Proverbs 19:6
Proverbs 19:6 in Multiple Translations
Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Great numbers will make attempts to get the approval of a ruler: and every man is the special friend of him who has something to give.
Many ask favors from important people, and everyone's a friend of the generous.
Many reuerence the face of the prince, and euery man is friend to him that giueth giftes.
Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.
Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Many honour the person of him that is mighty, and are friends of him that giveth gifts.
Many people try to persuade important people to do favors for them; everyone wants to be a friend of those who give gifts.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:6
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 19:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֭בִּים
יְחַלּ֣וּ
פְנֵֽי
נָדִ֑יב
וְ/כָל
הָ֝/רֵ֗עַ
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
מַתָּֽן
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
יְחַלּ֣וּ
châlâh
H2470
be weak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
נָדִ֑יב
nâdîyb
H5081
noble
Adj
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
הָ֝/רֵ֗עַ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Art | N-ms
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
מַתָּֽן
mattân
H4976
gift
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 19:6
רַ֭בִּים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
יְחַלּ֣וּ
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
פְנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
נָדִ֑יב
nâdîyb
H5081
"noble"
Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ֝/רֵ֗עַ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Art | N-ms
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַתָּֽן
mattân
H4976
"gift"
N-ms
Means a present or gift, often used to describe offerings or rewards, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: gifts, offerings, presents
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: gift, to give, reward. See also: Genesis 34:12; Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:6
Context — The Man of Integrity
4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
7All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found. 8He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:26 | Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:16 | A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
| 4 | Genesis 42:6 | Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:12 | A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
| 6 | Proverbs 21:14 | A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath. |
| 7 | Romans 6:23 | For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 8 | Job 29:24–25 | If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious. I chose their course and presided as chief. So I dwelt as a king among his troops, as a comforter of the mourners. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 19:19–39 | and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” But Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes. For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?” The king replied, “Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land.” And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Instead, since my lord the king has safely come to his own house, let Ziba take it all!” Now Barzillai the Gileadite had come down from Rogelim to cross the Jordan with the king and send him on his way from there. Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.” But Barzillai replied, “How many years of my life remain, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I discern what is good and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats or drinks? Can I still hear the voice of singing men and women? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? Your servant could go with the king only a short distance past the Jordan; why should the king repay me with such a reward? Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.” The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what seems good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.” So all the people crossed the Jordan, and then the king crossed over. The king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and Barzillai returned home. |
| 10 | Genesis 43:15 | So the men took these gifts, along with double the amount of silver, and Benjamin as well. Then they hurried down to Egypt and stood before Joseph. |
Proverbs 19:6 Summary
[Proverbs 19:6 tells us that many people try to get on the good side of important or powerful people, and that everyone likes to be friends with someone who gives them gifts. This is because gifts and favors can make us feel special or important, as seen in Proverbs 18:16, where it says that a gift opens doors. However, as warned in 1 Corinthians 13:3, if we give everything we have to feed the poor but have not love, it profits us nothing. We should be careful not to seek friendships or relationships that are only based on what we can get from others, but instead focus on building genuine connections with others based on mutual love and respect.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek the favor of a prince?
In Proverbs 19:6, seeking the favor of a prince refers to seeking the approval, support, or benefit from someone in a position of power or influence, as seen in Proverbs 22:29, where it is said that those who are skilled will serve before kings.
Why does everyone want to be friends with a gift giver?
According to Proverbs 19:6, everyone is a friend of the gift giver because gifts can create a sense of obligation or loyalty, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:14, where it says that a gift in secret pacifies anger.
Is it wrong to seek favors or gifts from others?
While it is not inherently wrong to seek favors or gifts, Proverbs 19:6 suggests that such actions can be motivated by self-interest, and as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money can be a root of all kinds of evil.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply Proverbs 19:6 by being mindful of our motivations and recognizing that true friendships and relationships should be based on mutual love, respect, and trust, as encouraged in Proverbs 17:17, which says that a friend loves at all times.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I seek favor or approval from others, and what are my motivations for doing so?
- How do I respond to those who try to buy my friendship or loyalty with gifts or favors?
- What does it mean to be a true friend, and how can I cultivate friendships that are based on mutual love and respect?
- In what ways can I show kindness and generosity to others without expecting anything in return, as seen in Acts 20:35, where it is said that it is more blessed to give than to receive?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:6
Many will entreat the favour of the prince,.... Or of the liberal and bountiful man; as kings and princes generally are, Lu 22:25; such have many to wait upon them, and are humble petitioners to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:6
Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
Of the prince; or, as others, of the liberal or bountiful man; which comes to the same thing, for kings were anciently called benefactors, . A friend; not sincerely, as daily experience shows, but in show or profession, or in the outward expressions of it, whereby they may oblige him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts.Ver. 6. Many will entreat the favour of the prince.] Yea, lie at his feet, and lick up his spittle, not being loyal in love for conscience, but submissive in show for commodity. Every man will be thrusting in where anything is to be gotten. The poets make Litae, or Petitions, to be the daughters of Jupiter, and ever about him; to signify, saith the mythologist, that princes and great ones are seldom without suppliants and suitors. And every man is a friend, &c.] ουγαρατιμοι Iκεσιου Zηνοςκουραιλιται. - Orph. in Arg.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:6
6. prince] It is better to preserve the parallelism, and to render the Heb. word in its primary sense of princely disposition, the liberal man, R.V. text, than with A.V. and R.V. marg., of princely rank. The same word is rendered liberal, Isaiah 32:5; Isaiah 32:8. Comp. Keble’s version of it in Psalms 51:12 (Sixth Sun. after Trinity): “The princely heart of innocence.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:6
Intreat the favor ... - literally, “stroke the face” of the man of princely nature, who gives munificently.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:6
6. Many will entreat the favour — Literally, will stroke the face; will flatter, caress, or make court to, the prince. A friend to him that giveth gifts — A liberal, generous man. Many will esteem acquaintance with him an honour.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From the Banishment of Archelaus to the Departure of the Jews From Babylon by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous life of King Agrippa, detailing his financial troubles, debts, and his escape from Rome to Judea. Agrippa's friendship with Tiberius Caesar |
|
(Proverbs) ch.18:4 - 19:5 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of building a crowd of admirers based on generosity, as it can hinder the growth of the body of Christ. The Bible warns that a fal |
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Zion's Foundations, Windows, Gates and Boarders by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the precious promises of God, emphasizing that these promises are exceedingly great and precious to the church of God only in specific circumstances whe |
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(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
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Rough, but Friendly by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the concept of experiencing deep trouble and affliction as a means for God to bring about blessings in our lives. It uses various analogies, such as |
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Offer Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical depravity and evil nature of mankind, highlighting that there is no hope for self-righteousness. The first 11 chapters of the bo |
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Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu |