Proverbs 25:3
Proverbs 25:3 in Multiple Translations
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
The heaven is high and the earth is deep, and the hearts of kings may not be searched out.
Just as the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth can't be known, the king's thinking can't be known.
The heaues in height, and the earth in deepenes, and the Kings heart can no man search out.
The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings — [are] unsearchable.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
The heaven for hight, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
It is not possible for anyone to measure how high the sky is or how deep the earth/ocean is; likewise [SIM], it is not possible for us to know all that kings are thinking.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:3
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 25:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמַ֣יִם
לָ֭/רוּם
וָ/אָ֣רֶץ
לָ/עֹ֑מֶק
וְ/לֵ֥ב
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
אֵ֣ין
חֵֽקֶר
שָׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
לָ֭/רוּם
rûwm
H7312
height
Prep | N-ms
וָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | N-cs
לָ/עֹ֑מֶק
ʻômeq
H6011
depth
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חֵֽקֶר
chêqer
H2714
search
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:3
שָׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
לָ֭/רוּם
rûwm
H7312
"height"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to something or someone being high or lofty, like a mountain or a proud person. It can also mean haughtiness, like the pride that comes before a fall. In the Bible, it's often used to describe God's elevated position.
Definition: 1) haughtiness, height, elevation 1a) height, loftiness 1b) haughtiness Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "height" H7314)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: haughtiness, height, [idiom] high. See also: Proverbs 21:4; Isaiah 2:17; Proverbs 25:3.
וָ/אָ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לָ/עֹ֑מֶק
ʻômeq
H6011
"depth"
Prep | N-ms
Simply means depth, like the depth of the ocean or a deep well, as mentioned in Psalm 42:7.
Definition: depth
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: depth. See also: Proverbs 25:3.
וְ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
מְ֝לָכִ֗ים
melek
H4428
"King's"
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.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חֵֽקֶר
chêqer
H2714
"search"
N-ms
This word refers to a search or investigation, like trying to find something out. It is used in the Bible to describe examining or inquiring about something, and is often translated as search or finding out.
Definition: a search, investigation, searching, enquiry, thing to be searched out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: finding out, number, (un-) search(-able, -ed, out, -ing). See also: Judges 5:16; Job 36:26; Psalms 145:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:3
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
1These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.
4Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth. 5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 55:9 | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 2 | Psalms 103:11 | For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:29 | And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. |
| 4 | Romans 8:39 | neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 5 | Isaiah 7:11 | “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” |
| 6 | 1 Peter 1:7 | so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
Proverbs 25:3 Summary
[This verse means that even the most powerful people, like kings, have thoughts and feelings that are hard to understand, just like the sky is high and the earth is deep. It's a reminder that only God truly knows what's going on in someone's heart, as it says in 1 Samuel 16:7. We should respect and pray for our leaders, but also recognize that their hearts are complex and mysterious, and as Proverbs 28:2 notes, their integrity is crucial for stable leadership. By acknowledging these limitations, we can cultivate humility and trust in God's sovereignty.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the hearts of kings cannot be searched?
This means that even those in the highest positions of power and authority, like kings, have thoughts and intentions that are not fully understandable to others, just as the heavens are high and the earth is deep, as stated in Proverbs 25:3, and it is only God who truly knows the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7.
Is this verse saying that we should not try to understand our leaders?
While it's important to respect the authority of leaders, this verse is not saying we should not try to understand them, but rather that their hearts and motivations can be complex and difficult to fully grasp, much like the depths of the earth, and as Proverbs 28:2 notes, the stability of a king depends on the integrity of his leadership.
How does this relate to the previous verse about God concealing matters and kings searching them out?
The previous verse, Proverbs 25:2, highlights the contrast between God's ability to conceal matters and the king's role in searching them out, and this verse, Proverbs 25:3, emphasizes the limitations of even the king's understanding, pointing to the mystery and complexity of human hearts, as also noted in Jeremiah 17:9.
What does this teach us about our own hearts and motivations?
This verse reminds us that our own hearts and motivations can be complex and difficult to fully understand, even to ourselves, and as Psalm 139:23-24 encourages, we should seek God's help in searching our own hearts and motivations, acknowledging that only He truly knows us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have tried to 'search out' the hearts and motivations of others, and how has that worked out?
- How can I balance the need to understand and relate to my leaders with the recognition that their hearts and motivations are complex and not fully knowable?
- In what ways can I seek to understand my own heart and motivations, and how can I ask God to help me in this process?
- What are some situations in which I have been surprised by the complexity or mystery of someone's heart or motivations, and what did I learn from that experience?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth,.... These are eminent for what are ascribed to them; nothing is higher than the heavens, nor anything deeper than the earth; the height of the heavens
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. The heaven for height ... and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth; as no man upon earth can exactly discover the height of heaven, or the depth of earth, or discern what is contained in them. The heart of kings is unsearchable; though wise kings will search out other men and things, yet their inward thoughts and purposes are hardly discoverable, partly because every man’ s heart lies out of the sight of others, and partly because it is the practice of kings industriously to conceal their intentions.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
Proverbs 25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings [is] unsearchable.Ver. 3. The heaven for height, &c.] It is a wonder that we can look up to so admirable a height, and that the very eye is not tired in the way. If this ascending line could be drawn right forwards, some that have calculated curiously, have found it five hundred years’ journey to the starry sky. Other mathematicians say, that if a stone should fall from the eighth sphere, and should pass every hour a hundred miles, it would be sixty-five years or more before it would come to the ground. I suppose there is as little credit to be given to these as to Aratus the astrologer, who boasted that he had found out and set down the whole number of the stars in heaven; or as to Archimedes the mathematician, that said, that he could by his art cast up the just number of all the sands both in the habitable and inhabitable parts of the world. And the earth for depth.] From the surface to the centre, how far it is, cannot be known exactly, as neither whether hell be there: but that it is somewhere below may be gathered from Revelation 14:11, and other places. Ubi sit sentient, qui curiosius quaerunt. And the heart of kings is unsearchable.] Profundum sine fundo. God gave Solomon "a large heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore." A vast capacity, an extraordinary judgment, and wisdom to reserve himself. No bad cause was too hard for him to detect; no practices which he did not smell out; no complotter which he did not speedily entrap in their wiles, as Adonijah.
Sphinx Philosoph.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
(3) The heart of kings is unsearchable.—A warning, it may be, against presuming upon the favour of a king from thinking that one knows all that is in his mind. (Comp. Proverbs 23:1-2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
Verse 3. The heaven for height] The simple meaning of this is, the reasons of state, in reference to many acts of the executive government, can no more be fathomed by the common people, than the height of the heavens and the depth of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:3
3. Besides his glory in contrast, the king has a glory in resemblance to Almighty God, whose vicegerent he is. He too has something to conceal.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:3
The other side of the thought of Pro 25:2. What the mind of God is to the searchers after knowledge, that the heart of the true and wise king is to those who try to guess its counsels.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:3
3. Heart of kings is unsearchable — It is one thing for kings to examine into matters carefully before deciding upon them, and another to keep the secrets of their own aims and plans.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Lead Me in the Way Everlasting by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. He encourages listeners to cry out to God and acknowledge that His ways and thoughts |
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The Five Senses by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of Logos in biology and how we experience our environment. He emphasizes the importance of our senses, including the sixth sense |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-02 1 Cor 1:26-2:5 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the folly and weakness of the message of the Gospel according to the world's perspective. He emphasizes that Christians are often seen as a f |
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Proverbs 19- Lord, Why Is This Happening? by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, acknowledging the struggles and unknown hindrances that hold us back. It highlights the need for God to reveal and sea |
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Hidden Treasure & Strange Gods & Mountain Peaks - Part 1 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the speaker begins by praising and adoring God for his goodness, mercy, and unchanging love. They express gratitude for the opportunity to serve as witne |
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How to Read God's Word by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of reading God's Word with reverence, careful attention, and the expectation of the Holy Spirit's guidance. He encourages believers to medit |
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The Larger Outlook by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of expanding our perspective and thoughts to align with God's grand purposes and will. Using Abraham as an example, he illustrates how G |