Proverbs 8:15
Proverbs 8:15 in Multiple Translations
By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.
Through me kings have their power, and rulers give right decisions.
It's because of me that kings reign, and rulers issue fair decrees.
By me, Kings reigne, and princes decree iustice.
By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things,
When kings are wise, they rule well; and when rulers are wise, they make laws that are just/fair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:15
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 8:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ֭/י
מְלָכִ֣ים
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
וְ֝/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
צֶֽדֶק
בִּ֭/י
Prep | Suff
מְלָכִ֣ים
melek
H4428
King's
N-mp
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ֝/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
râzan
H7336
to rule
Conj | V-Qal
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
châqaq
H2710
to decree
V-m-Imperf-3mp
צֶֽדֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:15
בִּ֭/י
""
Prep | Suff
מְלָכִ֣ים
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.
יִמְלֹ֑כוּ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
וְ֝/רוֹזְנִ֗ים
râzan
H7336
"to rule"
Conj | V-Qal
This word means to have power or authority over something or someone, often in a noble or honorable way. In the Bible, it is used to describe leaders who rule with wisdom and integrity.
Definition: (Qal) to be weighty, be judicious, be commanding
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Judges 5:3; Proverbs 31:4; Psalms 2:2.
יְחֹ֣קְקוּ
châqaq
H2710
"to decree"
V-m-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to decree or enact a law, like writing it in stone. It appears in Judges 5:14, where it talks about being a scribe. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's laws and decrees.
Definition: 1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe 1a3) to trace, mark out 1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law) 1b) (Poel) 1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree 1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle) 1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle) 1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 8:27; Psalms 60:9.
צֶֽדֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:15
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
14Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.
15By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws;
16By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly. 17I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 13:1 | Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:21 | He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. |
| 3 | Matthew 28:18 | Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. |
| 4 | Revelation 19:16 | And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. |
| 5 | Daniel 5:18–31 | As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. He was driven away from mankind, and his mind was like that of a beast. He lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like an ox, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he acknowledged that the Most High God rules over the kingdom of mankind, setting over it whom He wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this. Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. Therefore He sent the hand that wrote the inscription. Now this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. TEKEL means that you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. PERES means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel in purple, placed a gold chain around his neck, and proclaimed him the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, and Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. |
| 6 | Daniel 4:32 | You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
| 7 | Daniel 7:13–14 | In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 27:5–7 | By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please. So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 3:28 | When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had given, they stood in awe of him, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 3:9 | Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” |
Proverbs 8:15 Summary
This verse means that God gives wisdom and guidance to leaders and rulers, helping them make good decisions and create fair laws. Just like a king needs wise advisors to make good choices, we all need God's wisdom to live our lives in a way that honors Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. When we seek God's wisdom, we can trust that He will guide us and help us make decisions that are just and fair, as promised in Psalm 37:3-7 and Isaiah 30:21. By following God's wisdom, we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and beneficial to those around us, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that kings reign 'by me' in Proverbs 8:15?
This phrase indicates that true authority and wisdom come from God, as stated in Proverbs 8:15, and is a reflection of His sovereignty over all rulers, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Romans 13:1-2.
How do rulers enact 'just laws' as mentioned in this verse?
Rulers enact just laws when they seek wisdom and guidance from God, as stated in Proverbs 8:15, and follow the principles of justice and righteousness found in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Micah 6:8.
Is this verse saying that all kings and rulers are wise and just?
No, this verse is not saying that all kings and rulers are wise and just, but rather that those who reign and govern justly do so because of God's wisdom and guidance, as stated in Proverbs 8:15 and Proverbs 29:2.
What is the relationship between wisdom and authority in this verse?
The relationship between wisdom and authority in Proverbs 8:15 is that true wisdom is the foundation for rightful authority, and those who possess wisdom are better equipped to exercise authority justly, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Proverbs 11:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek God's wisdom in my own decision-making and leadership, just as kings and rulers are called to do in Proverbs 8:15?
- How can I use my own influence and authority to promote justice and righteousness in my community, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 31:8-9?
- In what ways have I seen God's wisdom and guidance at work in the lives of leaders and rulers, and how can I learn from these examples?
- What are some potential consequences of seeking wisdom and guidance from sources other than God, as warned against in Proverbs 8:15 and Jeremiah 17:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign,.... Christ is the Prince of the kings of the earth, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; they are made kings by him, and are under him; he sets them up, and deposes them at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice - (Psalms 18:35; Daniel 2:21; Daniel 4:26-37; Romans 13:1.) If even "kings" owe their authority, and their
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
By me kings reign: either, 1. They get their kingdom by mine appointment and providence. Or rather, 2. They rule their kingdoms wisely, and justly, and happily, by my counsel and assistance; for this best suits with the next clause. And princes decree justice: their injustice or wickedness is from themselves, but all the just and good thing: which they do they owe to my conduct.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.Ver. 15. By me kings reign.] How, then, can the schoolmen defend Thomas Aquinas in that paradox, Dominium et praelatio introducta sunt ex iure humane; dominion and government is of man? This crosseth the apostle, and the wisest of the heathens. Thomas Aquinas, II. 2, Quest. 10, Art. 10. Eκδε Dιοςβασιληες. - Herod Tιμηδιεκ Dιοςεστι. - Homer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
(15) Princes.—Literally, men of weight, or, importance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
Verse 15. By me kings reign] Every wise and prudent king is such through the influence of Divine wisdom. And just laws and their righteous administration come from this source. In this and the following verse five degrees of civil power and authority are mentioned. 1. מלכים melachim, KINGS. 2. רזנים rozenim, CONSULS. 3. שרים sarim, PRINCES, CHIEFS of the people. 4. נדיבים nedibim, NOBLES. And 5. שפטים shophetim, JUDGES or CIVIL MAGISTRATES. All orders of government are from God. Instead of שפטי ארץ shophetey arets,"judges of the earth," שפטי צרק shophetey tsedek, "righteous judges," or "judges of righteousness," is the reading of one hundred and sixty-two of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., both in the text and in the margin, and of several ancient editions. And this is the reading of the Vulgate, the Chaldee, and the Syriac, and should undoubtedly supersede the other.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:15
15. kings reign] If wisdom be needed for the conduct of common life, much more is it needed, and no less does it avail for the discharge of the highest official duties. Comp. 1 Kings 3:5-12.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 8:15
Not only the common life of common men, but the exercise of the highest sovereignty, must have this Wisdom as its ground. Compare with this passage Proverbs 8:15-21 the teaching of 1 Kings 3:5-14.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:15
15, 16. By me princes rule, etc. — The meaning is well given by Patrick: “Kings themselves sit not fast on their thrones, though placed there by God himself, unless they be ruled by me.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na |
|
Reading the Scriptures With Profit by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of reading the Scriptures with spiritual profit, emphasizing the need for kings and all individuals to diligently read and apply the Wor |
|
As He That Serves by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal Son, Jesus Christ, who came to serve and fulfill the Father's will by offering Himself spotless to God, removing our sins and bringing eternal |
|
Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption |
|
(Pdf Book) Touching Godliness Through Submission by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound importance of submission to God and His delegated authorities, arguing that true godliness is rooted in humility and obedience. He highlights |
|
|
Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |
|
|
Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday | This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and |