Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond. New Living Translation Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded. English Standard Version By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. Berean Standard Bible A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. King James Bible A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. New King James Version A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. New American Standard Bible A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. NASB 1995 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. NASB 1977 A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response. Legacy Standard Bible A slave will not be corrected by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no answer. Amplified Bible A servant will not be corrected by words alone; For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention]. Christian Standard Bible A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn’t respond. Holman Christian Standard Bible A slave cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn’t respond. American Standard Version A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed. Contemporary English Version Even when servants are smart, it takes more than words to make them obey. English Revised Version A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not give heed. GOD'S WORD® Translation A slave cannot be disciplined with words. He will not respond, though he may understand. Good News Translation You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention. International Standard Version By mere words a servant will not be corrected; even though he understands, there will be no response. Majority Standard Bible A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. NET Bible A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he understands, there is no answer. New Heart English Bible A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond. Webster's Bible Translation A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth, he will not answer. World English Bible A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy words a servant is not instructed though he understand, "" And there is nothing answering. Young's Literal Translation By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering. Smith's Literal Translation A servant will not be corrected by words: for he will understand and not answer. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer. Catholic Public Domain Version A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond. New American Bible Not by words alone can servants be trained; for they understand but do not respond. New Revised Standard Version By mere words servants are not disciplined, for though they understand, they will not give heed. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA servant will not be corrected by words; for he knows then that he will not be beaten. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A Servant is not disciplined by words, for he knows that he will not be beaten. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, there will be no response. Brenton Septuagint Translation A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed…18Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. 19A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond. 20Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.… Cross References Matthew 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.” Luke 7:8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.” Ephesians 6:5-9 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... Colossians 3:22-25 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... 1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Timothy 6:1-2 All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. Titus 2:9-10 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior. Philemon 1:10-16 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ... Romans 6:16-18 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Galatians 4:1-2 What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. Exodus 21:20-21 If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. / However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. Deuteronomy 15:12-18 If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ... Leviticus 25:39-43 If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... 1 Samuel 8:11-17 He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... 2 Kings 4:1 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” Treasury of Scripture A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. servant Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back. Proverbs 30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; through Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. Jump to Previous Alone Attention Clear Corrected Disciplined Heed Indeed Instructed Mere Respond Response Sense Servant Slave Trained Understand Understandeth Understands WordsJump to Next Alone Attention Clear Corrected Disciplined Heed Indeed Instructed Mere Respond Response Sense Servant Slave Trained Understand Understandeth Understands WordsProverbs 29 1. observations of public government15. and of private 22. Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; In ancient Near Eastern culture, servants were often part of the household, and their roles were crucial for the functioning of daily life. The term "servant" here can be understood as someone under authority, not necessarily in a demeaning sense but as a part of the social structure. The phrase suggests that verbal instruction or correction is insufficient for someone who is in a position of servitude. This reflects the broader biblical principle that actions often speak louder than words, as seen in James 2:17, where faith without works is dead. The need for more than words implies the importance of discipline and practical demonstration, aligning with the biblical theme of wisdom being applied knowledge. though he understands, he will not respond. Persons / Places / Events 1. ServantIn the context of ancient Israel, a servant was often someone who worked under the authority of a master. This could include hired workers, bondservants, or slaves. The term here is used to illustrate someone under authority who requires more than verbal instruction to change behavior. 2. Solomon Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address practical aspects of life and governance. 3. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical backdrop of this proverb, where social hierarchies and the role of servants were well-defined. Teaching Points The Limitations of Words AloneWords, while powerful, are not always sufficient to bring about change. This proverb reminds us that actions and consequences often speak louder than words. The Role of Discipline Discipline is a necessary component of effective leadership and personal growth. It should be administered with wisdom and love, aiming to correct and guide rather than punish. Understanding and Response Understanding does not always lead to action. True wisdom is demonstrated not just by hearing and understanding but by responding appropriately. Authority and Responsibility Those in positions of authority have a responsibility to guide and correct those under their care. This requires discernment to know when words are enough and when further action is needed. Spiritual Implications This proverb can be applied to our spiritual lives, reminding us that hearing God's Word is not enough; we must also act on it. Spiritual growth requires both understanding and obedience.(19) A servant will not be corrected with words.--A slave must be corrected by sterner means; it is only fear of punishment which will move him; "for though he understand, he will not answer," will not reply to your call, or render obedience to your command. The willing obedience of a son, and the grudging obedience of a slave, are contrasted in Romans 8:15.Verse 19. - A servant will not be corrected by words. Mere words will not suffice to teach a slave, any more than a child, true, practical wisdom. He needs severer measures, even the correction of personal discipline. Septuagint, "By words a stubborn (σκληρὸς) slave will not be instructed." The next clause gives an explanation of this necessity. For though he understand he will not answer. The answer is not merely the verbal response to a command, as, "I go, sir;" but it implies obedience in action. The reluctant slave thoroughly understands the order given, but he pays no heed to it, will not trouble himself to execute it, and therefore must meet with stern treatment (comp. ver. 15; Proverbs 23:13, etc.; Proverbs 26:3). "That servant which knew his Lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes" (Luke 12:47). Septuagint, "For even if he understand, he will not obey." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A servantעָ֑בֶד (‘ā·ḇeḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant cannot לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be corrected יִוָּ֣סֶר (yiw·wā·ser) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3256: To discipline, chasten, admonish by words [alone]; בִּ֭דְבָרִים (biḏ·ḇā·rîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause though כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he understands, יָ֝בִ֗ין (yā·ḇîn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand he will not וְאֵ֣ין (wə·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle respond. מַעֲנֶֽה׃ (ma·‘ă·neh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 4617: An answer, response Links Proverbs 29:19 NIVProverbs 29:19 NLT Proverbs 29:19 ESV Proverbs 29:19 NASB Proverbs 29:19 KJV Proverbs 29:19 BibleApps.com Proverbs 29:19 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 29:19 Chinese Bible Proverbs 29:19 French Bible Proverbs 29:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words (Prov. Pro Pr) |
    |