King James Version
Proverbs 23:2 in the King James Version says “And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.”
Proverbs 23:2 · KJV
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And put”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“if thou be a man given”
H1167a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
“to appetite”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
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 23:2 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 23:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge