Proverbs 27:23
Proverbs 27:23 in Multiple Translations
Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:
Take care to have knowledge about the condition of your flocks, looking well after your herds;
You should know the condition of your flocks really well and take good care of your herds,
Be diligent to know ye state of thy flocke, and take heede to the heardes.
Know well the face of thy flock, Set thy heart to the droves,
Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds,
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Be diligent to know the countenance of thy cattle, and consider thy own flocks:
Take good care of your flocks of sheep and herds of cattle,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:23
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 27:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָדֹ֣עַ
תֵּ֭דַע
פְּנֵ֣י
צֹאנֶ֑/ךָ
שִׁ֥ית
לִ֝בְּ/ךָ֗
לַ/עֲדָרִֽים
יָדֹ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Ptc
תֵּ֭דַע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
צֹאנֶ֑/ךָ
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs | Suff
שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֝בְּ/ךָ֗
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לַ/עֲדָרִֽים
ʻêder
H5739
flock
Prep | N-mp
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 27:23
יָדֹ֣עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Ptc
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
תֵּ֭דַע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
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.
צֹאנֶ֑/ךָ
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs | Suff
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
שִׁ֥ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לִ֝בְּ/ךָ֗
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לַ/עֲדָרִֽים
ʻêder
H5739
"flock"
Prep | N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:23
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
23Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;
24for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. 25When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:2 | Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; |
| 2 | John 21:15–17 | When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 26:10 | Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields. |
| 4 | Genesis 33:13 | But Jacob replied, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and I must care for sheep and cattle that are nursing their young. If they are driven hard for even a day, all the animals will die. |
| 5 | Proverbs 24:32 | I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: |
| 6 | John 10:3 | The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 34:31 | ‘You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:46 | he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 27:29–31 | Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon. Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels. Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys. Jaziz the Hagrite was in charge of the flocks. All these officials were in charge of King David’s property. |
| 10 | Genesis 31:38–40 | I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. |
Proverbs 27:23 Summary
This verse is saying that we should be aware of and take care of the things that God has given us, whether that be our family, our money, or our time. It's like being a shepherd who watches over their sheep to make sure they are safe and healthy. We can apply this principle to our everyday lives by being mindful of our priorities and habits, and making sure they are in line with what God wants for us, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 where we are told to trust in the Lord and do good. By being responsible and taking care of what God has given us, we can show that we are faithful stewards and trust Him to provide for our needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'know the state of your flocks' in Proverbs 27:23?
This phrase is a metaphor for being aware of and responsible for the things God has entrusted to our care, whether that be our family, our finances, or our spiritual well-being, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 where God is our shepherd.
Why is it important to 'pay close attention to your herds'?
Paying close attention to our herds, or our resources, is important because it allows us to be good stewards of what God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 where the parable of the talents emphasizes responsible management of our gifts.
Is this verse only for farmers or shepherds?
No, this verse is for anyone who has been given responsibility for something or someone, as it is a principle of stewardship and care that can be applied to many areas of life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2 where it is written that it is required of stewards to be found faithful.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by being mindful of your daily habits, priorities, and relationships, and making sure that they are aligned with God's will for your life, as written in Colossians 3:23-24 where we are told to do everything for the Lord and remember that we will receive an inheritance from Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'flocks' and 'herds' in my life that I need to be paying attention to, and how can I be a better steward of them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my care and responsibility for the things God has entrusted to me, and what steps can I take to improve in this area?
- How does my understanding of God's sovereignty and provision impact my attitude towards managing my resources, and what does this verse teach me about trust and faith?
- What are some potential consequences of not paying attention to my 'flocks' and 'herds', and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:23
Be thou diligent to know the state of flocks,.... In what condition they are; what health they enjoy; how fat and fruitful they be; what pasturage they have; and that they want nothing fitting for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:23
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Be thou diligent to know the state (literally, the face) of thy flocks.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
To know the state of thy flocks; that thou mayst preserve and improve what thou hast, and take care that thine expenses may not exceed thine incomes. Flocks and herds are here put for all riches and possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man’ s riches. Look well, Heb. set thine heart. Trust not wholly to thy servants, as many do, that they may give up themselves wholly to case and pleasure; but make rise of thine own eyes and reason for the conduct of thine affairs, lest thou come to ruin, as many have done by this very means.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.Ver. 23. Be thou diligent to know the state, &c.] Heb., Knowing thou shalt know the face of thy flocks; alluding, belike, to those shepherds that know their sheep asunder by their visages, and can call them by name, as John 10:3 And look well to thy herds.] Heb., Set thy heart to them - that is, be very inquisitive and solicitous of their welfare. Leave not all to servants, though never so faithful; but supervise and oversee business, as Boaz did. His eyes were in every corner - on the servants, on the reapers, on the gleaners. He lodged in the midst of his husbandry, he was not to learn that the master’ s eye feeds the horse, and the master’ s foot soils the land, and that Procul a villa sua dissitus, iacturae vicinus, as Columella hath it: He that is far from his husbandry is not far from poverty. And unless the master be present, saith the same author, it will be as in an army where the general is absent, cuncta officia cessant, all business will be hindered. He must be as the great wheel to set all awork, or little will be done. “Eιςεστιδουλοςοικιαςοδεσποτης.” Arist. Oecon., lib i. cap. 6. Lib. i. cap. 1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
(23) Be thou diligent to know the state of thy herds. . . .—In the last five verses of this chapter the peace and security of the pastoral life are described as being far superior to the uncertainty attending other sources of wealth and the regal power. For the spiritual sense of this passage comp. 1 Peter 5:2-4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
Verse 23. The state of thy flocks] The directions to the end of the chapter refer chiefly to pastoral and agricultural affairs. Do not trust thy flocks to the shepherd merely; number them thyself; look into their condition; see how they are tended; and when, and with what, and in what proportion, they are fed.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:23
The verses sing the praises of the earlier patriarchal life, with its flocks and herds, and tillage of the ground, as compared with the commerce of a later time, with money as its chief or only wealth.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:23
23. From this verse to the end of the chapter we have precepts pertaining to husbandry and the pastoral life. State — Literally, face, appearance. Look well to — Literally, set thine heart upon.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Proverbs by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of balancing devotion to God with practical living on earth. It covers a wide array of |
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The Freak Accident That Laid Me on My Back for Several Months Caused Me to Stop Long Enough to Hear God’s Voice. by Bill Elliff | Bill Elliff preaches about the importance of being a true shepherd who genuinely cares for and loves God's people, emphasizing the need to evaluate one's motives and actions as a p |
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For the Care of the Monastery's Property by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of caring for the monastery's property by appointing trustworthy sisters to oversee tools, clothing, and other articles. The Abbess |
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The Man and His Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of evaluating a man of God's ministry as a whole, considering his growth and changes over time, from youth to maturity to old age. Philpot wa |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Iii Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala | In this video, Dr. Richard Land discusses the bias against conservatives and Christians in the national media, as detailed in Bernard Goldberg's book "Bias." He highlights the outr |
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(Titus - Part 6): Set in Order the Things That Are Wanting by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of organization and structure in the church. He uses the example of a man with a physical disability to illustrate the need for |