Proverbs 16:15
Proverbs 16:15 in Multiple Translations
When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
In the light of the king's face there is life; and his approval is like a cloud of spring rain.
If the king is smiling, you'll live; his blessing is like the clouds that bring spring rain.
In the light of the Kings coutenance is life: and his fauour is as a cloude of the latter raine.
In the light of a king's face [is] life, And his good-will [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.
In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
In the light of a king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
In the cheerfulness of the king’s countenance is life: and his clemency is like the latter rain.
If a king has a smile [MTY] on his face, he will enable people to have a long life (OR, he will not order people to be executed); his being pleased with people is as delightful as rain in the springtime when seeds are planted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/אוֹר
פְּנֵי
מֶ֥לֶךְ
חַיִּ֑ים
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
כְּ/עָ֣ב
מַלְקֽוֹשׁ
בְּ/אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
light
Prep | N-cs
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
Conj | N-ms | Suff
כְּ/עָ֣ב
ʻâb
H5645
cloud
Prep | N-cs
מַלְקֽוֹשׁ
malqôwsh
H4456
spring rain
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:15
בְּ/אוֹר
ʼôwr
H216
"light"
Prep | N-cs
Light, including natural light from the sun or stars, and also spiritual light from God. It can refer to happiness, prosperity, or understanding. In the Bible, God is often described as the source of light and life.
Definition: 1) light 1a) light of day 1b) light of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars) 1c) day-break, dawn, morning light 1d) daylight 1e) lightning 1f) light of lamp 1g) light of life 1h) light of prosperity 1i) light of instruction 1j) light of face (fig.) 1k) Jehovah as Israel's light
Usage: Occurs in 110 OT verses. KJV: bright, clear, [phrase] day, light (-ning), morning, sun. See also: Genesis 1:3; Psalms 78:14; Psalms 4:7.
פְּנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מֶ֥לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וּ֝/רְצוֹנ֗/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
כְּ/עָ֣ב
ʻâb
H5645
"cloud"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word means a dark cloud or a thicket, often used to describe a place of refuge or a sign of God's presence, as seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17. It can also refer to a cloudy or thick atmosphere. The word is used to describe natural phenomena and is found in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) darkness, cloud, thicket 1a) dark cloud 1b) cloud mass 1c) thicket (as refuge)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clay, (thick) cloud, [idiom] thick, thicket. Compare H5672 (עֲבִי). See also: Exodus 19:9; Psalms 18:13; Psalms 18:12.
מַלְקֽוֹשׁ
malqôwsh
H4456
"spring rain"
N-ms
The spring rain that helps crops grow is what this word describes, also used to symbolize eloquence in speech, like in Proverbs 16:15 and Hosea 6:3.
Definition: 1) latter rain, spring rain 1a) the March and April rains which mature the crops of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: latter rain. See also: Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Proverbs 16:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:15
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
14The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
15When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. 17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 72:6 | May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. |
| 2 | Job 29:23–24 | They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers. If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious. |
| 3 | Hosea 6:3 | So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. |
| 4 | Acts 2:28 | You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 30:5 | For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning. |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:12 | A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
| 7 | Psalms 21:6 | For You grant him blessings forever; You cheer him with joy in Your presence. |
| 8 | Psalms 4:6 | Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD. |
| 9 | Zechariah 10:1 | Ask the LORD for rain in springtime; the LORD makes the storm clouds, and He will give everyone showers of rain and crops in the field. |
Proverbs 16:15 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone in a position of authority, like a king, is happy and pleased with us, it can bring us joy and blessing, just like a refreshing spring rain brings life to plants. This is similar to how God's presence and favor can bring us joy and blessing, as seen in Psalm 16:11. The verse is encouraging us to seek to please and honor those in authority over us, and ultimately, to seek God's favor and blessing in our lives, as taught in Proverbs 3:1-4 and Matthew 5:3-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a king's face to brighten?
This phrase means that the king is pleased or happy, which brings life and blessing to those around him, as seen in Proverbs 16:15, and is similar to the joy and blessing that comes from God's presence in Psalm 16:11.
How is a king's favor like a rain cloud in spring?
Just as a rain cloud in spring brings much-needed water to plants and crops, a king's favor brings life, nourishment, and blessing to those who receive it, much like God's blessings in Deuteronomy 28:12 and Ezekiel 34:26.
Is this verse only talking about earthly kings?
While the verse does mention a king, the principle can also be applied to God as the ultimate King, whose favor and blessing bring life and joy to His people, as seen in Numbers 6:25-26 and Psalm 30:5.
What is the significance of the king's favor in relation to the previous verse about the king's wrath?
The contrast between the king's wrath in Proverbs 16:14 and his favor in Proverbs 16:15 highlights the importance of seeking to please and honor the king, and by extension, God, in order to receive blessing and avoid judgment, as taught in Proverbs 24:23-25 and Romans 2:6-11.
Reflection Questions
- How can I seek to bring joy and brightness to the 'face' of those in authority over me, whether that be a parent, teacher, or employer?
- What are some ways that I have experienced the 'favor' of God or others in my life, and how has that impacted me?
- What can I learn from the metaphor of a rain cloud in spring about the way that God's blessings can bring nourishment and growth to my life?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that His favor is what brings true life and blessing, as taught in James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:5-7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance [is] life,.... When he looks with a pleasant smiling countenance on a person that has been under his displeasure, and especially if under a sentence of death,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king’ s countenance is life; his favour and smiling countenance is most sweet and refreshing, especially to him that was under a sentence of death, . His favour is as a cloud of the latter rain; as acceptable as those clouds which bring the latter rain, whereby the fruits are filled and ripened a little before the harvest; of which see .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king’ s countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain. Ver. 15. In the light of the king’ s countenance is life.] As when it is well with the head, it is the better with all the members; and as when the sky is clear, the bodies of men are in better temper. When David had given Ziba the land, "I humbly beseech thee," said he, "that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord king." As if he should say, I had rather have the king’ s favour than the lands. Artabazus (in Xenophon) complained when Cyrus had given him a cup of gold, and Chrysantas a kiss in token of his special favour, saying, that the cup that he gave him was not so good gold as the kiss that he gave Chrysantas. “ Ut mala nulla feram nisi nudam Caesaris iram, Nuda parum nobis Caesaris ira mali est?’ - Ovid. And his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.] That refresheth the ground after drought, and ripeneth the corn before harvest. In the island of St Thomas, on the back side of Africa, in the midst of it is a hill, and over that a continual cloud wherewith the whole island is watered. Christo optime congruit haec sententia, saith Lavater here. This saying of Solomon may very fitly be applied to Christ, the King Immortal. "He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the earth"; one cast of his countenance is more worth to a David than all the world’ s wealth, yea, more worth than the corporeal presence of Christ: therefore he tells his disciples they shall be great gainers by losing of him; for I will send you the Comforter, who shall seal up my love to you, and shed it abroad in your hearts.
Abbot’ s Geography, 251.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
(15) A cloud of the latter rain.—This fell at the end of March, maturing the barley and wheat crops before the harvest in April. It was eagerly looked for as of great importance. (Comp. Psalms 72:6 for the same figure.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:15
15. the latter rain] i.e. the spring rain, which swelled and matured the corn for harvest, just as the “former” or autumn rain prepared the ground, after the drought of summer, for the sowing. Such a cloud was big with the double blessing of the fertilizing shower and the consequent harvest. Comp. the description by “The sweet Psalmist of Israel”: “One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God, He shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds; When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain.”—2 Samuel 23:3-4, R.V. And again: “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, As showers that water the earth.”—Psalms 72:6.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:15
The “latter rain” is that which falls in March or April just before the harvest.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:15
15. Light of the king’s countenance — When a man is pleased his countenance lights up.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Awakening of 1859 in Britain and Elsewhere by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the revival of religion in South Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere in 1859. They highlight the positive changes that have occurred |
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(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |
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Xxii. to Mr Hugh Mackail, Minister of the Gospel at Irvine by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford expresses gratitude for the spiritual revival he has experienced, comparing it to rain on mown grass and the dew of herbs. He finds security in his current circum |
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Lawn Care by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the analogy of God's work in our lives to a King mowing His lawns, symbolizing the trials and challenges we face that shape and refine us. Just as |
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On the Design of the Gospel by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the design of the Gospel, highlighting the dreadful change sin has brought upon man, the glorious purpose of the Gospel to reveal God's infinite perfection |
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Letter 188. by James Bourne | James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Des |
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The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes |