Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
He
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
He
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 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)
תּ֭וֹכָחוֹת
that being often reproved
H8433
תּ֭וֹכָחוֹת
that being often reproved
Strong's:
H8433
Word #:
2 of 8
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
מַקְשֶׁה
hardeneth
H7185
מַקְשֶׁה
hardeneth
Strong's:
H7185
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
עֹ֑רֶף
his neck
H6203
עֹ֑רֶף
his neck
Strong's:
H6203
Word #:
4 of 8
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
פֶּ֥תַע
shall suddenly
H6621
פֶּ֥תַע
shall suddenly
Strong's:
H6621
Word #:
5 of 8
a wink, i.e., moment (used only [with or without preposition] adverbially, quickly or unexpectedly)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Cross References
Proverbs 6:15Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.1 Samuel 2:25If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.Proverbs 28:18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.John 13:26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.Acts 1:25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.Acts 1:18Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.Nehemiah 9:29And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.1 Kings 22:28And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated this: repeated prophetic warnings preceded exile with 'no remedy' (2 Chronicles 36:16). Pharaoh's hardened heart led to destruction. God's patience is real but not infinite.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you receiving correction with humility or hardening your heart?
- What areas of life have you been repeatedly warned about that require repentance?
- How does this verse motivate urgent response to God's conviction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
One 'often reproved' who 'hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed without remedy.' The Hebrew 'toka'chot' (reproofs) and 'qashah oref' (hardens neck—stubborn) describe persistent rebellion despite correction. The judgment is sudden and final—'peta' (suddenly) and 'ein marpe' (no healing/remedy). This warns that God's patience has limits. Repeated rejection of correction leads to judgment beyond healing. Reformed theology sees this in final impenitence and hardening. Hebrews 3:7-8 warns: 'To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.'