Proverbs 6:20
Proverbs 6:20 in Multiple Translations
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
¶ My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
My son, keep the commandment of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother:
My son, keep the rule of your father, and have in memory the teaching of your mother:
My son, pay attention to your father's instruction, and don't reject your mother's teaching.
My sonne, keepe thy fathers commandement, and forsake not thy mothers instruction.
Keep, my son, the command of thy father, And leave not the law of thy mother.
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching.
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
My son, beep the commandments of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.
My son, obey my commands, and do not ignore what your mother has taught you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:20
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 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְצֹ֣ר
בְּ֭נִ/י
מִצְוַ֣ת
אָבִ֑י/ךָ
וְ/אַל
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
תּוֹרַ֥ת
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
נְצֹ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
מִצְוַ֣ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
אָבִ֑י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
nâṭash
H5203
to leave
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
תּוֹרַ֥ת
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:20
נְצֹ֣ר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
בְּ֭נִ/י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מִצְוַ֣ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
אָבִ֑י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | 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.
תִּ֝טֹּ֗שׁ
nâṭash
H5203
"to leave"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
To leave or forsake something, like God forsaking his people in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to permit or let something happen. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's relationship with his people.
Definition: 1) to leave, permit, forsake, cast off or away, reject, suffer, join, spread out or abroad, be loosed, cease, abandon, quit, hang loose, cast down, make a raid, lie fallow, let fall, forgo, draw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leave, let alone, lie fallow, entrust to 1a2) to forsake, abandon 1a3) to permit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be forsaken 1b2) to be loosened, be loose 1b3) to be let go, spread abroad 1c) (Pual) to be abandoned, be deserted
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: cast off, drawn, let fall, forsake, join (battle), leave (off), lie still, loose, spread (self) abroad, stretch out, suffer. See also: Genesis 31:28; Psalms 78:60; Psalms 27:9.
תּוֹרַ֥ת
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.
אִמֶּֽ/ךָ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:20
Context — Warnings against Adultery
18a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil,
19a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
20My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. 22When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 6:1 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 27:16 | ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 3 | Proverbs 7:1–4 | My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman, |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:8–9 | Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:22 | Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 21:18 | If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:11 | There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. |
Proverbs 6:20 Summary
[This verse is reminding us to listen to and obey our parents, because they want the best for us, just like God does, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7. By following their guidance, we can avoid making mistakes and live a happier, more fulfilling life. It's also important to remember that our parents' teaching is not just about rules, but about showing us how to love and follow God, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:1-3.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to keep your father's commandment and not forsake your mother's teaching?
This means to obey and respect the guidance and instructions given by your parents, as seen in Proverbs 6:20, and to remember that this teaching is rooted in a desire for your well-being, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:1-3.
Is this verse only talking about earthly parents, or is there a spiritual aspect?
While the verse is addressing earthly parents, the principle of respecting and obeying authority can be applied spiritually, as we are to obey our heavenly Father's commandments, as seen in Matthew 7:21 and John 14:15.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context of warning against wickedness?
The instruction to keep your father's commandment and not forsake your mother's teaching serves as a contrast to the wicked behaviors described in Proverbs 6:18-19, emphasizing the importance of following righteous guidance to avoid evil and live a virtuous life, as encouraged in Psalms 119:9-11.
What role does this verse play in the broader theme of wisdom in the book of Proverbs?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of wisdom in Proverbs by highlighting the value of respecting and obeying wise guidance, whether from parents or God, to navigate life's challenges and make wise decisions, as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific commandments or teachings from your parents that you have been given, and how can you apply them to your life today?
- In what ways can you show respect and obedience to your parents, even if you disagree with them, and how can this impact your relationship with them?
- How does this verse relate to your own spiritual journey, and what can you learn from it about following God's commandments and teachings?
- What are some areas in your life where you may be forsaking your parents' teaching or ignoring God's guidance, and what steps can you take to correct this?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep thy father's commandment,.... These are not the words of David to Solomon continued from Proverbs 4:4; but the words of Solomon to his son; and not to his son only, in a strict natural
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Grown sons are apt to despise the mother.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
Keep thy father’ s commandment, so far as it is not contrary to God’ s command. Forsake not the law of thy mother, whom children are too apt to despise. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep thy father’ s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Ver. 20. My son, keep thy father’ s commandment.] The commandments of religious parents are the very commandments of God himself, and are therefore to be as carefully kept "as the apple of a man’ s eye."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
Verse 20. Keep thy father's commandment] See on Proverbs 1:8.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:20
Fourteenth Address. Chap. 6. Proverbs 6:20-35. The Evil WomanThe holy memories and sanctions of the family are invoked (Proverbs 6:20-23) to give weight to another earnest warning against the sin which destroys the purity and saps the foundations of family life (Proverbs 6:24-35).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:20
TO FILIAL , AND AGAINST , Proverbs 6:20-35. 20. My son, etc. — See Proverbs 1:8 for substantially the same formula. Compare, also, Proverbs 3:3.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Godly Family - Part 3 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of marriage, starting with courtship and moving on to various aspects of married life. He emphasizes the importance of parents in pr |
|
God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |
|
(Through the Bible) Proverbs 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher gives two exhortations to his son. The first exhortation is against guaranteeing for somebody else, emphasizing the danger of striking hands with a str |
|
Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, an |
|
Fire Burns by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. He uses various illustrations to convey his message, including a painting of a man |
|
The Word Is Your Guide by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of God's commands and teachings as something alive and personal, not mere words on paper. He shares a personal experience from his time in th |
|
Zinzendorf and the Holy Spirit by Craig Atwood | Craig Atwood delves into Zinzendorf's unique theology, focusing on his use of the term 'Mother' to describe the Holy Spirit, which was a central aspect of his devotion. Zinzendorf |