King James Version

What Does Proverbs 3:10 Mean?

Proverbs 3:10 in the King James Version says “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

Proverbs 3:10 · KJV

Context

8

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. health: Heb. medicine marrow: Heb. watering, or, moistening

9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

11

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Read Proverbs 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse promises agricultural abundance to those who honor God with their wealth (v. 9). The Hebrew 'male' (filled) suggests overflowing abundance, not merely sufficiency. God's economic principle is generosity producing multiplication - not scarcity mentality but faith that giving to God increases rather than depletes. This anticipates Malachi 3:10's promise and Luke 6:38's principle that generous measure returns to generous givers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israel's agrarian economy made grain and wine harvest success matters of survival. Tithing and firstfruits offering demonstrated trust that God, not human effort alone, provides. This required faith - would giving away first and best leave enough? God promises that honoring Him never results in lack.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your giving reflect trust in God's provision versus fear of scarcity?
  2. What would it look like to honor God with the 'firstfruits' of your income before allocating to other expenses?
  3. How might generous giving actually increase your overall prosperity in ways beyond merely financial?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְיִמָּלְא֣וּ1 of 6

“be filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֲסָמֶ֣יךָ2 of 6

“So shall thy barns”

H618

a storehouse (only in the plural)

שָׂבָ֑ע3 of 6

“with plenty”

H7647

copiousness

וְ֝תִיר֗וֹשׁ4 of 6

“with new wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

יְקָבֶ֥יךָ5 of 6

“and thy presses”

H3342

a trough (as dug out); specifically, a wine-vat (whether the lower one, into which the juice drains; or the upper, in which the grapes are crushed)

יִפְרֹֽצוּ׃6 of 6

“shall burst out”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 19:17Deuteronomy 28:8Proverbs 11:24-25Joel 2:24Proverbs 22:9Ecclesiastes 11:1-2

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