Parallel Verses

New American Standard Bible

A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the back of fools.

King James Version

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Holman Bible

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
and a rod for the backs of fools.

International Standard Version

A whip is for the horses, a bridle is for the donkey, a rod is for the back of fools.

A Conservative Version

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

American Standard Version

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.

Amplified


A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the backs of fools [who refuse to learn].

Bible in Basic English

A whip for the horse, a mouth-bit for the ass, and a rod for the back of the foolish.

Darby Translation

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of fools.

Julia Smith Translation

A whip for the horse, the curb for the ass, and the rod for the back of the foolish.

King James 2000

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back.

Lexham Expanded Bible

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

Modern King James verseion

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

Unto the horse belongeth a whip, to the Ass a bridle, and a rod to the fool's back.

NET Bible

A whip for the horse and a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

New Heart English Bible

A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools.

The Emphasized Bible

A whip for the horse, a bridle a for the ass, and a rod for the back of dullards.

Webster

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

World English Bible

A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!

Youngs Literal Translation

A whip is for a horse, a bridle for an ass, And a rod for the back of fools.

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
A whip
שׁוט 
Showt 
Usage: 11

for the horse
סס סוּס 
Cuwc 
Usage: 140

a bridle
מתג 
metheg 
Usage: 4

for the ass
חמר חמור 
Chamowr 
ass
Usage: 96

and a rod
שׁבט 
Shebet 
Usage: 190

for the fool's
כּסיל 
K@ciyl 
Usage: 70

References

Easton

Bit

Hastings

Smith

Context Readings

All About Fools

2 Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so a curse without cause does not land. 3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
And a rod for the back of fools.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him.

Cross References

Psalm 32:9

Do not be stubborn like a horse or mule. They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you.

Proverbs 10:13

Wisdom is found on the lips of the understanding (discerning). A rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

Judges 8:5-7

He said to the men of Succoth: Give my troops some bread. They are tired. I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.

Proverbs 17:10

Reproof influences a wise man more than a hundred stripes does to a fool.

Proverbs 19:25

Strike a scoffer and the simple will be wary. Reprove someone who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

Proverbs 19:29

Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the back of fools.

Proverbs 27:22

Though you grind a fool in mortar his foolishness will not depart from him.

1 Corinthians 4:21

What do you want? Shall I come to you with punishment or with love, and in the mild spirit of meekness?

2 Corinthians 10:6

We are ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you.

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