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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 21:31 A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_21_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:31 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The horse <i>is</i> prepared against the day of battle: but safety <i>is</i> of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The horse <i>is</i> prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance <i>is</i> of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But the victory belongs to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The horse is set for the day of battle, But salvation belongs to Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance <i>and</i> victory belong to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even if your army has horses ready for battle, the LORD will always win. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but victory is of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives victory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The horse may be prepared for the day of battle, but to the LORD goes the victory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory is from the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for a day of battle, "" And the deliverance [is] of YHWH!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A horse is prepared for a day of battle, And the deliverance is of Jehovah!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of war and salvation is to Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle: but the Lord giveth safety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of battle. But the Lord bestows salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD’s. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The horse may be prepared for the day of battle; but salvation is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The horse is prepared for the day of war, but salvation is of LORD JEHOVAH. <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The horse is prepared against the day of battle; But victory is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A horse is prepared for the day of battle; but help is of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-31.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=4370" 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/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sūs (N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">A horse</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: mū·ḵān (V-Hofal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">is prepared</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: lə·yō·wm (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">for the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">of battle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8668.htm" title="8668: hat·tə·šū·‘āh (Art:: N-fs) -- Deliverance, salvation. Or tshuah; from shava' in the sense of yasha'; rescue.">but victory</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">is of the LORD.</a> </span><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="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a></span><br />Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a></span><br />No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a></span><br />And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/1-7.htm">Hosea 1:7</a></span><br />Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a></span><br />But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Romans 8:37</a></span><br />No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-11</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-4</a></span><br />For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm">2 Timothy 2:1</a></span><br />You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4</a></span><br />because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">horse</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a></b></br> Some <i>trust</i> in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-17.htm">Psalm 33:17,18</a></b></br> An horse <i>is</i> a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver <i>any</i> by his great strength… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10</a></b></br> He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Psalm 3:3,8</a></b></br> But thou, O LORD, <i>art</i> a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-20.htm">Psalm 68:20</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> our God <i>is</i> the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord <i>belong</i> the issues from death.</p><p class="hdg">safety</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/144-10.htm">Psalm 144:10</a></b></br> <i>It is he</i> that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/psalms/94-1.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-2.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-29.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Rests</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Safety</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-8.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-10.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Deliverance</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Rests</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Safety</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</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/21.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/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A horse is prepared for the day of battle</b><br>In ancient times, horses were a symbol of military strength and power. Preparing a horse for battle involved extensive training and equipping, reflecting human effort and strategy. This phrase emphasizes the importance of preparation and diligence, acknowledging the role of human responsibility in warfare. Historically, horses were crucial in battles, as seen in various biblical accounts such as the Egyptian chariots pursuing the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/14-9.htm">Exodus 14:9</a>). The preparation of horses can also symbolize the broader concept of readiness and planning in life’s challenges.<p><b>but victory is of the LORD</b><br>This phrase highlights the sovereignty of God over human affairs, particularly in the outcome of battles. Despite human efforts and preparations, ultimate success and victory are determined by God. This reflects a recurring biblical theme that God is in control, as seen in stories like David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where God grants victory against overwhelming odds. It underscores the belief that reliance on God is paramount, and human strength alone is insufficient. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>, which contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord. Theologically, it points to the idea that true victory, both in physical and spiritual battles, comes from God’s intervention and grace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_horse.htm">The Horse</a></b><br>In ancient times, horses were symbols of strength and power, especially in warfare. They were essential for chariots and cavalry, representing human preparation and effort.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_battle.htm">The Day of Battle</a></b><br>This refers to times of conflict or challenge, whether literal battles or metaphorical struggles in life. It emphasizes moments when human effort is put to the test.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty and ultimate control over all events, including the outcomes of battles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/h/human_preparation_is_necessary.htm">Human Preparation is Necessary</a></b><br>While the verse underscores God's sovereignty, it also acknowledges the importance of preparation. We are called to be diligent and responsible in our efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/ultimate_trust_in_god.htm">Ultimate Trust in God</a></b><br>Despite our preparations, we must place our ultimate trust in God. Recognizing His control over outcomes fosters humility and reliance on His wisdom and power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_life's_battles.htm">God's Sovereignty in Life's Battles</a></b><br>In every challenge, whether personal, spiritual, or communal, we should remember that God is in control. This perspective can bring peace and confidence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balance_between_effort_and_faith.htm">Balance Between Effort and Faith</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to find a balance between doing their part and trusting God for the results. This balance is crucial for a mature faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/acknowledging_god's_role_in_success.htm">Acknowledging God's Role in Success</a></b><br>When victories come, it is important to give credit to God, acknowledging His hand in our successes and blessings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_human_efforts_succeed_without_god.htm">(Psalm 127:1) If a house can only stand with God’s help, why do we see so many successful endeavors achieved by purely human effort? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_ot_books_have_conflicting_numbers.htm">Why do different Old Testament books give conflicting numbers for the same censuses and battles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'god_fights_our_battles'.htm">What does "God fights our battles" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ecclesiastes_10_10_stress_effort_over_faith.htm">Does the advice to sharpen the axe in Ecclesiastes 10:10 imply a reliance on human effort over divine intervention, creating tension with texts that stress faith and dependence on God? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">The horse is prepared against the day of battle.</span>--These had been imported largely from Egypt in Solomon's time, though this was in direct contravention of the Law (<a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm" title="And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.">1Kings 4:26</a>, and <a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm" title="But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: for as much as the LORD has said to you, You shall from now on return no more that way.">Deuteronomy 17:16</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The horse is prepared against the clay of battle.</span> The horse is an emblem of military power and activity. To the earlier Jews, who were unaccustomed to its use, and indeed forbidden to employ it (<a href="/deuteronomy/17-16.htm">Deuteronomy 17:16</a>), the horse and horse-drawn chariots were objects of extreme terror (<a href="/joshua/17-16.htm">Joshua 17:16</a>; <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Judges 4:3</a>), and though Solomon had largely imported them from Egypt (<a href="/1_kings/4-26.htm">1 Kings 4:26</a>; <a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm">1 Kings 10:26</a>, etc.), these animals were used exclusively for war, and, at this time, their services were never applied to agricultural purposes. The proverb asserts that, though all preparations are made for the battle, and material forces are of the best and strongest description, <span class="cmt_word">but safety</span> (<span class="accented">victory</span>) <span class="cmt_word">is of the Lord</span> (see <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16</a>, etc.). Septuagint, "But from the Lord is the help (<span class="greek">ἡ βοήθεια</span>)." The great truth here taught may be applied to spiritual matters. The only safety against spiritual enemies is the grace of God; we can cry, with St. Paul (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-57.htm">1 Corinthians 15:57</a>), "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." "By the name 'horse,'" says St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 31:43), "is understood the preparation of right intention, as it is written, 'The horse is prepared,' etc.; because the mind prepares itself indeed against temptation, but contends not healthfully unless it be assisted from above." <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-31.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">A horse</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֗וּס</span> <span class="translit">(sūs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swallow, swift (type of bird)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is prepared</span><br /><span class="heb">מ֭וּכָן</span> <span class="translit">(mū·ḵān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the day</span><br /><span class="heb">לְי֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of battle,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְחָמָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but victory</span><br /><span class="heb">הַתְּשׁוּעָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hat·tə·šū·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8668.htm">Strong's 8668: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deliverance, salvation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] of the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝לַֽיהוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day (Prov. 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