Proverbs 29:19
Proverbs 29:19 in Multiple Translations
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.
A servant will not be trained by words; for though the sense of the words is clear to him, he will not give attention.
A servant can't be disciplined by words alone; though they understand, they don't follow what they're told.
A seruant will not be chastised with words: though he vnderstand, yet he will not answere.
By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering.
A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth, he will not answer.
A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer.
It is not possible to correct/discipline servants only by talking to them; they understand what you are saying, but they do not pay attention to it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Proverbs 29:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ֭/דְבָרִים
לֹא
יִוָּ֣סֶר
עָ֑בֶד
כִּֽי
יָ֝בִ֗ין
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מַעֲנֶֽה
בִּ֭/דְבָרִים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִוָּ֣סֶר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עָ֑בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יָ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַעֲנֶֽה
maʻăneh
H4617
answer
V-Hiphil
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 29:19
בִּ֭/דְבָרִים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
לֹא
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.
יִוָּ֣סֶר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
עָ֑בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יָ֝בִ֗ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַעֲנֶֽה
maʻăneh
H4617
"answer"
V-Hiphil
This word means a response or answer to something, like a reply to a question. It can be a positive or negative response, and is used in the Bible to describe interactions between people.
Definition: 1) answer, response 2) (TWOT) place for task
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] himself. See also: Job 32:3; Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 15:1.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:19
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.
20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 26:3 | A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! |
| 2 | Job 19:16 | I call for my servant, but he does not answer, though I implore him with my own mouth. |
| 3 | Proverbs 30:22 | a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food, |
Proverbs 29:19 Summary
[This verse is saying that sometimes, just talking to someone about their mistakes is not enough to get them to change, as we see in Proverbs 29:19. It's like when you tell a child to clean their room, but they don't do it until you take away their privileges. The Bible says that we need to take action and set boundaries, not just use words, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and Proverbs 22:6. This is important for us to remember in our own lives, because we all need correction and discipline sometimes, and it's how we respond that matters, as seen in Hebrews 12:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a servant cannot be corrected by words alone?
This means that simply talking to someone about their mistakes or bad behavior may not be enough to change their actions, as seen in Proverbs 29:19, and it may require more direct consequences or discipline, as mentioned in Proverbs 17:17.
Is this verse saying that servants are stupid or unable to understand correction?
No, the verse says that though the servant understands, he will not respond, indicating that the issue is not a lack of understanding, but rather a lack of willingness to change, as also seen in Jeremiah 17:9 where it talks about the heart being deceitful.
How does this verse relate to parenting or leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of not just verbal correction, but also taking action and setting boundaries, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, where it talks about training up a child in the way they should go.
What is the significance of the phrase 'though he understands, he will not respond'?
This phrase suggests that the servant is not responding due to a lack of obedience or rebellion, rather than a lack of understanding, which is also seen in Romans 1:32 where it talks about people knowing what is right but choosing to do wrong.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have understood what I should do, but have not responded in obedience?
- How can I apply the principle of not just using words to correct, but also taking action, in my relationships with others?
- What are some consequences of not responding to correction, and how can I learn from the examples in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 29:19?
- How can I balance grace and discipline in my own life, and in my interactions with others, as seen in Hebrews 12:11?
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of the human heart, and how can I apply this understanding to my own walk with God, as seen in Psalm 51:10-12?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:19
A servant will not be corrected by words,.... Not by them only, especially one that is of a servile, surly, and untractable disposition; otherwise a good servant, and well disposed to his master, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:19
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
A servant, who is so not only ill condition, but also in the temper of his mind, disingenuous, perverse, and stubborn, will not be corrected by words; by mere words without blows. Compare . Though he understand, though he know thy mind and words, and his own duty, he will not answer; either by words, expressing his readiness; or by deeds, speedily and cheerfully performing thy commands; but will neglect his duty, pretending that he did not hear or understand thee.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
Proverbs 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.Ver. 19. A servant will not be corrected by words.] Some servants will not, but must have blows. If words will do, they must be chidden with good words, and not reviled. Christians must be "no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness to all men"; and masters must "do the same things, forbearing threatening, knowing that their Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him." Severitas nec sit tetra nec tetrica, saith Sidonius. But because some mastigiae are of so servile a disposition, that they must be beaten to their work, like those Phrygians, Qui non nisi flagris castigantur, that will do nothing longer than scourged to it; or the Russian women, that love that husband best that beats them most, and think themselves else not regarded, unless two or three times a day well favouredly swaddled. Therefore let him that knows his Master’ s will, and yet, out of stoutness, sullenness, or laziness, will not do it, be beaten with many stripes; let him be "buffeted for his faults," and made serviceable in all things, "not gainsaying, not purloining." Sidon., Epist. Heyl., Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
(19) A servant will not be corrected with words.—A slave must be corrected by sterner means; it is only fear of punishment which will move him; “for though he understand, he will not answer,” will not reply to your call, or render obedience to your command. The willing obedience of a son, and the grudging obedience of a slave, are contrasted in Romans 8:15.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:19
19. words] He needs sterner measures. answer] i.e. respond in work and action: give heed, R.V.; οὐχὑπακούσεται, LXX. The Vulg. appears to understand it, as do some commentators, literally—he will not even deign to answer you—quia quod dicis intelligit, et respondere contemnit.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:19
Servant - i. e., A slave, whose obedience is reluctant. He may “understand” the words, but they produce no good effect. There is still lacking the true “answer” of obedience.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:19
19. A servant — A bondman, a slave. The language is applied to such only as are “under the yoke,” over whom the master has, or claims, the right of corporal punishment.