Proverbs 23:34

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:

American Standard Version (1901)

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

Bible in Basic English

Yes, you will be like him who takes his rest on the sea, or on the top of a sail-support.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And thou shalt be as one sleeping in the midst of the sea, and as a pilot fast asleep, when the stern is lost.

Free Bible Version

You'll stumble around like you're on the rolling ocean, you'll be tossed about like someone lying down at the top of a ship's mast, saying,

Geneva Bible 1599

And thou shalt bee as one that sleepeth in the middes of the sea, and as hee that sleepeth in the toppe of the maste.

King James (Authorized) Version

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

One Unity Resource Bible

Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:

Translation for Translators

You will think you are in a ship that is tossing on the sea; you be like [SIM] someone who is trying to sleep when the ship is rolling from one side to the other.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You will be as one who sleeps on the high seas or lies on the top of a mast.

Noah Webster Bible

And thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

World English Bible

Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:

Young's Literal Translation

And thou hast been as one lying down in the heart of the sea, And as one lying down on the top of a mast.

Context

Saying 19

³³Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. ³⁴You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast: ³⁵“They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?”

Summary

This verse describes the consequences of excessive drinking, portraying a person who is in a state of stupor and unaware of their surroundings. It warns against the dangers of alcohol abuse, highlighting the negative effects it can have on one's life and well-being. The imagery used serves as a cautionary tale to avoid overindulgence and to exercise self-control in all aspects of life. Ultimately, the verse emphasizes the importance of moderation and wisdom in making choices to prevent falling into destructive behaviors.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Yea, thou shall be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea,.... Not in the open sea, and the waves of it, there fluctuating and tossed about; nor in an island encompassed by sea; but in a ship at sea, a drunken man reels and tumbles about, just as a ship does at sea; hence the motions and agitations of it, and of the men in it, are compared to the reeling and staggering of a drunken man, Psa 107:26; or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast: where the motion is the greatest. Or all this may be expressive of the dangers which a drunkard is exposed unto, and of his stupidity and insensibility; for though he is in as great danger as one in the circumstances described, in a storm at sea, yet is not sensible of it; which agrees with what follows.

Proverbs 23:34

Saying 19

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:

American Standard Version (1901)

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

Bible in Basic English

Yes, you will be like him who takes his rest on the sea, or on the top of a sail-support.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And thou shalt be as one sleeping in the midst of the sea, and as a pilot fast asleep, when the stern is lost.

Free Bible Version

You'll stumble around like you're on the rolling ocean, you'll be tossed about like someone lying down at the top of a ship's mast, saying,

Geneva Bible 1599

And thou shalt bee as one that sleepeth in the middes of the sea, and as hee that sleepeth in the toppe of the maste.

King James (Authorized) Version

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

One Unity Resource Bible

Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:

Translation for Translators

You will think you are in a ship that is tossing on the sea; you be like [SIM] someone who is trying to sleep when the ship is rolling from one side to the other.

Unlocked Literal Bible

You will be as one who sleeps on the high seas or lies on the top of a mast.

Noah Webster Bible

And thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

World English Bible

Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:

Young's Literal Translation

And thou hast been as one lying down in the heart of the sea, And as one lying down on the top of a mast.