World and the Love of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the dangers of loving the world and its temporary pleasures, emphasizing that those who love the world do not have the love of the Father in them. He co |
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Don't Be Fooled, the Pew Won't Save You! by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes how skillful the devil is in deceiving people to exchange their eternal inheritance for temporary desires, leading them to waste their lives and lose their s |
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New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the essence of the New Covenant as depicted in Matthew chapter 3, emphasizing the crucial act of turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 5 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of finding true satisfaction and peace in God rather than in worldly concerns, particularly for young people who often fret about their fut |
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Anxiety by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Destruction' (apoleia) in the Bible, emphasizing that it signifies the utter and hopeless loss of all that gives worth to existence, rather |