King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He who despises his fellow sins, but he who shows compassion to the humble is happy.
Berean Standard Bible:
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who shows kindness to the poor.
American Standard Version:
He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
He that despiseth{H936} his neighbour{H7453} sinneth{H2398}: but he that hath mercy{H2603} on the poor{H6035}{H6041}, happy{H835} is he.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 19:17
- ¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Proverbs 28:27
- ¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Proverbs 11:12
- ¶ He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Proverbs 17:5
- ¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
1 John 3:17
- But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1 John 3:22
- And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Proverbs 14:31
- ¶ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
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Commentary for Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs 14:21 is part of the biblical Wisdom Literature, which includes the book of Proverbs, attributed to King Solomon and other wise sages of ancient Israel. This verse reflects the ethical teachings prevalent in the wisdom tradition, emphasizing the importance of treating others with compassion and respect.
The historical context of Proverbs places it within the social and religious world of ancient Israel, where the community's welfare was paramount, and the treatment of one's "neighbour" was a reflection of one's faith and moral standing. The verse is a succinct statement on the virtues of empathy and generosity, contrasting the sinful act of despising one's neighbor with the blessed state of those who show mercy to the poor.
In simple terms, Proverbs 14:21 teaches that looking down on or treating one's neighbor with contempt is considered a sin. Conversely, extending mercy and aid to the impoverished is not only a righteous deed but also a source of happiness and divine favor. The theme resonates with the broader biblical call for justice and righteousness, particularly the care for the marginalized, which is a recurring command in the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings of the Hebrew Bible. This verse underscores the idea that one's spiritual and moral character is measured by actions towards others, especially those in need.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H936
There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בּוּז
Transliteration: bûwz
Pronunciation: booz
Description: a primitive root; to disrespect; contemn, despise, [idiom] utterly. - Strong's Number: H7453
There are 173 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֵעַ
Transliteration: rêaʻ
Pronunciation: ray'-ah
Description: or רֵיעַ; from רָעָה; an associate (more or less close); brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. - Strong's Number: H2398
There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָטָא
Transliteration: châṭâʼ
Pronunciation: khaw-taw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn; bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. - Strong's Number: H2603
There are 72 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָנַן
Transliteration: chânan
Pronunciation: khaw-nan'
Description: a primitive root (compare חָנָה); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition); beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. - Strong's Number: H6035
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנָו
Transliteration: ʻânâv
Pronunciation: aw-nawv'
Description: or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי. - Strong's Number: H6041
There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנִי
Transliteration: ʻânîy
Pronunciation: aw-nee'
Description: from עָנָה; (practically the same as עָנָו, although the margin constantly disputes this, making עָנָו subjective and objective); depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. - Strong's Number: H835
There are 266 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶשֶׁר
Transliteration: ʼesher
Pronunciation: eh'-sher
Description: from אָשַׁר; happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!; blessed, happy.