Proverbs 23:34
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Yes, you shall be as he that lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he that lies on the top of a mast.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Yes, you shall be as he that lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he that lies on the top of a mast.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Yes, you will be like him who takes his rest on the sea, or on the top of a sail-support.
Webster's Revision
And thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
World English Bible
Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
English Revised Version (ERV)
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
Definitions for Proverbs 23:34
Clarke's Proverbs 23:34 Bible Commentary
Lieth down in the midst of the sea - He is utterly regardless of life; which is expressed very forcibly by one in a state of intoxication ascending the shrouds, clasping the mast-head, and there falling asleep; whence, in a few moments, he must either fall down upon the deck and be dashed to pieces, or fall into the sea and be drowned. Reader, if thou be a man given to this appetite, put a knife to thy throat.
Barnes's Proverbs 23:34 Bible Commentary
The passage is interesting, as showing the increased familiarity of Israelites with the experiences of sea life (compare Psalm 104:25-26; Psalm 107:23-30).
In the midst of the sea - i. e., When the ship is in the trough of the sea and the man is on the deck. The second clause varies the form of danger, the man is in the "cradle" at the top of the mast, and sleeps there, regardless of the danger.
Wesley's Proverbs 23:34 Bible Commentary
23:34 Lieth down - To sleep. Sea - In a ship in the midst of the sea.