Proverbs 25:25
Proverbs 25:25 in Multiple Translations
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
As cold water to a tired soul, so is good news from a far country.
Good news from a distant country is like cold water to an exhausted traveler.
As are the colde waters to a weary soule, so is good newes from a farre countery.
[As] cold waters for a weary soul, So [is] a good report from a far country.
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good tidings from a far country.
Receiving good news from a country far away refreshes our spirits like [SIM] cold water refreshes us when we are very thirsty.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:25
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 25:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַ֣יִם
קָ֭רִים
עַל
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
עֲיֵפָ֑ה
וּ/שְׁמוּעָ֥ה
ט֝וֹבָ֗ה
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
מֶרְחָֽק
מַ֣יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
קָ֭רִים
qar
H7119
cool
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
עֲיֵפָ֑ה
ʻâyêph
H5889
faint
Adj
וּ/שְׁמוּעָ֥ה
shᵉmûwʻâh
H8052
tidings
Conj | N-fs
ט֝וֹבָ֗ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מֶרְחָֽק
merchâq
H4801
distance
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:25
מַ֣יִם
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.
קָ֭רִים
qar
H7119
"cool"
Adj
This word means something is cool or calm, like a quiet spirit. It can also be translated as excellent or cold, depending on the context.
Definition: 1) cool 1a) cool, calm, self-possessed (of spirit)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cold, excellent (from the margin). See also: Proverbs 17:27; Proverbs 25:25; Jeremiah 18:14.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
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.
עֲיֵפָ֑ה
ʻâyêph
H5889
"faint"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means feeling faint or exhausted, like being very thirsty or weary. It is used to describe someone who is drained of energy. This word appears in descriptions of people who are struggling.
Definition: faint, exhausted, weary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: faint, thirsty, weary. See also: Genesis 25:29; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 143:6.
וּ/שְׁמוּעָ֥ה
shᵉmûwʻâh
H8052
"tidings"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means news or a report, often referring to a message or announcement, like the tidings of Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Luke.
Definition: 1) report, news, rumour 1a) report, news, tidings 1b) mention
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bruit, doctrine, fame, mentioned, news, report, rumor, tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 2:24; Isaiah 28:19; Psalms 112:7.
ט֝וֹבָ֗ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מֶרְחָֽק
merchâq
H4801
"distance"
N-ms
Merchaq means a distant place or far country, often used to describe a location that is far away. It can also imply a sense of remoteness or separation. This word is used in the Bible to describe geographical distance.
Definition: distant place, distance, far country
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: (a-, dwell in, very) far (country, off). See also H1023 (בֵּית הַמֶּרְחָק). See also: Psalms 138:6; Isaiah 33:17; Proverbs 25:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:25
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. 27It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:30 | The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones. |
| 2 | Romans 10:15 | And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” |
| 3 | Psalms 63:1 | O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:6 | And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. |
| 5 | Luke 2:10–11 | But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! |
| 6 | Exodus 17:2–3 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” |
| 7 | Nahum 1:15 | Look to the mountains— the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked will never again march through you; they will be utterly cut off. |
| 8 | Genesis 21:16–19 | Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she said, “I cannot bear to watch the boy die!” And as she sat nearby, she lifted up her voice and wept. Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. |
| 9 | Judges 15:18–19 | And being very thirsty, Samson cried out to the LORD, “You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he was revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day. |
| 10 | Psalms 42:1–2 | As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? |
Proverbs 25:25 Summary
This verse is saying that good news from a faraway place can be very refreshing and comforting, just like a cool drink of water on a hot day. When we're feeling tired, discouraged, or hopeless, hearing good news can lift our spirits and give us new energy, as seen in Psalm 42:11, which says 'why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God'. This verse reminds us that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that He can bring comfort and relief to our weary souls, as seen in Isaiah 40:31, which says 'those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for news to be 'good' in Proverbs 25:25?
In this context, 'good news' refers to news that brings comfort, relief, or joy, much like the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 1:16, which says 'the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes'.
Why is cold water compared to good news in this verse?
Cold water is compared to good news because just as cold water can quench our physical thirst and revive us, good news can revive our spirits and bring us comfort, much like the living water Jesus offers in John 4:14, which 'will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life'
What kind of 'distant land' is being referred to in this verse?
The 'distant land' in this verse is likely referring to a place that is far away, either physically or metaphorically, where news from that place would be a welcome surprise, much like the surprise of hearing the gospel for the first time, as described in Acts 2:39, which says 'the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off'
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
You can apply this verse by being a bearer of good news to those around you, whether it's sharing the gospel with someone who doesn't know Jesus, or simply being a source of encouragement and comfort to a friend or family member, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which says 'encourage one another and build one another up'
What is the significance of a 'weary soul' in this verse?
A weary soul is someone who is tired, discouraged, or feeling hopeless, and the good news from a distant land is a reminder that God is always working, even when we can't see it, and that He can bring comfort and relief to our weary souls, as seen in Matthew 11:28, which says 'come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can be a source of good news to those around me, and how can I use my words to bring comfort and encouragement to others?
- Reflect on a time when you received good news that brought you great joy and comfort - how did it make you feel, and how can you use that experience to minister to others?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is receptive to good news, and how can I share that news with others in a way that is meaningful and impactful?
- What are some things that can cause a soul to become 'weary', and how can I use this verse to minister to someone who is struggling with feelings of hopelessness or despair?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:25
[As] cold waters to a thirsty soul,.... Water is naturally cold; and is by classic writers expressed by "cold" itself (c), and is very refreshing to one athirst through heat: or, "to a weary soul"
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:25
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (As) cold waters to (literally, upon; cf. Isaiah 44:3) a thirsty soul, so (is) good news from a far country - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
Because it comes thither more rarely and difficultly after it hath been long expected and earnestly desired; all which circumstances make it more acceptable.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
Proverbs 25:25 [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.Ver. 25. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news.] This and many more of these proverbs Solomon might well utter out of his own experience, for he sent out into far countries for gold, horses, and other commodities, besides embassies of state, and inquiries into the natures and qualities of foreign parts and peoples. Of the conversion of other countries to the faith, he could not then hear, as we now may, and lately have good news from New England. Neither had he the happiness to hear that which we have not only heard, but "seen and handled of the word of life." He had επαγγελιαν, the promise; but we have ευαγγελιαν, the joyful tidings, the sum of all the good news in the world, as the angels, those first messengers, proclaimed it. "Jesus" is a short gospel, and the good news of him should drown all discontents - yea, make our very hearts dance levaltoes within us, as Abraham’ s did, though he heard of him only by the hearing of the ear, or saw him afar off. Heaven is called a "far country"; good news from thence brought in by the hand of the Holy Ghost, "witnessing with our spirits that we are the sons of God, and if sons, then heirs" of that far country, of that fair city "whose maker and builder is God," how welcome should that be to us, and how inexpressibly comfortable! See 1 Peter 1:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
(25) Good news from a far country.—This is suggestive of the little communication which in old times took place between distant countries.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:25
25. As cold waters, &c.] Comp. “quale per æstum Dulcis aquæ saliente sitim restinguere rivo.” Virg. Ecl. 25:46, 47. good news, &c.] Comp. Proverbs 15:30, and for illustration, “The heart of Jacob their father revived,” when he heard the good news from a far country, “Joseph is yet alive.” Genesis 45:25; Genesis 45:27. This proverb again admits of the highest reference.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:25
The craving of wanderers for news from the home that they have left is as a consuming thirst, the news that quenches it as a refreshing fountain.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
25. Thirsty soul — With the Hebrew the soul (nephesh) was regarded as the seat of sensuous feelings, and hence was frequently used concretely for the entire man.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Objections to Street Preaching Considered by William Taylor | William Taylor addresses common misconceptions about street preaching, emphasizing the necessity of a preacher's deep spiritual calling and practical approach to reach sinners effe |
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Looking Unto Jesus by Issac Ambrose | Isaac Ambrose preaches on the unparalleled excellence of knowing Jesus Christ and Him crucified, emphasizing that all other knowledge pales in comparison to the comfort, joy, and s |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now! by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith ser |
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Spurgeon a New Biography #1 by C.H. Spurgeon | The video is a sermon transcript about the calling and passion of a preacher. It emphasizes that when someone is truly called by the Holy Ghost to preach, they cannot help but do s |
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Fren-05 Message for Ywam by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the cataclysmic event of the earth being burned and consumed, as described in the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of conducting o |
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(Through the Bible) Nahum by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep and complete nature of God's love. He shares how his own loving nature can quickly change when those he loves are threatened. The ser |
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Evangelism I by Dana Congdon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gospeling, which he describes as a combination of show and tell. He refers to the gospel of Matthew, highlighting Jesus' au |