Proverbs 27:16
Proverbs 27:16 in Multiple Translations
restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
He that would restrain her restraineth the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil.
He who keeps secret the secret of his friend, will get himself a name for good faith.
Trying to stop her is like trying to make the wind stop or trying to hold olive oil in your hand.
He that hideth her, hideth the winde, and she is as ye oyle in his right hand, that vttereth it selfe.
Whoso is hiding her hath hidden the wind, And the ointment of his right hand calleth out.
restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.
Whoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand which bewrayeth itself .
He that retaineth her, is as he that would hold the wind, and shall call in the oil of his right hand.
Trying to restrain/stop her from doing that is as difficult [SIM] as trying to stop the wind or trying to hold oil in your hand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:16
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 27:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צֹפְנֶ֥י/הָ
צָֽפַן
ר֑וּחַ
וְ/שֶׁ֖מֶן
יְמִינ֣/וֹ
יִקְרָֽא
צֹפְנֶ֥י/הָ
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal | Suff
צָֽפַן
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
וְ/שֶׁ֖מֶן
shemen
H8081
oil
Conj | N-ms
יְמִינ֣/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:16
צֹפְנֶ֥י/הָ
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal | Suff
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
צָֽפַן
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/שֶׁ֖מֶן
shemen
H8081
"oil"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
יְמִינ֣/וֹ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
יִקְרָֽא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:16
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse.
15A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—
16restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.
17As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. 18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 12:3 | Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. |
Proverbs 27:16 Summary
This verse is saying that trying to control or restrain a person who loves to argue is very difficult, if not impossible. It's like trying to hold back the wind or grasp oil with your hand - it's just not going to work. As we see in other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 15:1 and Proverbs 21:9, God's word encourages us to respond gently to anger and to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. By trusting in God's wisdom and guidance, we can learn to navigate difficult relationships and cultivate peace in our interactions with others, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and James 1:19-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of woman is being described in Proverbs 27:16?
The verse is describing a contentious woman, one who is argumentative and quarrelsome, as mentioned in Proverbs 27:15, similar to the kind of woman described in Proverbs 21:19 and Proverbs 25:24.
Why is restraining a contentious woman compared to holding back the wind?
This comparison is used to convey the idea that trying to control or restrain a contentious woman is a futile effort, much like trying to hold back the wind, as it is a force beyond human control, similar to the idea expressed in Ecclesiastes 8:8.
Is this verse suggesting that women are inherently difficult to deal with?
No, this verse is not making a blanket statement about all women, but rather describing a specific type of woman, one who is contentious and argumentative, and the challenges that come with dealing with such a person, as seen in Proverbs 21:9 and Proverbs 25:24.
How can I apply the wisdom of this verse to my own relationships?
This verse can serve as a reminder to approach relationships with wisdom and discernment, recognizing that some conflicts may be unavoidable, and to seek guidance from God's word, such as Proverbs 15:1, which advises responding gently to anger.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can recognize and respond to contentious behavior in my own relationships, and how can I trust God to guide me in these situations, as in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I cultivate a gentle and peaceful spirit, even in the face of conflict or difficult relationships, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9 and James 1:19-20?
- In what ways can I seek to be a peacemaker, rather than a source of contention, in my interactions with others, as taught in Matthew 5:9 and Romans 12:18?
- What are some practical steps I can take to resolve conflicts in a biblical and constructive way, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 and Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:16
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind,.... Whoever attempts to stop her brawls and contentions, to repress and restrain them, and hinder her voice being heard in the streets, and endeavours to hide
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:16
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
Whosoever hideth her, i.e. attempts to smother or bridle her passion, that it may not break forth to her shame, and to his own discomfort and reproach, hideth the wind; undertakes that which is impossible. The ointment of his right hand; which being the great instrument of action, by its much stirring diffuseth the savour of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
Proverbs 27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, [which] bewrayeth [itself].Ver. 16. Whosoever hideth her, hideth the wind,] i.e., One may as soon hide the wind, or hold it from blowing, as hide her shame, or hush her brawling. The wife should make her husband her covering, when she is abroad especially; but many wives are so intemperate and wilful, that a man may as well hide the wind in his fist, or oil in his clutch fist, as his wife’ s infirmities. Let this be marked by those that venture upon shrews, if rich, fair, well descended, in hope to tame them and make them better.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
(16) Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind—i.e., you might as well try and stop the wind from blowing as seek to restrain her. And the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.—Rather, perhaps, and oil meeteth his right hand—i.e., if he puts out his hand to stop her she slips through it like oil.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
Verse 16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind] You may as well attempt to repress the blowing of the wind, as the tongue of a scold; and to conceal this unfortunate propensity of a wife is as impossible as to hush the storm, and prevent its sound from being heard. The ointment of his right hand] You can no more conceal such a woman's conduct, than you can the smell of the aromatic oil with which your hand has been anointed. The Hebrew is very obscure, and is variously translated. Coverdale thus: "He that refrayneth her, refrayneth the wynde; and holdith oyle fast in his honde." That is, he attempts to do what is impossible to be done.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:16
16. Whosoever hideth &c.] The verse is better rendered: He that would restrain her restraineth the wind, And his right hand meets with oil. “She is as subtle as wind, as slippery as oil,” Rel. Tr. Soc. Comm. The A.V. takes the second clause of the verse to mean, You might as well try to conceal ointment in your right hand, which would certainly betray its presence, either by its odour, or by trickling through your fingers. But the proverb is at once more forcible and more harmonious, when it speaks of restraining the wind and grasping the oil.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:16
The point is the impossibility of concealment or restraint. A person cannot hide the wind, or clasp it in his hands. If he takes an unguent in his right hand, the odor betrays him, or it slips out.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:16
16. Hideth her… bewrayeth itself — This verse is obscure and variously rendered.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Feet First by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his te |
|
Alabaster Box of Ointment by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Casey who was distributing leaflets about the blood of Jesus. Casey encountered a drunk man and explained to him how th |
|
Winning God's Approval - Part 7 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord sacrificially and unselfishly. He highlights the need for believers to listen to God and do what He tells |
|
In Light of the Ressurection by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for sinners to come to Christ for salvation. He highlights that sin is a serious matter and that preaching about forgiveness and lo |
|
|
Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the act of worship displayed by Mary in John 12, where she poured out a pound of costly perfume on Jesus' feet as an expression of gratitude. It contrasts tr |
|
|
God Is a Good Father - 3. a Father Who Rebukes and Disciplines Us by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving God's discipline and rebuke as a means to partake in His holiness. It contrasts self-manufactured holiness, which can lead to pri |
|
Fit or Misfit? (Part 9): The Gift of Giving by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the motivational gift of giving, as mentioned in Romans 12:8. He shares a personal experience of encountering a church member with the gift o |