King James Version

What Does Proverbs 21:9 Mean?

Proverbs 21:9 in the King James Version says “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions a wide: Heb. an house of society”

Proverbs 21:9 · KJV

Context

7

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. destroy: Heb. saw them, or, dwell with them

8

The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

9

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions a wide: Heb. an house of society

10

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes. findeth: Heb. is not favoured

11

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

Read Proverbs 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Living in a 'corner of the housetop' (exposed roof corner) is better than sharing a house with a 'brawling woman.' The Hebrew 'midyan' (brawling/contentious) describes constant quarreling. This hyperbolic comparison emphasizes how unbearable contentious companionship is—better to be uncomfortable and alone than comfortable and in conflict. Reformed theology values peace and gentle speech, especially in marriage. While applied here to wives, the principle applies to all relationships. Constant contention destroys fellowship and makes even pleasant surroundings miserable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Flat roofs were common in ancient Palestine, used for various purposes. A 'corner of the housetop' would be exposed to weather and uncomfortable, yet preferable to indoor strife.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you a source of peace or contention in your relationships?
  2. How can spouses cultivate gentle, peaceable communication rather than constant quarreling?
  3. What does this proverb teach about the priority of relational harmony over physical comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
ט֗וֹב1 of 9

“It is better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת2 of 9

“to dwell”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל3 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּנַּת4 of 9

“in a corner”

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

גָּ֑ג5 of 9

“of the housetop”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

מֵאֵ֥שֶׁת6 of 9

“woman”

H802

a woman

מִ֝דְיָנִ֗ים7 of 9

“than with a brawling”

H4079

a contest or quarrel

וּבֵ֥ית8 of 9

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

חָֽבֶר׃9 of 9

“in a wide”

H2267

a society; also a spell

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 21:9 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 21:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 21:19Proverbs 19:13Proverbs 27:15-16Proverbs 25:24Proverbs 12:4Proverbs 17:1

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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