Proverbs - 23:30



30 Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 23:30.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
Surely they that pass their time in wine, and study to drink of their cups.
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to try mixed wine.
Those tarrying by the wine, Those going in to search out mixed wine.
Those who are seated late over the wine: those who go looking for mixed wine.
Is it not those who linger over wine, and who strive to be drinking from their cups?

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Mixed wine - Wine flavored with aromatic spices, that increase its stimulating properties Isaiah 5:22. There is a touch of sarcasm in "go to seek." The word, elsewhere used of diligent search after knowledge Proverbs 25:2; Job 11:7; Psalm 139:1, is used here of the investigations of connoisseurs in wine meeting to test its qualities.

They that tarry long at the wine; they that go (n) to seek mixed wine.
(n) Who by art make wine stronger and more pleasant.

They that tarry long at the wine,.... At drinking it. Do not care to stir from it when at it; spend whole days and nights in it, and are overcome by it, and so bring upon them all the above evils;
they that go to seek mixed wine, not wine mixed with water, as used commonly by temperate people in hot countries; but either mixed with spices, to make it more palatable, or with different sorts of wine, some very strong, and more heady and intoxicating; or mere wine meant; wine "poured out", as the word (q) signifies, where there is plenty of it; and such as are given to wine go and seek out such places, and where the best is to be had. So the Targum,
"they go and seek the house of mixture, or mixed wine;''
or, as the Syriac version,
"the house of feasting;''
and so the Arabic:
"where there are junketing and drinking bouts,''
as the Septuagint.
(q) "calicibus epotandi", V. L.

Mixt wine - Either mixed with water, or with other ingredients to make it strong and delicious.

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