Proverbs 25:21
Proverbs 25:21 in Multiple Translations
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:
If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if he's thirsty, give him a drink of water.
If hee that hateth thee be hungry, giue him bread to eate, and if he be thirstie, giue him water to drinke.
If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
If thy enemy shall hunger, give him bread to eat; and if he shall thirst, give him water to drink:
If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink:
If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink;
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:21
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 25:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
רָעֵ֣ב
שֹׂ֭נַאֲ/ךָ
הַאֲכִלֵ֣/הוּ
לָ֑חֶם
וְ/אִם
צָ֝מֵ֗א
הַשְׁקֵ֥/הוּ
מָֽיִם
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
רָעֵ֣ב
râʻêb
H7457
hungry
Adj
שֹׂ֭נַאֲ/ךָ
sânêʼ
H8130
to hate
V-Qal | Suff
הַאֲכִלֵ֣/הוּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
צָ֝מֵ֗א
tsâmêʼ
H6771
thirsty
Adj
הַשְׁקֵ֥/הוּ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
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 25:21
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
רָעֵ֣ב
râʻêb
H7457
"hungry"
Adj
A person who is hungry is described by this Hebrew word, which appears in books like Deuteronomy and Amos. Hunger can be a physical or emotional state, and the Bible addresses both aspects.
Definition: 1) hungry 1a) hungry 1b) hungry man (subst) 1c) of failing strength (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hunger bitten, hungry. See also: 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 146:7; Psalms 107:5.
שֹׂ֭נַאֲ/ךָ
sânêʼ
H8130
"to hate"
V-Qal | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
הַאֲכִלֵ֣/הוּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לָ֑חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
צָ֝מֵ֗א
tsâmêʼ
H6771
"thirsty"
Adj
This word describes someone or something that is thirsty, like a person in a desert or a soul searching for God, as seen in Matthew 5:6 where Jesus talks about those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. It can also mean being thirsty for knowledge or fulfillment.
Definition: thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (that) thirst(-eth, -y). See also: Deuteronomy 29:18; Isaiah 21:14; Psalms 107:5.
הַשְׁקֵ֥/הוּ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:21
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. 23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 12:20–21 | On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:44 | But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 3 | Exodus 23:4–5 | If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. |
| 4 | Proverbs 24:17 | Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, |
| 5 | Luke 10:33–36 | But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 28:15 | Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 6:22 | “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” |
Proverbs 25:21 Summary
[This verse is teaching us to show kindness to people who may not be kind to us, even if they have hurt or wronged us in some way. By giving them food and water, we are showing them that we care about their well-being, just as God cares about ours, as seen in Psalm 23:5. This doesn't mean we have to be friends with them or trust them, but rather that we should strive to treat them with compassion and respect, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44. By doing so, we can trust that God will reward us and bring good out of the situation.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Proverbs 25:21 mean we should always try to be friends with our enemies?
While Proverbs 25:21 encourages us to show kindness to our enemies, it does not necessarily imply that we should strive for a close friendship with them, as seen in the example of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
How can giving food and water to an enemy possibly be beneficial to us?
According to Proverbs 25:22, showing kindness to our enemies can have a profound impact on them, and the Lord will reward us for our actions, as also seen in Luke 6:35, where Jesus teaches that we will be rewarded for loving our enemies.
Is this verse only talking about physical hunger and thirst, or can it be applied to spiritual needs as well?
While the verse specifically mentions physical needs, the principle of showing kindness and compassion can be applied to spiritual needs as well, as seen in Isaiah 55:1, where God invites those who are thirsty to come and drink from the waters of salvation.
Does this verse imply that we should put ourselves in harm's way to help an enemy?
No, Proverbs 25:21 does not suggest that we should compromise our own safety or well-being to help an enemy; rather, it encourages us to show kindness and compassion in a way that is safe and responsible, as seen in the example of Jesus' teaching in Romans 12:18 to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness to someone who may be considered an 'enemy' in my life, whether that be a difficult coworker, a challenging family member, or someone who has wronged me in the past?
- How can I balance the desire to show compassion and kindness to my enemies with the need to protect myself and maintain healthy boundaries?
- What are some potential risks or challenges of showing kindness to an enemy, and how can I prepare myself for those possibilities?
- How can I trust that God will reward me for showing kindness to my enemies, even if I don't see immediate results or positive outcomes?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:21
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat,.... Which includes all manner of food; whatever persons may have in their houses, that they should bring out and feed the hungry with, even though an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:21
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread. Quoted in Romans 12:20; Exodus 23:4-5; cf. Introduction to Poetical Books.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
By bread and water he understands all things necessary for his subsistence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
Proverbs 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:Ver. 21. If thine enemy be hungry.] Elisha did so: he feasted his persecutors by a noble revenge, and provided a table for those who had provided a grave for him. Those Syrians came to Dothan full of bloody purposes to Elisha; he sends them from Samaria full of good cheer and jollity. Thus, thus should a Christian punish his pursuers, no vengeance but this is heroic and fit for imitation. Dr Hall’ s Contempt.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
Verse 21. If thine enemy be hungry] See this and the next verse explained, Romans 12:20.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:21
A precept reproduced by Paul Romans 12:20; the second clause of which seems at first sight to suggest a motive incompatible with a true charity. Leviticus 16:12 suggests an explanation.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:21
21, 22. If thine enemy be hungry… thirsty — These verses are translated by the Seventy more literally than is their wont, only adding in Proverbs 25:22, τουτογαρποιων, “in so doing.” In this form
Sermons on Proverbs 25:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Overcoming Evil With Good by Vernon Helmuth | The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God ofte |
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Sermon on the Mount - Part 10 by David Servant | This sermon delves into Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on how he raised the bar for righteousness, corrected false teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, an |
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The Necessity of Forgiving One Another by David Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the theme of forgiveness, highlighting the vertical aspect of God's forgiveness towards us and the horizontal aspect of our forgiveness towards others. The s |
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Day 5, Matthew 5 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the importance of examining ourselves in light of the identifying characteristics of the blessed in the Beatitudes, to determine if we are on the road to |
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The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |
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Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom | In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar |
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The Power of Kindness by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness in our lives as Christians. He mentions that while people may know the Bible, speak in tongues, or preach, they ma |