Proverbs 27:8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Original Language Analysis
נוֹדֵ֥ד
that wandereth
H5074
נוֹדֵ֥ד
that wandereth
Strong's:
H5074
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
קִנָּ֑הּ
from her nest
H7064
קִנָּ֑הּ
from her nest
Strong's:
H7064
Word #:
4 of 8
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
כֵּֽן
H3651
כֵּֽן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אִ֝֗ישׁ
so is a man
H376
אִ֝֗ישׁ
so is a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Isaiah 16:2For it shall be, that, as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.Proverbs 21:16The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.1 Corinthians 7:20Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.Jonah 1:3But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.1 Kings 19:9And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?1 Samuel 22:5And the prophet Gad said unto David, Abide not in the hold; depart, and get thee into the land of Judah. Then David departed, and came into the forest of Hareth.Proverbs 26:2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.Genesis 4:16And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
Historical Context
Israelite society was strongly rooted in family land inheritance (nachalah) and community responsibility. Abandoning one's place meant forsaking covenant obligations, social connections, and the stability that enabled flourishing. The wisdom tradition, reflecting Ancient Near Eastern values, prized loyalty and rootedness over restless ambition.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'nest' (responsibilities, relationships, calling) are you tempted to abandon when difficulties arise?
- How does our culture's celebration of perpetual reinvention conflict with biblical wisdom about stability?
- What's the difference between God-directed change and restless discontent that perpetually seeks escape?
Analysis & Commentary
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place—The Hebrew noded (נֹדֵד, 'wanders/flees') suggests restless instability, not purposeful travel. The bird that abandons her qen (קֵן, 'nest') leaves eggs or fledglings vulnerable to predators. Similarly, a man who wanders from his maqom (מָקוֹם, 'place/position') abandons responsibilities, relationships, and calling for rootless instability.
This isn't condemnation of all travel but of chronic instability—the perpetual malcontent who believes fulfillment lies elsewhere. Wisdom literature consistently values stability, faithfulness, and contentment in one's appointed sphere (Ecclesiastes 10:4, Proverbs 17:24). The grass appears greener where you don't water it.