Proverbs 27:4
Proverbs 27:4 in Multiple Translations
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?
Wrath is cruel, and angry feeling an overflowing stream; but who does not give way before envy?
Fury may be fierce and cruel, anger may be a destructive flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
Anger is cruell, and wrath is raging: but who can stand before enuie?
Fury [is] fierce, and anger [is] overflowing, And who standeth before jealousy?
Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Anger hath no mercy, nor fury when it breaketh forth: and who can bear the violence of one provoked?
It is cruel to be angry with others, and our being angry sometimes destroys others, but being jealous of someone is [RHQ] often more cruel than that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:4
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 27:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת
חֵ֭מָה
וְ/שֶׁ֣טֶף
אָ֑ף
וּ/מִ֥י
יַ֝עֲמֹד
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
קִנְאָֽה
אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת
ʼakzᵉrîyûwth
H395
cruel
N-fs
חֵ֭מָה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
וְ/שֶׁ֣טֶף
sheṭeph
H7858
flood
Conj | N-ms
אָ֑ף
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
יַ֝עֲמֹד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
קִנְאָֽה
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
N-fs
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 27:4
אַכְזְרִיּ֣וּת
ʼakzᵉrîyûwth
H395
"cruel"
N-fs
This word means being cruel or fierce, describing someone or something as harsh or unkind. It is used to convey a sense of brutality.
Definition: cruelty, fierceness, cruel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cruel. See also: Proverbs 27:4.
חֵ֭מָה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
וְ/שֶׁ֣טֶף
sheṭeph
H7858
"flood"
Conj | N-ms
This noun refers to a flood or downpour, often used to describe a powerful and overwhelming event. It can be literal, as in the story of Noah, or figurative, as in a flood of emotions or troubles. The word is used in several Old Testament books.
Definition: flood, downpour Also means: she.tseph (שֶׁצֶף "overflowing" H8241)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: flood, outrageous, overflowing. See also: Job 38:25; Daniel 9:26; Psalms 32:6.
אָ֑ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וּ/מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַ֝עֲמֹד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
קִנְאָֽה
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
N-fs
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:4
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:34 | For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. |
| 2 | Proverbs 14:30 | A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. |
| 3 | James 3:14–16 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. |
| 4 | Acts 7:9 | Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him |
| 5 | 1 John 3:12 | Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. |
| 6 | Matthew 27:18 | For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. |
| 7 | Job 5:2 | For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. |
| 8 | Genesis 37:11 | And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said. |
| 9 | Song of Solomon 8:6 | Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all. |
| 10 | James 4:5–6 | Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
Proverbs 27:4 Summary
This verse is saying that being very angry or wrathful is cruel and can feel overwhelming, like a big flood. But jealousy is even harder to deal with because it's a deep and often hidden emotion that can be very destructive. To understand this better, we can look at other parts of the Bible, like Proverbs 14:30, which talks about the dangers of jealousy. By trusting in God and recognizing the power of our emotions, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 13:4, we can learn to manage them in a healthy way and build stronger, more loving relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wrath, anger, and jealousy in this verse?
Wrath and anger are intense emotions, but jealousy is a deeper, often more destructive passion, as seen in Proverbs 27:4, and warned against in Proverbs 14:30 and Song of Solomon 8:6-7.
Is it saying that anger is always bad?
The Bible does not say that all anger is bad, as we see in Ephesians 4:26, but uncontrolled anger, like a flood, can be devastating, and this verse highlights the unique danger of jealousy.
How can I withstand jealousy in my own life or in others?
Withstanding jealousy requires humility, trust in God, and recognition of its destructive power, as taught in Proverbs 27:4, and supported by 1 Corinthians 13:4, which describes the patience and kindness of love.
What does this verse teach us about human emotions?
This verse teaches us that our emotions, especially intense ones like wrath, anger, and jealousy, have the power to greatly impact our lives and relationships, as also seen in Genesis 4:5-8 and Genesis 27:41.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I seen wrath, anger, or jealousy play out in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- How can I recognize the early signs of jealousy in myself or others, and what steps can I take to address it before it becomes destructive?
- What role does trust in God play in my ability to withstand the challenges of jealousy, and how can I deepen my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of this verse to my relationships, especially in situations where jealousy might arise?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:4
Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous,.... Or "an inundation" (x); it is like the breaking in of the sea, or a flood of mighty waters, which know no bounds, and there is no stopping them: so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
Envy is worse than both of them, partly, because it is more unjust and unreasonable, as not caused by any provocation, as wrath and anger are, but only proceeding from a malignity of mind, whereby a man is grieved for another man’ s happiness, in which he should rejoice; partly, because it is more deeply rooted and implacable, whereas the other passions are commonly allayed; and partly, because it is more secret and undiscernible, and therefore the mischievous effects of it are hardly avoidable; whereas wrath and anger discover themselves, and so forewarn and forearm a man against the danger.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
Proverbs 27:4 Wrath [is] cruel, and anger [is] outrageous; but who [is] able to stand before envy?Ver. 4. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous.] Or, Overflowing all the banks, or carrying all before it as an impetuous land flood, and therefore most intolerable, as Proverbs 27:3; but behold a worse matter: Envy is an evil that none can stand before for it knows neither end nor measure, as appears in the devil and his patriarch Cain; in Saul, the Pharisees, those spiteful Jews, Acts 13:45. And to this day they do antiquum obtinere, bear the old grudge to us Christians, cursing us in their daily prayers, calling us bastard Gentiles, professing that if their Messiah were come, rather than we should have any part in him, or benefit by him, they would crucify him a hundred times over. They have a saying among them, Optimus qui inter gentes est dignus cui caput conteratur tanquam serpenti; The best of us Gentiles is worthy of the serpent’ s punishment, viz., to have his head bruised, &c., so great is their envy still against Christians, who pity them and pray for them; and truly it is no more than need, since by the question here propounded we may easily guess how potent this quick sighted and sharp fanged malignity, envy, is; indeed the venom of all vices is found in it; neither will it be drawn to embrace that good which it envies to another, as too good for him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
(4) But who is able to stand before envy?—Rather, jealousy. (Comp. Proverbs 6:34.) “Wrath” and “anger” rage for awhile like a storm, and then subside; but jealousy can never be completely set at rest.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
Verse 4. Who is able to stand before envy?] The rabbins have a curious story on this subject, and it has been formed by the moderns into a fable. There were two persons, one covetous and the other envious, to whom a certain person promised to grant whatever they should ask; but double to him who should ask last. The covetous man would not ask first, because he wished to get the double portion, and the envious man would not make the first request because he could not bear the thoughts of thus benefiting his neighbour. However, at last he requested that one of his eyes should be taken out, in order that his neighbour might lose both.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:4
4. envy] Rather, jealousy. Comp. Proverbs 6:34.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:4
Envy - Better, as in the margin, the violence of passion in the husband who thinks himself wronged (compare Proverbs 6:34).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:4
4. Anger is outrageous — Impetuous; an outpouring like a rushing torrent. Envy — ÷ðàä, (kinah,) mostly rendered jealousy in our Version, but sometimes “envy.” The critics generally give the preference to jealousy here.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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Completely Dedicated to Christ: Are We? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon on Envy, the preacher delves into the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a feeling of discontent and resentment towards others' possessions or qualities. E |
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From the Death of Antigonus to the Finishing of the Temple by Herod by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the events from the death of Antigonus to the completion of the temple by Herod. Herod seizes Jerusalem, captures Antigonus, and punishes his enemies whil |
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Something Must Be Done (Part One) by Gardiner Spring | The preacher delves into the concept of malice (kakia) as a quality of wickedness, depravity, and ill-will, highlighting its destructive nature and the root of various vices. Kakia |
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(Genesis) Genesis 39:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's commitment to serving God and maintaining a high moral standard, even in a land f |
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Revival (Alternative Version) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the brutal treatment of slaves in the past, highlighting the inhumane conditions they endured. He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spiri |
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Enlarging Our Hearts - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being 'poor in spirit,' acknowledging our neediness before God without comparing ourselves to others. It warns against jealousy, narrow-hea |