King James Version
Proverbs 23:22 in the King James Version says “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
Proverbs 23:22 · KJV
Be not among winebibbers ; among riotous eaters of flesh: of flesh: Heb. of their flesh
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Hearken”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“unto thy father”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
“that begat”
H3205to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“not thy mother”
H517a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
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 23:22 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 23:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge