Proverbs 20:28
Proverbs 20:28 in Multiple Translations
Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
Kindness and truth preserve the king; And his throne is upholden by kindness.
Mercy and good faith keep the king safe, and the seat of his power is based on upright acts.
Trustworthy love and faithfulness keep a king safe; trustworthy love supports his rule.
Mercie and trueth preserue the King: for his throne shall be established with mercie.
Kindness and truth keep a king, And he hath supported by kindness his throne.
Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy.
Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is strengthened by clemency.
Kings will continue to rule as long as they faithfully love their people and are loyal to them and as long as they rule righteously/fairly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:28
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 20:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶ֣סֶד
וֶ֭/אֱמֶת
יִצְּרוּ
מֶ֑לֶךְ
וְ/סָעַ֖ד
בַּ/חֶ֣סֶד
כִּסְאֽ/וֹ
חֶ֣סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms
וֶ֭/אֱמֶת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | N-fs
יִצְּרוּ
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מֶ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
וְ/סָעַ֖ד
çâʻad
H5582
to support
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בַּ/חֶ֣סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
Prep | N-ms
כִּסְאֽ/וֹ
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms | Suff
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 20:28
חֶ֣סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וֶ֭/אֱמֶת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
יִצְּרוּ
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
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.
וְ/סָעַ֖ד
çâʻad
H5582
"to support"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to support or comfort someone, like God comforting his people in the Bible. It appears in various forms, such as to sustain or strengthen. In the KJV, it is translated as comfort or establish.
Definition: 1) to support, sustain, stay, establish, strengthen, comfort 1a) (Qal) to support, sustain 1a1) to sustain, stay (of heart) 1a2) to support, uphold (of throne) Aramaic equivalent: se.ad (סְעַד "to support" H5583)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: comfort, establish, hold up, refresh self, strengthen, be upholden. See also: Genesis 18:5; Psalms 41:4; Psalms 18:36.
בַּ/חֶ֣סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
כִּסְאֽ/וֹ
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:28
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
27The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.
28Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. 30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:14 | A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:12 | Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. |
| 3 | Psalms 101:1 | I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:6 | By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil. |
| 5 | Psalms 26:1 | Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. |
| 6 | Psalms 21:7 | For the king trusts in the LORD; through the loving devotion of the Most High, he will not be shaken. |
| 7 | Isaiah 16:5 | in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness. |
| 8 | Psalms 61:7 | May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him. |
Proverbs 20:28 Summary
[This verse teaches us that a king's throne is secure when he shows loving devotion and faithfulness to his people and to God, as seen in Proverbs 20:28. This means being kind, fair, and honest, and trusting in God's guidance, just as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7. When we demonstrate these qualities in our own lives, we can build strong relationships and trust in God's plan for us. By following God's commands and being faithful, we can experience the peace and security that comes from knowing we are doing what is right, as promised in Isaiah 26:3-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of loving devotion and faithfulness in preserving a king?
Loving devotion and faithfulness are essential qualities for a king to maintain his throne, as they demonstrate his commitment to his people and to God, as seen in Proverbs 20:28 and supported by Deuteronomy 17:18-20, which emphasizes the importance of a king following God's law.
How can a king demonstrate loving devotion and faithfulness?
A king can demonstrate loving devotion and faithfulness by being just, fair, and compassionate towards his people, as encouraged in Proverbs 31:8-9, and by trusting in God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Is this verse only applicable to kings?
Although this verse specifically mentions a king, the principles of loving devotion and faithfulness can be applied to anyone in a position of leadership or authority, as emphasized in Matthew 20:26-28, which teaches that leaders should serve others with humility and compassion.
What happens if a king lacks loving devotion and faithfulness?
If a king lacks loving devotion and faithfulness, he may lose the trust and respect of his people, and ultimately, his throne, as warned in Proverbs 29:2, which states that when the wicked rule, the people groan, but when the righteous rule, the people rejoice.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I demonstrate loving devotion and faithfulness in my own life, whether in leadership or in my relationships with others?
- How can I prioritize building strong, faithful relationships with those around me, just as a king would with his people?
- What are some ways that I can show compassion and kindness to those in need, reflecting the heart of a king who rules with loving devotion and faithfulness?
- What does it mean to 'maintain my throne' in a spiritual sense, and how can I ensure that I am staying grounded in my faith and committed to following God's will?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:28
Mercy and truth preserve the king,.... Which are two good qualifications in a prince; not ruling his subjects with rigour and cruelty, but with tenderness and clemency; easing them as much as he can
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:28
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy. Mercy (toward the miserable and needy) and truth (in fulfilling his word) preserve the king.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
Mercy; clemency to offenders, and bounty to worthy and to indigent persons; and truth; faithfulness in keeping his word and promises inviolably; preserve the king, because they engage God to guard him, and gain him the reverence and affections of his people, which is a king’ s greatest safety and happiness. Mercy is again mentioned, to show that although it be an act of grace, and therefore in some sort free, yet princes are obliged to it, both by their duty and by their interest, because it is a singular means of their preservation.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
Proverbs 20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.Ver. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king.] These are the best guard of his body, and supporters of his throne. Mildness and righteousness, lenity and fidelity, do more safe guard a prince than munitions of rocks, or any warlike preparations, amidst which Henry IV of France perished, when Queen Elizabeth of England lived and died with glory. That French king, being persuaded by the Duke of Sully not to readmit the Jesuits, answered, Give me then security for my life. But he was shortly after stabbed to death by their instigation. When our queen, that stuck fast to her principles, was not more loved of her friends than feared of foes, being protected by God beyond expectation. Our King John thought to strengthen himself by gathering money, the sinews of war; but meanwhile he lost his people’ s affections, those joints of peace, and came, after endless turmoils, to an unhappy end. So did our late sovereign of bleeding memory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
(28) Mercy and truth preserve the king.—See above on Proverbs 3:3. The love and faithfulness he shows to his subjects draw out the same qualities in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. So (Psalms 130:4) the mercy shown by God inspires man with a reverent fear of Him, while harshness might have made him a slave, or driven him through despair into rebellion. (Comp. Jeremiah 33:9.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
Verse 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king] These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:28
28. Mercy and truth — Or, goodwill and truth: truth, goodwill, and kindness towards his subjects — truth and faithfulness in all his dealings with them — will secure the approbation and admiration of
Sermons on Proverbs 20:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight |
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Prayer for Rulers. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the importance of praying for those in authority, emphasizing the need to intercede for rulers and leaders as they face unique challenges and temptations |
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Letter - to King Charles Ii by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches a message to the king, urging him to govern with purity, peace, and righteousness, seeking guidance from God to avoid further shaking and dissettling of th |
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Revival - God's Finger Pointing by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message from Haggai chapter 1, verse 5, where God tells his people to consider their ways. The preacher emphasizes the tendency of peopl |
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Covenant Mercy by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound subject of God's mercy, emphasizing that it is not by human will or effort but by God's sovereign choice to show mercy and compassion. He d |