Lexical Summary manon: Dwelling place, habitation Original Word: מָנוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance son From nuwn; a continuator, i.e. Heir -- son. see HEBREW nuwn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps thankless one NASB Translation son (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מָנוֺן noun masculine dubious; only in ׳וְאַחֲרִיתוֺ יִהְיֶה מ Proverbs 29:21 Ew Now thankless one (Ethiopic  Di189); De "Brutstätte" i.e. father of numerous progeny (√ נון); < Be Str (who cites A. Müller), compare Wild., read מָדוֺן strife. מָנוֺס, מְנוּסָה see נוס. מָנוֺר see ניר. מְנוֺרָה see נור. [מִנְּזָרִים] see נזר. מנח (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence Proverbs 29:21 is the single place where מָנוֹן appears: “A servant pampered from youth will bring grief in the end.” (Berean Standard Bible) Immediate Literary Context The verse completes a cluster of sayings (Proverbs 29:19-27) that warn against misplaced indulgence and unchecked self-will. Here מָנוֹן marks the unwelcome “end” (אַחֲרִית) that follows a master’s continual pampering of a servant. The entire proverb moves from cause (lavish indulgence) to effect (costly consequence), reinforcing the book’s larger theme that actions inevitably ripen into harvests of wisdom or folly (Proverbs 1:31; Galatians 6:7). Sense and Nuance in Proverbs 29:21 Rather than naming a person (“heir” or “son”) or an emotion (“grief”), מָנוֹן summarizes the outcome of over-indulgence: a settled state of entitlement, presumption and disorder. The servant ceases to serve and, by grasping privilege without character, undermines the household’s stability. Solomon’s choice of a rare word underlines both the unusual nature of the term and the seriousness of the warning. Cultural Background 1. Household Servitude: In the Ancient Near East servants could rise to trusted positions (Genesis 24:2; Genesis 39:4-6). Favor, however, was always tied to loyalty. Theological and Ethical Themes • Stewardship of Authority: Scripture consistently links authority with responsibility (2 Samuel 23:3-4; Luke 12:42-48). The proverb cautions leaders—whether parents, employers, or pastors—against confusing kindness with indulgence. Connections with Broader Biblical Teaching Old Testament parallels: Eli’s failure to restrain his sons (1 Samuel 2:22-25, 29-30) and Adonijah’s pampered upbringing (1 Kings 1:5-6) provide narrative pictures of Proverbs 29:21. New Testament parallels: Paul urges masters to provide “what is right and fair” (Colossians 4:1) while maintaining order (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Jesus warns that unfaithful servants who abuse privilege will be judged (Luke 12:45-48). Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Leadership Training: Churches and families must combine affirmation with accountability, ensuring that gifted individuals develop servant hearts. Homiletic Outline (Sample) 1. The Gift of Authority (entrusted stewardship) Conclusion מָנוֹן stands as a lone yet potent reminder that untempered kindness can sabotage both leader and follower. True wisdom joins mercy with discipline, producing servants who, like Joseph, bless the house rather than burden it. Forms and Transliterations מָנֽוֹן׃ מנון׃ mā·nō·wn maNon mānōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 29:21 HEB: וְ֝אַחֲרִית֗וֹ יִהְיֶ֥ה מָנֽוֹן׃ NAS: Will in the end find him to be a son. KJV: from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length. INT: the end to be a son 1 Occurrence |
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lend, give a gift, 
loan, gift especially of she camel, sheep, or goat for milking, Phoenician מנחת, gift, offering).