Parallel Verses

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

A babbler of his tongue is no better than a serpent that stingeth without hissing.

New American Standard Bible

If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.

King James Version

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

Holman Bible

If the snake bites before it is charmed,
then there is no advantage for the charmer.

International Standard Version

If a serpent strikes despite being charmed, there's no point in being a snake charmer.

A Conservative Version

If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

American Standard Version

If the serpent bite before it is charmed, then is there no advantage in the charmer.

Amplified

If the serpent bites before being charmed, then there is no profit for the charmer.

Bible in Basic English

If a snake gives a bite before the word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of power.

Darby Translation

If the serpent bite before enchantment, then the charmer hath no advantage.

Julia Smith Translation

If a serpent will bite without magic; and no pre?minence to the possessor of the tongue.

King James 2000

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

Lexham Expanded Bible

If the snake bites before the charming, {the snake charmer will not succeed}.

Modern King James verseion

Surely the snake will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

NET Bible

If the snake should bite before it is charmed, the snake charmer is in trouble.

New Heart English Bible

If the serpent bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.

The Emphasized Bible

If a serpent will bite, unless he is charmed, then there is nothing better for him that owneth a tongue.

Webster

Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

World English Bible

If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.

Youngs Literal Translation

If the serpent biteth without enchantment, Then there is no advantage to a master of the tongue.

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
נחשׁ 
Nachash 
Usage: 31

will bite
נשׁך 
Nashak 
Usage: 16

לחשׁ 
Lachash 
Usage: 5

and a babbler
לשׁנה לשׁן לשׁון 
Lashown 
Usage: 116

Context Readings

Hard Work And Skill Alone Cannot Succeed'Wisdom Is Necessary

10 When an iron is blunt, and the point not sharpened, it must be whet again, and that with might. Even so doth wisdom follow diligence. 11 A babbler of his tongue is no better than a serpent that stingeth without hissing. 12 The words out of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will destroy himself.

Cross References

Jeremiah 8:17

Moreover, I will send Cockatrices and serpents among you which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you," sayeth the LORD.

Psalm 58:4-5

They are as venomous as the poison of a serpent, even like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ears,

Psalm 52:2

Thy tongue imagineth wickedness, and with lies it cutteth like a sharp razor.

Psalm 64:3

who have whet their tongue like a sword, and shoot out their arrows, even bitter words,

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life stand in the power of the tongue; he that loveth it, shall enjoy the fruit thereof.

James 3:6

and the tongue is fire, and a world of wickedness. So is the tongue set among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth afire all that we have of nature, and is itself set afire, even of hell.

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain