Proverbs 21:13

Authorized King James Version

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Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Original Language Analysis

אֹטֵ֣ם Whoso stoppeth H331
אֹטֵ֣ם Whoso stoppeth
Strong's: H331
Word #: 1 of 9
to close (the lips or ears); by analology to contract (a window by bevelled jambs)
אָ֭זְנוֹ his ears H241
אָ֭זְנוֹ his ears
Strong's: H241
Word #: 2 of 9
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִזַּעֲקַת at the cry H2201
מִזַּעֲקַת at the cry
Strong's: H2201
Word #: 3 of 9
a shriek or outcry
דָּ֑ל of the poor H1800
דָּ֑ל of the poor
Strong's: H1800
Word #: 4 of 9
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
גַּֽם H1571
גַּֽם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
ה֥וּא H1931
ה֥וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 6 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִ֝קְרָ֗א he also shall cry H7121
יִ֝קְרָ֗א he also shall cry
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 7 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵעָנֶֽה׃ himself but shall not be heard H6030
יֵעָנֶֽה׃ himself but shall not be heard
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 9 of 9
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

Analysis & Commentary

Those who ignore the poor's cries for help will themselves cry out unanswered in their time of need. This is the law of reciprocity: God governs the world such that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Refusing mercy to those in need hardens one's heart and forfeits divine mercy. Jesus taught this principle repeatedly: the unmerciful servant, the rich man and Lazarus, the sheep and goats judgment. God identifies with the poor (Proverbs 19:17); to oppress them is to despise their Maker. The merciful receive mercy; the hard-hearted encounter only justice. This doesn't earn salvation but reflects the changed heart that true conversion produces. Those who have received God's mercy naturally extend mercy to others.

Historical Context

Mosaic law included extensive provisions for the poor—gleaning rights, debt forgiveness, prohibitions against oppression. Israel's failure to observe these contributed to exile and judgment.

Questions for Reflection