Proverbs 19:12
Proverbs 19:12 in Multiple Translations
A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass.
The king's wrath is like the loud cry of a lion, but his approval is like dew on the grass.
When a king gets angry, he sounds like a roaring lion; but his kindness is as soft as dew on the grass.
The Kings wrath is like the roaring of a lyon: but his fauour is like the dewe vpon ye grasse.
The wrath of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.
The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew upon the grass.
As the roaring of a lion, so also is the anger of a king: and his cheerfulness as the dew upon the grass.
When a king is angry, that causes people to be afraid of him, like the roar of a lion causes people to be afraid [SIM], but if he acts kindly toward people, they like it just like they like dew on the grass in the morning.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:12
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 19:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֣הַם
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
זַ֣עַף
מֶ֑לֶךְ
וּ/כְ/טַ֖ל
עַל
עֵ֣שֶׂב
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
נַ֣הַם
naham
H5099
roaring
N-ms
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
kᵉphîyr
H3715
lion
Prep | N-ms
זַ֣עַף
zaʻaph
H2197
rage
N-ms
מֶ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
וּ/כְ/טַ֖ל
ṭal
H2919
dew
Conj | Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֵ֣שֶׂב
ʻeseb
H6212
vegetation
N-ms
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
acceptance
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 19:12
נַ֣הַם
naham
H5099
"roaring"
N-ms
Roaring refers to the loud, fierce cry of a lion or the anger of a king, symbolizing great power and intensity.
Definition: 1) growling, roaring 1a) of lion 1b) of king's wrath (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: roaring. See also: Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 20:2.
כַּ֭/כְּפִיר
kᵉphîyr
H3715
"lion"
Prep | N-ms
This word can mean either a village or a young lion. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or an animal, like a lion with a mane. The KJV translates it as lion or village.
Definition: young lion
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, village. Compare H3723 (כָּפָר). See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 2:15; Psalms 17:12.
זַ֣עַף
zaʻaph
H2197
"rage"
N-ms
This word means intense rage or anger, like a storm. In Psalm 124:3, it is used to describe how God's enemies were consumed by rage against Him. It is a strong feeling of anger or fury that can be overwhelming.
Definition: rage, raging, storming, indignation
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: indignation, rage(-ing), wrath. See also: 2 Chronicles 16:10; Isaiah 30:30; Proverbs 19:12.
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.
וּ/כְ/טַ֖ל
ṭal
H2919
"dew"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dew, or the moisture that covers plants and grass overnight. It is often used to describe the natural world and the cycle of nature.
Definition: dew, night mist Aramaic equivalent: tal (טַל "dew" H2920)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: dew. See also: Genesis 27:28; Job 29:19; Psalms 110:3.
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.
עֵ֣שֶׂב
ʻeseb
H6212
"vegetation"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means vegetation or grass, representing growth and new life. It is used in Genesis 1:11 to describe the creation of plants and in Psalm 23:2 to describe a peaceful landscape.
Definition: herb, herbage, grass, green plants Aramaic equivalent: a.sav (עֲשַׂב "grass" H6211B)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: grass, herb. See also: Genesis 1:11; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 92:8.
רְצוֹנֽ/וֹ
râtsôwn
H7522
"acceptance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to acceptance or delight, often used to describe God's pleasure or favor. It appears in Psalms and Isaiah, highlighting God's goodwill towards us. This word is about taking pleasure in something.
Definition: 1) pleasure, delight, favour, goodwill, acceptance, will 1a) goodwill, favour 1b) acceptance 1c) will, desire, pleasure, self-will
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: (be) acceptable(-ance, -ed), delight, desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will, as...(what) would. See also: Genesis 49:6; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 5:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:12
Context — The Man of Integrity
10Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
11A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. 14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 14:5 | I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:2 | The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:14–15 | The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. |
| 4 | Luke 12:4–5 | I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! |
| 5 | Proverbs 28:15 | Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people. |
| 6 | Psalms 133:3 | It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore. |
| 7 | Daniel 6:24 | At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. |
| 8 | Daniel 5:19 | Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 23:4 | is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ |
| 10 | Micah 5:7 | Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind. |
Proverbs 19:12 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 19:12, teaches us that a person in power, like a king, can have a huge impact on our lives - either for good or for bad. Just like a lion's roar can be scary, a king's anger can be very frightening, but his favor can be like a cool, refreshing drink on a hot day, bringing new life and nourishment (as seen in Psalm 72:6). We can apply this to our own lives by trying to be kind and understanding towards others, and by seeking to please those in authority over us, as we see in Romans 13:1-2. By doing so, we can create a positive and uplifting environment for those around us, just as a king's favor can bring joy and prosperity to his people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the comparison between a king's rage and a lion's roar mean?
This comparison, as seen in Proverbs 19:12, highlights the intense and potentially destructive nature of a king's anger, similar to how a lion's roar can evoke fear and signal danger, as noted in Proverbs 30:29-31 where the lion is listed among creatures that are stately in their stride.
How does a king's favor compare to dew on the grass?
The favor of a king, like dew on the grass, brings refreshment, nourishment, and new life, as seen in Psalm 72:6 where the king's reign is compared to showers that nourish the earth, and in Isaiah 44:3-4 where God's blessing is likened to water and dew that bring growth and prosperity.
What can we learn from the contrast between a king's rage and his favor in this verse?
This contrast, found in Proverbs 19:12, teaches us about the importance of seeking to please those in authority over us, as we see in Romans 13:1-2, and about the value of humility and kindness, as emphasized in Proverbs 22:1, which notes that a good name is to be chosen over great riches.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives, especially in our relationships with others?
Proverbs 19:12 reminds us that our words and actions can have a profound impact on those around us, much like a king's rage or favor, and encourages us to strive for kindness, compassion, and understanding, as seen in Ephesians 4:32, where we are called to be kind and forgiving towards one another, just as God has been towards us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can show kindness and favor to those around me, just as a king's favor is like dew on the grass?
- How can I avoid provoking the 'rage' of those in authority over me, and instead seek to please them through my actions and attitude, as taught in Colossians 3:20?
- In what ways can I be a source of refreshment and nourishment to those around me, just as dew on the grass brings new life?
- What are some practical ways in which I can apply the principles of humility and kindness, as emphasized in this verse, to my relationships with others, especially in difficult or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:12
The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion,.... Which is very terrible when hungry, and is after its prey, and has got it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:12
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion - (therefore his subjects should beware of provoking him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
Proverbs 19:12 The king’ s wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass. Ver. 12. The king’ s wrath is as the roaring of a lion.] Heb., Of a young lion, which, being in his prime, roars more terribly; sets up his roar with such a force that he amazeth the other creatures whom he hunteth, so that, though far swifter of foot than the lion, they have no power to fly from him. Kings have long hands, strong clutches. Good therefore is the wise man’ s counsel in Ecclesiastes 8:2-4. Ambros., Hexs., lib. vi. cap. 5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
Verse 12. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion] There is nothing more dreadful than the roaring of this tyrant of the forest. At the sound of it all other animals tremble, flee away, and hide themselves. The king who is above law, and rules without law, and whose will is his own law, is like the lion. This is strongly descriptive of the character of Asiatic sovereigns.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:12
12. as dew upon the grass] Comp. Proverbs 16:15; Psalms 72:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:12
12. King’s wrath — The verse presents a striking picture of an Oriental despot, on whose smile or frown life or death depends. The word rendered lion means a young lion, said to be the strongest and fiercest. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Refreshing Dew by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the significance of the dew in Hosea 14:5 as a symbol of spiritual refreshing, emphasizing the need for Christian workers to receive daily renewal of |
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Epistle 379 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's spiritual life while engaging in outward missions, particularly in America. He encourages his friends to cultivate their hea |
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Sometimes We Grow and Don’t Know It by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that many believers are unaware of their spiritual growth despite their earnest efforts in prayer and seeking God. He reflects on the hidden nature of sp |
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Epistle 128 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking purity and wisdom from God, using His creation for His glory instead of being consumed by covetousness and worry about the futur |
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The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes |
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(The Real Jesus) 4 How Jesus Served the Father by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finishing the work that God has given us to do. He references John 17:4, where Jesus declares that he has glorified God on |
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All Will Be Revealed by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking note of the word of God and not letting it go in one ear and out the other. He highlights the idea that nothing hid |