Proverbs 23:22
Proverbs 23:22 in Multiple Translations
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old.
Give ear to your father whose child you are, and do not keep honour from your mother when she is old.
Pay attention to your father, and don't disregard your mother when she's old.
Obey thy father that hath begotten thee, and despise not thy mother when she is olde.
Hearken to thy father, who begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she hath become old.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Hearken to thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Hearken to thy father, that beget thee: and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Pay attention to what your father tells you, and ◄do not neglect/take care of► [LIT] your mother when she is old.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:22
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 23:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁמַ֣ע
לְ֭/אָבִי/ךָ
זֶ֣ה
יְלָדֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אַל
תָּ֝ב֗וּז
כִּֽי
זָקְנָ֥ה
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
שְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ֭/אָבִי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
יְלָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תָּ֝ב֗וּז
bûwz
H936
to despise
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זָקְנָ֥ה
zâqên
H2204
be old
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | 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 23:22
שְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לְ֭/אָבִי/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | 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.
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
יְלָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | 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.
תָּ֝ב֗וּז
bûwz
H936
"to despise"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To despise or hold in contempt is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which is used in the Bible to describe showing disrespect or disdain for someone or something, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean to consider something insignificant. This term is translated as contemn or despise in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant 1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. See also: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 23:9; Proverbs 6:30.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
זָקְנָ֥ה
zâqên
H2204
"be old"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To be old or become old is what this Hebrew verb means, as seen in Genesis 18:11, where Abraham and Sarah are described as aged. It can also imply showing signs of age or becoming elderly. The concept of aging is significant in biblical narratives.
Definition: 1) to be old, become old 1a) (Qal) to be old, become old 1b) (Hiphil) to grow old, show age
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: aged man, be (wax) old (man). See also: Genesis 18:12; 1 Samuel 8:5; Psalms 37:25.
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:22
Context — Saying 17
20Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.
22Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 30:17 | As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:8 | Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. |
| 3 | John 19:26–27 | When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home. |
| 4 | Ephesians 6:1–2 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:20 | My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. |
| 6 | Leviticus 19:3 | Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 8 | Mark 7:10 | For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 21:18–21 | If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” Then all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid. |
| 10 | Matthew 15:4–6 | For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. |
Proverbs 23:22 Summary
This verse is telling us to listen to and respect our parents, especially our fathers, who gave us life, and to take care of our mothers when they are old. Just like we want to be loved and respected, our parents want the same from us, as seen in Exodus 20:12. By honoring our parents, we are also showing respect and obedience to God, who commands us to do so in Ephesians 6:1-3. When we listen to and care for our parents, we are reflecting the heart of God and showing that we value the people He has placed in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'listen to your father' in Proverbs 23:22?
Listening to your father means obeying and respecting his guidance and wisdom, just as the Lord commands in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3, where children are instructed to honor their parents.
Why is it important not to despise your mother when she is old?
Not despising your mother when she is old shows that you value and respect her, even when she may not be as strong or independent as she once was, reflecting the heart of God who commands us to honor our parents in Deuteronomy 5:16 and to care for the elderly as seen in James 1:27.
How does this verse relate to my relationship with God?
Just as we are to honor and respect our earthly parents, we are also to reverence and obey our heavenly Father, as seen in Matthew 6:9-10, where Jesus teaches us to pray to 'our Father in heaven', showing us the importance of respecting and honoring God as our ultimate authority and provider.
What are the consequences of not listening to your father and despising your mother?
Not listening to your father and despising your mother can lead to a life of poverty and destruction, as warned in Proverbs 23:20-21, and can also lead to spiritual poverty and separation from God, as seen in Proverbs 1:7-9 and Psalm 101:5.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show respect and honor to my parents, even if we don't always see eye to eye?
- How can I balance the desire for independence with the need to listen to and respect my parents' guidance and wisdom?
- What are some ways I can care for and support my parents as they grow older, reflecting the heart of God in James 1:27?
- In what ways does my relationship with my earthly parents reflect my relationship with my heavenly Father, and how can I improve my relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee,.... And who has a true and hearty affection for thee, and whatever he says is for thy good and welfare, which he studies and has at heart; and who therefore
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
That begat thee; and therefore desires and seeks thy good in all his counsels. When she is old; when the infirmity of age is added to that of her sex, which is apt to breed contempt.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.Ver. 22. Hearken to thy father, &c.] And despise not thy mother when she is old,] Dr Taylor, martyr, said to his son, among other things, when he was to suffer: When thy mother is waxed old, forsake her not, but provide for her to thy power, and see that she lack nothing; for so will God bless thee, and give thee long life upon earth, and prosperity. Acts and Mon.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
Verse 22. Despise not thy mother when she is old.] A very necessary caution, as very old women are generally helpless, useless, and burdensome: yet these circumstances do not at all lessen the child's duty. And this duty is strengthened by the Divine command here given.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:22
22. Despise not thy mother — A negative for a positive precept — pay to thine aged mother all due deference and respect. When… old — Some read, because she is old. Let not the infirmities of age lessen thy esteem for her.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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(Proverbs) ch.22:12 - 23:35 by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of truth, integrity, and discipline in his sermon on Proverbs 22:12 - 23:35. He highlights that God stands with those who uphold truth and warn |
|
Chinese New Year Promotes Filial Piety and Parental Love by Timothy Tow | In this sermon, the preacher announces his upcoming anniversary message on the role of a mother in a Christian home. He believes that Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to pro |
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Fatherly Exhortation Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting our parents. He encourages his listeners to value truth, wisdom, instruction, and unders |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 6. Finding Your Better Half by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of seeking God's will in choosing a life partner, emphasizing the need to listen to God's leading and not rush into marriage decisions. He |
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Parents and Children by Valsan Thampu | Valsan Thampu delivers a powerful sermon on the impact of the spirit of alienation on parent-child relationships, emphasizing the diminishing parental authority and the increasing |
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The Word of Affection by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound love and sorrow of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stands by the cross witnessing her Son's suffering. He reflects on her life filled with trial |