The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

PROVERBS 19:23KJV
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Proverbs 19:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 19:23 mean?

Proverbs 19:23 teaches that having a deep respect and reverence for the LORD leads to a life marked by security and contentment, and protects a person from harm. The verse promises that those who live with this kind of awe for God will find satisfaction and will not be overtaken by evil.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical guidance to the people of Israel. The verse highlights the benefits of living with “the fear of the LORD,” a phrase that often means recognizing God’s authority and living accordingly. It emphasizes that such a mindset brings not just spiritual well-being, but also a sense of safety and fulfillment in everyday life.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 19:23

  • “fear” (יִרְאָה, yir’ah): This word means more than just being afraid; it often refers to a deep respect, reverence, or awe toward God. In Proverbs, this attitude is seen as the foundation of wisdom.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a relationship with the covenant God of Israel.
  • “life” (חַיִּים, chayyim): This word points to more than just physical existence; it often suggests a full, flourishing life.
  • “abide” (לִין, lin): This word means to stay or remain, suggesting a settled, ongoing state of satisfaction.
  • “satisfied” (שָׂבַע, sava’): This word means to be filled or content, highlighting a sense of sufficiency and peace.
  • “visited” (פָּקַד, paqad): In this context, it means to be touched or afflicted by something, often in a negative sense.
  • “evil” (רַע, ra’): This word can mean trouble, harm, or calamity, not just moral evil.

Why Proverbs 19:23 matters

  • Proverbs 19:23 clarifies that “the fear of the LORD” is not about living in dread, but about living wisely and securely under God’s care.
  • The verse emphasizes that true satisfaction and safety come from a relationship with God, not just from external circumstances or personal achievements.
  • This proverb connects to a larger theme in Proverbs: that reverence for God is the starting point for a good and stable life, offering both spiritual and practical benefits.

Where else these words appear

“satisfied” Hebrew H7649 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
  • 1 Samuel 2:5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
  • Job 14:1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
  • Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

“abide” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.