King James Version

What Does Proverbs 22:27 Mean?

Proverbs 22:27 in the King James Version says “If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?”

Proverbs 22:27 · KJV

Context

25

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. landmark: or, bound

29

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. mean: Heb. obscure men

Read Proverbs 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the previous warning's stakes: 'If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?' The rhetorical question highlights the absurdity of risking essential possessions. 'Thy bed' (מִשְׁכָּבְךָ/mishkavkha) symbolizes the most basic necessity—shelter and rest. Ancient law protected certain essential items (Exodus 22:26-27), but co-signing could override these protections. The principle is stewarding what God has entrusted. We are not absolute owners but managers of God's resources (1 Corinthians 4:2). Foolish financial decisions squander God's gifts and potentially harm our families. Proverbs emphasizes prudent planning: 'A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished' (Proverbs 22:3). This doesn't contradict faith—trusting God includes using the wisdom He provides. Jesus taught stewardship accountability (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:1-13). Believers should avoid debt when possible and manage resources wisely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel's agrarian economy meant most people lived close to subsistence. Losing essential assets—fields, livestock, tools, shelter—brought catastrophe. The law provided protections: debts were forgiven every seventh year (Deuteronomy 15:1-2), and property returned during Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-34). However, these protections applied to direct debts, not necessarily guarantees for others. Nehemiah confronted wealthy Jews who exploited fellow Israelites through debt slavery (Nehemiah 5:1-13). In the Greco-Roman world, debt-slavery was common. Inability to pay led to imprisonment (Matthew 18:30) or slavery. Paul uses debt imagery spiritually—we owe God what we cannot pay, and Christ paid our debt (Colossians 2:14). The gospel transforms our relationship with resources—we hold everything loosely, recognizing God's ownership and our stewardship role.

Reflection Questions

  1. What possessions or financial stability are you risking through unwise commitments?
  2. How does viewing yourself as a steward rather than owner change your financial decision-making?
  3. Are there areas where you need to exercise greater financial prudence to protect your family's wellbeing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִם1 of 8
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֵֽין2 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְךָ֥3 of 8
H0
לְשַׁלֵּ֑ם4 of 8

“If thou hast nothing to pay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

לָ֥מָּה5 of 8
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִקַּ֥ח6 of 8

“why should he take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִ֝שְׁכָּבְךָ֗7 of 8

“thy bed”

H4904

a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse

מִתַּחְתֶּֽיךָ׃8 of 8
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 22:27 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 22:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 20:162 Kings 4:1Exodus 22:26-27

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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