Proverbs 26:17
Proverbs 26:17 in Multiple Translations
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
He who gets mixed up in a fight which is not his business, is like one who takes a dog by the ears while it is going by.
Interfering in someone else's quarrel is like grabbing a stray dog by the ears.
He that passeth by and medleth with the strife that belongeth not vnto him, is as one that taketh a dog by the eares.
Laying hold on the ears of a dog, [Is] a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.
Like one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man’s quarrel.
Anyone who ◄meddles/involves himself► in a quarrel that does not concern him is as foolish as [SIM] someone who tries to grab a passing dog by its ears.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:17
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 26:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַחֲזִ֥יק
בְּ/אָזְנֵי
כָ֑לֶב
עֹבֵ֥ר
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
עַל
רִ֥יב
לֹּֽא
לֽ/וֹ
מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil
בְּ/אָזְנֵי
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd
כָ֑לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
N-ms
עֹבֵ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Hithpael
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
לֹּֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:17
מַחֲזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בְּ/אָזְנֵי
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
כָ֑לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
עֹבֵ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Hithpael
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
לֹּֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:17
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
15The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.
16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.
18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, 19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:3 | It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 2:23–24 | But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. |
| 3 | Luke 12:14 | But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?” |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:6 | A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:11 | An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. |
Proverbs 26:17 Summary
[This verse is saying that it's not a good idea to get involved in an argument or conflict that doesn't concern you. It's like grabbing a dog by the ears - it's not going to end well. As advised in Proverbs 20:3, it's honorable to restrain from strife, and we should strive to live at peace with everyone, as encouraged in Romans 12:18. By staying out of other people's quarrels, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and harm, and instead focus on being peacemakers, as taught in Matthew 5:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to grab a dog by the ears in Proverbs 26:17?
Grabbing a dog by the ears is a metaphor for interfering in a situation that is not yours to control, much like how it would be unwise and potentially harmful to grab a dog by the ears, as seen in this verse and supported by the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 to understand the timing of our actions.
Why should I not meddle in a quarrel not my own?
Meddling in a quarrel not your own can lead to unnecessary conflict and harm, as advised against in Proverbs 26:17, and it is also important to consider the wisdom in Proverbs 10:12 to cover sins and not stir up strife.
How can I discern when to get involved in a conflict and when to stay out of it?
Discerning when to get involved in a conflict requires wisdom and prayer, considering the guidance in James 1:5 to ask for wisdom and the advice in Proverbs 24:23-25 to be cautious in our actions and words.
What are the consequences of meddling in a quarrel not my own?
The consequences of meddling in a quarrel not your own can be severe, as seen in the warnings of Proverbs 26:17 and the destructive nature of conflict described in Proverbs 29:22, emphasizing the importance of heeding the wisdom in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I have meddled in a quarrel not my own, and what were the consequences?
- How can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 26:17 to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can practice discernment and wisdom in deciding when to get involved in a conflict?
- How can I balance the desire to help others with the need to avoid meddling in their affairs?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of respecting boundaries and minding my own business?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:17
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him,.... One that going along the streets, and passing by the door, where two or more persons are quarrelling, and he thrusts himself
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:17
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. He that passeth by, (and) meddleth with [or as the Hithpael of `aabar (H5674) means (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
He that passeth by; who is going upon the way, and about his business. But this word is by some referred to the last clause, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears as he is passing by him, without any thought of doing him harm; which agrees very well both with the order of the words in the Hebrew text, and with the matter of the other clause, to which this similitude is referred. Belonging not to him; in which he is not concerned, nor any way obliged to meddle. Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears; exposeth himself to great and needless hazards, as a man that causelessly provoketh a mastiff dog against himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, [and] meddleth with strife [belonging] not to him, [is like] one that taketh a dog by the ears.Ver. 17. He that passeth by and meddleth, &c.] Two kind of studies have I always hated, saith one: Studium partium, et studium novarum forum. Study of parts, and study of new markets. They that enter strife without calling, saith another, do commonly hazard themselves into trouble without comfort. This was Jehoshaphat’ s folly at Jabeshgilead, and, as some think, Josiah’ s when he went up against Pharaohnecho, thinking thereby to ingratiate with the Assyrian, Pharaoh’ s professed enemy. It is from idleness usually that men are thus busy in other men’ s matters without thank or other benefit, and therefore this proverb fitly follows the former. Howbeit this is not always true, for charity may move men to interpose for a right understanding and a good accord between disagreeing parties. Neither in this case must a man affect to be held no meddler, since "blessed are the peace makers." And though it be for most part a thankless office - for if a man have two friends he oft loseth one of them - yet our reward is with God; and if, by seeking to part the scuffle, we derive some blows upon ourselves, yet the Euge of a good conscience will salve that well enough. That which is here forbidden is for a man to make himself a party, and maintain one side against another. And yet where it is for God and his truth this may be done too; as when Queen Elizabeth not only sat as umpire between the Spaniard, French, and Hollanders - so as she might well have taken up that saying of her father, Cui adhaereo, praeest, He whom I side with carries it - but afterwards, when she saw her time, undertook the protection of the Netherlanders against the Spaniard, wherein all princes admired her fortitude, and the King of Sweden said that she had now taken the diadem from her head, and set it upon the doubtful chance of war.
This was done Anno 1585. Is like else that taketh a dog by the ears.] Where he loves not to be handled, but about the neck rather. The Dutch have a like proverb, - To take a dog by the tail. The Greeks, - To take a lion by the beard, or a bear by the tooth - to thrust one’ s hand into a wasp’ s nest - to stir up a scorpion, &c. Camden’ s Elizab., 196. Ibid. τονλεονταξυραθαι. σφηκαςερεθιζειν
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
(17) Meddleth with strife.—Rather, that is excited with strife. If quarrelling and taking revenge on our own account are forbidden (Romans 12:18-19), how much more is the mixing up of ourselves in the disputes of other persons. Like one that taketh a dog by the ears.—Who deserves to be bitten for his pains, the usual result of interfering in quarrels.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
Verse 17. He that passeth by] This proverb stands true ninety-nine times out of a hundred, where people meddle with domestic broils, or differences between men and their wives.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:17
17. meddleth] Rather, vexeth himself, R.V. See Proverbs 20:2, where the same word is rendered, provoketh to anger, A.V. and R.V. text, or angereth himself against, R.V. marg. Of course in this place the “meddling” is implied as the consequence of his “vexing himself.” He is provoked to interfere. By neglecting the Heb. accents the word rendered passeth by is transferred in R.V. margin to the dog: “a passing dog.” But the force of the proverb lies in the fact that the man who is provoked to interfere is a mere passer by; the strife in no way belongs to him. the ears] The LXX. substitute, the tail: ὁκρατῶνκέρκονκυνός. The meaning in either case is, he deserves to be bitten for his pains. “The Latin proverbial phrase, ‘auribus lupum tenere,’ may be noticed for its curious parallelism.” Speaker’s Comm.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:17
17. Taketh a dog by the ears — Septuagint: “By the tail.” This is a striking metaphor, representing a difficulty which we cannot get out of without danger and injury.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
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The Danger of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of meddling with sinful behaviors. He emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to sin, it can lead to enslavement and destruction |
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What Love Is This? - Part 1 by Dave Hunt | This sermon delves into the controversial topic of Calvinism and its impact on churches and individuals. The speaker shares personal experiences and reactions to addressing Calvini |
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2 Timothy - Part 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, Dr. Gooding discusses the importance of properly interpreting and teaching the word of God. He emphasizes the need to avoid getting caught up in meaningless argumen |
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When Someone Doubts by C.J. Mahaney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different forms of doubt that Christians may experience. He identifies seven families of doubt, including doubt from ingratitude, a faulty |
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Unity of the Spirit - by the Bond of Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians. He warns against engaging in arguments and disputes over words, as it only leads to division and ha |
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Soul Winning - Part 3 by Roy Daniel | In this video, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a missionary in Africa who recognized his leadership potential. The missionary encouraged him to leave his current missi |