Proverbs 14:21 — Word Study
WLCבָּז־ לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ חוֹטֵ֑א וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן עֲנָוִ֣ים אַשְׁרָֽיו׃
BSAHe who despisesbûwz [utterly disregards] his neighborrêaʻ [close friend, companion] sinschâṭâʼ [misses the mark, goes wrong] but blessed isʼesher [truly happy, fortunate] he who shows kindnesschânan [has mercy] to the poorʻânîy [afflicted, humble, weak, needy]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בָּז־ | [one who] despises | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ | neighbor his | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| חוֹטֵ֑א | [is] sinning | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
| וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן | and [one who] shows favor to | Conjunction, verb piel participle (active) masculine singular |
| עֲנָוִ֣ים | humble [people] | |
| אַשְׁרָֽיו׃ | how blessed [is] he | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor. |
| KJV | He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. |
| ASV | He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he. |
| YLT | Whoso is despising his neighbour sinneth, Whoso is favouring the humble, O his happiness. |
| WEB | He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed. |
| BBE | He who has no respect for his neighbour is a sinner, but he who has pity for the poor is happy. |
Where they part company is עֲנָוִ֣ים — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by a contrasting participial phrase, emphasizing the moral dichotomy presented in the verse.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbבּוּז
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 14:21
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom on Relationshipsgenerated
Proverbs 14:21 presents a stark contrast between two types of behavior: that of the one who despises his neighbor and that of the one who shows kindness to the poor. The surrounding verses emphasize the importance of relationships and the moral implications of how we treat others, particularly those who are less fortunate. This theme is consistent throughout the book of Proverbs, which often highlights the consequences of our actions on our community.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:12 | Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:5 | He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:3 | With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. |
| 4 | Job 31:13–15 | If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, |
| 5 | Job 35:5–6 | Look to the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds high above you. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 22 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בּוּז, boz-generated
The word בּוּז (boz) is a participle in the Qal form, indicating an active state of despising or holding in contempt. It suggests a strong disregard for others, particularly one's neighbor, and is used in contexts where disrespect is evident.
This term is rooted in the idea of viewing someone as insignificant or unworthy. The lexicons consistently emphasize its connotation of disrespect, which aligns with the moral teaching of this verse that such attitudes lead to sin.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses despises and shows kindness to convey the actions described.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is בָּז, despises, which governs the subject and the predicate. The structure is straightforward, with the subject וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן (and shows favor) following, creating a clear contrast between the actions of the two subjects.
The sentence is structured to emphasize the consequences of each action, with the first part stating the sin of despising and the second part declaring the blessedness of showing kindness.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, בּוּז is rendered as ἁμαρτάνει (hamartanei), meaning to sin. This choice highlights the moral failing associated with contempt for one's neighbor, aligning closely with the Hebrew meaning.
The term for kindness, מְחוֹנֵ֖ן, is translated as ἐλεῶν (eleōn), which conveys the idea of mercy, further emphasizing the compassionate aspect of the action.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 14:21 teaches that those who look down on their neighbors are committing a sin, while those who are kind to the poor are truly blessed. This verse highlights the importance of how we treat others, especially those in need.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
To despise one's neighbor means to hold them in contempt or consider them insignificant, which is viewed as a moral failing in this verse.
Showing kindness to the poor is highlighted as a virtue that brings true happiness and blessing, reflecting a compassionate character.
This verse aligns with other Proverbs that emphasize the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, reinforcing the moral fabric of community life.
Despising others leads to sin and moral failure, as indicated in this verse, suggesting that our attitudes toward others have serious implications.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I show kindness to those in need in my community?
- How do my attitudes toward my neighbors reflect my values and beliefs?
- What steps can I take to avoid contempt for others and cultivate a spirit of kindness?
- How does this verse challenge me to reconsider my relationships with those around me?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 14:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe that despiseth his neighbour sinneth,.... He that despiseth his neighbour in his heart, speaks slightly of him, overlooks him, is not friendly to him, will neither converse with him, nor relieve
Read John Gill on Proverbs 14 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth - grievously.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 14 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThat despiseth his neighbour; that doth not pity and relieve the poor, as this is explained in the next clause; the word neighbour being here generally taken for any man, as it is most commonly used in Scripture; which not relieving him proceeds from a contempt of his person. Sinneth; and therefore shall be punished for his inhumanity, which is opposed to his being happy in the next clause. That hath mercy; that showeth his compassion by his bounty and relief. Happy is he; he doth a worthy action, and shall be blessed in his deed.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 14 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.Ver. 21. He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth.] His poor neighbour. Where the hedge is low the beast will easily break over. None usually are so trampled on with the feet of pride and contempt, by the great bulls of Bashan, as the necessitous and afflicted. Hence "poor" and "afflicted" are set together; so are "to want" and "to be abased." This is a great sin, saith Solomon; it is to commit sin and to "be convinced of the law" as transgressors, saith St James. But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.] His sins shall be remitted, his necessities relieved, and the blessings of…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 14 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 21. He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth] To despise a man because he has some natural blemish is unjust, cruel, and wicked. He is not the author of his own imperfections; they did not occur through his fault or folly; and if he could, he would not retain them. It is, therefore, unjust and wicked to despise him for what is not his fault, but his misfortune. But he that hath mercy on the poor] Who reproaches no man for his poverty or scanty intellect, but divides his bread with the hungry-happy is he; the blessing of God, and of them that were ready to perish, shall come upon him.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 14 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible21. Sinneth — Misses, blunders. Although one proverb frequently seems to have no relation either to a preceding or a succeeding one, yet in this case the conclusion can hardly be resisted that this
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 14 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever is kind to the needy is blessed.
Tyndale line
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
The sinner despiseth his neighbour: but he that hath mercie on the poore, is blessed.
Strictly literal
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious to the afflicted, happy is he.
Whoso is despising his neighbour sinneth, Whoso is favouring the humble, O his happiness.
Whoever is despising his neighbor sins, || Whoever is favoring the humble, || O his blessedness.
He that despiseth his neighbor is a sinner; but he that is gracious to the poor—happiness attend him!
The one who shows contempt for his neighbor is sinning, but the one who shows favor to the poor is blessed.
From the Latin
He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth: but he that sheweth mercy to the poor, shall be blessed. He that believeth in the Lord, loveth mercy.
Simplified
People who look down on their neighbors are sinners, but those who are kind to the poor are blessed.
He who has no respect for his neighbour is a sinner, but he who has pity for the poor is happy.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 14:21 states that 'He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.' The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation of this verse, shares some word correspondence with the Masoretic Text, indicating agreement on key concepts. However, the exact wording and structure differ, as the Septuagint tends to follow its own syntax and style. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this specific verse, so the Masoretic Text remains the primary witness for this passage.
בָּז־ לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ חוֹטֵ֑א וּמְחוֹנֵ֖ן עֲנָוִ֣ים אַשְׁרָֽיו׃
4 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 14:21
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
בּוּז (buwz) is a primitive root meaning to despise or hold in contempt. The entries consistently emphasize its connotation of disrespect and insignificance, particularly in the Qal form, which denotes a straightforward act of disdain. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.
[בּוּז] vb. despise
base
H936 בּוּז
936 buwz booz
a primitive root; to disrespect:--contemn, despise, X
utterly.
בּוּז (buz) — to despise.
1) to despise, hold in contempt, hold as insignificant
1a) (Qal) to despise, show despite toward
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
רֵעַ (rea`) refers to a friend, companion, or fellow, emphasizing close associations such as brotherhood or intimacy. It can also denote a neighbor or another person in a broader sense. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to associate.'
רֵעַ 187 n.m. friend, companion, fellow
base
H7453 רֵעַ friend, companion, fellow
7453 rea` ray'-ah
or reya2 {ray'-ah}; from 7462; an associate (more or less
close):--brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover,
neighbour, X (an-)other.
see HEBREW for 0reya2
see HEBREW for 07462
רֵעַ (re.a) — neighbor.
1) friend, companion, fellow, another person
1a) friend, intimate
1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense)
1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Prep | N-ms | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
חָטָא (chata') means to miss a goal or way, and is commonly translated as 'to sin.' It encompasses a range of meanings including incurring guilt, making a sin offering, and purifying from uncleanness. The word can also imply leading others to sin or causing oneself to lose one's way. It appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances of the concept of sin.
חָטָא 238 vb. miss (a goal or way), go wrong, sin
Qal
miss
sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
incur guilt, penalty by sin, forfeit
Pi.
bear loss
make a sin offering
purify from sin
purify from uncleanness
Hiph.
miss the mark
induce or cause to sin
bring into guilt, condemnation, punishment
Hithp.
miss oneself, lose oneself, fig. for be bewildered, beside oneself
purify oneself from uncleanness
base
H2398 חָטָא miss (a goal or way), go wrong, sin .. miss
. sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
. incur guilt, penalty by sin, forfeit
. . bear loss
. make a sin offering
. purify from sin
. purify from uncleanness
. . miss the mark
. induce or cause to sin
. bring into guilt, condemnation, punishment
. . miss oneself, lose oneself, fig. for be bewildered, beside oneself
. purify oneself from uncleanness
2398 chata' khaw-taw'
a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and
generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate,
repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn:--bear the blame,
cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss,
miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self),
make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass.
חָטָא (cha.ta) — to sin.
1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to miss
1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to bear loss
1b2) to make a sin-offering
1b3) to purify from sin
1b4) to purify from uncleanness
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to miss the mark
1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin
1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way
1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa
חָנַן (chanan) is a Hebrew verb meaning to show favor or be gracious. It encompasses various forms, including being pitied, directing favor, and seeking favor through imploration. The word can also mean to be loathsome, as noted in Job 19:17. The lexicons provide a range of uses, primarily focusing on kindness and mercy.
חָנַן vb. shew favour, be gracious
Qal favour, shew favour
Niph. be pitied
Po‛el direct favour to
Hoph. be shewn favour, consideration
H2603a חָנַן shew favour, be gracious .favour, shew favour
. be pitied
.direct favour to
. be shewn favour, consideration
. seek or implore favour
H2603b חָנַן be loathsome
2603 chanan khaw-nan'
a primitive root (compare 2583); properly, to bend or stoop
in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to
implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):--beseech, X fair,
(be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant
(gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on,
upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, X very.
see HEBREW for 02583
חָנַן (cha.nan) — be gracious.
1) to be gracious, show favour, pity
1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious
1b) (Niphal) to be pitied
1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious
1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on
1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration
1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
חָנַן (cha.nan) — be loathsome.
to be loathsome
Conj | V-m — Conjunction · verb piel participle (active) masculine singularHC/Vprmsa
fa'-ver (chen, ratson, with other Hebrew words; charis): Means generally good will, acceptance, and the benefits flowing from these; in older usage it meant also the countenance, hence, appearance. Alternating in English Versions of the Bible with "grace," it is used chiefly of man, but sometimes also of God (Ge 18:3; 30:27; 39:21; Ex 3:21; 2Sa 15:25, "in the eyes of Yahweh," etc.). It is used perhaps in the sense of "countenance" in Pr 31:30, "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain" (the King James Version), where for "favor" the Revised Version (British and American) has "grace"; the reference is to external appearance. "Favored" is used in the sense of "appearance" in…
→ See GOD, GRACE OF
עָנָו (anav) refers to a state of being poor, afflicted, humble, or meek. It is built from the root associated with being depressed in mind or circumstances, particularly in a saintly context. The term encompasses a range of meanings related to humility and neediness, as highlighted in various lexicons.
עָנָו n.m. poor, afflicted, humble, meek
base
H6035 עָנָו poor, afflicted, humble, meek
6035 `anav aw-nawv'
or (by intermixture with 6041) Aanayv {aw-nawv'}; from 6031;
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances
(needy, especially saintly):--humble, lowly, meek, poor.
Compare 6041.
see HEBREW for 06041
see HEBREW for 06031
see HEBREW for 06041
עָנָו (a.nav) — poor.
1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek
1a) poor, needy
1b) poor and weak
1c) poor, weak and afflicted
1d) humble, lowly, meek
HAampa — HAampa
pe'-p'-l: In English Versions of the Bible represents something over a dozen Hebrew and Greek words. Of these, in the Old Testament, `am, is overwhelmingly the most common (about 2,000 times), with le'om, and goy, next in order; but the various Hebrew words are used with very little or no difference in force (e.g. Pr 14:28; but, on the other hand, in Ps 44 contrast verses 12 and 14). Of the changes introduced by the Revised Version (British and American) the only one of significance (cited explicitly in the Preface to the English Revised Version) is the frequent use of the plural "peoples" (strangely avoided in the King James Version except Re 10:11; 17:15), where other nations than Israel are in question. So, for instance, in Ps…
אֶ֫שֶׁר (esher) refers to happiness or blessedness, often used as an interjection to express joy. It is derived from a related root and appears primarily in a masculine plural form. The entries consistently highlight its meaning related to happiness and blessing.
[אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] n.[m.] happiness, blessedness
base
H835 [אֶ֫שֶׁר, or אָשָׁר] happiness, blessedness
835 'esher eh'-sher
from 833; happiness; only in masculine plural construction as
interjection, how happy!:--blessed, happy.
see HEBREW for 0833
אֶ֫שֶׁר (e.sher) — blessed.
1) happiness, blessedness
1a) often used as interjection
1b) blessed are
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.