Proverbs 23:29
Proverbs 23:29 in Multiple Translations
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?
Who says, Oh! who says, Ah! who has violent arguments, who has grief, who has wounds without cause, whose eyes are dark?
Who's in trouble? Who's in pain? Who's arguing? Who's complaining? Who's injured for no reason? Who's got bloodshot eyes?
To whome is woe? to whome is sorowe? to whom is strife? to whom is murmuring? to whom are woundes without cause? and to whome is the rednesse of the eyes?
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? who hath plaint? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
Who hath woe? whose father hath woe? who hath contentions? who falls into pits? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
I will tell you [RHQ] what kind of people are always miserable and sad. I will tell you [RHQ] which people are always causing arguments/quarrels and who are always complaining. I will tell you [RHQ] who are injured in fights and whose eyes are always red/bloodshot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:29
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 23:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/מִ֨י
א֥וֹי
לְ/מִ֪י
אֲב֡וֹי
לְ/מִ֤י
מדונים
מִדְיָנִ֨ים
לְ/מִ֥י
שִׂ֗יחַ
לְ֭/מִי
פְּצָעִ֣ים
חִנָּ֑ם
לְ֝/מִ֗י
חַכְלִל֥וּת
עֵינָֽיִם
לְ/מִ֨י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
woe!
Part
לְ/מִ֪י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
אֲב֡וֹי
ʼăbôwy
H17
pain!
Part
לְ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-mp
מִדְיָנִ֨ים
midyân
H4079
contention
N-mp
לְ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
שִׂ֗יחַ
sîyach
H7879
complaint
N-ms
לְ֭/מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
פְּצָעִ֣ים
petsaʻ
H6482
wound
N-mp
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
לְ֝/מִ֗י
mîy
H4310
who?
Prep | Part
חַכְלִל֥וּת
chaklilûwth
H2448
dullness
N-fs
עֵינָֽיִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:29
לְ/מִ֨י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
א֥וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
"woe!"
Part
This word is an expression of sorrow or grief, like a cry of 'Oh no!' or 'Alas!' It's used in Isaiah and Jeremiah to lament the fate of God's people. The prophets use it to express deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) woe! alas! oh! 1a) passionate cry of grief or despair
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: alas, woe. See also: Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 6:4; Proverbs 23:29.
לְ/מִ֪י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֲב֡וֹי
ʼăbôwy
H17
"pain!"
Part
This Hebrew word expresses pain or desire, like saying 'Oh!' or 'Woe!'. It shows strong feelings of sorrow or uneasiness.
Definition: Oh!, Woe!, (exclamation of pain - indicates desire or uneasiness)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sorrow. See also: Proverbs 23:29.
לְ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
מדונים
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-mp
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
מִדְיָנִ֨ים
midyân
H4079
"contention"
N-mp
Means contention or strife, describing a quarrel or dispute, as seen in the KJV translation of brawling or contention.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous). See also: Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 18:19.
לְ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
שִׂ֗יחַ
sîyach
H7879
"complaint"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a complaint or a thought that someone expresses, like a prayer or a concern, often used in the Psalms to describe the writer's emotions.
Definition: 1) meditation, complaint, musing 1a) plaint, complaint 1b) following are uncertain 1b1) musing 1b2) anxiety, trouble 1b3) talk
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk. See also: 1 Samuel 1:16; Job 23:2; Psalms 55:3.
לְ֭/מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
פְּצָעִ֣ים
petsaʻ
H6482
"wound"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a wound or bruise, often referring to physical harm. It appears in various KJV translations as wound or wounding. In biblical context, it describes an injury or hurt.
Definition: bruise, wound
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: wound(-ing). See also: Genesis 4:23; Proverbs 20:30; Proverbs 23:29.
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
לְ֝/מִ֗י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Prep | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
חַכְלִל֥וּת
chaklilûwth
H2448
"dullness"
N-fs
This word describes a state of dullness or redness, often referring to the eyes. It can also mean blearedness, implying a lack of clarity or focus. The word is used in various biblical contexts.
Definition: redness, dullness
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: redness. See also: Proverbs 23:29.
עֵינָֽיִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:29
Context — Saying 19
27For a prostitute is a deep pit, and an adulteress is a narrow well.
28Like a robber she lies in wait and multiplies the faithless among men.
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. 31Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:18 | Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:11 | Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. |
| 3 | Proverbs 23:21 | For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:22 | Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing beer, |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 25:36–37 | When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone. |
| 6 | Genesis 49:12 | His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk. |
| 7 | Isaiah 28:7–8 | These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:16–22 | They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk. And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.” “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans. Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” |
| 9 | Matthew 24:49–50 | And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. |
| 10 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
Proverbs 23:29 Summary
Proverbs 23:29 is a verse that asks a series of questions about who has trouble and hardship in their life, and the answers are found in the following verses, which describe the consequences of a life of sin and excess. This verse is warning us about the dangers of a life that is not lived for God, and encouraging us to seek wisdom and obedience to His Word, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 111:10. By living a life that honors God, we can avoid the troubles and hardships described in this verse. The Bible teaches us that when we live for God, we will experience peace and joy, as promised in Romans 14:17 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Proverbs 23:29?
The main theme of Proverbs 23:29 is the consequences of a life of sin and reckless living, as seen in the questions that highlight the troubles and hardships that come from such a lifestyle, as warned in Proverbs 23:27-28 and echoed in Proverbs 28:7.
Who is being described in Proverbs 23:29?
The person being described in Proverbs 23:29 is someone who has given themselves over to a life of sin and excess, as further explained in Proverbs 23:30-31, which specifically mentions those who linger over wine and go to taste mixed drinks.
What is the significance of 'needless wounds' and 'bloodshot eyes' in Proverbs 23:29?
The 'needless wounds' and 'bloodshot eyes' in Proverbs 23:29 are likely referring to the physical and emotional harm that comes from a life of sin and excess, similar to the consequences described in Proverbs 7:22-23 and Hosea 4:11.
How can we avoid the troubles described in Proverbs 23:29?
We can avoid the troubles described in Proverbs 23:29 by living a life of wisdom and obedience to God's Word, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 8:13, and by seeking to honor God with our lives, as commanded in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be inviting 'woe' and 'sorrow' into my own life, and how can I turn away from these paths?
- How can I cultivate a heart of wisdom and discernment, so that I can avoid the pitfalls described in Proverbs 23:29?
- What are some 'needless wounds' that I may have inflicted upon myself or others, and how can I seek healing and restoration?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to honor Him with my life, in order to avoid the troubles described in Proverbs 23:29?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:29
Who hath woe?.... In this world and in the other, in body and soul; diseases of body, distress of mind, waste of substance, and all manner of evils and calamities; if any man has these, the drunkard
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:29
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? Who hath sorrow?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
From the sin of lust he proceeds to that of drunkenness, which doth frequently accompany it. Babbling the sin of much and impertinent talking; or, tumultuous noise or clamour, which is usual among drunkards. See . Without cause; upon every slight occasion, which men inflamed with wine are very apt to take.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?Ver. 29. Who hath woe? who hath sorrow?] Whoredom is usually ushered in by drunkenness. Est Venus in vinis. It is Venus in the wines. Hence, the whore cometh forth with a "cup," as with an instrument fit for the fulfilling of her lust; even as of old every one did openly bear in his hand at Rome the badge of that art that he professed. Solomon therefore having warned his young nobleman of whoredom, fitly shows him next the mischief of drunkenness; and this he doth by way of admiration or interrogation, that the drunkard may (will he, nill he) see, as in a glass, and so abhor his own absurdities, miseries, and mischiefs. The best that can come of drunkenness is repentance - that fairest daughter of so foul a mother - and that is not without its woe, and, alas! its sorrow and redness of eyes with weeping for sin. But few drunkards are taken in that fault. Who hath babbling?] A great deal of small talk, telling all that’ s within. ‘ Condita cum verax aperit praecordia liber.’ - Horat. When the wine is in, the wit is out.
Who hath redness of eyes?] Oculorum suffusio, the Vulgate reads suffossio. Drunkards have usually red and rich faces. Nasos instar coctilis cancri, Noses like a boiled lobster; plenty of pustulaes or quots, as they call them. Briefly, drunkenness, like another Africa, is never without some new monster of mischief. Lavater.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
(29) Wounds without cause?—Which might have been avoided, and which serve no good end. Redness of eyes?—Rather, dimness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:29
Verse 29. Who hath wo?] I believe Solomon refers here to the natural effects of drunkenness. And perhaps אוי oi, which we translate wo, and אבוי aboi, which we translate sorrow, are mere natural sounds or vociferations that take place among drunken men, either from illness, or the nauseating effects of too much liquor. As to contentions among such; babblings on a variety of subjects, which they neither understand nor are fit to discuss; wounds, got by falling out about nothing; and red eyes, bloodshotten with excess of drink, or black and blue eyes with fighting; - these are such common and general effects of these compotations, as naturally to follow from them. So that they who tarry long at wine, and use mixed wine to make it more inebriating, (see Proverbs 9:2,) are the very persons who are most distinguished by the circumstances enumerated above. I need scarcely add, that by wine and mixed wine all inebriating liquors are to be understood.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:29
29. woe … sorrow] Lit. oh!… alas!babbling] Rather, contentions, as the same Heb. word is rendered in Proverbs 18:19; the quarrelsomeness of the man in drink, leading to pugnacity, and so to “wounds without a cause.” redness] Comp. Genesis 49:12, where however the word is used of the effect of wine on the eyes in a good sense. The LXX. have here τίνοςπελιδνοὶ (bloodshot) οἱὀφθαλμοί; suffusio oculorum, Vulg. Some however render the word darkness here (R.V. marg.), and dark or dark-flashing (in contrast to the white teeth) in Genesis.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
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Daniel Purposed in His Heart by Peter Bisset | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to God and the Bible in the midst of temptations. He uses the story of Daniel and his friends as an example o |
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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 |
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Do Not Gaze on Sin by Kjell Olsen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs chapter 23, specifically verses that warn against the dangers of alcohol and the deceptive pleasure of sin. He emphasizes the negat |
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Booze by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately addresses the destructive nature of alcohol and the liquor industry, likening it to a devilish force that harms individuals, families, and society. He emp |
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Strong Drink Versus Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and |
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |