Proverbs 21:14
Proverbs 21:14 in Multiple Translations
A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger; And a present in the bosom, strong wrath.
By a secret offering wrath is turned away, and the heat of angry feelings by money in the folds of the robe.
A gift given in secret calms down anger, and a hidden bribe soothes furious rage.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger, and a gift in the bosome great wrath.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger, And a bribe in the bosom strong fury.
A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom, strong wrath.
A secret present quencheth anger: and a gift in the bosom the greatest wrath.
When someone is angry with you, if you secretly give him a gift, he will stop being angry.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:14
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 21:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַתָּ֣ן
בַּ֭/סֵּתֶר
יִכְפֶּה
אָ֑ף
וְ/שֹׁ֥חַד
בַּ֝/חֵ֗ק
חֵמָ֥ה
עַזָּֽה
מַתָּ֣ן
mattân
H4976
gift
N-ms
בַּ֭/סֵּתֶר
çêther
H5643
secrecy
Prep | N-ms
יִכְפֶּה
kâphâh
H3711
to subdue
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָ֑ף
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms
וְ/שֹׁ֥חַד
shachad
H7810
bribe
Conj | N-ms
בַּ֝/חֵ֗ק
chêyq
H2436
bosom
Prep | N-ms
חֵמָ֥ה
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs
עַזָּֽה
ʻaz
H5794
strong
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 21:14
מַתָּ֣ן
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.
בַּ֭/סֵּתֶר
çêther
H5643
"secrecy"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a shelter or covering, like a place to hide. It can also mean protection, as in Psalm 18:11 where God is a shelter from danger.
Definition: 1) covering, shelter, hiding place, secrecy 1a) covering, cover 1b) hiding place, shelter, secret place 1c) secrecy 1c1) secrecy (of tongue being slanderous)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; Psalms 61:5; Psalms 18:12.
יִכְפֶּה
kâphâh
H3711
"to subdue"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To subdue means to tame or calm someone, like God calming the storm in Psalm 107. It involves bending or soothing, and is often translated as pacify.
Definition: (Qal) to sooth, subdue, pacify
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pacify. See also: Proverbs 21:14.
אָ֑ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וְ/שֹׁ֥חַד
shachad
H7810
"bribe"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a gift given to influence someone, often in a wrong way. It can also mean a present or reward, like in 1 Samuel 1:18 where Hannah gives a gift to Eli. The word is about giving something to get something in return.
Definition: present, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward. See also: Exodus 23:8; Psalms 26:10; Psalms 15:5.
בַּ֝/חֵ֗ק
chêyq
H2436
"bosom"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for bosom refers to the chest area, often used figuratively to describe a close or intimate relationship, as seen in the KJV translations of bosom, lap, or midst.
Definition: : embrace/chest bosom, hollow, bottom, midst
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 35:13.
חֵמָ֥ה
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
עַזָּֽה
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:14
Context — The King’s Heart
12The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.
13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
14A gift in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath.
15Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity. 16The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:16 | A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:6 | Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:8 | A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
| 4 | Genesis 43:11 | Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:23 | A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice. |
| 6 | Matthew 6:3–4 | But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:35 | Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.” |
| 8 | Genesis 32:20 | You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ” |
Proverbs 21:14 Summary
[Proverbs 21:14 teaches us that giving gifts in secret can be a powerful way to calm anger and resolve conflicts, and this principle can be applied in our everyday lives by showing kindness and generosity to those around us. By giving without seeking recognition or reward, we can reflect the character of God, who gives generously to us without expecting anything in return, as seen in James 1:17. This verse also reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that we should strive to act with integrity and honesty in all our interactions, as taught in Proverbs 10:9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give a gift in secret in Proverbs 21:14?
Giving a gift in secret, as mentioned in Proverbs 21:14, means to offer something to someone without seeking recognition or reward, which can help to calm anger and resolve conflicts, as also seen in Matthew 6:3-4 where Jesus teaches about giving to the needy in secret.
Is Proverbs 21:14 condoning bribery?
While Proverbs 21:14 mentions a covert bribe, it is not necessarily condoning the practice, but rather observing that in certain situations, a gift or bribe can pacify great wrath, however, this should not be taken as a justification for unethical behavior, as seen in Exodus 23:8 where bribery is clearly forbidden.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?
Proverbs 21:14 suggests that our actions, such as giving gifts or showing kindness, can have a profound impact on our relationships with others, and can even help to resolve conflicts, which is in line with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24 where he emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others.
What is the difference between a gift and a bribe in this context?
In the context of Proverbs 21:14, a gift is something given out of kindness or generosity, while a bribe is something given to influence or manipulate someone, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19 where bribery is forbidden, and it is important to understand the motivations behind our actions to ensure we are acting with integrity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and generosity to those around me, even if it's not recognized or rewarded?
- How can I use the principle of giving gifts in secret to resolve conflicts or improve my relationships with others?
- What are some potential dangers or pitfalls of giving bribes or trying to manipulate others through gifts, and how can I avoid these in my own life?
- How does Proverbs 21:14 relate to the idea of 'loving my enemies' as taught in Matthew 5:44, and what are some practical ways I can apply this principle in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger,.... Appeases an angry man; humbles and "brings [his anger] down" (y), as Aben Ezra and Gersom observe the word signifies; which before rose very high, and showed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. A gift in secret pacifieth anger. Strong as is the passion of anger, it will yield to the stronger passion, cupidity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
A gift, to a person offended and angry with us, as the following words show. In secret; which makes it more acceptable; for gifts openly given savour of ostentation in the giver, and cause some shame or contempt to the receiver. In the bosom; secretly conveyed into his bosom. See Poole "", See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
Proverbs 21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.Ver. 14. A gift in secret pacifieth anger.] That is, say some, Alms rightly performed pacifieth God’ s displeasure - compare Daniel 4:27; and the Jews at this day write this sentence of Solomon (in an abbreviation) upon their alms box. This sense suits well with the previous verse; but I conceive the wise man’ s drift here is to show how prevalent gifts are, if closely conveyed especially - which takes away the shame of open receiving - and what a pave they have to an amicable reconciliation. Thus Jacob pacified Esau; Abigail, David; Hezekiah, the Assyrian that came up against him. Howbeit this doth not always do the deed. Our chronicler tells us that the Lady de Bruse had, by her virulent and railing tongue, more exasperated the fury of King John, whom she reviled as a tyrant and a murderer of her husband, than could be pacified by her strange present - viz., four hundred kine and one bull, all milk-white, except only the ears, which were red - sent unto the queen. Buxtorf., Synag. Jud. Speed, p. 572.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
(14) A gift in secret.—Comp. Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25:18).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:14
14. pacifieth] The Heb. word occurs only here, and scholars, both ancient and modern, are divided between pacifieth (A.V. and R.V. text), turneth away, or bendeth (ἀνατρέπει, LXX.; frangit, Syr.; bendeth, R.V. marg.), and extinguisheth (extinguit, Vulg.); the word in this last case being regarded as synonymous with the similar word rendered quenched (of God’s anger), Jeremiah 7:20. Both renderings are admissible, but the former is to be preferred. a reward] Rather, a present, R.V., as the same Heb. word is rendered in Proverbs 6:35, Proverbs 17:8, A.V. in the bosom] brought in the folds of the garment from which it is drawn out stealthily and presented, see Proverbs 17:23.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:14
14. A gift… pacifieth — Subdues, allays, or diverts. The proverb only states a fact, without approving or condemning. It is presumed to refer to lawful presents, not to bribes.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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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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 |
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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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The Peaceable Fruit by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the transformative journey of Jacob, illustrating how God's discipline reshaped him from a self-serving schemer into a loving and mature individual. Through e |
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A Little Honey Sweet - Gen. 43:11 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell preaches on the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 43:11, highlighting the act of kindness and love shown by the sons of Jacob when they carried down a pres |
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |
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Worthless Prayer Meetings by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God and His kingdom above all else. He uses the illustration of a family planning a vacation, but when their c |