Proverbs 18:18
Proverbs 18:18 in Multiple Translations
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.
The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty.
If two influential/important people are arguing, someone can settle the matter by ◄casting lots/throwing marked stones to decide who is right►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:18
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 18:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֭דְיָנִים
יַשְׁבִּ֣ית
הַ/גּוֹרָ֑ל
וּ/בֵ֖ין
עֲצוּמִ֣ים
יַפְרִֽיד
מִ֭דְיָנִים
midyân
H4079
contention
N-mp
יַשְׁבִּ֣ית
shâbath
H7673
to cease
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
הַ/גּוֹרָ֑ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
Art | N-ms
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
עֲצוּמִ֣ים
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Adj
יַפְרִֽיד
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:18
מִ֭דְיָנִים
midyân
H4079
"contention"
N-mp
Means contention or strife, describing a quarrel or dispute, as seen in the KJV translation of brawling or contention.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous). See also: Proverbs 18:18; Proverbs 21:19; Proverbs 18:19.
יַשְׁבִּ֣ית
shâbath
H7673
"to cease"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To keep the Sabbath means to rest and stop working, as commanded by God in the book of Exodus. This Hebrew word is used to describe the act of observing the Sabbath day, and is an important part of Jewish tradition and worship.
Definition: 1) to cease, desist, rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease 1a2) to rest, desist (from labour) 1b) (Niphal) to cease 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cease, put an end to 1c2) to exterminate, destroy 1c3) to cause to desist from 1c4) to remove 1c5) to cause to fail
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away. See also: Genesis 2:2; Isaiah 14:4; Psalms 8:3.
הַ/גּוֹרָ֑ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
וּ/בֵ֖ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עֲצוּמִ֣ים
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
יַפְרִֽיד
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:18
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. 20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:33 | The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 11:1 | Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 24:31 | As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 6:63 | The Merarites, according to their families, were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 10:21–27 | Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” Then Samuel explained to the people the rights of kingship. He wrote them on a scroll and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, each to his own home. Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, and the men of valor whose hearts God had touched went with him. But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. |
| 6 | Joshua 14:2 | Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 14:42 | Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected. |
Proverbs 18:18 Summary
This verse means that when we are in a disagreement or conflict, and we can't seem to resolve it on our own, we can trust God to help us make a decision. By surrendering our will to God's, we can find peace and resolution, even in difficult situations (as seen in Romans 8:28). It's not about relying on chance or luck, but about trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty. By doing so, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing God is in control, as promised in Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cast the lot' in Proverbs 18:18?
Casting the lot refers to a method of making decisions by randomly selecting an outcome, often using stones, sticks, or other objects, as seen in Proverbs 16:33 and Acts 1:26, where the apostles cast lots to choose a new apostle.
How can casting the lot end quarrels and separate strong opponents?
By leaving the decision to chance, or rather, to God's sovereignty, parties in conflict can accept the outcome as a divine decree, thus ending disputes, as illustrated in Proverbs 16:33, where the lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is from the Lord.
Is this verse encouraging us to use chance or luck to make decisions?
No, this verse is not promoting a reliance on chance or luck, but rather highlighting the importance of surrendering our decisions to God's will, as seen in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good to those who love God.
How does this relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that when we are in conflict or unsure of a decision, we should seek God's guidance and be willing to accept His will, as expressed in Psalm 37:5, which says to commit our way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently in conflict or struggling with decisions, and how can I apply the principle of surrendering to God's will?
- How do I typically approach decision-making, and are there any areas where I need to trust God more and rely on my own understanding less?
- What does it mean to 'separate strong opponents' in my own relationships, and how can I apply the wisdom of this verse to bring peace and resolution?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty in my daily life, and what are the benefits of doing so?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:18
The lot causeth contentions to cease,.... When a case cannot be determined among parties at variance in a private way, nor in a court of judicature, the lot is cast, and that puts an end to all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:18
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
Causeth contentions to cease, by determining the matters in difference. Parteth; maketh a partition, giveth to every one what is right or meet, by the disposition of Divine Providence. Between the mighty; so it doth also between mean persons, but he mentions the mighty because they are most prone to contention, and most fierce and intractable in it, and most capable of doing great mischief to themselves and others by it, and therefore they most need this remedy.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
Proverbs 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.Ver. 18. The lot causeth contentions to cease.] As it did in Joshua 14:2, where it is remarkable, that Joshua, that lotted out the land, left none to himself; and that portion that was given him, and he content with it, was but a mean one in the barren mountains. So again in Acts 1:26, where it is remarkable, that this Joseph, called Barsabas, seeing it was not God’ s mind by lot to make choice of him now to succeed Judas in the apostleship, was content with a lower condition; therefore, afterwards God called him to that high and honourable office of an apostle, if at least this Joseph Barsabas, were the same with that Joseph Barnabas in Acts 4:36, as the Centurists are of opinion.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
(18) The lot causeth contentions to cease, as being the judgment of God (Proverbs 16:33). And parteth between the mighty, who would otherwise settle their differences by blows.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
Verse 18. The lot causeth contentions to cease] See Clarke on Proverbs 16:33.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:18
Compare Proverbs 16:33 note. A tacit appeal to the Divine Judge gave a fairer prospect of a just decision than corruption Proverbs 18:16 or hasty onesidedness Proverbs 18:17.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
18. The lot… cease — Some read this in connexion with the preceding verse, and think that it justifies — and perhaps it does — the use of the lot in some legal cases, as well as in others.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Supremacy of Christ in an Age of Terror by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the reason for the existence of a troubled and terrorized world is not because God is not in control. The Bible clearly states that God |
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Of the Providence of God by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches on the providence of God, emphasizing how God's care extends even to the smallest details of creation, such as sparrows. He explains that providence involves |
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Look Up by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of looking up to God during life's storms, using the story of a sailor who found stability by focusing on his captain's voice. He reminds us t |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.11 - ch.13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges Nehemiah faced in getting people to live in Jerusalem. The city was in a state of disrepair and lacked opportunities for financ |
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A Peculiar Treasure by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a 'peculiar treasure' to God, drawing parallels between the voluntary commitment of the people in Nehemiah's time to dwell in |
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The Importance of Total Obedience by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the rise and fall of King Saul, emphasizing how Saul's humility turned into pride as he allowed his own reasoning and the opinions of others to influence |