Proverbs 3:28
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
לְרֵֽעֲיךָ֙׀
not unto thy neighbour
H7453
לְרֵֽעֲיךָ֙׀
not unto thy neighbour
Strong's:
H7453
Word #:
3 of 9
an associate (more or less close)
לֵ֣ךְ
H1980
לֵ֣ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וָ֭שׁוּב
and come again
H7725
וָ֭שׁוּב
and come again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וּמָחָ֥ר
and to morrow
H4279
וּמָחָ֥ר
and to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
אֶתֵּ֗ן
I will give
H5414
אֶתֵּ֗ן
I will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:13Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.2 Corinthians 8:11Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Ecclesiastes 11:6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.1 Timothy 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;2 Corinthians 9:3Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Historical Context
Mosaic Law required prompt payment of wages (Deuteronomy 24:15) and generosity toward the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Israelite society was structured around mutual care within covenant community. Withholding due assistance violated covenantal obligations and God's character of generosity.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'good' are you withholding from someone who has rightful claim to your help?
- How does justice include not just avoiding harm but actively doing good when able?
- In what ways does modern individualism excuse withholding good that biblical community would require?
Analysis & Commentary
Withholding good when able to give violates justice. The Hebrew 'ba'al' (owner/master) indicates one who has rightful claim. If someone has legitimate need and you have means to help, justice demands you assist. This isn't about unlimited obligation to all needs but about refusing to help when you're able and the need is legitimate. Justice isn't merely avoiding harm but actively doing good when possible.