Proverbs 3:29
Proverbs 3:29 in Multiple Translations
Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Do not make evil designs against your neighbour, when he is living with you without fear.
Don't plan to harm your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts you.
Intend none hurt against thy neighbour, seeing he doeth dwell without feare by thee.
Devise not against thy neighbour evil, And he sitting confidently with thee.
Don’t devise evil against your neighbor, since he dwells securely by you.
Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath confidence in thee.
Do not make plans to harm those you interact with regularly, because they live near you, and they trust you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:29
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 3:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תַּחֲרֹ֣שׁ
עַל
רֵעֲ/ךָ֣
רָעָ֑ה
וְ/הֽוּא
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּחֲרֹ֣שׁ
chârash
H2790
to plow/plot
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֵעֲ/ךָ֣
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
N-fs
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
beṭach
H983
security
Prep | N-ms
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
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 3:29
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּחֲרֹ֣שׁ
chârash
H2790
"to plow/plot"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֵעֲ/ךָ֣
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
רָעָ֑ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יוֹשֵׁ֖ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
לָ/בֶ֣טַח
beṭach
H983
"security"
Prep | N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.
אִתָּֽ/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:29
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
27Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.
28Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. 31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 6:14 | With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:29–30 | A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil. |
| 3 | Psalms 55:20 | My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. |
| 4 | Psalms 35:20 | For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land. |
| 5 | Micah 2:1–2 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. |
| 6 | Psalms 59:3 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 18:18–20 | Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.” Attend to me, O LORD. Hear what my accusers are saying! Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:18 | a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:22 | Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness. |
Proverbs 3:29 Summary
This verse reminds us to always think about how our actions might affect those around us, especially our neighbors. We should never plan or wish harm on them, but instead, treat them with love and kindness, just as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). By doing so, we show respect for them and for God, who teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Loving our neighbors is a fundamental part of living a life that pleases God, and it starts with the choices we make every day in our thoughts and actions towards them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to devise evil against my neighbor?
To devise evil against your neighbor means to plan or plot harm against them, which is contrary to God's will as seen in Proverbs 3:29 and supported by the command to love our neighbors in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.
How can I avoid devising evil against my neighbor?
To avoid devising evil, focus on loving your neighbor as yourself, as taught in Matthew 22:39, and treat them with kindness and respect, just as you would want to be treated, following the principle in Matthew 7:12.
What does it mean that my neighbor trustfully dwells beside me?
This phrase emphasizes that our neighbors often trust us and are unaware of any evil plans we might have against them, making it even more important to act with integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 28:18.
Is devising evil against my neighbor a rare or serious issue?
Devising evil against others, including neighbors, is a serious issue that God addresses throughout the Bible, such as in Proverbs 24:17-18, indicating it's not only harmful but also displeasing to God.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways might I be devising evil against my neighbors without realizing it, and how can I change my actions?
- How does my relationship with God influence my treatment of my neighbors, and what role does love play in this?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate love and kindness to my neighbors, following the example of Jesus in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37?
- How can I balance being cautious in my relationships with being open and loving to those around me, especially my neighbors, as taught in Proverbs 22:1 and Matthew 5:43-48?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:29
Devise not evil against thy neighbour,.... Or, "plough not evil" (i); turn not up thy heart to find evil against thy neighbour, as the earth is turned up by the plough; see Hosea 10:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:29
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
Devise not evil; any thing injurious or hurtful. Having commanded doing of good, ,28, he here forbids doing or designing any evil. Dwelleth securely by thee; relying upon thine integrity: do not therefore betray thy trust, which is hateful even to heathens.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
Proverbs 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.Ver. 29. Devise not evil against thy neighbour.] Heb. Plow not evil - i.e., plot not. One of the Rabbis renders it, suspect not; shun "evil surmises." Most unkindnesses among friends grow upon mistakes, misprisions; charity is candid, and takes everything in the best sense, and by the right handle.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:29
29. Devise not evil — Design no violation of good faith or of kindness towards thy friend or neighbour who dwells unsuspectingly beside thee. The word also means, Be not silent.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 349 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of staying in the Lord's power to maintain His kingdom in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, free from the devil's influence |
|
The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |
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A Vision of Our Culture by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful experience he had during a gathering where he noticed a wave of sound coming from the audience every time he mentioned the name of Je |
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Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |