What number verse is Proverbs 24:13 in the Bible?

Proverbs 24:13 is the 17,093rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Proverbs 24:13 sits at position 17,093.

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Proverbs 24:13

“The Sweetness and Reward of Wisdom”· Proverbs 24:13–14Read in context

King James Version

¶ My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

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KJV (with Strong's)

My son ^H1121, eat ^H398 thou honey ^H1706, because it is good ^H2896; and the honeycomb ^H5317, which is sweet ^H4966 to thy taste ^H2441:

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Complete Jewish Bible

My son, eat honey, for it is good; honeycomb drippings are sweet to your taste.

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Berean Standard Bible

Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

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American Standard Version

My son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:

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World English Bible Messianic

My son, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:

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Geneva Bible (1599)

My sonne, eate hony, for it is good, and the hony combe, for it is sweete vnto thy mouth.

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Young's Literal Translation

Eat my son, honey that is good, And the honeycomb--sweet to thy palate.

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Translation

Cross-References

Isaiah 7:15
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
Song of Solomon 5:1
¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
Proverbs 25:16
¶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Song of Solomon 4:11
Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
Psalms 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psalms 119:103
¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Matthew 3:4
And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Study this verse

Summary

Proverbs 24:13 presents a compelling and sensory metaphor, urging the "son" to consume honey because of its inherent goodness and delightful sweetness. This seemingly simple culinary instruction serves as a profound spiritual analogy, preparing the reader for the subsequent revelation in the following verse that wisdom, like honey, offers supreme value and deep satisfaction to the soul. It establishes a tangible link between a universally appreciated natural delight and the abstract concept of divine insight, inviting the audience to desire and partake of wisdom with the same eagerness.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is embedded within a significant collection of wisdom sayings in the book of Proverbs, specifically within "The Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This section is characterized by its direct, practical admonitions aimed at fostering righteous living and often employs vivid imagery and comparisons to convey profound truths. The immediate and vital literary context for understanding Proverbs 24:13 is found in the very next verse, Proverbs 24:14, which explicitly unveils the spiritual analogy: "So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off." This direct follow-up confirms that the instruction to eat honey is not merely dietary advice but a powerful illustration of the pursuit and experience of wisdom, serving as the first half of a two-part proverb.

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, honey was an exceptionally prized commodity, valued for its natural sweetness, nutritional benefits, and even medicinal properties. It served as a primary sweetener in a diet that otherwise lacked refined sugars and was often mentioned alongside milk as a symbol of abundance, blessing, and prosperity, epitomizing the richness of the Promised Land (e.g., Exodus 3:8). Wild honey was gathered from rock crevices or trees, and beekeeping was also practiced. Its relative scarcity and natural purity made it a luxury and a potent symbol of something inherently good, desirable, and unadulterated. The specific mention of "honeycomb" (Hebrew: nôpheth) refers to the purest, freshest honey dripping directly from the comb, emphasizing its superior quality, unadulterated nature, and exquisite taste, which would have been universally understood and appreciated by the original audience.

Key Themes

Proverbs 24:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores The Supreme Value of Wisdom, presenting it as something supremely desirable and essential, much like a vital and delicious food source. Just as honey provides physical sustenance and delight, wisdom offers spiritual nourishment and profound satisfaction, a concept echoed in passages like Proverbs 3:13-18, which describes wisdom as more precious than jewels. Secondly, the verse highlights The Sweetness and Delight of Understanding, using the sensory pleasure of honey to metaphorically describe the deep joy and fulfillment that accompanies the acquisition of true knowledge and insight, particularly that which comes from God's instruction. This theme resonates with the Psalmist's declarations that God's words are "sweeter than honey" (Psalm 19:10 and Psalm 119:103). Finally, it implicitly touches upon the theme of Spiritual Nourishment, portraying wisdom not as a burdensome obligation but as a life-giving substance that sustains the soul and leads to a hopeful future, contrasting sharply with the destructive paths of folly (e.g., Proverbs 9:1-6).

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Honey dᵉbash' H1706

From an unused root meaning "to be gummy," this term refers to natural honey, whether from bees or other sources, and by analogy, syrup. In this context, it signifies a substance universally recognized for its inherent sweetness, significant nutritional value, and high desirability. Its sticky, rich nature implies a substantial and satisfying quality that provides both immediate pleasure and sustained benefit.

Good ṭôwb' H2896

This widely used adjective encompasses a broad semantic range, including "beautiful," "best," "pleasant," "beneficial," "prosperous," and "agreeable." When applied to honey, it refers to its intrinsic quality as something inherently beneficial for consumption, pleasing to the senses, and conducive to overall well-being. It implies not just a delightful taste but also health-giving properties and an overall positive effect on the one who partakes.

Sweet mâthôwq' H4966

Derived from a root meaning "to be sweet," this adjective specifically describes the delightful taste sensation of honey. It emphasizes the immediate, delightful, and pleasing aspect of the experience, directly appealing to the palate. This word highlights the enjoyable and gratifying sensation derived from consuming honey, making it a powerful descriptor for the profound satisfaction wisdom brings.

Verse Breakdown

"My son, eat thou honey"

This opening phrase immediately establishes the pedagogical and intimate tone characteristic of Proverbs, presenting the instruction as a loving, authoritative address from a father or wise teacher to a beloved child or disciple. The imperative "eat" is a direct, active command, urging not just passive reception but active engagement, assimilation, and consumption. The object, "honey," is introduced as the central element of the metaphor, inviting the reader to consider its universally understood appealing qualities.

"because it is good;"

This clause provides the foundational justification for the command to eat honey. The "goodness" of honey is presented as an intrinsic, self-evident quality, encompassing its nutritional value, its pleasantness, and its overall beneficial nature. This inherent goodness lays the crucial groundwork for the spiritual parallel to wisdom, suggesting that wisdom, too, possesses an intrinsic goodness that makes it supremely desirable and beneficial for the soul.

"and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:"

This phrase serves to intensify and refine the preceding statement by specifying "the honeycomb." This emphasizes the purest, most unadulterated, and freshest form of honey, known for its superior flavor and exquisite quality. The addition "which is sweet to thy taste" directly appeals to the sensory experience, highlighting the delightful and profoundly satisfying pleasure derived from consuming it. This vivid sensory detail is crucial for the upcoming analogy, underscoring the deep, personal, and profoundly satisfying experience of acquiring and internalizing divine wisdom.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 24:13 is Analogy, which functions as an extended Metaphor. The physical act of eating honey, with its inherent goodness and sweetness, is presented as a direct parallel to the spiritual pursuit and acquisition of wisdom. The qualities of honey—its desirability, its pleasantness to the palate, and its nourishing properties—are used to illuminate the corresponding benefits of wisdom for the soul. The verse also utilizes Didacticism, as it is presented as a direct, fatherly instruction from a wise teacher to a student, aiming to impart moral and spiritual truth through a relatable, everyday experience. Furthermore, Sensory Imagery is powerfully employed through the phrases "eat thou honey" and "sweet to thy taste," engaging the reader's senses to make the abstract concept of wisdom more tangible, appealing, and desirable.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Proverbs 24:13, especially when read in conjunction with its interpretive follow-up in Proverbs 24:14, establishes a profound theological truth: the pursuit and acquisition of wisdom are not merely intellectual exercises but deeply satisfying and rewarding spiritual experiences. Just as honey nourishes the body and delights the senses, divine wisdom nourishes the soul, bringing profound joy, stability, and a hopeful future. This wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is presented as the ultimate good, surpassing all other treasures and pleasures. It is a source of life, guidance, and true prosperity, leading to an unshakable expectation of God's blessing and a life of profound fulfillment.

Psalm 19:10"More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

Psalm 119:103"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Proverbs 3:13-18"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding... Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

Reflection and Application

Proverbs 24:13, with its rich and inviting metaphor, calls us to cultivate a profound hunger and appreciation for divine wisdom. Just as our physical bodies instinctively crave and delight in good food, our souls are designed to find ultimate satisfaction and nourishment in God's truth. This means actively seeking wisdom not as a burdensome duty, but as a delectable feast for the spirit. It encourages us to approach Scripture with anticipation, to meditate deeply on its truths, and to allow its principles to permeate every aspect of our lives. When we truly "taste" and "savor" God's wisdom, we discover that it provides not only guidance, discernment, and protection from folly, but also an unparalleled sweetness and deep fulfillment that far surpasses any fleeting worldly pleasure. This spiritual nourishment leads to a life of genuine hope, lasting reward, and profound peace, transforming our character and guiding our steps toward God's intended flourishing.

Questions for Reflection

What does "eating honey" metaphorically represent in your personal pursuit of spiritual wisdom?
How does the "goodness" and "sweetness" of honey relate to your current experience of God's word or His wisdom in your daily life?
In what practical ways can you cultivate a greater "taste" or hunger for divine wisdom, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to profound spiritual nourishment?
Considering Proverbs 24:14, what "reward" or "expectation" do you anticipate from diligently seeking and applying God's wisdom in your life?

FAQ

Why does the proverb use honey as a metaphor for wisdom?

Honey was a highly valued and universally appreciated substance in ancient Israel, known for its inherent goodness, significant nutritional value, and delightful sweetness. By comparing wisdom to honey, the proverb immediately establishes wisdom as something supremely desirable, beneficial, and deeply satisfying. The sensory experience of honey—its pleasant taste and nourishing qualities—makes the abstract concept of wisdom tangible and appealing, emphasizing that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a source of profound spiritual nourishment and joy, leading to a rich and fulfilling life, as explicitly stated in Proverbs 24:14. It highlights that wisdom is meant to be consumed, internalized, and enjoyed.

Is this verse just about intellectual knowledge, or something more comprehensive?

While wisdom certainly involves knowledge and understanding, the "wisdom" referred to in Proverbs is much more than mere intellectual knowledge or academic pursuit. It is holistic, practical, moral, and spiritual insight that guides one's entire life according to God's ways. The metaphor of "eating" honey implies active assimilation and internalizing this wisdom, making it an integral part of one's very being, influencing actions, decisions, and character. It's about discerning right from wrong, making wise choices that lead to life, and living a life that honors God and benefits oneself and others. This comprehensive understanding of wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, is a recurring theme throughout the book of Proverbs, often contrasted with the destructive path of folly, as seen in passages like Proverbs 1:7.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Proverbs 24:13, with its invitation to partake of the "good" and "sweet" honey, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom. While the Old Testament wisdom literature often personifies wisdom and extols its virtues, the New Testament reveals that this divine wisdom is fully and perfectly incarnated in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30). Just as honey nourishes the body and delights the senses, Christ, as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35), offers true spiritual nourishment that satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul. The "sweetness" of honey to the taste foreshadows the profound joy, peace, and eternal life found in knowing Christ and experiencing His salvation. His words are not merely instruction but "spirit and life" (John 6:63), sweeter than any earthly delight because they bring redemption and reconciliation with God. To "eat honey" metaphorically points to receiving Christ by faith, trusting in His finished work on the cross, and feasting on the truth of the Gospel, which is indeed "good" and "sweet" to all who believe and "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). He is the ultimate reward and the very essence of the wisdom promised to those who seek it.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 24:13–14.

1662–1714 · 2 verses

Passage under commentProverbs 24:13–14

13¶ My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

14So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

We are here quickened to the study of wisdom by the consideration both of the pleasure and the profit of it. 1. It will be very pleasant. We eat honey because it is sweet to the taste, and upon that account we call it good, especially that which runs first from the honey-comb. Canaan was said to flow with milk and honey, and honey was the common food of the country (Luk 24:41, Luk 24:42), even for children, Isa 7:15. Thus should we feed upon wisdom, and relish the good instructions of it. Those that have tasted honey need no further proof that it is sweet, nor can they by any argument be convinced of the contrary; so those that have experienced the power of truth and godliness are abundantly satisfied of the pleasure of both; they have tasted the sweetness of them, and all the atheists in the world with their sophistry, and the profane with their banter, cannot alter their sentiments. 2. It will be very profitable. Honey may be sweet to the taste and yet not wholesome, but wisdom has a future recompence attending it, as well as a present sweetness in it. "Thou art permitted to eat honey, and the agreeableness of it to thy taste invites thee to it; but thou hast much more reason to relish and digest the precepts of wisdom, for when thou hast found that, there shall be a reward; thou shalt be paid for thy pleasure, while the servants of sin pay dearly for their pains. Wisdom does indeed set thee to work, but there shall be a reward; it does indeed raise great expectations in thee, but as thy labour, so thy hope, shall not be in vain; thy expectation shall not be cut off (Pro 23:18), nay, it shall be infinitely outdone."

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Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 735

AD 735BedeEarly MedievalSourceCommentary on Proverbs

Eat, my son, honey, for it is good, etc. It is very clear why he compares the doctrine of wisdom to honey and the honeycomb, because certainly, as the former surpasses foods, so the latter surpasses other teachings in sweetness. But there is a difference in the significance of each, because the honey, which is ready to eat, implies the moral surface of the letter; but the honeycomb, in which honey is expressed from the wax, figuratively denotes the allegorical speech, where, with the veil of the letter removed, the sense of spiritual sweetness is perceived with some labor or delay.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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