King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:10 Mean?

Proverbs 27:10 in the King James Version says “Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: ...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”

Proverbs 27:10 · KJV

Context

8

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. by: Heb. from the counsel of the soul

10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

11

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

12

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Read Proverbs 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off—The Hebrew re'akha v-re'a avikha al-ta'azov (רֵעֲךָ וְרֵעַ אָבִיךָ אַל־תַּעֲזֹב, 'your friend and your father's friend do not forsake') emphasizes multi-generational covenant loyalty. True friendship transcends convenience—it's inherited, cultivated, and maintained through seasons. The contrast between shaken qarov (שָׁכֵן קָרוֹב, 'near neighbor') and ach rachok (אָח רָחוֹק, 'far brother') isn't familial denigration but practical wisdom: proximity enables help in crisis.

Maintain long-term friendships and proximity to community. In calamity (eid, אֵיד, 'disaster'), theoretical relationships offer little comfort—you need people who can physically arrive. This wisdom informed early church practices of localized community with tangible mutual aid (Acts 2:44-45). Digital 'friendship' that lacks embodied presence offers limited help in real crisis.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern society operated on patron-client relationships and family alliances spanning generations. A 'father's friend' represented inherited covenant relationships that provided social capital, wisdom, and mutual obligation. The extended family (brother's house) was primary safety net, but the proverb recognizes that geographic distance can limit practical help.

Reflection Questions

  1. What long-term friendships (including those inherited from parents) have you neglected that should be renewed?
  2. How does our mobile society's frequent relocation affect our ability to have 'near neighbors' for crisis?
  3. In what ways should local church community function as both inherited friendship and proximate help?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְרֵ֪עַה1 of 16

“Thine own friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

וְרֵ֪עַה2 of 16

“Thine own friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

אָבִ֡יךָ3 of 16

“and thy father's”

H1

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

אַֽל4 of 16
H408

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

תַּעֲזֹ֗ב5 of 16

“forsake”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וּבֵ֥ית6 of 16

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מֵאָ֥ח7 of 16

“into thy brother's”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אַל8 of 16
H408

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

תָּ֭בוֹא9 of 16

“not neither go”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּי֣וֹם10 of 16

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֵידֶ֑ךָ11 of 16

“of thy calamity”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

ט֥וֹב12 of 16

“for better”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

שָׁכֵ֥ן13 of 16

“is a neighbour”

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

קָ֝ר֗וֹב14 of 16

“that is near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

מֵאָ֥ח15 of 16

“into thy brother's”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

רָחֽוֹק׃16 of 16

“far off”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

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 27:10 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 27:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:24Proverbs 17:17Luke 10:30-371 Kings 12:6-8Obadiah 1:12-14Proverbs 19:7

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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