Proverbs 23:30

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Those who spend their time over wine, those always trying out mixed drinks.

Berean Standard Bible:

Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.

American Standard Version:

They that tarry long at the wine; They that go to seek out mixed wine.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

They that tarry long{H309} at the wine{H3196}; they that go{H935} to seek{H2713} mixed wine{H4469}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Ephesians 5:18

  • And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Isaiah 5:11

  • Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, [that] they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, [till] wine inflame them!

Proverbs 20:1

  • ¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 9:2

  • She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

Psalms 75:8

  • For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Amos 6:6

  • That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Genesis 9:21

  • And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

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Commentary for Proverbs 23:30



Proverbs 23:30, which reads, "They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine," is part of a larger section in the Book of Proverbs that warns against the dangers of alcohol and its potential to lead to moral and social ruin. The verse itself is succinct, but it speaks volumes within the context of the wisdom literature found in the Hebrew Bible.

In the historical context, wine was a common beverage in the ancient Near East, often diluted with water to reduce its potency. The mention of "mixed wine" likely refers to wine that has been blended with various spices and ingredients to enhance its flavor or to increase its intoxicating effects. The verse is a continuation of the admonitions against indulgence and excess that are found throughout Proverbs, reflecting a broader Ancient Near Eastern concern about the consequences of drunkenness.

The themes of this verse include temperance and self-control. It suggests that those who linger over their drinking or actively seek out stronger, more potent wine are at risk of the negative consequences associated with overindulgence. These consequences might include a lack of discipline, poor decision-making, and the potential for addiction and its associated problems. The verse serves as a warning to avoid the company of those who might encourage such behavior and to be mindful of one's own tendencies towards excess.

In the broader context of Proverbs, this verse is part of a collection of wisdom sayings that were likely compiled and edited over many centuries, with their origins in the oral traditions of Israel. These sayings were meant to guide individuals in living a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by prudence, righteousness, and the avoidance of folly. Proverbs 23:30, therefore, encapsulates the wisdom tradition's cautions against the pitfalls of overindulgence in alcohol, advocating for moderation and mindfulness in all aspects of life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H309
    There are 442 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָחַר
    Transliteration: ʼâchar
    Pronunciation: aw-khar'
    Description: a primitive root; to loiter (i.e. be behind); by implication to procrastinate; continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer).
  2. Strong's Number: H3196
    There are 134 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יַיִן
    Transliteration: yayin
    Pronunciation: yah'-yin
    Description: from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber).
  3. Strong's Number: H935
    There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בּוֹא
    Transliteration: bôwʼ
    Pronunciation: bo
    Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way.
  4. Strong's Number: H2713
    There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָקַר
    Transliteration: châqar
    Pronunciation: khaw-kar'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately; find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try.
  5. Strong's Number: H4469
    There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מַמְסָךְ
    Transliteration: mamçâk
    Pronunciation: mam-sawk'
    Description: from מָסַךְ; mixture, i.e. (specifically) wine mixed (with water or spices); drink-offering, mixed wine.