Proverbs 6:21
Proverbs 6:21 in Multiple Translations
Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Bind them continually upon thy heart; Tie them about thy neck.
Keep them ever folded in your heart, and have them hanging round your neck.
Keep them always in mind. Tie them around your neck.
Binde them alway vpon thine heart, and tye them about thy necke.
Bind them on thy heart continually, Tie them on thy neck.
Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.
Bind them continually upon thy heart, and tie them about thy neck.
Bind them in thy heart continually, and put them about thy neck.
Remember the things that we have said. Those things should be like a beautiful necklace around your neck.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:21
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 6:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קָשְׁרֵ֣/ם
עַל
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
תָמִ֑יד
עָ֝נְדֵ֗/ם
עַל
גַּרְגְּרֹתֶֽ/ךָ
קָשְׁרֵ֣/ם
qâshar
H7194
to conspire
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
תָמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
עָ֝נְדֵ֗/ם
ʻânad
H6029
to bind
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גַּרְגְּרֹתֶֽ/ךָ
gargᵉrôwth
H1621
neck
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:21
קָשְׁרֵ֣/ם
qâshar
H7194
"to conspire"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this verb means to tie or bind something, like when God bound Isaac in Genesis 22:9. It can also mean to conspire or make an alliance, as in 2 Samuel 15:31. The KJV translates it as bind or conspire.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie, bind together, league together, conspire 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, confine 1a2) to league together, conspire 1b) (Niphal) to be bound, be bound up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to bind on 1c2) to bind fast 1c3) to bind, tie 1c4) to bind to oneself 1d) (Pual) robust, vigorous (participle) 1e) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), (make a) conspire(-acy, -ator), join together, knit, stronger, work (treason). See also: Genesis 30:41; 2 Kings 15:25; Proverbs 3:3.
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.
לִבְּ/ךָ֣
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
תָמִ֑יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
עָ֝נְדֵ֗/ם
ʻânad
H6029
"to bind"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to tie or bind something securely, like fastening a rope. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical actions like tying up an animal. The KJV translates it as 'bind' or 'tie'.
Definition: 1) to bind, tie up, bind around or upon 1a) (Qal) to tie up
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: bind, tie. See also: Job 31:36; Proverbs 6:21.
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.
גַּרְגְּרֹתֶֽ/ךָ
gargᵉrôwth
H1621
"neck"
N-fp | Suff
Refers to the neck or throat, often used figuratively in the Bible. It appears in descriptions of animals that ruminate, like cows. The KJV translates it simply as 'neck'.
Definition: neck (always fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: neck. See also: Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 3:22; Proverbs 3:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:21
Context — Warnings against Adultery
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. 23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:3 | Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. |
| 2 | Proverbs 7:3–4 | 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, |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 3:3 | It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:6 | Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 6:8 | Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. |
| 6 | Exodus 13:16 | So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 4:21 | Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. |
Proverbs 6:21 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 6:21, is telling us to keep God's commandments and teachings close to our hearts and minds at all times. It's like wearing a reminder around our necks, so we never forget what's important. By doing this, we can make good choices and live a life that honors God, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where God's word is a lamp to our feet. By keeping God's commandments close to our hearts, we can have wisdom and guidance in all we do, just like Proverbs 3:5-6 promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to bind something upon your heart?
To bind something upon your heart, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:21, means to internalize and prioritize it, making it a core part of who you are, much like the Israelites were commanded to do with God's laws in Deuteronomy 6:6.
Why is it important to tie God's commandments around your neck?
Tying God's commandments around your neck symbolizes making them a visible and constant reminder, guiding your thoughts and actions, as seen in the practice of wearing phylacteries in Deuteronomy 6:8, which served as a physical reminder of God's laws.
How can I apply this verse to my daily life?
Applying Proverbs 6:21 to your daily life involves intentionally remembering and applying God's commandments, as seen in Psalm 119:11, where the psalmist hides God's word in his heart to avoid sinning against Him.
What is the result of binding God's commandments upon your heart?
The result of binding God's commandments upon your heart, as seen in Proverbs 6:22, is that they will guide you in your decisions and actions, providing wisdom and protection, much like the promises in Psalm 37:37 and Proverbs 3:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific commandments or teachings that I need to bind upon my heart, and how can I prioritize them in my life?
- How can I use physical reminders, like wearing a cross or keeping a Bible near me, to help me remember God's commandments throughout the day?
- In what ways can I internalize God's word, making it a part of my thoughts and actions, just as the psalmist did in Psalm 119:97-104?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure that God's commandments are always before me, guiding my decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:21
Bind them continually upon thine heart,.... Not upon the head or arm, as the words of the law were to be bound, Deuteronomy 6:3; to which there seems to be an allusion; and which may confirm the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:21
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck - (Proverbs 3:3.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
Bind them continually upon thine heart; constantly remember and duly consider them. Tie them about thy neck: see on 3:3.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
Proverbs 6:21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck.Ver. 21. Bind them continually.] Observe them with as much care and conscience as thou art bound to do the law of God given by Moses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
(21) Bind them continually upon thine heart.—See above on Proverbs 3:3.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
Verse 21. Bind them continually upon thine heart] See on Proverbs 3:3. And see a similar command, to which this is an allusion, Deuteronomy 6:6-8.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:21
21. heart … neck] See Proverbs 3:3, note. Perhaps there is also the idea of an amulet or charm tied round the neck. See next verse.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:21
The thought of Pro 3:3 is carried step further. No outward charm, but the law of obedience, shall give safety to the traveler, when he sleeps or when he wakes.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:21
21. Bind them, etc. — Meaning, Treasure them in your affections; never be ashamed of them or the practice of them; they are your highest ornaments.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
An Alarm to the Unconverted 1 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformation that occurs in a person's heart when they become a true follower of Christ. The sermon highlights the change in desires a |
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(Proverbs) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in guarding and guiding young people. He highlights three areas of concern: obedience to parents, |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 14 - the Escaped Remnant by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the word of God and keeping His commandments to avoid destruction. He encourages the listeners to acquire |
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A History of the Life and Actions of the Very Reverend Dr. Martin Luther - Part 1 by Philip Melancthon | Philip Melancthon recounts the life and actions of the very reverend Dr. Martin Luther, highlighting his upbringing, education, entry into monastic life, and his pivotal role in th |
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Homily 24 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:14-17, emphasizing the importance of being equipped with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, |
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On Pleasing All Men by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes the Christian duty to please our neighbors for their good and edification, as stated in Romans 15:2. He acknowledges that while it is impossible to please ev |
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Once She Has Been Constituted by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance for an Abbess to remember the weight of her responsibility and to prioritize serving her sisters over ruling them. She is encourage |