King James Version
Proverbs 4:21 in the King James Version says “Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.”
Proverbs 4:21 · KJV
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. health: Heb. medicine
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. with: Heb. above all keeping
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“Let them not depart”
H3868to turn aside , i.e., (literally) to depart, (figuratively) be perverse
“from thine eyes”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
“keep”
H8104properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
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 4:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge