King James Version

What Does Proverbs 24:21 Mean?

Proverbs 24:21 in the King James Version says “My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: them: Heb. changers” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: them: Heb. changers”

Proverbs 24:21 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

19

Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; Fret: or, Keep not company with the wicked

20

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. candle: or, lamp

21

My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: them: Heb. changers

22

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

23

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Read Proverbs 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This command addresses authority and stability. 'My son, fear thou the LORD and the king' (יְרָא־אֶת־יְהוָה בְנִי וָמֶלֶךְ/yera-et-YHWH beni vamelekh, fear the LORD, my son, and the king) places divine and human authority together. 'Fear' (יָרֵא/yare) means reverent submission, not terror. The order is significant—God first, then king. When they conflict, 'we ought to obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29). Yet normally, submission to governing authorities honors God (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). 'Meddle not with them that are given to change' (עִם־שׁוֹנִים אַל־תִּתְעָרָב/im-shonim al-tit'arav, with changers do not associate) warns against revolutionaries who seek to overthrow established order. The Hebrew שׁוֹנִים (shonim) means 'those who change/differ'—rebels, agitators. Wisdom values stability over revolution, though this doesn't endorse tyranny—prophets confronted wicked kings (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 2 Samuel 12:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's monarchy began with Saul (1 Samuel 10) and reached its apex under Solomon. Despite various kings' wickedness, Scripture emphasizes respecting royal authority. David refused to kill Saul despite opportunity, because Saul was 'the LORD's anointed' (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9). Later kings often oppressed Israel, yet prophets called for submission except when royal commands violated God's law. Daniel obeyed Nebuchadnezzar except when commanded to worship idols (Daniel 3; 6). In the Roman period, Jews chafed under foreign rule. Zealots advocated violent revolution. Yet Jesus said, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's' (Matthew 22:21). Paul commanded submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), written while Nero reigned. Peter likewise (1 Peter 2:13-17). Early Christians mostly avoided political revolution, though they refused to worship the emperor or deny Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance submitting to governing authorities while maintaining ultimate loyalty to God?
  2. Are there areas where you're drawn to revolutionary thinking rather than working within established order?
  3. When does civil disobedience become necessary because human authority contradicts God's?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יְרָֽא1 of 9

“fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת2 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 9

“thou the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּנִ֣י4 of 9

“My son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וָמֶ֑לֶךְ5 of 9

“and the king”

H4428

a king

עִם6 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים7 of 9

“not with them that are given to change”

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

אַל8 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתְעָרָֽב׃9 of 9

“and meddle”

H6148

to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

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 24:21 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 24:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:1-71 Peter 2:13-17Titus 3:11 Kings 12:161 Samuel 12:12-19Matthew 22:21

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