Proverbs 28:9
Proverbs 28:9 in Multiple Translations
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
As for the man whose ear is turned away from hearing the law, even his prayer is disgusting.
God hates the prayers of people who disregard the law.
He that turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, euen his prayer shalbe abominable.
Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer [is] an abomination.
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination.
If people do not obey [MTY] God’s laws, God ◄detests their prayers/considers that their prayers stink►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:9
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 28:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵסִ֣יר
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
מִ/שְּׁמֹ֣עַ
תּוֹרָ֑ה
גַּֽם
תְּ֝פִלָּת֗/וֹ
תּוֹעֵבָֽה
מֵסִ֣יר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Hiphil
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
מִ/שְּׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תּוֹרָ֑ה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
תְּ֝פִלָּת֗/וֹ
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
תּוֹעֵבָֽה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
abomination
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 28:9
מֵסִ֣יר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Hiphil
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אָ֭זְנ/וֹ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
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.
מִ/שְּׁמֹ֣עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
תּוֹרָ֑ה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
גַּֽם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
תְּ֝פִלָּת֗/וֹ
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
תּוֹעֵבָֽה
tôwʻêbah
H8441
"abomination"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:9
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good. 11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 66:18 | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 4:3–4 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. |
| 3 | Zechariah 7:11–13 | But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 5 | Psalms 109:7 | When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayer be regarded as sin. |
| 6 | Isaiah 1:15–16 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! |
| 7 | Luke 13:25–27 | After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ |
| 8 | Isaiah 58:7–11 | Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday. The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. |
| 9 | Proverbs 21:13 | Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. |
Proverbs 28:9 Summary
[Proverbs 28:9 teaches that if we deliberately ignore or reject God's teachings, our prayers are not pleasing to Him. This is because God desires a heart of obedience and a willingness to listen to His instructions, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:1-2. By seeking to understand and obey God's teachings, we can ensure that our prayers are heard and pleasing to Him, as encouraged in Psalm 66:18-20 and James 4:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'turn his ear away from hearing the law' in Proverbs 28:9?
This phrase means to deliberately ignore or reject God's teachings and instructions, as given in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 4:1-2 and Psalm 119:18, which emphasize the importance of listening to and following God's law.
Why is the prayer of someone who rejects God's law 'detestable'?
This is because God desires heartfelt obedience and a willingness to listen to His instructions, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, where obedience is more important than sacrifice or prayer, and in John 14:15, where Jesus teaches that love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments.
Can someone who has turned away from God's law still pray effectively?
According to Proverbs 28:9, if someone is deliberately ignoring God's teachings, their prayers are not pleasing to God, but as seen in Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the prodigal son, it is never too late to turn back to God and seek forgiveness and restoration.
How can I ensure that my prayers are not detestable to God?
By humbly seeking to understand and obey God's teachings, as given in the Bible, such as in Psalm 66:18-20, which teaches that God hears the prayers of those who fear Him and do not cherish iniquity in their hearts, and in James 4:8, which encourages drawing near to God in humility and repentance.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I turning my ear away from hearing God's law in my own life, and what steps can I take to listen more intently to His teachings?
- How can I cultivate a heart of obedience to God's commandments, and what role does prayer play in this process?
- What are some areas where I may be ignoring or rejecting God's instructions, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration in these areas?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God by keeping His commandments, as taught in John 14:15, and how can I prioritize obedience in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,.... Not merely the moral law, but the word of God in general, and any and every doctrine of it; though the law is to be heard and attended to, what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, that obstinately refuseth to yield audience or obedience to God’ s commands, even his prayer shall be abomination to God, whose law he despised. God will abhor and reject his person, and all his services.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.Ver. 9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing, &c.] Heb., That causeth his ear to decline the law, that wilfully slights the opportunities of hearing, and frames excuse, trusting to his good prayers, as they call it, and conceits that he can better bestow his time at home; this man prays for a curse, and shall have it, as Saul had - he would not hear Samuel, God will not hear nor answer him in his distress. This was, as the Hebrews call it, Mensuram contra mensuram, to pay him home in his own coin. "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." Even his prayer shall be abomination.] See Proverbs 15:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
(9) Even his prayer shall be abomination.—See above on Proverbs 15:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
Verse 9. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law] Many suppose, if they do not know their duty, they shall not be accountable for their transgressions; and therefore avoid every thing that is calculated to enlighten them. They will not read the Bible, lest they should know the will of Good; and they will not attend Divine ordinances for the same reason. But this pretense will avail them nothing; as he that might have known his master's will, but would not, shall be treated as he shall be who did know it, and disobeyed it. Even the prayers of such a person as this are reputed sin before God.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:9
9. abomination] Comp. ch. Proverbs 15:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:9
9. Turneth away… from… the law — Neither prayer nor any other devotional act can atone for the violation of the law, or become a substitute for obedience. While we neglect the golden rule our devotions are mockery.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Three Priorities for Revival by Lou Sutera | The video discussed the three priorities for revival. The first priority is to recognize that revival itself must be a priority and that there is no other hope. The second priority |
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"Be Ye Doers of the Word" Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the consequences of despising the Word of God, warning against trusting in oppression and perverseness. It highlights the importance of humbling oneself befo |
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A Danger Signal: Unanswered Prayer by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong prayer life and experiencing answered prayers. He encourages listeners to be aware of the danger signals an |
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Hindered Prayer by John R. Rice | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of a powerful church service where many people came to hear the word of God. He confesses to having left out important par |
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The Essential Work of the Holy Spirit by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong prayer life and experiencing answered prayers. He encourages listeners to be aware of the danger signals an |
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Regulating Various Activities by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses various aspects of life and society based on the teachings of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of diligence and taking care of on |
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Prevailing Prayer - God Always Triumphs by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, highlighting three keys: perseverance in prayer, knowing who you are praying to, and humbling yourself to be heard b |