Proverbs 20:8
Proverbs 20:8 in Multiple Translations
A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment Scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
A king on the seat of judging puts to flight all evil with his eyes.
When a king sits in judgment he recognizes all that isn't right.
A King that sitteth in the throne of iudgement, chaseth away all euill with his eyes.
A king sitting on a throne of judgment, Is scattering with his eyes all evil,
A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.
A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
The king, that sitteth on the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his look.
A king who sits on his throne to judge people can easily [MTY] find out what things that people have done are good and what things are evil.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:8
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 20:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֶ֗לֶךְ
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
עַל
כִּסֵּא
דִ֑ין
מְזָרֶ֖ה
בְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
כָּל
רָֽע
מֶ֗לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כִּסֵּא
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms
דִ֑ין
dîyn
H1779
judgment
N-ms
מְזָרֶ֖ה
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Piel
בְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
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 20:8
מֶ֗לֶךְ
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.
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
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.
כִּסֵּא
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
דִ֑ין
dîyn
H1779
"judgment"
N-ms
Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.
Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.
מְזָרֶ֖ה
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
בְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
רָֽע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:8
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
6Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
8A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”? 10Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:26 | A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:5 | Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. |
| 3 | Psalms 99:4 | The mighty King loves justice. You have established equity; You have exercised justice and righteousness in Jacob. |
| 4 | Psalms 92:9 | For surely Your enemies, O LORD, surely Your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. |
| 5 | Proverbs 29:14 | A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever. |
| 6 | Isaiah 32:1 | Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:12 | Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. |
| 8 | Psalms 101:6–8 | My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 23:3–4 | But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Once again, David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him: “Go at once to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” |
| 10 | 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.’ |
Proverbs 20:8 Summary
This verse is talking about a king who is wise and fair, and can see what is good and what is bad. He uses his wisdom to make good decisions and judge people fairly, just like God does in Psalm 119:68. It's reminding us that God is a just and fair Judge, who sees everything and judges with perfect wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 20:8 and Jeremiah 11:20. We can trust in His goodness and justice, and seek to reflect His character in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a king to 'sit on a throne to judge'?
This phrase refers to a king's role as a ruler and judge, where he exercises authority and makes decisions based on justice and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 89:14 and Isaiah 9:7.
How does a king 'sift out all evil with his eyes'?
This means that a wise and just king is able to discern and separate good from evil, using his wisdom and insight to make fair judgments, much like God Himself in Proverbs 15:3.
Is this verse only talking about human kings, or is there a spiritual application?
While the verse does refer to human kings, it also has a spiritual application, as God is the ultimate King and Judge, who sees all and judges with perfect wisdom and justice, as stated in Hebrews 4:13 and Psalm 94:9-10.
What can we learn from this verse about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a just and righteous Judge, who sees all and judges with perfect wisdom and discernment, as seen in Proverbs 20:8 and Jeremiah 11:20, and we can trust in His goodness and justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'sift out evil' in my own life, and how can I cultivate wisdom and discernment to make good choices?
- How does the idea of a king judging with his eyes challenge or comfort me, and what does it teach me about God's character?
- In what ways can I reflect the character of a wise and just king in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and discernment, and how can I trust in His goodness and justice?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment,.... That executes judgment himself, as David and Solomon did; who ascends the throne, and sits personally there, and hears and tries causes himself, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment; that makes it his great care and business to execute judgment and justice among his people, especially if he do this in his own person, as was usual in ancient times, and sees things with his own eyes. As for the phrase, the sign or gesture is here put for the thing signified by it. Scattereth away all evil, effectually punisheth and suppresseth all wickedness, with his eyes; with his very looks, or by his diligent inspection into affairs.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
Proverbs 20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.Ver. 8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment, &c.] Kings in their own persons should sit and judge causes sometimes, to take knowledge, at least, what is done by their officers of justice: I have seen the king of Persia many times to alight from his horse, saith a late traveller, only to do justice to a poor body. He punisheth theft and manslaughter so severely, that in an age a man shall hardly hear either of the one or of the other. The Preacher’ s Travels, by John Cartwright.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
(8) A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment . . .—See note on Proverbs 16:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
Verse 8. A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment] Kings should see to the administration of the laws, as well as of the state transactions, of their kingdom. In the British constitution there is a court for the king, called the King's Bench, where he should sit, and where he is always supposed to be sitting. The eyes - the presence, of the monarch in such a place, scatter evil - he sees into the case himself, and gives right judgment, for he can have no self-interest. Corrupt judges, and falsifying counsellors, cannot stand before him; and the villain is too deeply struck with the majesty and state of the monarch, to face out iniquity before him.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:8
8. scattereth] or winnoweth, R.V. marg., as the same Heb. word is rendered (as suggested by the parallelism) in Proverbs 20:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:8
8. A king… scattereth — Searches, or winnows out. Meaning, probably, that the ruler who does his duty in his office; who acts justly, impartially, faithfully and energetically, not trusting too much
Sermons on Proverbs 20:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Holiness of God - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a profound episode in the history of Ben Israel, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering the truth. He highlights the importanc |
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Attributes of God #4 "God's Justice" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the essential nature of God's justice, asserting that it is not merely an attribute but the very essence of God Himself. He explains that God's justice is per |
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(A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve |
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Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden |
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Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight |
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(Christ in Isaiah) Part 2 by Tom Orr | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking to excel in Christian experience. He refers to the verse in 1 Corinthians 12 where it says to earnestly desire the |
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(Isaiah) Our Beautiful King by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the Lord and His attributes. He encourages the listeners to meditate on the images of the Lord as a river, a s |