King James Version
Proverbs 23:31 in the King James Version says “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup , when it moveth itself aright.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup , when it moveth itself aright.”
Proverbs 23:31 · KJV
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions ? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup , when it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. an: or, a cockatrice
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“Look”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“when it giveth”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
“in the cup”
H3563a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
“his colour”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
“when it moveth”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
“itself aright”
H4339evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv
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 23:31 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 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge