King James Version

What Does Proverbs 23:25 Mean?

Proverbs 23:25 in the King James Version says “Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 23:25 · KJV

Context

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.

27

For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

Read Proverbs 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes the parental joy theme, extending it to both parents. 'Thy father and thy mother shall be glad' (יִשְׂמַח־אָבִיךָ וְאִמֶּךָ/yismach-avikha ve'immekha, your father and your mother will rejoice) emphasizes both parents' shared investment in children's wisdom. 'She that bare thee shall rejoice' (וְתָגֵל יוֹלַדְתֶּךָ/vetagel yoladtekha, she who gave you birth will exult) specifically honors mothers, acknowledging their unique bond and sacrifice. This echoes the fifth commandment's dual address: 'Honour thy father and thy mother' (Exodus 20:12). Both parents deserve honor; both experience joy or grief based on children's choices. The verse motivates children toward wisdom by appealing to love and gratitude. Reformed theology emphasizes that we honor parents not because they're perfect but because God commands it and established family structure for our good.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel honored both parents, though patriarchal culture often emphasized fathers. The law protected mothers: cursing parents brought death penalty (Exodus 21:17), striking them likewise (Exodus 21:15). Proverbs repeatedly addresses both parents (1:8; 6:20; 10:1; 15:20). Jesus condemned Pharisees who used religious loopholes to avoid supporting parents (Mark 7:9-13), demonstrating God's continued insistence on honoring both. The early church maintained family honor: Paul commanded children to obey parents (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20) and adults to provide for family, especially parents (1 Timothy 5:4, 8). Christian faith transformed but didn't eliminate family obligations. Church history records how Christianity elevated women's status, including mothers, compared to pagan cultures where women held minimal value.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you honor both parents through your life choices and character development?
  2. If your parents aren't believers, how can you bring them joy through godly living even if they don't share your faith?
  3. How does remembering your mother's sacrifice motivate gratitude and holy living?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יִֽשְׂמַח1 of 5

“shall be glad”

H8055

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

אָבִ֥יךָ2 of 5

“Thy father”

H1

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

וְאִמֶּ֑ךָ3 of 5

“and thy mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וְ֝תָגֵ֗ל4 of 5

“thee shall rejoice”

H1523

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

יֽוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ׃5 of 5

“and she that bare”

H3205

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

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 23:25 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 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 17:25Luke 1:58Luke 11:27-28Luke 1:40-471 Chronicles 4:9-10Luke 1:31-33

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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