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Proverbs 29:14

Proverbs 29:14 in Multiple Translations

A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever.

The king who is a true judge in the cause of the poor, will be safe for ever on the seat of his power.

If a king judges the poor fairly, he will have a long rule.

A King that iudgeth the poore in trueth, his throne shalbe established for euer.

a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established.

The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

The king that judgeth the poor in truth, his throne shall be established for ever.

If kings judge poor people fairly, they will continue to rule for a long time.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:14

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 29:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מֶ֤לֶךְ שׁוֹפֵ֣ט בֶּֽ/אֱמֶ֣ת דַּלִּ֑ים כִּ֝סְא֗/וֹ לָ/עַ֥ד יִכּֽוֹן
מֶ֤לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal
בֶּֽ/אֱמֶ֣ת ʼemeth H571 truth Prep | N-fs
דַּלִּ֑ים dal H1800 poor Adj
כִּ֝סְא֗/וֹ kiççêʼ H3678 throne N-ms | Suff
לָ/עַ֥ד ʻad H5703 perpetuity Prep | N-ms
יִכּֽוֹן kûwn H3559 to establish V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:14

מֶ֤לֶךְ 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.
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֶּֽ/אֱמֶ֣ת ʼemeth H571 "truth" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
דַּלִּ֑ים dal H1800 "poor" Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
כִּ֝סְא֗/וֹ kiççêʼ H3678 "throne" N-ms | Suff
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.
לָ/עַ֥ד ʻad H5703 "perpetuity" Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
יִכּֽוֹן kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

Study Notes — Proverbs 29:14

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
2 Isaiah 11:4 but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
3 Psalms 72:2–4 May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice. May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
4 Proverbs 20:28 Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
5 Proverbs 29:4 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
6 Proverbs 25:5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
7 Proverbs 28:16 A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor, but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
8 Psalms 89:2 For I have said, “Loving devotion is built up forever; in the heavens You establish Your faithfulness.”
9 Psalms 72:12–14 For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight.
10 Hebrews 1:8–9 But about the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You above Your companions with the oil of joy.”

Proverbs 29:14 Summary

This verse means that when someone in charge, like a king, treats poor people fairly and makes sure they get the justice they deserve, they will have a stable and long-lasting rule. This is because fairness and justice are core values that God cares deeply about, as seen in Psalm 37:28. It's not just about kings, though - we can all apply this principle by treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or status, and trusting that God will bless our efforts, as promised in Proverbs 19:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a king to judge the poor with fairness?

This means that the king provides justice and equality for those who are less fortunate, treating them with the same respect and dignity as the wealthy, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9 where we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

How does judging the poor with fairness affect the king's throne?

According to Proverbs 29:14, when a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever, indicating a long and stable reign, much like the promise given to King David in 2 Samuel 7:16.

Is this principle limited to kings and those in positions of power?

No, this principle applies to all believers, as we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to do justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God, as stated in Micah 6:8.

What is the relationship between fairness and the establishment of the king's throne?

The relationship is one of cause and effect, where fairness leads to stability and longevity, as a just ruler gains the trust and loyalty of his people, much like the example of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22:1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate fairness and justice in my own life, especially towards those who are less fortunate?
  2. How can I ensure that I am treating all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their social status or background?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not judging the poor with fairness, both individually and collectively?
  4. How can I use my own position or influence to advocate for those who are marginalized or oppressed?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:14

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor,.... That truly executes justice and judgment among all his subjects, particularly the poor, who are too often neglected, because they cannot afford persons

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:14

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. The king that faithfully judgeth (without partiality to the rich, does justice to) the poor, his throne shall be established forever .

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:14

Judgeth the poor, and the rich too; but he names the poor, because these are most oppressed and injured by others, and least regarded by princes, and yet committed to their more special care by the King of kings.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:14

Proverbs 29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.Ver. 14. The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, &c.] An office not unbeseeming the greatest king, to sit in person to hear the poor man’ s cause. James IV of Scotland was for this cause called the poor man’ s king. I have seen, saith a late traveller, the King of Persia many times to alight from his horse, only to do justice to a poor body. "Help, O king!" said the poor woman to Jehoram. And if thou will not hear and right me, why dost thou take upon thee to be king? said another woman to Philip, King of Macedonia. It is a mercy to have judges mode audeant quae sentiunt, as the orator hath it, so that they have courage to do what they judge fit to be done. Inferior judges may be weighed and swayed, by gifts or greatness of an adversary, to pass an unrighteous sentence. Not so a king; he neither needs nor fears any man, but is, if he be right - as one saith of a just law - a heart without affection, an eye without lust, a mind without passion, a treasurer which keepeth for every man what he hath, and distributeth to every man what he ought to have. “Pασιδικαιανεμειμηδεκρισινεςχαρινελκει.” - Phocyl. Lo, such a prince shall sit firm upon his throne; his kingdom shall be bound to him with chains of adamant, as Dionysius dreamt that his was; he shall have the hearts of his subjects, which is the best life-guard, and God for his protection; for he is professedly the poor man’ s patron, and makes heavy complaints of those that wrong them. Cic. pro Milone.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:14

(14) His throne shall be established for ever.—Comp. the promise made to Judah (Jeremiah 22:3-4).

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:14

14. Faithfully — Truthfully — according to the truth and facts. Comp. Proverbs 20:28; Proverbs 25:5. The King of kings and the Lord of lords is the patron of the poor.

Sermons on Proverbs 29:14

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (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
Charles Stanley 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
Ernest Woodhouse 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
Edward Payson Prayer for Rulers. by Edward Payson Edward Payson preaches on the importance of praying for those in authority, emphasizing the need to intercede for rulers and leaders as they face unique challenges and temptations
Isaac Penington Letter - to King Charles Ii by Isaac Penington Isaac Penington preaches a message to the king, urging him to govern with purity, peace, and righteousness, seeking guidance from God to avoid further shaking and dissettling of th
T. Austin-Sparks Eyewitnesses of His Glory by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus, highlighting that it served as a pivotal moment for the disciples, providing them with a vision of His
Chip Brogden Pray for Kings - Part 6 by Chip Brogden This sermon delves into the biblical framework and reasons behind God's institution of secular authority, emphasizing the importance of spiritual, criminal, civil, and social justi

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