King James Version
Proverbs 17:18 in the King James Version says “A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. understanding: Heb. heart” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. understanding: Heb. heart”
Proverbs 17:18 · KJV
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. understanding: Heb. heart
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. He that hath a froward: Heb. The froward of heart
KJV Study — Public Domain
“of understanding”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“striketh”
H8628to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
“hands”
H3709the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
“and becometh”
H6148to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
“surety”
H6161something given as security, i.e., (literally) a token (of safety) or (metaphorically) a bondsman
“in the presence”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 17:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge