Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Original Language Analysis
בְּאֵ֣ין
H369
חָ֭זוֹן
Where there is no vision
H2377
חָ֭זוֹן
Where there is no vision
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
2 of 7
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
יִפָּ֣רַֽע
perish
H6544
יִפָּ֣רַֽע
perish
Strong's:
H6544
Word #:
3 of 7
to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin
עָ֑ם
the people
H5971
עָ֑ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
but he that keepeth
H8104
וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר
but he that keepeth
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
James 1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.Proverbs 19:16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.Psalms 119:2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.1 Samuel 3:1And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.Exodus 32:25And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Psalms 74:9We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.
Historical Context
Periods when God's word was rare in Israel resulted in moral chaos (1 Samuel 3:1; Amos 8:11-12). The people needed prophetic revelation to know God's will and live righteously. Post-exilic Judaism centered on Torah as written revelation. Christianity recognizes Scripture as God's inspired, sufficient word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Without biblical revelation, societies descend into moral relativism and destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your life demonstrate dependence on Scripture as God's revealed vision for living?
- What happens in cultures and churches when God's word is neglected or rejected as authoritative?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This famous proverb addresses the necessity of divine revelation: 'Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.' The word 'vision' (chazon) refers to prophetic revelation, God's word communicated through prophets. Without it, people 'perish' (para—become unrestrained, cast off restraint, perish). Some translations render it: 'Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.' God's word provides moral boundaries and life-giving guidance; without it, chaos and death result. The parallel phrase emphasizes keeping the law (torah)—those who guard God's instruction are blessed ('happy,' ashrei). This verse celebrates Scripture's essential role in providing divine direction for life.