Proverbs 20:2
Proverbs 20:2 in Multiple Translations
The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: He that provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own life.
The wrath of a king is like the loud cry of a lion: he who makes him angry does wrong against himself.
When a king gets terribly angry, he sounds like a roaring lion; anyone who makes him furious is liable to be killed.
The feare of the King is like the roaring of a lyon: hee that prouoketh him vnto anger, sinneth against his owne soule.
The fear of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, He who is causing him to be wroth is wronging his soul.
The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
As the roaring of a lion, so also is the dread of a king: he that provoketh him, sinneth against his own soul.
Being afraid of a king when he is angry is like [SIM] being afraid of a lion when it growls/roars; if you cause the king to become angry, he may execute you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:2
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 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֣הַם
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
אֵ֣ימַת
מֶ֑לֶךְ
מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗/וֹ
חוֹטֵ֥א
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
נַ֣הַם
naham
H5099
roaring
N-ms
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
kᵉphîyr
H3715
lion
Prep | N-ms
אֵ֣ימַת
ʼêymâh
H367
terror
N-fs
מֶ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗/וֹ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Hithpael | Suff
חוֹטֵ֥א
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:2
נַ֣הַם
naham
H5099
"roaring"
N-ms
Roaring refers to the loud, fierce cry of a lion or the anger of a king, symbolizing great power and intensity.
Definition: 1) growling, roaring 1a) of lion 1b) of king's wrath (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: roaring. See also: Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 20:2.
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
kᵉphîyr
H3715
"lion"
Prep | N-ms
This word can mean either a village or a young lion. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or an animal, like a lion with a mane. The KJV translates it as lion or village.
Definition: young lion
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, village. Compare H3723 (כָּפָר). See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 2:15; Psalms 17:12.
אֵ֣ימַת
ʼêymâh
H367
"terror"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for terror or dread, used to describe fear or horror, and sometimes an idol that inspires fear. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of awe or fright. This word is used in various contexts, including descriptions of God's power.
Definition: terror, dread
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dread, fear, horror, idol, terrible, terror. See also: Genesis 15:12; Job 20:25; Psalms 55:5.
מֶ֑לֶךְ
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.
מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗/וֹ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Hithpael | Suff
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
חוֹטֵ֥א
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:2
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel. 4The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:12 | A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:4 | If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 2:23 | Then King Solomon swore by the LORD: “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if Adonijah has not made this request at the expense of his life. |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 5 | Hosea 11:10 | They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west. |
| 6 | Proverbs 16:14–15 | The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. |
| 7 | Habakkuk 2:10 | You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. |
| 8 | Amos 3:8 | The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy? |
| 9 | Numbers 16:38 | As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.” |
Proverbs 20:2 Summary
This verse is saying that when we provoke or anger someone in a position of authority, like a king, we can face serious consequences. It's like when a lion roars, you know to stay away because it's powerful and can hurt you. In the same way, we should be careful not to provoke those in authority over us, whether it's a parent, teacher, or government leader, as seen in Romans 13:1-7. By showing respect and submission, we can avoid trouble and live in peace, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which says that a good name is more desirable than great riches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to provoke a king in Proverbs 20:2?
To provoke a king in this context means to anger or defy him, which can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the example of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:1-53, who sought to take the throne from his father, King David, and ultimately faced the king's wrath.
Is this verse only talking about earthly kings, or is there a spiritual application?
While the verse is literally referring to earthly kings, it can also be applied spiritually to our relationship with God, as seen in Psalm 2:12, which warns against provoking the Lord's wrath by rebelling against Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of authority and submission?
This verse highlights the importance of respecting and submitting to authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-7, which instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that they are established by God.
What does it mean to 'forfeit his own life' in this context?
To forfeit one's life in this context means to face severe punishment or even death, as seen in the example of Haman in Esther 7:1-10, who provoked the king's wrath and ultimately faced execution.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be provoking God or those in authority over me, and how can I change my behavior to show respect and submission?
- How can I balance the need to respect authority with the need to stand up for what is right and just, as seen in Acts 5:29?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more mindful of the consequences of my actions, and how can I seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and respect for those in authority over me, as seen in Philippians 2:3-8?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of self-control and wise decision-making in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion,.... The wrath and displeasure of a king, which causes fear; see Proverbs 19:12; kings should be terrors to evil works and workers, though not to good ones, Romans 13:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king, passively taken, the terror which the wrath of a king causeth, by comparing this with . Sinneth against his own soul; exposeth himself to manifest danger of death.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king [is] as the roaring of a lion: [whoso] provoketh him to anger sinneth [against] his own soul.Ver. 2. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion.] See Proverbs 16:14; Proverbs 19:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
(2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion, i.e., the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger. Sinneth against his own soul—i.e., against his own life.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
Verse 2. The fear of a king] Almost the same with Proverbs 19:12, which see.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:2
2. is as] The terror inspired by a king is like that caused by the roaring of a lion in act to spring upon its prey. See 1 Peter 5:8. soul] i.e. life, as R.V. with “Heb. soul,” in the marg. Comp. Habakkuk 2:10.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:2
Sinneth against his own soul - i. e., Against his own life (compare Habakkuk 2:10).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:2
2. The fear of a king — The dread, terror, which a king inspires in those brought before him. Provoketh him — Stirs him up to anger. Sinneth against his own soul — Against his life, or himself; forfeits his life. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jap-08 God Requires the Past by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing our sins and the sins of our ancestors. He specifically mentions the Jewish people and their |
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Bible Survey - Hosea by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Hosea, highlighting God's steadfast love for His people despite their unfaithfulness, depicted through Hosea's marital experience with Gomer. |
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The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adv |
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The Author & the End of Theology by James Arminius | James Arminius preaches about the importance of embracing Sacred Theology, focusing on the Object, Author, End, and Certainty of this divine science. He emphasizes the necessity of |
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Bible Survey - Amos by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the prophet Amos, a humble and bold shepherd who fearlessly proclaimed God's truth to the Northern tribes of Israel during a time of peace and prosperity. |
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Reverence for God's Word by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of reverence for God's Word through the example of Micaiah, a faithful prophet who refused to compromise his message for the sake of plea |