What Does Proverbs 14:21 Mean in the King James?

He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Proverbs 14:21 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The word translated “hath mercy” means to show favor: flourishing becomes visible when favor reaches the poor.

THE MEANING

This verse speaks to you now: contempt for the person beside you is a real wrong, while showing favor to the poor is a mark of flourishing. The word translated “hath mercy” carries the sense of active graciousness, so compassion appears here as favor that reaches someone in need.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that contempt is harmless when aimed at someone nearby, or that care for the poor is incidental to a flourishing life.

THE ROOT

מְחוֹנֵן

meḥōnēn

GROWS FROM

חנן

ḥ-n-n: show favor, act graciously toward

“hath mercy” in this verse is meḥōnēn. The root presents mercy as favor actively reaching the poor. Its force is relational and visible: the other person’s need becomes the place where favor takes form.

ALSO GROWS

ḥānan: show favor; act graciously

חָנַן

This base form names the act expressed by the verse’s participle: someone enacting favor toward the poor.

ḥannūn: gracious; showing favor

חַנּוּן

The same consonants describe God as gracious in Exodus 34:6, linking care for the poor with the character of graciousness.

THE PATTERN

Regard for people in need reveals whether flourishing is expressed through care.

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalm 41:1 · KJVAttention to the poor is joined with blessing and deliverance, as in this verse’s link between favor and flourishing.

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 19:17 · KJVCare for the poor is treated as an act with lasting weight, not a passing sentiment.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:7 · KJVMercy extended to others is joined to the flourishing of the one who gives it.

THE THREAD

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

Exodus 33:19 · KJV

The same root ⁨חנן⁩ (ḥ-n-n, to show favor) appears in “be gracious.” Proverbs shows that favor taking human form as care for the poor; Exodus names graciousness as part of the LORD’s nature.

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