Proverbs 24:31
Proverbs 24:31 in Multiple Translations
Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down.
And it was all full of thorns, and covered with waste plants, and its stone wall was broken down.
It was all overgrown with thorns, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall had fallen down.
And lo, it was al growen ouer with thornes, and nettles had couered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken downe.
And lo, it hath gone up — all of it — thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down.
Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face of it, and its stone wall was broken down.
And behold it was all filled with nettles, and thorns had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall was broken down.
I was surprised to see that the fields were full of all kinds of thorny bushes, and the stone wall around the garden had ◄collapsed/fallen down►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:31
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 24:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
עָ֘לָ֤ה
כֻלּ֨/וֹ
קִמְּשֹׂנִ֗ים
כָּסּ֣וּ
פָנָ֣י/ו
חֲרֻלִּ֑ים
וְ/גֶ֖דֶר
אֲבָנָ֣י/ו
נֶהֱרָֽסָה
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עָ֘לָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כֻלּ֨/וֹ
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
קִמְּשֹׂנִ֗ים
qimmâshôwn
H7063
thorn
N-mp
כָּסּ֣וּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
פָנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
חֲרֻלִּ֑ים
chârûwl
H2738
nettle
N-mp
וְ/גֶ֖דֶר
geder
H1444
wall
Conj | N-ms
אֲבָנָ֣י/ו
ʼeben
H68
stone
N-fp | Suff
נֶהֱרָֽסָה
hâraç
H2040
to overthrow
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:31
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עָ֘לָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
כֻלּ֨/וֹ
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קִמְּשֹׂנִ֗ים
qimmâshôwn
H7063
"thorn"
N-mp
A thorn is a prickly plant, like thistles or nettles, that can cause discomfort or harm. It is sometimes used figuratively to describe something or someone that is troublesome or annoying. The Bible mentions thorns in various passages, including the book of Genesis.
Definition: thistles or nettles, a thorny or useless plant Another spelling of qim.mosh (קִמּוֹשׂ "nettle" H7057)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: thorn. See also: Proverbs 24:31.
כָּסּ֣וּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Pual-Perf-3cp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
פָנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֲרֻלִּ֑ים
chârûwl
H2738
"nettle"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a thorny weed or nettle, often found in the Bible as a type of unwanted plant. It appears in various translations, including the KJV, as a nettle. This word is used to describe a type of weed that grows in the land.
Definition: nettles, weeds, kind of weed (perhaps chickpea)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: nettle. See also: Job 30:7; Proverbs 24:31; Zephaniah 2:9.
וְ/גֶ֖דֶר
geder
H1444
"wall"
Conj | N-ms
A wall or fence is a barrier used to enclose or separate something. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the walls of cities, houses, and other structures. It is often translated as 'wall' or 'fence' in English.
Definition: wall, fence Another spelling of ga.der (גָּדֵר "wall" H1447)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wall. See also: Proverbs 24:31; Ezekiel 42:10.
אֲבָנָ֣י/ו
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
נֶהֱרָֽסָה
hâraç
H2040
"to overthrow"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to overthrow or destroy something, like breaking down a wall or throwing something to the ground. It is used to describe God's power and judgment.
Definition: 1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to throw down, tear down 1a2) to break through 1a3) to break down, break away 1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to overthrow, tear down 1c2) destroyer (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Exodus 15:7; Isaiah 49:17; Psalms 11:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:31
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
29Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
30I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.
31Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.
32I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: 33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 10:18 | Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:5 | Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 4:3 | For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns. |
| 4 | Matthew 13:22 | The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. |
| 5 | Job 31:40 | then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job. |
| 6 | Genesis 3:17–19 | And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 23:21 | For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. |
| 8 | Proverbs 22:13 | The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!” |
| 9 | Proverbs 20:4 | The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. |
| 10 | Matthew 13:7 | Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. |
Proverbs 24:31 Summary
Proverbs 24:31 describes a field that has been neglected and has become overgrown with thorns and thistles, and a broken stone wall. This is a picture of what happens when we are lazy and do not take care of our responsibilities. Just like the field, our lives can become messy and difficult to manage if we do not stay on top of things (Proverbs 10:5). By being diligent and responsible, we can avoid the consequences of neglect and live a more orderly and peaceful life, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14:40.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the thorns and thistles in Proverbs 24:31?
The thorns and thistles represent the consequences of laziness and neglect, as seen in the field of the slacker in Proverbs 24:30, and remind us of the curse of sin in Genesis 3:18.
Why is the stone wall broken down in Proverbs 24:31?
The broken stone wall symbolizes the lack of protection and care for one's belongings and responsibilities, similar to the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27.
How does Proverbs 24:31 relate to our daily lives?
This verse encourages us to be diligent and responsible in our work and stewardship, lest we suffer the consequences of neglect, as warned in Proverbs 10:5 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
What can we learn from the observation of the broken wall and overgrown field?
We can learn the importance of diligence, hard work, and responsible stewardship, as taught in Proverbs 6:6-11 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life have I neglected, and what are the consequences of that neglect?
- How can I apply the lesson of the broken stone wall to my own life and responsibilities?
- What are some practical steps I can take to avoid the pitfalls of laziness and irresponsibility?
- In what ways can I be more diligent and responsible in my work and personal life, as instructed in Colossians 3:23-24?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:31
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns,.... Or "thistles" (y); which grow up of themselves, are the fruit of the curse, and the effect of slothfulness; [and] nettles had covered the face thereof;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:31
And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Lo, it was all grown over (literally, it ascended) with thorns.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:31
Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.Ver. 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns.] So is the spiritual sluggard’ s soul with lusts and sins, under the which lurketh that old serpent.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:31
31. nettles] “Or, wild vetches,” R.V. marg. here and Job 30:7; Zephaniah 2:9, where the same Heb. word occurs.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:31
30-34. This is a most instructive parable, and needs little explication, though much might be said in amplification. A few notes must suffice. I went by — Not casually and carelessly, but as a diligent observer.
Sermons on Proverbs 24:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |
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The Devil's Tennis-Ball by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's i |
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Letter 140. by James Bourne | James Bourne addresses Mrs. K. in a letter, discussing the struggles of feeling distant from God due to a guilty conscience and spiritual slothfulness. He emphasizes the importance |
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When the Walls Come Down by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on what more God can do for his vineyard and his people. He emphasizes that God has already done everything possible to bring ministers and bl |
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A Burning Heart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel chapter 1. He emphasizes the need for repentance and laments the state |
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Break Up the Fallow Ground by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the first parable of the seven parables in Matthew 13. He emphasizes that this parable is the key to understanding all the others. The parab |
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The Thorns and Thistles of Life by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of divine providence and how it relates to the troubles and challenges that people face in life. He emphasizes that God's love an |