King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The person who strays from the way of common sense will come to rest in the company of the dead.
Berean Standard Bible:
The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.
American Standard Version:
The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall rest in the assembly of the dead.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The man{H120} that wandereth{H8582} out of the way{H1870} of understanding{H7919} shall remain{H5117} in the congregation{H6951} of the dead{H7496}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Hebrews 10:38
- Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Psalms 49:14
- Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
Psalms 125:5
- As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.
Proverbs 7:26
- For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong [men] have been slain by her.
Proverbs 7:27
- Her house [is] the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
John 3:19
- And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20
- For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 21:16
Proverbs 21:16, "The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead," is a verse that speaks to the theme of wisdom and the consequences of straying from it. The verse is part of the biblical genre of wisdom literature, which includes the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, and is characterized by its practical advice on living a virtuous and successful life.
In the historical context, the book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, known for his wisdom. However, the proverbs themselves likely come from a variety of sources and were compiled over an extended period. These sayings were used to instruct the young and to guide the people of Israel in right living according to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
The text of Proverbs 21:16 suggests that those who deviate from the path of wisdom—referred to here as "the way of understanding"—place themselves in a perilous position. The "congregation of the dead" is a metaphorical expression that implies isolation from the living and the consequences of a life devoid of wisdom. It suggests that a lack of understanding leads to a spiritual and existential dead end, akin to being among the dead rather than the living. The verse serves as a warning to stay on the path of wisdom, which is associated with life, prosperity, and blessings, as opposed to folly, which leads to ruin and death.
In summary, Proverbs 21:16 uses strong imagery to convey the importance of wisdom and the dire consequences of abandoning it. The verse emphasizes that wisdom is not just an intellectual pursuit but a way of life that affects one's ultimate destiny. It encourages adherence to wise principles as a means of securing a flourishing life, both in the present and in the hereafter.
*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: H120
There are 581 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָדָם
Transliteration: ʼâdâm
Pronunciation: aw-dawm'
Description: from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. - Strong's Number: H8582
There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּעָה
Transliteration: tâʻâh
Pronunciation: taw-aw'
Description: a primitive root; to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both; (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. - Strong's Number: H1870
There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
Transliteration: derek
Pronunciation: deh'-rek
Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). - Strong's Number: H7919
There are 63 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׂכַל
Transliteration: sâkal
Pronunciation: saw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent; consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. - Strong's Number: H5117
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נוּחַ
Transliteration: nûwach
Pronunciation: noo'-akh
Description: a primitive root; to rest, i.e. settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, let fall, place, let alone, withdraw, give comfort, etc.); cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare יָנִים. - Strong's Number: H6951
There are 116 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָהָל
Transliteration: qâhâl
Pronunciation: kaw-hawl'
Description: from קָהַל; assemblage (usually concretely); assembly, company, congregation, multitude. - Strong's Number: H7496
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רָפָא
Transliteration: râphâʼ
Pronunciation: raw-faw'
Description: from רָפָא in the sense of רָפָה; properly, lax, i.e. (figuratively) a ghost (as dead; in plural only); dead, deceased.