King James Version

What Does Proverbs 19:7 Mean?

Proverbs 19:7 in the King James Version says “All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet... — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

Proverbs 19:7 · KJV


Context

5

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. unpunished: Heb. held innocent

6

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. him: Heb. a man of gifts

7

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. wisdom: Heb. an heart

9

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him? He pursues them with words, yet they are wanting to him. Poverty alienates even family; friends distance themselves despite the poor person's appeals. The threefold intensification (brothers hate, friends depart, words fail to recall them) emphasizes the isolation poverty produces. This verse indicts human nature while warning about poverty's social consequences. It should move us to compassion for the marginalized rather than join their abandonment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects ancient kinship-based society where even family ties strained under economic pressure. The poor experienced comprehensive social rejection, compounding their material suffering with relational isolation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to family members or friends experiencing poverty and its social stigma?
  2. What fear of poverty's social consequences motivates your economic decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כָּ֥ל1 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲחֵי2 of 13

All the brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

רָ֨שׁ׀3 of 13

of the poor

H7326

to be destitute

שְֽׂנֵאֻ֗הוּ4 of 13

do hate

H8130

to hate (personally)

אַ֤ף5 of 13
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

כִּ֣י6 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְ֭רֵעֵהוּ7 of 13

him how much more do his friends

H4828

a friend

רָחֲק֣וּ8 of 13

go far

H7368

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ9 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

מְרַדֵּ֖ף10 of 13

from him he pursueth

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

אֲמָרִ֣ים11 of 13

them with words

H561

something said

לֹא12 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵֽמָּה׃13 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 19:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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