Proverbs 3:10

KJV

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall thy barns {H618} be filled {H4390} with plenty {H7647}, and thy presses {H3342} shall burst out {H6555} with new wine {H8492}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then your granaries will be filled and your vats overflow with new wine.

Berean Standard Bible

then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

American Standard Version

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:10 presents a vivid promise of material abundance and overflowing provision to those who honor the Lord with their wealth and the firstfruits of their increase, as instructed in the preceding verse. It paints a picture of agricultural prosperity, where grain storage facilities are filled to capacity and wine vats overflow with the freshest yield, signifying God's faithfulness to bless and sustain those who prioritize Him in their stewardship. This verse serves as a tangible illustration of divine reciprocity, where faithful giving leads to bountiful receiving.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:10 functions as the direct consequence and promise following the exhortation in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth"). Together, these verses form a concise unit within a larger section of wisdom instruction (Proverbs 3:1-12) that emphasizes the benefits of living a life of wisdom, trust, and obedience to God. This chapter opens with a call to remember and keep God's commandments ([Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1-2 - Keep My Commandments")), to embrace steadfast love and faithfulness ([Proverbs 3:3-4](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3-4 - Love and Faithfulness")), and most significantly, to trust in the Lord with all one's heart rather than relying on one's own understanding ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")). The specific instruction to honor God with one's wealth and firstfruits is thus nestled within a broader framework of holistic trust and devotion, where material blessing is presented as one facet of God's comprehensive care for the righteous.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "barns" and "presses" is deeply rooted in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. Life revolved around the cycles of planting and harvest, and agricultural yield was directly tied to survival and prosperity. "Barns" (Hebrew: *ʼâçâm*) were storehouses for grain, the staple food. "Presses" (Hebrew: *yeqeb*) referred to the wine vats, typically consisting of an upper treading floor where grapes were crushed and a lower vat where the juice collected. The concept of "firstfruits" (mentioned in [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")) was a foundational aspect of Israelite worship and economics, requiring the dedication of the initial and best portion of the harvest to the Lord as an act of gratitude, trust, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all provision ([Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")). This practice was not merely a tax but a theological statement, a tangible expression of faith that God was the ultimate source of all blessing and would ensure future abundance.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 3:10 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the theme of **divine blessing and provision**, illustrating God's faithfulness to meet the needs of those who obey Him. It underscores the principle that **true wisdom** involves not only intellectual understanding but also practical, obedient living, particularly in the realm of stewardship and finances. The verse also highlights the theme of **trust in God**, as offering one's firstfruits required a radical confidence that God would provide the remainder. Furthermore, it speaks to the **generosity and reciprocity** inherent in God's economy: giving to God is not a loss but an investment that He honors with abundance, often exceeding human expectation. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God delights in blessing His people when they walk in His ways, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience") and the promises of covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **barns (Hebrew, _ʼâçâm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to heap together," this word refers to a storehouse or granary. In an agrarian society, the state of one's barns was a direct indicator of prosperity and security. A full barn meant provision for the family, fodder for livestock, and surplus for trade, signifying a successful harvest and God's favor. The plural form emphasizes a comprehensive abundance, not just a single filled container.
* **filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to fill or (intransitively) be full of" in a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it literally describes the state of the barns. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of completeness, sufficiency, and overflowing abundance. It implies that the barns will not just have some grain, but will be completely, satisfyingly full, leaving no room for want.
* **new wine (Hebrew, _tîyrôwsh'_):** This term refers to must or fresh grape-juice, as just squeezed out. While it can sometimes imply fermented wine, its primary sense here is the fresh, unfermented product of the vine, often associated with the firstfruits of the grape harvest. It represents the choicest, most desirable part of the yield, signifying not just quantity but also quality and delightful provision. The abundance of new wine points to joy, celebration, and luxury beyond mere sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall thy barns be filled with plenty":** This clause directly links the act of honoring the Lord (Proverbs 3:9) with a tangible, material blessing. The "barns," representing the storage of grain and other agricultural produce, will be "filled" to capacity. The word "plenty" (Hebrew: *sâbâʻ*) signifies copiousness and abundance, indicating not merely enough, but a surplus. This speaks to God's provision for basic sustenance, ensuring food security and prosperity for the household. It is a promise of overflowing sufficiency in the most fundamental aspects of life.
* **"and thy presses shall burst out with new wine":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the promise of abundance to the liquid harvest, specifically grapes. "Presses" (Hebrew: *yeqeb*) refers to the wine vats where grapes were crushed and juice collected. The vivid imagery of the presses "bursting out" (Hebrew: *pârats*, meaning to break forth, spread out, overflow) emphasizes an extraordinary, almost uncontrollable, superabundance. It suggests not just a full vat, but so much grape juice that the vats cannot contain it, spilling over. "New wine" signifies the fresh, choice product, implying not only quantity but also quality and delight. This part of the promise speaks to joy, celebration, and a lavish provision that goes beyond mere necessity.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:10 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of agricultural abundance that would have been immediately understood by its original audience. The concrete images of "barns filled with plenty" and "presses bursting out with new wine" create a sensory experience of overflowing prosperity. The verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and thy presses shall burst out with new wine") reiterates and amplifies the concept of abundance presented in the first clause ("So shall thy barns be filled with plenty"). Both clauses convey the same core message of overflowing blessing, but through different agricultural metaphors. The phrase "burst out" functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. Presses do not literally burst from full vats, but the imagery powerfully conveys an extraordinary, overwhelming quantity of produce, far beyond what is merely sufficient. This hyperbole underscores the magnitude of God's promised blessing. Furthermore, the "barns" and "presses" can be seen as examples of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where the containers represent the entire harvest and the overall prosperity of the household.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:10 encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: God's covenant faithfulness to bless those who honor Him, particularly in the realm of material resources. It teaches that true generosity and stewardship begin with acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all wealth and offering Him the "firstfruits" – the best and initial portion – as an act of worship and trust. This is not a transactional formula where giving guarantees a specific return, but rather a divine economy rooted in relationship, where God delights to pour out His abundance upon those who prioritize His kingdom. The overflowing barns and bursting presses symbolize not just material gain, but God's comprehensive care that extends to every area of life, providing not only for needs but often for desires, joy, and the capacity to be a blessing to others. It underscores that God is not out-given; His generosity always exceeds our own.

* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the Whole Tithe") - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
* [2 Corinthians 9:6](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6 - Sowing Generously") - "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You") - "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the imagery of barns and presses is specific to an ancient agrarian context, the underlying principle of Proverbs 3:10 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to examine our hearts regarding our possessions and resources: Do we truly honor the Lord with our "substance" and "firstfruits," recognizing that everything we have is ultimately a gift from Him? This verse encourages a posture of radical trust and generosity, reminding us that faithful stewardship is not a burden but an invitation into God's abundant provision. It calls us to live with open hands, trusting that as we prioritize God in our giving—whether it's our finances, time, talents, or energy—He is faithful to ensure our needs are met, often with an overflow that enables us to be a blessing to others. The "barns" and "presses" in our lives may manifest as financial stability, unexpected opportunities, peace of mind, or spiritual richness, all flowing from a life centered on God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "honor the Lord with my substance and with the firstfruits of all my increase" in my current context?**
* **What areas of my life (finances, time, talents) do I find most challenging to surrender to God's sovereignty and trust Him with?**
* **How does the promise of "barns filled with plenty" and "presses bursting out with new wine" shape my understanding of God's character and His desire to bless His people?**
* **Beyond material abundance, what other forms of "plenty" or "new wine" might God be promising to those who honor Him?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse guarantee material wealth to every believer who gives generously?**

Answer: Proverbs 3:10, like many proverbs, presents a general principle of divine blessing for obedience, particularly in an agrarian society where direct correlation between effort, divine favor, and harvest was evident. While it certainly teaches that God blesses generosity and faithful stewardship, it is not a rigid formula guaranteeing specific material wealth for every individual in every circumstance. The "plenty" and "new wine" can manifest in various forms, including spiritual richness, peace, wisdom, good health, strong relationships, and the ability to be a blessing to others, not solely financial prosperity. The New Testament emphasizes that God's provision is often sufficient for our needs and for enabling generosity ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")), rather than a promise of overflowing riches for all. The focus is on God's faithfulness to provide, which may look different in diverse contexts and seasons of life.

**What does "firstfruits" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In its original context, "firstfruits" referred to the initial and best portion of the harvest or flocks, offered to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His ownership ([Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits")). In a modern context, "firstfruits" can be understood as prioritizing God with the "first and best" of whatever resources we possess. This most commonly applies to our finances, through tithing or generous giving from our income before other expenses. However, it also extends to our time (dedicating the best part of our day or week to God), our talents (using our gifts for His glory), and our energy. It's about a posture of stewardship where God is honored as the source of all blessings and is given priority in every area of our lives, not just what's left over.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:10, with its promise of overflowing barns and bursting presses, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise speaks of material abundance as a blessing for obedience, Christ redefines and expands the concept of true "plenty" and "new wine." He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, and those who trust in Him are filled with spiritual riches that far surpass any earthly storehouse. Jesus himself is the "firstfruits" of the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")), offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, thereby opening the way for an abundant spiritual harvest for all who believe. He invites us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the promise that all these things will be added to us ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). The "new wine" of the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, represents the overflowing joy, forgiveness, and new life in the Spirit that He provides ([Mark 2:22](/mark/2-22 "Mark 2:22 - New Wine in New Wineskins")). In Christ, we receive not merely temporal provision, but an eternal inheritance, a spiritual abundance that never runs dry, and a relationship with God that is the truest form of "plenty" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the true source of all blessing, and through Him, believers are empowered to live lives of generous giving, knowing that their ultimate "barns" are in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Deuteronomy 28:8

The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Proverbs 11:24

¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

Proverbs 11:25

¶ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 22:9

¶ He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Ecclesiastes 11:1

¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.