King James Version

What Does Proverbs 23:24 Mean?

Proverbs 23:24 in the King James Version says “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.”

Proverbs 23:24 · KJV

Joy

Context

22

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23

Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

24

The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

25

Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

Read Proverbs 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb parallels verse 15, emphasizing parental joy in righteous children. 'The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice' (גִּיל יָגִיל אֲבִי צַדִּיק/gil yagil avi tsaddiq, greatly rejoice will the father of a righteous one) uses intensive verb form indicating exuberant joy. 'He that begetteth a wise child' (וְיוֹלֵד חָכָם/veyoled chakham, one who fathers a wise son) provides the parallel cause. 'Shall have joy of him' (יִשְׂמַח־בּוֹ/yismach-bo, will rejoice in him) indicates ongoing satisfaction. This reverses Proverbs 10:1: 'a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.' The contrast is stark—wisdom brings joy; folly brings grief. This motivates both parents (to teach wisdom) and children (to pursue it). Ultimately, this points to God's joy in His children. He rejoices over believers 'with singing' (Zephaniah 3:17). Our sanctification brings Him glory (John 15:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Proverbs repeatedly addresses parent-child dynamics, reflecting family's central role in ancient Israel. Family wasn't merely a social unit but the primary means of transmitting faith, values, and covenant identity across generations. The Shema commanded: 'these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children' (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Generational faithfulness ensured covenant blessing; generational apostasy brought judgment (Exodus 20:5-6). The exile resulted partly from failed parental instruction (Judges 2:10). Post-exile Israel emphasized family education, developing practices that became Judaism's foundation. In the early church, parents were commanded to 'bring up [children] in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). Family discipleship remained central to faith transmission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How intentionally are you pursuing wisdom and righteousness, considering its impact on those who love you?
  2. If you are a parent, what legacy of wisdom are you leaving your children?
  3. How does God's joy in His children's faithfulness motivate your sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
גִּ֣ול1 of 8

“rejoice”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

יָ֭גִיל2 of 8

“shall greatly”

H1524

a revolution (of time, i.e., an age); also joy

אֲבִ֣י3 of 8

“The father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

צַדִּ֑יק4 of 8

“of the righteous”

H6662

just

יוֹלֵ֥ד5 of 8

“and he that begetteth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

חָ֝כָ֗ם6 of 8

“a wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

בּֽוֹ׃7 of 8

“child shall have joy”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בּֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“child shall have joy”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

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 23:24 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 23:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 10:1Proverbs 15:20Proverbs 23:15-16Proverbs 29:3Philemon 1:20Philemon 1:9

Test Your Knowledge

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