Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 25:2 in Multiple Translations
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
It is the glory of God to keep a thing secret: but the glory of kings is to have it searched out.
God's greatness is in doing things that can't be known, while the greatness of kings is in revealing things.
The glorie of God is to conceale a thing secret: but the Kings honour is to search out a thing.
The honour of God [is] to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech.
We consider God to be great because he ◄acts in mysterious ways/does things that we cannot understand►; we consider kings to be great because they explain things.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:2
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 25:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּבֹ֣ד
אֱ֭לֹהִים
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
דָּבָ֑ר
וּ/כְבֹ֥ד
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
חֲקֹ֣ר
דָּבָֽר
כְּבֹ֣ד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
וּ/כְבֹ֥ד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
חֲקֹ֣ר
châqar
H2713
to search
V-Qal-Inf-a
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
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 25:2
כְּבֹ֣ד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
דָּבָ֑ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וּ/כְבֹ֥ד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-mp
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.
חֲקֹ֣ר
châqar
H2713
"to search"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
דָּבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:2
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
1These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched. 4Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 29:29 | The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law. |
| 2 | Romans 11:33–34 | O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 3 | Job 11:7–8 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? |
| 4 | Job 38:4–30 | Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment. Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken. Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this. Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides, so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home? Surely you know, for you were already born! And the number of your days is great! Have you entered the storehouses of snow or observed the storehouses of hail, which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of war and battle? In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth? Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew? From whose womb does the ice emerge? Who gives birth to the frost from heaven, when the waters become hard as stone and the surface of the deep is frozen? |
| 5 | Job 42:3 | You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 4:29–34 | And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations. Solomon composed three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing in the wall, and he taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. So men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. |
| 7 | Job 29:16 | I was a father to the needy, and I took up the case of the stranger. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 3:9–28 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. So if you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments, just as your father David did, I will prolong your days.” Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but the two of us. During the night this woman’s son died because she rolled over on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I was asleep. She laid him in her bosom and put her dead son at my bosom. The next morning, when I got up to nurse my son, I discovered he was dead. But when I examined him, I realized that he was not the son I had borne.” “No,” said the other woman, “the living one is my son and the dead one is your son.” But the first woman insisted, “No, the dead one is yours and the living one is mine.” So they argued before the king. Then the king replied, “This woman says, ‘My son is alive and yours is dead,’ but that woman says, ‘No, your son is dead and mine is alive.’” The king continued, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought him a sword, and the king declared, “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” Then the woman whose son was alive spoke to the king because she yearned with compassion for her son. “Please, my lord,” she said, “give her the living baby. Do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “He will be neither mine nor yours. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. By no means should you kill him; she is his mother.” When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
| 9 | Ezra 4:15 | that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. |
| 10 | Ezra 4:19 | I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. |
Proverbs 25:2 Summary
This verse means that God is glorious when He keeps some things secret, and leaders are glorious when they work hard to figure out what's going on. It's like when we can't see the whole picture, but we trust that God is in control, as seen in Romans 11:33-36. We can seek wisdom and knowledge, but we also need to trust in God's sovereignty and recognize that some things are beyond our understanding, as seen in Isaiah 55:9, which says that God's ways are higher than our ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God conceal matters from us?
God conceals matters from us to test our faith and trust in Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:29, which says that secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children forever.
What does it mean for kings to search out a matter?
For kings to search out a matter means for those in positions of authority and leadership to diligently seek out wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Is this verse only applicable to kings and those in power?
No, this verse is applicable to all believers, as we are all called to seek wisdom and understanding, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, which says that we will seek Him and find Him when we search for Him with all our heart.
How can we balance the idea of God concealing matters with the idea of seeking wisdom and knowledge?
We can balance these ideas by recognizing that God conceals matters for our own good, and that seeking wisdom and knowledge is not about uncovering every secret, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking to understand His ways, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to uncover hidden matters, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty instead?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and trust, recognizing that there are some things that are beyond my understanding?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom and knowledge, and how can I discern when to keep seeking and when to rest in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand the circumstances around me?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:2
[It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing,.... Secret things belong unto him, and they are kept so by him: many things which he does reveal, yet the "modus" or manner of them remains hidden; as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God; it is agreeable to the nature and highly conducing to the honour of God, because it is a testimony of his infinite wisdom and knowledge, of his absolute power and sovereignty, and of his other incomprehensible perfections. To conceal a thing; to keep his counsels and the reasons of his actions in his own breast, that he needs not to impart them to any other for their advice and assistance, as being self-sufficient both for the contrivance and execution of whatsoever pleaseth him, and accountable to none for any of his matters. But the honour of kings is; but kings must not affect to be like God in this respect, because they are creatures, and therefore ignorant and insufficient, and accountable to a higher authority; to search out a matter; in the conduct of their great affairs, not to lean to their own understandings, nor to be wedded to their own wills, but to communicate their counsels to others, that so they may search and find out the true and right way, and to be ready to give a satisfactory account of the justice and reasonableness of them, as occasion shall require.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
Proverbs 25:2 [It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings [is] to search out a matter.Ver. 2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.] That what we conceive not, we may admire ( mirari non rimari), and cry out with Paul, "O the depth," as the Romans dedicated to their goddess Victoria a certain lake, the depth whereof they could not dive into. God is much to be magnified for what he hath revealed unto his people in the holy Scriptures for their eternal good. But those unsearchable secrets of his - such as are the union of the three persons into one nature, and of two natures into one person, his wonderful decrees, and the no less wonderful execution thereof, &c. - these make exceeding much to the glory of his infinite wisdom and surpassing greatness, in speaking whereof our "safest eloquence is our silence," since tantum recedit quantum capitur, saith Nazianzen - much like that pool spoken of by Polycritus, which in compass at the first scarce seemed to exceed the breadth of a shield; but if any went in to wash, it extended itself more and more. But the honour of kings is to search out a matter.] As Solomon did that of the two harlots (1 Kings 3:16-28 Job 29:16). There are those who divide this book of Proverbs into three parts. In the first nine chapters things of a lower nature, and fit for instruction of youth, are set down and described. Next, from thence to this twenty-fifth chapter, the wise man discourseth of all sorts of virtues and vices, suitable to all sorts of people. Lastly, from this chapter to the end, he treateth, for the most part, higher matters, as of kings’ craft and state business. Aristotle
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
(2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.—For the more we search into the mysteries of nature or revelation, the more do we discover depths of which we had no idea before. God has so ordered things that man may not presume to measure himself with his Maker, but may recognise his own insignificance. (Comp. Romans 11:33, ff.) But the honour of kings is to search out a matter.—To see their way through political difficulties, and to unmask crime and fraud.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
Verse 2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing] This has been understood as referring to the revelation of God's will in his word, where there are many things concealed in parables, allegories, metaphors, similitudes, c. And it is becoming the majesty of God so to publish his will, that it must be seriously studied to be understood, in order that the truth may be more prized when it is discovered. And if it be God's glory thus partially to conceal his purposes, it is the glory of a king to search and examine this word, that he may understand how by Him kings reign and princes decree judgment. Prophecies are partially concealed and we cannot fully know their meaning till their accomplishment; and then the glory of God's wisdom and providence will be more particularly evident, when we see the event correspond so particularly and exactly with the prediction. I know not, however, that there are not matters in the Book of God that will not be fully opened till mortality is swallowed up of life. For here we see through a glass darkly; but there, face to face: here we know in part; but there we shall know as we also are known. On this subject I cannot withhold an extract of a letter sent to myself, by a royal and learned personage.* * His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex. "As far as I have presumed to dive into and occupy myself with the sacred volumes, I feel satisfied of their Divine origin and truth. And I am satisfied, likewise, that they contain more matter than any one, and myself in particular, can ever aspire fully to understand.
This belief, however, ought in nowise to slacken our diligence, or damp our ardour, in attempting a constant pursuit after the attainment of knowledge and truth; as we may flatter ourselves, although unable to reach the gate, we are still approaching nearer to its portals, which of itself is a great blessing." This sentiment will be approved by every pious and enlightened mind.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:2
2. conceal … search out] “To God it brings glory and admiration, that in governing the universe He follows out His own, and that a secret, counsel. To kings it is a source of glory to search out by their sagacity the difficult questions which belong to their office as kings, especially to the administration of justice in doubtful cases, so as diligently to enquire into the matters which are brought before them.”—Rosenm.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:2
The earthly monarch might be, in some respects, the type of the heavenly, but here there is a marked contrast.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:2
2. Glory of God to conceal — “The counsels, designs, and operations of God are (often) inscrutable, (Deuteronomy 29:29; Romans 11:33-34,) and man can only adore with reverent humility that which is above his reach.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Without Fault Before the Throne of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to seek cleansing and purity in their hearts. He emphasizes the importance of being able to stand before God and give an acc |
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Laws of the Spiritual Life #4 - the Law of Reaping by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking the preaching of the word of God seriously. He believes that every sermon he has ever preached will be revealed on |
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Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
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Revelation Necessary to Build the Church by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, live a godly life, and build a new covenant church. It highlights t |
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The Extent of Christ's Love by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves deep into the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the value of intimate fellowship with God and the importance of understanding the depth of |
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Ministry From 1 John 5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a visit to a movie lot and compares the façade of the western village to the superficiality of the world. He emphasizes the importance of fa |