Original Word: מָנוֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: manown
Pronunciation: mah-NOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-nohn')
KJV: son
NASB: son
Word Origin: [from H5125 (נוּן - increase)]

1. a continuator, i.e. heir

son

From nuwn; a continuator, i.e. Heir -- son.

see HEBREW nuwn

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps thankless one
NASB Translation
son (1).

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 lend, give a gift, loan, gift especially of she camel, sheep, or goat for milking, Phoenician מנחת, gift, offering).

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.
2. Inheritance Customs: While a childless master might adopt a servant as heir (Genesis 15:2-3), the practice assumed proven faithfulness. The proverb pictures the opposite—privilege granted before character is formed.
3. Education of Youth: Contemporary wisdom literature stresses disciplined upbringing (Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:13-14). Treating a servant “delicately” from childhood inverts that standard and produces the destructive result captured in מָנוֹן.

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.
• Formation of Character: Reproof and discipline are portrayed as love’s instruments (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:6-11). By neglecting these, the master fosters rebellion rather than gratitude.
• Consequences of Folly: מָנוֹן illustrates the biblical principle that indulgence can become its own judgment (Romans 1:24). The master’s misplaced generosity matures into grief or instability for the entire household.

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.
• Mercy Ministries: Generosity must be coupled with discipleship lest aid foster dependency rather than growth.
• Conflict Resolution: When entitlement surfaces, Proverbs 29:21 calls leaders to restore biblical boundaries promptly, preventing a small indulgence from becoming systemic disruption.

Homiletic Outline (Sample)

1. The Gift of Authority (entrusted stewardship)
2. The Temptation of Indulgence (pampering without discipline)
3. The Tragic End (מָנוֹן—privilege turned poison)
4. The Gospel Remedy (grace that trains, Titus 2:11-12)

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.

מָנֽוֹן׃ מנון׃ mā·nō·wn maNon mānōwnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts