Proverbs 6:31
Proverbs 6:31 in Multiple Translations
Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; He shall give all the substance of his house.
But if he is taken in the act he will have to give back seven times as much, giving up all his property which is in his house.
But if he's caught, he has to pay back seven times what he stole, even if it means handing over everything he has in his house.
But if he be founde, he shall restore seuen folde, or he shall giue all the substance of his house.
And being found he repayeth sevenfold, All the substance of his house he giveth.
but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.
But if he is found, he shall restore seven-fold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
And if he be taken he shall restore sevenfold, and shall give up all the substance of his house.
But if he steals something and then is caught by the police, he will have to pay back ◄seven times as much as/much more than► he stole. He may need to sell everything that is in his house to get enough money to pay it back.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:31
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 6:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֭/נִמְצָא
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם
אֶת
כָּל
ה֖וֹן
בֵּית֣/וֹ
יִתֵּֽן
וְ֭/נִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם
shibʻâthayim
H7659
sevenfold
Adj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
ה֖וֹן
hôwn
H1952
substance
N-ms
בֵּית֣/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
יִתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:31
וְ֭/נִמְצָא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
יְשַׁלֵּ֣ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
שִׁבְעָתָ֑יִם
shibʻâthayim
H7659
"sevenfold"
Adj
This word means seven times or sevenfold, like the sevenfold vengeance God promised Cain in Genesis 4:15. It emphasizes something happening multiple times or being greatly increased.
Definition: 1) sevenfold, seven times 1a) sevenfold, seven times as much 1b) seven times
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: seven(-fold, times). See also: Genesis 4:15; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 12:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
ה֖וֹן
hôwn
H1952
"substance"
N-ms
This word refers to wealth or substance, implying that something is enough or of high value. It can also be translated as riches or sufficiency.
Definition: 1) wealth, riches, substance 1a) wealth 1b) price, high value interj 2) enough!, sufficiency
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: enough, [phrase] for nought, riches, substance, wealth. See also: Psalms 44:13; Proverbs 19:4; Psalms 112:3.
בֵּית֣/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִתֵּֽן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:31
Context — Warnings against Adultery
29So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.
31Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
32He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. 33Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 19:8 | But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.” |
| 2 | Job 20:18 | He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 12:6 | Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” |
| 4 | Exodus 22:1–4 | “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed. But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft. If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double. |
| 5 | Matthew 18:25 | Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned. |
Proverbs 6:31 Summary
[This verse is saying that if someone is caught stealing, they will have to pay back much more than what they took, and they may even lose everything they own. This is a warning to those who would consider stealing, and it emphasizes the importance of being honest and fair in our dealings with others, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. It's also a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we should strive to live with integrity and kindness towards others, just like Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to pay sevenfold in Proverbs 6:31?
Paying sevenfold means that the thief must repay the value of what was stolen seven times over, as a form of restitution and punishment, similar to what is described in Exodus 22:1-4 and Leviticus 6:1-5.
Is this verse only talking about physical theft, or can it apply to other areas of life?
While the immediate context of Proverbs 6:31 is physical theft, the principle of restitution and consequences for wrongdoing can also apply to other areas of life, such as spiritual or emotional theft, as seen in Ephesians 4:28 and Colossians 3:9-10.
How does this verse relate to the concept of forgiveness and mercy?
This verse highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and making amends, but it does not contradict the biblical teachings on forgiveness and mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:37-38, which emphasize the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.
What is the significance of giving up all the wealth of one's house in this verse?
Giving up all the wealth of one's house is a drastic consequence that emphasizes the severity of the punishment for theft, and it serves as a warning to those who would consider stealing, as stated in Proverbs 20:17 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'stealing' from others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and how can I make restitution?
- How can I apply the principle of paying sevenfold in my relationships, by being generous and making amends when I have wronged others?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize honesty and integrity in my daily life, and how can I avoid the temptation to steal or cheat?
- How can I balance the need for justice and consequences with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in this verse and other biblical teachings?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:31
But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold,.... According to the law in Exodus 22:1; in case of theft double was to be restored, if the theft was found alive in his hand; and in some cases fourfold and fivefold.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:31
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. But (if) he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
He shall restore seven-fold. Quest. How doth this agree with God’ s law, which required only that he should restore double, or at most fourfold, or fivefold? :4. Answ. 1. The number of seven may be here put indefinitely for many times, as it is , and in many other places. 2. Some think that as thefts were multiplied, so the punishment of it was increased, in Solomon’ s time; or, at least, that it was the practice of some nations to require this sevenfold restitution. 3. He speaks not of that restitution which the law required, but of that which either the wronged person being potent might force the thief to make, or which the thief would willingly give rather than be exposed to public shame; as appears by the following clause, wherein he adds to this sevenfold restitution all his substance, which no law of God or man required. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
Proverbs 6:31 But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.Ver. 31. He shall restore sevenfold,] i.e., Manifold, according as the law limiteth, though it be to the utmost of what the thief is worth. But what restitution can the adulterer make, should he make him amends with as much more? The thief steals out of want; the adulterer of wantonness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
(31) But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold.—Rather, And if he be found, he may restore sevenfold, he may give up all the wealth of his house. The law only required a two—or four—or fivefold compensation (Exodus 22); he may do even more. “Sevenfold” signifies full restitution. (Comp. Genesis 4:24 : Leviticus 26:28.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:31
31. sevenfold] This cannot refer to the legal penalty for theft, which was in no case greater than five times the value of the thing stolen (Exodus 22:1-4. Comp. Luke 19:8). It had been suggested that the case contemplated in the second clause of the verse is different from that in the first: here is a man, who so far from being driven by abject poverty to steal in order to satisfy his hunger, is able and will be required to pay more than the law demanded (sevenfold) in order to avoid the shame of exposure. It is better, however, to understand sevenfold as a general term, meaning in full measure (comp. Genesis 4:15; Leviticus 26:28; Matthew 18:21). This explanation obviates the objection that if he had to steal for bread he could not pay sevenfold, because the full measure of the law was, “if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft” (Exodus 22:3, comp. Matthew 18:25).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:31
30, 31. Do not despise, etc. — That is, Do not despise his crime, as if it was venial; others say, Do not wonder at it.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 22:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a news story about a man who shot a thief breaking into his home and was sued by the thief. The speaker argues that the man should have been j |
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Gaining and Maintaining a Clear Conscience by Tom Palmer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience and being right with God and others. He encourages the audience to take a moment to reflect on th |
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The Love of Money - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of financial wisdom and stewardship, drawing lessons from the simplicity and wisdom of Jesus' life. It highlights the principles of buying onl |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 19 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories of individuals who were convicted of their sins and chose to make restitution. The first story is about a construction work |
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Azusa Street's Confession of Faith by William Seymour | William Seymour preaches on The Confession of Faith Statement of the Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, emphasizing the Apostolic Faith Movement' |
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Set Free From Slavery by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the pervasive issue of addiction in modern society, likening it to voluntary slavery where individuals feel both guilty and powerless. He emphasizes that wh |
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Self-Denial, an Element of Worship by George H. Morrison | George H. Morrison emphasizes the importance of self-sacrifice in worship, highlighting the need for thanksgiving, spiritual need, indebtedness to Christ, and self-denial to truly |