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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_14_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:4 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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But much increase <i>comes</i> by the strength of an ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean; But much revenue <i>comes</i> by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase <i>comes</i> by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue <i>comes</i> by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Without the help of an ox there can be no crop, but with a strong ox a big crop is possible. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Where there are no cattle, the feeding trough is empty, but the strength of an ox produces plentiful harvests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty, but with them it will be full of grain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but profits come through the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Without oxen a stall [is] clean, "" And great [is] the increase by the power of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Without oxen a stall is clean, And great is the increase by the power of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />In no oxen the stall clean, and much increase in the strength of the ox.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the crib is empty: but where there is much corn, there the strength of the ox is manifest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty. But where there are many crops, there the strength of the ox is manifest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the crib is clean; but abundant crops come through the strength of the bull. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, there is no grain; abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the cribs are clean; but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean, and the abundance of crops is by the power of the ox.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2568" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: bə·’ên (Prep-b:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">Where there are no</a> <a href="/hebrew/504.htm" title="504: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (N-mp) -- Cattle. From 'alph; a family; also an ox or cow.">oxen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/18.htm" title="18: ’ê·ḇūs (N-msc) -- A crib, feeding trough. From 'abac; a manger or stall.">the manger</a> <a href="/hebrew/1249.htm" title="1249: bār (N-ms) -- Pure, clean. From barar; beloved; also pure, empty.">is empty,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: wə·rāḇ- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">but an abundant</a> <a href="/hebrew/8393.htm" title="8393: tə·ḇū·’ō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Product, revenue. From bow'; income, i.e. Produce.">harvest comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: bə·ḵō·aḥ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">through the strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/7794.htm" title="7794: šō·wr (N-ms) -- A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etc.). From shuwr; a bullock.">of the ox.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Proverbs 13:23</a></span><br />Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Proverbs 24:27</a></span><br />Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:10</a></span><br />If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a></span><br />For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:10</a></span><br />For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-7.htm">Luke 10:7</a></span><br />Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">1 Timothy 5:18</a></span><br />For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a></span><br />Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-4.htm">Proverbs 10:4</a></span><br />Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Proverbs 20:4</a></span><br />The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Proverbs 21:5</a></span><br />The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Proverbs 28:19</a></span><br />The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.</p><p class="hdg">clean</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/4-6.htm">Amos 4:6</a></b></br> And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Proverbs 13:23</a></b></br> Much food <i>is in</i> the tillage of the poor: but there is <i>that is</i> destroyed for want of judgment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9-11</a></b></br> For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/job/39-9.htm">Crib</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Crops</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/job/39-9.htm">Manger</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-16.htm">Revenue</a> <a href="/psalms/50-9.htm">Stall</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-7.htm">Strength</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-2.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Crib</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Crops</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-19.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Grain</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Harvest</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Manger</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-25.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Revenue</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-21.htm">Stall</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Strength</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Where there are no oxen,</b><br>In ancient agrarian societies, oxen were essential for plowing fields and performing heavy labor. The absence of oxen signifies a lack of resources necessary for productivity and growth. Biblically, oxen are often associated with strength and service (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">Deuteronomy 25:4</a>). The absence of oxen can symbolize a lack of preparation or investment in what is needed for future success.<p><b>the manger is empty,</b><br>The manger, or feeding trough, being empty indicates a lack of sustenance and provision. In a broader spiritual sense, this can represent the emptiness that comes from not investing in spiritual growth or neglecting one's responsibilities. The empty manger can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness or lack of fruitfulness, as seen in other scriptures that emphasize the importance of bearing fruit (<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a>).<p><b>but an abundant harvest</b><br>The concept of an abundant harvest is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing blessing, prosperity, and the results of diligent work (<a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a>). In a spiritual context, it can represent the fruits of the Spirit or the rewards of faithful service to God. The harvest is often used as a metaphor for the gathering of souls or the end times (<a href="/matthew/9-37.htm">Matthew 9:37-38</a>).<p><b>comes through the strength of the ox.</b><br>The strength of the ox is a symbol of power and capability. In biblical times, oxen were valued for their ability to perform hard labor, which directly contributed to a successful harvest. This phrase emphasizes the importance of investing in the right resources and tools to achieve desired outcomes. Spiritually, it can be seen as a call to rely on God's strength and provision, as well as the importance of hard work and diligence (<a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11</a>). The ox can also be seen as a type of Christ, who bears our burdens and enables us to produce spiritual fruit (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/o/oxen.htm">Oxen</a></b><br>In ancient agrarian societies, oxen were essential for plowing fields and performing heavy labor. They symbolize strength, productivity, and the means to achieve a bountiful harvest.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/manger.htm">Manger</a></b><br>A feeding trough for animals, representing the resources and provisions necessary for sustaining livestock and, by extension, the means of production.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/harvest.htm">Harvest</a></b><br>The gathering of crops, symbolizing the results of hard work and the blessings of productivity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_resources_for_productivity.htm">The Necessity of Resources for Productivity</a></b><br>Just as oxen are necessary for a bountiful harvest, we need the right resources and tools to be productive in our lives. This can apply to our spiritual lives, careers, and personal growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_hard_work.htm">The Value of Hard Work</a></b><br>The proverb highlights the importance of diligence and effort. Without the hard work symbolized by the oxen, there is no harvest. Christians are called to work diligently in all they do as unto the Lord.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/stewardship_and_planning.htm">Stewardship and Planning</a></b><br>Managing resources wisely is crucial. The presence of oxen implies planning and investment. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be time, talents, or treasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>While human effort is necessary, the ultimate success and abundance come from God. We must trust in His provision and timing, recognizing that He is the source of all blessings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_modern_farms_match_oxen_yields.htm">Proverbs 14:4: How do we reconcile “abundant harvests” from oxen with modern agricultural methods that don’t rely on animal power? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_fulfilling_christ's_law.htm">Is the manger clean without any oxen present?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_manger_clean_without_oxen.htm">Is the manger clean without any oxen present?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_foods_are_mentioned_in_the_bible.htm">What foods are mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Where no oxen are, the crib is clean </span>. . .--A proverb which may be taken in various ways. Some have seen in it an exhortation to kindness towards animals in consideration of their great usefulness. Others, that labour has its disagreeable aspect, but also brings its reward, whether material prosperity ("much increase") or a more enduring reward. (Comp. <a href="/galatians/6-9.htm" title="And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.">Galatians 6:9</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Where no oxen</span> (<span class="accented">cattle</span>) <span class="cmt_word">are, the crib is clean.</span> This does not mean, as some take it, that labour has its rough, disagreeable side, yet in the end brings profit; but rather that without bullocks to labour in the fields, or cows to supply milk - that is, without toil and industry, and necessary instruments - the crib is empty, there is nothing to put in the granary, there are no beasts to fatten. The means must be adapted to the end. <span class="cmt_word">Much increase is by the strength of the ox.</span> This, again, is not an exhortation to kindness towards animals, which makes no antithesis to the first clause; but it is parallel with <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Proverbs 12:11</a>, and means that where agricultural works are diligently carried on (the "ploughing ox" being taken as the type of industry), large returns are secured. Septuagint, "Where fruits are plentiful the strength of the ox is manifest." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Where there are no</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">oxen,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ֭לָפִים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_504.htm">Strong's 504: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, an ox, cow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the manger</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵב֣וּס</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḇūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A crib, feeding trough</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is empty,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(bār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beloved, pure, empty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but an abundant</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rāḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">harvest comes</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝בוּא֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8393.htm">Strong's 8393: </a> </span><span class="str2">Product, revenue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through the strength</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹ֣חַ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A small reptile (of unknown species)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the ox.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֽׁוֹר׃</span> <span class="translit">(šō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7794.htm">Strong's 7794: </a> </span><span class="str2">A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-4.htm">Proverbs 14:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are the crib (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 14:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>