Proverbs 27:1

Authorized King James Version

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Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Original Language Analysis

אַֽל H408
אַֽל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֭תְהַלֵּל Boast H1984
תִּ֭תְהַלֵּל Boast
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 2 of 10
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
יֽוֹם׃ not what a day H3117
יֽוֹם׃ not what a day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 3 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מָחָ֑ר not thyself of to morrow H4279
מָחָ֑ר not thyself of to morrow
Strong's: H4279
Word #: 4 of 10
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֵ֝דַ֗ע for thou knowest H3045
תֵ֝דַ֗ע for thou knowest
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 7 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מַה H4100
מַה
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 8 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֵּ֥לֶד may bring forth H3205
יֵּ֥לֶד may bring forth
Strong's: H3205
Word #: 9 of 10
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
יֽוֹם׃ not what a day H3117
יֽוֹם׃ not what a day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 10 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis & Commentary

This proverb warns against presumption about the future: 'Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.' The command forbids boasting (halal) about tomorrow—making confident predictions or plans without acknowledging human ignorance and God's sovereignty. We 'knowest not' (lo teda) what a single day may produce. This calls for humility about the future, recognizing that life is uncertain and under God's control, not ours. James echoes this: 'ye know not what shall be on the morrow...ye ought to say, If the Lord will' (James 4:14-15). The proverb doesn't forbid planning but presumptuous confidence about outcomes.

Historical Context

Ancient merchants and traders made extensive plans for commercial ventures, as did farmers for planting and harvest. Yet Proverbs warns against presuming on tomorrow. The book of James addresses first-century merchants with identical concerns (James 4:13-16). Human life remains fragile and uncertain in every age, making humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty appropriate regardless of era or culture.

Questions for Reflection