Proverbs 24:34
Proverbs 24:34 in Multiple Translations
and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man.
So loss will come on you like an outlaw, and your need like an armed man.
and poverty will attack you like a robber, destitution like an armed warrior.
So thy pouertie commeth as one that traueileth by the way, and thy necessitie like an armed man.
And thy poverty hath come [as] a traveller, And thy want as an armed man!
so your poverty will come as a robber and your want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.
And poverty shall come to thee as a runner, and beggary as an armed man.
soon you will become poor; it will be as though [PRS, SIM] a bandit who had a weapon in his hand attacked you and stole all that you had.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:34
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 24:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָֽא
מִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
רֵישֶׁ֑/ךָ
וּ֝/מַחְסֹרֶ֗י/ךָ
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
מָגֵֽן
וּ/בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Hithpael
רֵישֶׁ֑/ךָ
rêysh
H7389
poverty
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/מַחְסֹרֶ֗י/ךָ
machçôwr
H4270
need
Conj | N-mp | Suff
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
מָגֵֽן
mâgên
H4043
shield
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:34
וּ/בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
מִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Hithpael
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
רֵישֶׁ֑/ךָ
rêysh
H7389
"poverty"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means poverty or being poor. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who lacks material possessions. The KJV translates it as 'poverty'.
Definition: poverty Also means: rish (רִישׁ "poverty" H7389B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: poverty. See also: Proverbs 6:11; Proverbs 24:34; Proverbs 10:15.
וּ֝/מַחְסֹרֶ֗י/ךָ
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מָגֵֽן
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 24:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 24:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
- Sermons on Proverbs 24:34
Context — Further Sayings of the Wise
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,
34and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
Proverbs 24:34 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 24:34, is saying that if you are lazy and don't work hard, you might end up poor and struggling to get by, like having a robber or bandit take everything from you, which is also warned against in Proverbs 20:4. It's like what happens when you don't take care of your garden and it becomes overgrown with weeds - you won't have any food to eat. The Bible teaches us that working hard and being responsible is important, as seen in Colossians 3:23, and that God will provide for us if we trust in Him, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main consequence of being lazy, as described in Proverbs 24:34?
The main consequence is that poverty and need will come upon you like a robber and a bandit, emphasizing the severity of the outcome, as also seen in Proverbs 20:4 and Proverbs 10:4.
Is this verse saying that all poverty is a result of laziness?
No, the Bible acknowledges that poverty can result from various factors, such as oppression, injustice, or circumstances beyond one's control, as seen in Isaiah 10:1-2 and Jeremiah 22:13, but in this context, it specifically addresses the consequences of personal laziness.
How can I apply the warning of Proverbs 24:34 to my daily life?
By recognizing the importance of diligence and responsibility, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:29 and Colossians 3:23, you can apply this verse by adopting a diligent work ethic and being mindful of how your daily choices may impact your future, remembering that God rewards hard work and faithfulness, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12.
What role does trust in God play in the face of potential poverty or need?
Trust in God is crucial, as He is our ultimate provider, and even in times of poverty or need, He can provide for us, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34, emphasizing the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God and trusting in His sovereignty and provision.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might my daily habits, such as sleeping in or procrastinating, be setting me up for future struggles with poverty or need?
- How can I balance rest and work in a way that honors God and avoids the pitfalls of laziness?
- What are some practical steps I can take this week to apply the lesson of Proverbs 24:34 and cultivate a more diligent and responsible approach to my work and responsibilities?
- In what ways can I trust God to provide for me, even if I do experience poverty or need, and how can I seek to glorify Him in those circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:34
So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth,.... Swiftly and suddenly, both in a temporal and spiritual sense; [See comments on Proverbs 6:11]; and thy want as an armed man; irresistibly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:34
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: Compare the same, Proverbs 6:10-11. So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
Proverbs 24:34 So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.Ver. 34. So shall thy poverty come.] Swiftly and irresistibly. Seneca calls sloth the nurse of beggary - the mother of misery.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
(34) As one that travelleth.—See above on Proverbs 6:11.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:34
34. one that travelleth] Rather, a robber. See Proverbs 6:11, note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:34
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 24:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
True Treasure by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God's work above our own desires and needs. He highlights the biblical teaching of working hard for our current ne |
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O Church Arise! by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of working for the Lord while there is still time. He shares a personal experience of attending his class reunion and realizing |
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(Proverbs) ch.12:22 - 14:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fearing God's commandments and the rewards that come with it. He highlights the power of wise teachings, comparing them to |
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God Will Not Bless the Lazy by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the promise of God to open the heavens and bless the work of our hands, highlighting the importance of being active and diligent in our endeavors to receive |
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Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but |
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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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Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on a |