Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

PROVERBS 6:21KJV
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Proverbs 6:21 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 6:21 mean?

Proverbs 6:21 urges the reader to keep wise teachings close at all times, both inwardly and outwardly, by saying to "bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck." This verse uses vivid language to stress the importance of making wisdom a constant, personal part of one’s life.

In this part of Proverbs, a father is speaking to his child, encouraging them to hold onto his instructions and teachings. The imagery of binding wisdom to the heart and tying it around the neck suggests that these teachings should be cherished, remembered, and visible in daily life, not just learned and forgotten.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 6:21

  • Bind (קָשַׁר, qashar): This word means to tie or fasten securely. The verse uses it to picture wisdom as something to be firmly attached to the heart, showing it should not be easily lost or ignored.
  • Continually (תָּמִיד, tamid): This word means always or at all times. It emphasizes that wisdom is not for occasional use but should be kept close every day.
  • Heart (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of thought and will, not just emotion. Binding wisdom to the heart means making it central to one’s decision-making and character.
  • Tie (עָנַד, anad): This word means to bind or fasten, often with the sense of adorning. Tying wisdom around the neck suggests making it visible and honored, like a precious ornament.
  • Neck (גַּרְגֶּרֶת, gargeret): The neck was seen as a place for displaying valuable items. Wearing wisdom around the neck means it should be evident to others and valued highly.

Why Proverbs 6:21 matters

  • Proverbs 6:21 clarifies that wisdom is not just for private reflection but should be both internalized and outwardly displayed in one’s actions and choices.
  • The verse connects to the broader theme in Proverbs of passing down wisdom from parent to child, highlighting the generational importance of these teachings.
  • By using the imagery of binding and tying, the verse emphasizes that wisdom is meant to be a constant guide, not something to be set aside or forgotten.

Where else these words appear

“tie” Hebrew H6029 · used in 2 verses

  • Job 31:36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

“neck” Hebrew H1621 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
  • Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
  • Proverbs 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

“Bind” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:26 And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 74:23 Forget not the voice of thine enemies: the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth continually.