Proverbs 6:11
Proverbs 6:11 in Multiple Translations
and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man.
Then loss will come on you like an outlaw, and your need like an armed man
and poverty will attack you like a robber, destitution like an armed warrior.
Therefore thy pouertie commeth as one that trauaileth by the way, and thy necessitie like an armed man.
And thy poverty hath come as a traveller, And thy want as an armed man.
so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.
So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth, and thy want as an armed man.
And want shall come upon thee, as a traveller, and poverty as a man armed. But if thou be diligent, thy harvest shall come as a fountain, and want shall flee far from thee.
and suddenly you will become poor. It will be as though a bandit suddenly comes and takes all that you have.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:11
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 6:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָֽא
כִ/מְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
רֵאשֶׁ֑/ךָ
וּ֝/מַחְסֹֽרְ/ךָ֗
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
מָגֵֽן
וּ/בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כִ/מְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-c
רֵאשֶׁ֑/ךָ
rêysh
H7389
poverty
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/מַחְסֹֽרְ/ךָ֗
machçôwr
H4270
need
Conj | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
מָגֵֽן
mâgên
H4043
shield
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:11
וּ/בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כִ/מְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-c
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
רֵאשֶׁ֑/ךָ
rêysh
H7389
"poverty"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means poverty or being poor. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who lacks material possessions. The KJV translates it as 'poverty'.
Definition: poverty Also means: rish (רִישׁ "poverty" H7389B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: poverty. See also: Proverbs 6:11; Proverbs 24:34; Proverbs 10:15.
וּ֝/מַחְסֹֽרְ/ךָ֗
machçôwr
H4270
"need"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word describes a lack or shortage of something, like a need for food or money. It is used in the Bible to describe poverty and want. In Deuteronomy 15:8, God commands the Israelites to lend to those in need.
Definition: 1) need, poverty, thing needed 1a) need, thing needed 1b) lack, want 1c) need, poverty
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. See also: Deuteronomy 15:8; Proverbs 11:24; Psalms 34:10.
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מָגֵֽן
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
N-cs
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:11
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:11
Context — Warnings against Foolishness
9How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?
10A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
11and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
12A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, 13winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:4 | The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. |
| 2 | Proverbs 10:4 | Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:34 | and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 4 | Proverbs 20:4 | The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. |
Proverbs 6:11 Summary
This verse is warning us that if we are lazy and don't work hard, we will end up in a difficult situation, with not enough money or resources to take care of ourselves. It's like having a robber come and steal everything from us. To avoid this, we need to be diligent and trust in God's provision, as taught in Matthew 6:33. By working hard and being responsible, we can avoid the poverty and need that comes from laziness, and instead experience the blessings that come from living a diligent and faithful life, as seen in Proverbs 10:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for poverty to come like a robber?
This phrase means that poverty will come suddenly and unexpectedly, taking away one's resources and leaving them in a state of need, much like a robber would, as seen in Proverbs 6:11, and it is a consequence of laziness as warned in Proverbs 20:4.
Is this verse only talking about financial poverty?
While financial poverty is certainly in view, the concept of poverty in Scripture can also refer to spiritual poverty, as seen in Revelation 3:17, where the Laodiceans are warned about being poor and blind, despite their outward wealth.
How can I avoid the poverty and need mentioned in this verse?
To avoid poverty and need, one must be diligent and hardworking, as Proverbs 10:4 teaches, and also trust in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19, and Matthew 6:33.
What is the relationship between laziness and poverty?
According to Proverbs 6:9-11, there is a direct relationship between laziness and poverty, as those who are lazy and sleep too much will eventually become poor and needy, whereas those who are diligent and work hard will be blessed, as seen in Proverbs 22:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been lazy or complacent, and how can I start to be more diligent?
- How do I prioritize my time and energy to avoid the poverty and need mentioned in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and care, rather than relying on my own strength and abilities?
- What are some practical steps I can take to be more mindful of my work ethic and to cultivate a sense of diligence and responsibility?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:11
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth,.... Either swiftly and suddenly, as a traveller makes haste to get to his journey's end, and comes upon his family or friends at an unawares; or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:11
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth - who actively and steadily advances nearer and nearer his journey's end.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
As one that travaileth, swiftly and unexpectedly. As an armed man, irresistibly or unavoidably.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
Proverbs 6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.Ver. 11. As a traveller, and thy want as an armed man.] That is, Speedily and irresistibly. Men must sweat out a living, and earn their bread before they eat it. Think not to have wealth without working; as cities and towns are said to have fallen into Timotheus’ s toil as he was sleeping - with so much ease he took them in. Spontaneae lassitudines morbos praecedunt, roamings and reachings forerun diseases; so doth sluggishness usher in penury; when, as manus motitans, "the nimble hand maketh rich"; and "in all labour there is abundance." But, Nae, illi falsi sunt qui diversissimas res expectant ignaviae voluptatem et praemia virtutis. They are utterly out that think to have the pleasure of idleness, and the plenty of painfulness. Hippocrat. Salust.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
(11) As one that travelleth.—The form of the Hebrew is intensive, “one who moves swiftly,” as in Psalms 104:3, it is applied to God’s “moving upon the wings of the wind.” While the sluggard sleeps, poverty is coming on apace. AS an armed man.—Against whom the sleeper will be defenceless. Proverbs 6:10-11 are repeated in Proverbs 24:33-34.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
Verse 11. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth] That is, with slow, but surely approaching steps. Thy want as an armed man.] That is, with irresistible fury; and thou art not prepared to oppose it. The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Arabic add the following clause to this verse: - "But if thou wilt be diligent, thy harvest shall be as a fountain; and poverty shall flee far away from thee." It is also thus in the Old MS. Bible: If forsothe unslow thou shul ben; shul comen as a welle thi rip; and nede fer shal fleen fro thee.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:11
11. one that travelleth … an armed man] The figure is two-fold. The doom of the sluggard travels swiftly and is inevitable. While he slumbers inertly, Poverty is coming on apace, drawing nearer to him every moment; and when it comes, it falls upon him like an armed man (Heb. “man with a shield”) from whom there is no escape.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:11
The similitude is drawn from the two sources of Eastern terror: the “traveler,” i. e., “the thief in the night,” coming suddenly to plunder; the “armed man,” literally “the man of the shield,” the armed robber.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:11
9-11. How long wilt thou sleep — As in Proverbs 6:6-8 the instructor had sought to incite his pupil to wise forethought and providence by the example of the ant, so here he seeks to guard him against
Sermons on Proverbs 6:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Workers Used of God by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while God works through His people, it is ultimately God who accomplishes His work. He references Jesus' declaration of continuous work alongside the Fat |
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Are You Ready for a Relationship? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of media and video games on our perception of reality. He highlights how the constant bombardment of fantastical images and experie |
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Mercenary Christians by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight |
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Special Leaders Session by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the word of God systematically and thoroughly. He criticizes the lack of proper training and instruction given to |
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Laziness Brings Poverty by Derek Prince | Derek Prince delves into Proverbs 6:9-11, highlighting the spiritual root cause of poverty as laziness. He emphasizes that poverty and scarcity are not just material conditions but |
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The Seven Deadly Sins by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong preaches about the deadly nature of sin unless repented of and forgiven by God. Sin is any deliberate act against the known will of God, whether vertically against G |
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Jesus Teaches About Persistence and Prayer Matthew 7:7-11 by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' sermon on the mountainside, suggesting that beyond prayer, Jesus was addressing laziness and the importance of persistence. While Jesus' words on a |