Proverbs 24:21

Authorized King James Version

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My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

Original Language Analysis

יְרָֽא fear H3372
יְרָֽא fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 1 of 9
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֣ה thou the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה thou the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּנִ֣י My son H1121
בְּנִ֣י My son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 4 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמֶ֑לֶךְ and the king H4428
וָמֶ֑לֶךְ and the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 5 of 9
a king
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 6 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים not with them that are given to change H8138
שׁ֝וֹנִ֗ים not with them that are given to change
Strong's: H8138
Word #: 7 of 9
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 8 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתְעָרָֽב׃ and meddle H6148
תִּתְעָרָֽב׃ and meddle
Strong's: H6148
Word #: 9 of 9
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

Analysis & Commentary

This command addresses authority and stability. 'My son, fear thou the LORD and the king' (יְרָא־אֶת־יְהוָה בְנִי וָמֶלֶךְ/yera-et-YHWH beni vamelekh, fear the LORD, my son, and the king) places divine and human authority together. 'Fear' (יָרֵא/yare) means reverent submission, not terror. The order is significant—God first, then king. When they conflict, 'we ought to obey God rather than men' (Acts 5:29). Yet normally, submission to governing authorities honors God (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). 'Meddle not with them that are given to change' (עִם־שׁוֹנִים אַל־תִּתְעָרָב/im-shonim al-tit'arav, with changers do not associate) warns against revolutionaries who seek to overthrow established order. The Hebrew שׁוֹנִים (shonim) means 'those who change/differ'—rebels, agitators. Wisdom values stability over revolution, though this doesn't endorse tyranny—prophets confronted wicked kings (1 Samuel 15:22-23; 2 Samuel 12:7).

Historical Context

Israel's monarchy began with Saul (1 Samuel 10) and reached its apex under Solomon. Despite various kings' wickedness, Scripture emphasizes respecting royal authority. David refused to kill Saul despite opportunity, because Saul was 'the LORD's anointed' (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9). Later kings often oppressed Israel, yet prophets called for submission except when royal commands violated God's law. Daniel obeyed Nebuchadnezzar except when commanded to worship idols (Daniel 3; 6). In the Roman period, Jews chafed under foreign rule. Zealots advocated violent revolution. Yet Jesus said, 'Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's' (Matthew 22:21). Paul commanded submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), written while Nero reigned. Peter likewise (1 Peter 2:13-17). Early Christians mostly avoided political revolution, though they refused to worship the emperor or deny Christ.

Questions for Reflection