Proverbs 3:23 — Word Study
WLCאָ֤ז תֵּלֵ֣ךְ לָבֶ֣טַח דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝רַגְלְךָ֗ לֹ֣א תִגּֽוֹף׃
BSAThenʼâz [at that time, in the future] on your wayderek [path, journey of life] in safetybeṭach [security, confidently] and your footregel [step, walk] will notlôʼ [never] stumblenâgaph▸ [strike, trip, or fall, be hindered]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֤ז | then | Adverb |
| תֵּלֵ֣ךְ | you will walk | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine singular |
| לָבֶ֣טַח | to security | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ | way your | Noun common both singular construct, suffix |
| וְ֝רַגְלְךָ֗ | and foot your | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| תִגּֽוֹף׃ | it will strike | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. |
| KJV | Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. |
| ASV | Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble. |
| YLT | Then thou goest thy way confidently, And thy foot doth not stumble. |
| WEB | Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won’t stumble. |
| BBE | Then you will go safely on your way, and your feet will have no cause for slipping. |
All translations agree on the meaning of this verse.
The sentence features a main clause followed by a prepositional phrase and a conjunction introducing a related clause.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbהלך
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 3:23
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 — The Benefits of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 3:23 assures that those who heed wisdom will navigate life confidently and without fear of stumbling. This verse is part of a broader teaching on the protective and guiding nature of wisdom, which is emphasized throughout the book of Proverbs. The surrounding verses highlight the importance of adhering to wise counsel for a fulfilling and secure life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 2:8 | to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:12 | When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:9 | He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. |
| 4 | Psalm 37:23–24 | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| 5 | Psalm 91:11 | For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 7 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תֵּלֵ֣ךְ, te.Lekhgenerated
The verb הלך (halak) means 'to go' or 'to walk,' and is used here in the imperfect tense to indicate a future action. It encompasses both physical movement and metaphorical journeys, suggesting a continuous process of walking through life guided by wisdom.
In this context, the action of walking signifies progression along a path of life, underscoring the importance of wisdom in guiding one’s decisions and actions.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree that this verse conveys the idea of walking safely and not stumbling.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb תֵּלֵךְ (te.Lekh) governs the sentence, indicating the action of walking. The structure includes a prepositional phrase describing the manner of walking in safety, and a clause that assures the foot will not stumble.
The sentence flows logically: first, it states the action of walking, then describes the manner (in safety), and concludes with the assurance of stability (not stumbling).
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תֵּלֵךְ as πορεύῃ (poreuēi), which means 'to go' or 'to journey.' This choice reflects a similar understanding of the journey of life, emphasizing the act of moving forward safely.
The Greek translation captures the essence of the Hebrew text, maintaining the focus on the idea of a secure path.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 3:23 tells us that if we follow wisdom, we will walk safely and not stumble. This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom in guiding our lives and ensuring our security as we journey through life.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Walking in safety means navigating life with confidence and assurance, free from fear of stumbling or falling.
Wisdom provides guidance and direction, helping individuals make choices that lead to a secure and stable life.
This phrase assures that those who follow wisdom will not face unnecessary obstacles or failures in their journey.
You can apply this verse by seeking wisdom in your decisions, trusting that it will lead you on a safe and fulfilling path.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek wisdom for guidance?
- How can I ensure that I am walking confidently in my path?
- What steps can I take to avoid stumbling in my decisions?
- How does trusting in God’s wisdom provide me with security?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers comment on this verse to illustrate the importance of wisdom in guiding one's life and ensuring safety on one's journey.
Before the Lord’s coming, philosophy was an essential guide to righteousness for the Greeks. At the present time, it is a useful guide toward reverence for God.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 3 →
Then you will walk confidently in your way. We walk confidently in our way when, trusting in the grace of God, we undertake progress in our good conversation.Early Church Fathers on Proverbs 3 →
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 3:23 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen shall thou walk in thy way safely,.... In the way of thy duty and business, without fear of any enemy; having in sight the Captain of salvation gone before, and walking in such ways of
Read John Gill on Proverbs 3 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy feet shall not stumble - (Psalms 91:11-12; Proverbs 10:9.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 3 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWalk in thy way; manage all thy employments and concerns. Safely, or securely, or confidently, without danger or fear; casting thy care upon God in the discharge of thy duty. Shall not stumble at those stumbling-blocks and temptations at which heedless sinners commonly stumble and fall. Thou shalt thereby be kept from falling into sin, and that mischief which generally attends upon it.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 3 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.Ver. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely.] Fiducialiter, saith the Vulgate - confidently and securely. Every malvoy shall be a salvoy to thee: thou shalt ever go under a double guard, the "peace of God" within thee, and the "power of God" without thee. "Thou shalt be in league also with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee."
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 3 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges23. thy foot shall not stumble] Lit. thou shalt not dash thy foot, R.V. margin. Comp. Psalms 91:12, where “against a stone” is added.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 3 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible23. Then shalt thou walk… safely — “Then the journey of thy life shall be safe and smooth.” — Stuart.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 3 →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
Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won’t stumble.
Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble.
Tyndale line
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Then shalt thou walke safely by thy way: and thy foote shall not stumble.
Strictly literal
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thy foot shall not stumble;
Then thou goest thy way confidently, And thy foot doth not stumble.
Then you go your way confidently, || And your foot does not stumble.
Then wilt thou walk in safety on thy way, and thy foot will not strike [against aught]:
Then you will walk on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble;
From the Latin
Then shalt thou walk confidently in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble:
Simplified
You will be able to walk confidently on your way, and you won't trip up.
Then you will go safely on your way, and your feet will have no cause for slipping.
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 reads: אָ֤ז תֵּלֵ֣ךְ לָבֶ֣טַח דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝רַגְלְךָ֗ לֹ֣א תִגּֽוֹף׃. The Septuagint matches six of the seven words, indicating a strong consistency between these ancient texts.
אָ֤ז תֵּלֵ֣ךְ לָבֶ֣טַח דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝רַגְלְךָ֗ לֹ֣א תִגּֽוֹף׃
6 of the 7 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 3:23
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.
אָז (az) is a demonstrative adverb meaning 'at that time' or 'then,' used for both temporal and logical expressions. It can refer to past events or indicate a condition for future actions. The related form מֵאָז (me.az) means 'from that time' or 'since.' The entries highlight its use in various contexts without significant disagreement.
אָז adv. at that time, then whether expressing duration, or inception (= thereupon).
strictly temporal
expressing logical sequence strictly
base
מֵאָז lit. from that time
base
H227a אָז at that time, then H227b מֵאָז, once
227 'az awz
a demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a
conjunction, therefore:--beginning, for, from, hitherto, now,
of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet.
אָז (az) — then.
1) then, at that time
1a) temporal expressions
1a1) then (past)
1a2) then, if...then (future)
1a3) earlier
1b) logical expressions
1b1) in that case
1b2) that (being so)
מֵאָז (me.az) — the past.
1) in time past, of old
2)from time of, since
Adv — AdverbHD
הָלַךְ (halak) means 'to go,' 'come,' or 'walk,' and covers a wide range of literal and figurative uses, including aspects of life and death. It can describe physical movement, moral conduct, and even influence on character. The verb appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances like leading or traversing.
הָלַךְ 1546 vb. go, come, walk
Qal Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך
lit.
of persons
Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
in like manner of inanimate things
The inf. abs. is often used
as in other vbs., quite independently
to intensify meaning of finite form
most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs.
with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. adj. denoting progress, advance
twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
quite by itself
13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
In combination with other verbal forms
Fig.; the most common uses follow; in most the origin in a literal meaning is evident:
pass away, die
H1980 הָלַךְ go, come, walk .Impf. usually (629 t.) as if from ילך . lit. . of persons
. Also of animals, in similar meanings and combinations
. in like manner of inanimate things
. The inf. abs. is often used . as in other vbs., quite independently
. to intensify meaning of finite form
. most noteworthy is the joining of the Inf. abs. . with a following Inf. abs. denoting a simutaneous action or process, and so emphasizing duration or continuance
. with a foll. vb. fin. c. ו consec. (rare)
. in cases where vb. fin. is foll. by Inf. abs. + adj. denoting progress, advance
. twice, where vb. fin. is not הלך, but another vb. denoting motion
. quite by itself
. 13 t. the Inf. abs. = Imv. & is followed by Pf. consec.
. akin to the use of Inf. abs. are some instances of Pt.
. In combination with other verbal forms
1980 halak haw-lak'
akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety
of applications, literally and figuratively):--(all) along,
apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant,
depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth,
forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on,
out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead,
march, X more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away),
be at the point, quite, run (along), + send, speedily, spread,
still, surely, + tale-bearer, + travel(-ler), walk (abroad,
on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax,
(way-)faring man, X be weak, whirl.
see HEBREW for 03212
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: went.
: went/go[away]
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
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: come.
: come[nearer]
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
הָלַךְ (ha.lakh) — to go: walk.
: 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
HVqi2ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine singularHVqi2ms
wok (peripatein): Aside from its frequent occurrence in the usual sense, the word "walk" is used figuratively of conduct and of spiritual states. (1) Observance of laws or customs: "Thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs" (Ac 21:21). (2) Of the spiritual life: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light" (1Joh 1:7); "That like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life" (Ro 6:4); "Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Ga 5:16); "For we walk by faith, not by sight"…
Is often figuratively used to denote a man’s mode of life, or his spiritual character, course, and relations, Eze 11:20. He may walk as a carnal or as a spiritual man, Ro 8:1; with God, or in ignorance and sin, Ge 5:24 1Jo 5:21; in the fire of affliction, Isa 43:2, or in the light, purity, and joy of Christ’s favor here and in heaven, Ps 89:15 Re 3:4.
בֶּ֫טַח (betach) refers to security or safety, encompassing both the concept of a secure place and the feelings of trust and assurance. It can also be used adverbially to mean 'safely' or 'securely.' The word is derived from a root meaning 'to trust' and is linked to the idea of refuge.
בֶּ֫טַח n.[m.] security
base
H983 בֶּ֫טַח security
983 betach beh'takh
from 982; properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both
the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb
with or without preposition) safely:--assurance, boldly,
(without) care(- less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty),
secure, surely.
see HEBREW for 0982
בֶּ֫טַח (be.tach) — security.
1) security, safety
adv
2) securely
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (derek) means way, road, or journey, and can refer to both literal paths and figurative courses of life or actions. It encompasses various aspects such as direction, manner, and moral character, often highlighting the nature of one's conduct. The term is used in both positive and negative contexts, reflecting the moral implications of one's path.
דֶּ֫רֶךְ 715 n.m. way, road, distance, journey, manner
way, road, path
journey
of direction, almost or quite = toward
way, manner
fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
of moral action and character
of duty
specif.: in good sense
oftener in bad sense
way of י׳
base
H1870 דֶּ֫רֶךְ way, road, distance, journey, manner . way, road, path
. journey
. of direction, almost or quite = toward
. way, manner
. fig. of course of life, or action, undertakings
. . of moral action and character
. of duty
. specif.: in good sense
. oftener in bad sense
. way of י׳
1870 derek deh'-rek
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of
life or mode of action, often adverb:--along, away, because
of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner,
passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side),
whither(-soever).
see HEBREW for 01869
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: conduct.
: conduct/lifestyle
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — Way.
This name means way, road
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — (King's) Highway.
This name means way, road
Combined with me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "King's" H4428I)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: direction.
: direction
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: road.
: road/route
1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
1a) road, way, path
1b) journey
1c) direction
1d) manner, habit, way
1e) of course of life (fig.)
1f) of moral character (fig.)
דֶּ֫רֶךְ (de.rekh) — way: journey.
: journey
N-cs | Suff — Noun common both singular construct · suffixHNcbsc/Sp2ms
רֶ֫גֶל (regel) means 'foot' and can refer to a foot or leg in various contexts, including anthropomorphic references to God and other beings. It also implies steps or paces. The word is derived from a root meaning related to walking, and it appears in multiple forms, such as feet and paces.
רֶ֫גֶל 247 n.f. foot
foot
three times (feet, paces)
base
H7272 רֶ֫גֶל foot . foot
. three times (feet, paces)
7272 regel reh'-gel
from 7270; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a
step; by euphem. the pudenda:--X be able to endure, X
according as, X after, X coming, X follow,
((broken-))foot((-ed, -stool)), X great toe, X haunt, X
journey, leg, + piss, + possession, time.
see HEBREW for 07270
רֶ֫גֶל (re.gel) — foot.
1) foot
1a) foot, leg
1b) of God (anthropomorphic)
1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table
1d) according to the pace of (with prep)
1e) three times (feet, paces)
Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp2ms
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word נָגַף (nagaph) is a primitive root meaning to strike or smite. It covers various actions such as to push, defeat, or inflict harm, and can also refer to stumbling. The word appears in different forms, including Qal (to strike), Niphal (to be stricken), and Hithpael (to stumble).
נָגַף vb. strike, smite
Qal strike, smite
Niph. be smitten
Hithp. = stumble
base
H5062 נָגַף
5062 nagaph naw-gaf'
a primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe),
inflict (a disease):--beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite
(down), strike, stumble, X surely, put to the worse.
נָגַף (na.gaph) — to strike.
1) to strike, smite
1a) (Qal) to strike, smite
1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten
1c) (Hithpael) to stumble
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
strik: The verbs "to strike" and "to stroke" (latter not in English Versions) have the same derivation, and originally "strike" was the intrans, "stroke" the transitive form. "Strike" however, became used in both senses (always transitive in English Versions of the Bible), while "to stroke" took on the meaning "to, rub gently." But in the King James Version this last force still belonged sometimes to "strike" and is so found in 2Ki 5:11, "strike his hand over the place" (the Revised Version (British and American) "wave"), and perhaps Ex 12:7,22; Tobit 11:11 Otherwise AV's uses of the simple "strike" are modern, including "strike sail" (Ac 27:17; here and in /RAPC Tob 11:11 with an archaic preterite "strake," elsewhere…