Proverbs 31:4
Proverbs 31:4 in Multiple Translations
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?
Lemuel, kings shouldn't be drinking wine, rulers shouldn't be drinking alcohol.
It is not for Kings, O Lemuel, it is not for Kings to drink wine nor for princes strog drinke,
Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.
It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
Give not to kings, O Lamuel, give not wine to kings: because there is no secret where drunkenness reigneth:
Lemuel, kings should not be constantly drinking wine or greatly desire to drink other strong/alcoholic drinks.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 31:4
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 31:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֤ל
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֨ים
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
אַ֣ל
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֣ים
שְׁתוֹ
יָ֑יִן
וּ֝/לְ/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
או
אֵ֣י
שֵׁכָֽר
אַ֤ל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֨ים
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-mp
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
Lᵉmûwʼêl
H3927
Lemuel
N-proper
אַ֣ל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-mp
שְׁתוֹ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Inf-a
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
וּ֝/לְ/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
râzan
H7336
to rule
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
או
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
אֵ֣י
ʼay
H335
where?
Part
שֵׁכָֽר
shêkâr
H7941
strong drink
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 31:4
אַ֤ל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֨ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
Lᵉmûwʼêl
H3927
"Lemuel"
N-proper
Refers to Lemuel, a king and possibly Solomon, who wrote wise sayings in Proverbs 31. His name means 'for God' and he's mentioned as a wise and just ruler. His teachings are still valued today.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Pro.31.1 § Lemuel = "for God" 1) the name of an unknown king to whom his mother addressed the prudential maxims contained in some of the Proverbs 1a) might be same as king Solomon
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Lemuel. See also: Proverbs 31:1; Proverbs 31:4.
אַ֣ל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
לַֽ/מְלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
Prep | 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.
שְׁתוֹ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
וּ֝/לְ/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
râzan
H7336
"to rule"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
This word means to have power or authority over something or someone, often in a noble or honorable way. In the Bible, it is used to describe leaders who rule with wisdom and integrity.
Definition: (Qal) to be weighty, be judicious, be commanding
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Judges 5:3; Proverbs 31:4; Psalms 2:2.
או
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
אֵ֣י
ʼay
H335
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where or how, used to ask questions about location or method, as seen in various Bible translations, including how, what, or which way.
Definition: 1) whereto ?, whence? 2) which?, how? (in prefix with other adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: how, what, whence, where, whether, which (way). See also: Genesis 3:9; Job 2:2; Proverbs 31:4.
שֵׁכָֽר
shêkâr
H7941
"strong drink"
N-ms
Shekar refers to strong drink or intoxicating liquor in the Bible. It is an intensely alcoholic beverage that can cause drunkenness, as seen in Proverbs 31:6.
Definition: strong drink, intoxicating drink, fermented or intoxicating liquor
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: strong drink, [phrase] drunkard, strong wine. See also: Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 69:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 31:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 31:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 31:4
Context — The Sayings for King Lemuel
2What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?
3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,
5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. 6Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 10:17 | Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time— for strength and not for drunkenness. |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:22 | Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing beer, |
| 4 | Hosea 4:11–12 | Promiscuity, wine, and new wine take away understanding. My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:5 | and wealth indeed betrays him. He is an arrogant man never at rest. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and like Death, he is never satisfied. He gathers all the nations to himself and collects all the peoples as his own. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:16–20 | They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk. And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.” “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. |
| 7 | Daniel 5:2–4 | Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone. |
| 8 | Mark 6:21–28 | On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. |
| 9 | Hosea 7:3–5 | They delight the king with their evil, and the princes with their lies. They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by a baker who needs not stoke the fire from the kneading to the rising of the dough. The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him. |
| 10 | Isaiah 28:7–8 | These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. |
Proverbs 31:4 Summary
This verse reminds us that leaders, especially kings and rulers, should not drink too much wine or crave strong drink, because it can cloud their judgment and lead to poor decisions, as seen in Proverbs 31:5. It's essential for leaders to stay sober and responsible, just like we're advised to be alert and self-controlled in 1 Peter 5:8. By avoiding excessive drinking, leaders can make wise choices and serve their people well, and we can apply this principle to our own lives by being mindful of our actions and their impact on others, as encouraged in Galatians 5:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verse specifically mention kings and rulers in relation to drinking wine?
The verse highlights the importance of leaders being sober and responsible, as they have a significant impact on their people, as seen in Proverbs 31:4 and also in Romans 13:1-2, which emphasizes the role of leaders in upholding justice.
What is the significance of strong drink in this verse?
The term 'strong drink' refers to intoxicating beverages, and the verse warns against craving them, as they can lead to poor decision-making and forgetting one's responsibilities, as mentioned in Proverbs 31:5 and also in Ephesians 5:18, which advises against drunkenness.
Is this verse suggesting that drinking wine is always wrong?
While the verse cautions against excessive drinking, especially for leaders, it does not necessarily condemn moderate drinking, as seen in Psalm 104:14-15, which mentions wine as a gift from God, and in 1 Timothy 5:23, which advises drinking wine for health reasons.
How does this verse relate to modern-day leadership?
The principle of responsible leadership and avoiding substances that can impair judgment remains relevant today, as leaders in all areas of life, including politics, business, and ministry, should strive to be sober-minded and make wise decisions, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:8 and Titus 2:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which leaders can prioritize sobriety and responsible decision-making in their daily lives?
- How can we, as individuals, apply the principle of avoiding excessive drinking and craving strong drink to our own lives, and what benefits can we expect to experience?
- In what ways can we support and pray for our leaders to make wise decisions and avoid the pitfalls of excessive drinking, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-2?
- What are some potential consequences of leaders giving in to the temptation of strong drink, and how can we learn from these examples to make better choices in our own lives?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 31:4
[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel,.... It is not fit for them, it is very unbecoming them; it is dishonourable to them, to such as Lemuel was, or was likely to be; or far be it from kings, let no such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 31:4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: (It is) not for kings ... to drink wine. Let all intoxicating drink be put away from kings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
To drink wine, to wit, to drunkenness or excess, as the next verse explains it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
Proverbs 31:4 [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:Ver. 4. It is not for kings to drink wine,] i.e., To be "drunk with wine, wherein is excess," where the apostle determines excessive drinking to be downright drunkenness, viz., when as swine do their bellies, so men break their heads with filthy quaffing. This, as no man may lawfully do, so least of all princes; for in maxima libertate minima est licentia. Men are therefore the worse because they are bound to be better. Nor for princes strong drink.] Or, as some read it, Where is the strong drink? It is not for princes to ask such a question. All heady and intoxicating drinks are by statute here forbidden them. Of Bonosus the emperor it was said that he was born non ut vivat sed ut bibat, not to live but to drink; and when, being overcome by Probus, he afterwards hanged himself, it was commonly jested that a tankard hung there, and not a man. But what a beast was Marcus Antonius, that wrote (or rather spewed out) a book concerning his own strength to bear strong drink? And what another was Darius King of Persia, who commanded this inscription to be set upon his sepulchre, "I was able to hunt lustily, to drink wine soundly, and to bear it bravely." That Irish rebel Tiroen, A.D. 1567, was such a drunkard, that, to cool his body when he was immoderately inflamed with wine and whisky, he would many times be buried in the earth up to the chin.
These were unfit men to bear rule. Kυνηγεινεκρατουν, οινονπολυνπινειν, καιτουτονφερεινκαλως. - Strabo. Camden’ s Elisabeth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
(4) It is not for kings to drink wine.—Another of the temptations of kings. (Comp. 1 Kings 16:9; 1 Kings 20:16; Ecclesiastes 10:17.) Perversion of justice as the result of revelry is also noted by Isaiah (Isaiah 5:22-23). Comp. St. Paul’s advice to “use this world so as not abusing,” or rather “using it to the full” (1 Corinthians 7:31)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
Verse 4. It is not for kings - to drink wine] An intemperate man is ill fit to hold the reins of government.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 31:4
4. It is not for] or, Far be it from. for princes strong drink] Rather, for princes to say, Where is strong drink? This is the corrected Heb. reading for that noticed in R.V., marg., “Another reading is, to desire strong drink.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 31:4
Some read: “nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?” The “strong drink” Proverbs 20:1 was distilled from barley, or honey, or dates.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 31:4
4. Nor for princes strong drink — Or, the desire of strong drink.
Sermons on Proverbs 31:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 2 by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches about the importance of forgiveness and restoration in the church, emphasizing the need to embrace repentant brothers with Christian love, as shown in 2 Co |
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Anti-Booze Efforts by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday passionately preaches against alcohol, expressing his determination to combat the saloon culture that he believes leads to the destruction of lives and families. He em |
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Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |
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Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday | This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and |
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Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society. He highlights the new law passed by Congress, which imposes a two-dollar tax on whisk |
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Being Blessed by Jesus by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the Bible and the gospel rather than indulging in alcohol and worldly desires. He shares a story of a young co |
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The History of Rock - Part 1 by Alan Ives | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of playing good music and its impact on the attitude of Christians. He refers to First Thessalonians 5 and highlights the vari |