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Proverbs 24:5

Proverbs 24:5 in Multiple Translations

A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.

A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge makes strength greater.

If you have wisdom, you are strong; if you have knowledge, your power increases,

A wise man is strong: for a man of vnderstanding encreaseth his strength.

Mighty [is] the wise in strength, And a man of knowledge is strengthening power,

A wise man has great power. A knowledgeable man increases strength,

A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

A wise man is strong: and a knowing man, stout and valiant.

Being wise is better than being strong/powerful; those who know many things can accomplish more than those who are very strong.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:5

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 24:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB גֶּֽבֶר חָכָ֥ם בַּ/ע֑וֹז וְ/אִֽישׁ דַּ֝֗עַת מְאַמֶּץ כֹּֽחַ
גֶּֽבֶר geber H1397 great man N-ms
חָכָ֥ם châkâm H2450 wise Adj
בַּ/ע֑וֹז ʻôz H5797 strength Prep | N-ms
וְ/אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms
דַּ֝֗עַת daʻath H1847 knowledge N-fs
מְאַמֶּץ ʼâmats H553 to strengthen V-Piel
כֹּֽחַ kôach H3581 reptile N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:5

גֶּֽבֶר geber H1397 "great man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
חָכָ֥ם châkâm H2450 "wise" Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
בַּ/ע֑וֹז ʻôz H5797 "strength" Prep | N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
וְ/אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | 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.
דַּ֝֗עַת daʻath H1847 "knowledge" N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
מְאַמֶּץ ʼâmats H553 "to strengthen" V-Piel
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to be strong or courageous, like in Deuteronomy 31:6, where Moses tells the Israelites to be brave. It can also mean to strengthen or secure something. English Bibles often translate it as 'be courageous' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong, alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid, hard 1a) (Qal) to be strong, brave, bold 1b) (Piel) to strengthen, secure (for oneself), harden (heart), make firm, make obstinate, assure 1c) (Hithpael) to be determined, to make oneself alert, strengthen oneself, confirm oneself, persist in, prove superior to 1d) (Hiphil) to exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed). See also: Genesis 25:23; 2 Chronicles 13:18; Psalms 18:18.
כֹּֽחַ kôach H3581 "reptile" N-ms
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
2 Colossians 1:11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
3 Proverbs 21:22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.
4 Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
5 Psalms 84:7 They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion.
6 Proverbs 8:14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.
7 Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
8 Ecclesiastes 9:14–18 There was a small city with few men. A mighty king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege ramps against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Proverbs 24:5 Summary

[This verse means that being wise and knowledgeable makes us strong, not just physically, but in our ability to make good choices and live a good life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. It's like having a special tool that helps us navigate life's challenges. By seeking wisdom and knowledge, we can become stronger and more confident in our decision-making, and trust in God's guidance, as seen in Psalm 32:8.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a wise man in Proverbs 24:5?

To be a wise man in Proverbs 24:5 means to have the ability to make informed decisions and live a virtuous life, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

How does a man of knowledge enhance his strength?

A man of knowledge enhances his strength by applying the knowledge he has to make wise decisions and navigate life's challenges, as seen in James 1:5, where wisdom is given to those who ask for it.

Is strength in Proverbs 24:5 referring to physical strength?

No, the strength referred to in Proverbs 24:5 is not physical strength, but rather the ability to navigate life's challenges and make wise decisions, as seen in Proverbs 10:29, where the way of the Lord is strength for the upright.

How can I become a wise man like the one described in Proverbs 24:5?

You can become a wise man by fearing the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, and by seeking wisdom and knowledge through prayer and the study of God's Word, as seen in Psalm 119:66 and James 1:5.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to apply wisdom and knowledge to enhance my strength?
  2. How can I prioritize the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge in my daily life?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not seeking wisdom and knowledge in my decision-making?
  4. How can I balance the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision?
  5. What role does humility play in the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, and how can I cultivate humility in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:5

A wise man [is] strong,.... He can do that sometimes by his wisdom, and which requires strength and courage too, which another cannot do by his strength; see Proverbs 21:22.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:5

A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. A wise man (Hebrew, geber (H1397), a hero) is strong - Hebrew, is in strength; i:e., invested with it.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:5

Is strong; is courageous and resolute, and able by wisdom to do greater things than others can accomplish by their own strength.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:5

Proverbs 24:5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.Ver. 5. A wise man is strong.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:5

(5) A man of knowledge increaseth strength.—For the spiritual sense, comp. 2 Peter 3:18.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:5

Verse 5. A wise man is strong.] His wisdom enables him to construct a great variety of machines, by which, under his own influence, he can do the labour of a hundred or even a thousand men. But in all cases wisdom gives power and influence; and he who is wise to salvation can overcome even Satan himself. The Septuagint has: "The wise is better than the strong; and the man who has prudence, than a stout husbandman."

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:5

5. strong] Lit. in strength, A.V. and R.V. marg. Comp. The voice of Jehovah is in might; The voice of Jehovah is in majesty. Psalms 29:4. “The expression is more forcible than if adjectives denoting these qualities (‘mighty,’ ‘majestic’) had been used. Comp. ἐνἐξουσίᾳ, Luke 4:32; ἐνἰσχύϊ (rec.), Revelation 18:2.”—Bp Perowne. increaseth strength] Lit., as in margin A.V. and R.V., strengtheneth might.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:5

Is strong - literally, as in the margin; i. e., rooted and established in strength.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:5

5. A wise man is strong — Powerful — “Knowledge is power.” If physical strength is defective, it supplies the defects; and whatever be the strength, skill and dexterity will greatly add thereto.

Sermons on Proverbs 24:5

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai
Corrie Ten Boom Keep Looking to Jesus by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of where we direct our gaze. He references a story from the book of Burgum about a man who could only look downward with a mil
Corrie Ten Boom The Holy Spirit Gives Power by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He shares a story of a little boy who overcame his fear by holding hi
Corrie Ten Boom Testimony - Part 2 by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He shares stories to illustrate how the Holy Spirit can provide comfort and streng
Corrie Ten Boom Keep Looking to Jesus (Alternative) by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker, Corrigan Boone, talks about the importance of looking in the right direction and not being distracted by worldly things. He emphasizes the need to reco
Jim Cymbala Hanging in There by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing His presence to empower us to endure difficult situations with joy and gratit
Don Courville How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 5 (The Frog That Could Fly) by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences at a fishing dock and draws a parallel between fishermen fixing their nets and people staying focused on their tasks. He emp

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