Bible Strands
Proverbs 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The wisdom author addresses readers of the Proverbs collection with a concise proverb, placed between a warning against mocking the poor and a rebuke of foolish eloquence.
The words — עֲטֶ֣רֶת ('a.Te.ret) means "crown," and תִפְאֶ֖רֶת (tif.'E.ret) means "honor" or "glory," both functioning as metaphors for the value descendants bring to their elders.
The thread — The theme of children as a divine reward appears in Psalms 127:3, the crown imagery for aged righteousness runs in Proverbs 16:31, and multigenerational provision is stated in Proverbs 13:22.
Why it lands — The text states that grandchildren are the crown of the aged and that a son's glory is his father, requiring readers to treat family continuity as a tangible honor rather than a burden or mere biological fact.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Cross-references
- Psalms 127:3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
- Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
- Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
- Psalms 128:3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table.
- Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
- Genesis 50:23 He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.
- 1 Kings 11:12 Nevertheless, for the sake of your father David, I will not do it during your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son.
- 1 Kings 15:4 Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong.
- Job 42:16 After this, Job lived 140 years and saw his children and their children to the fourth generation.