Proverbs 8:16
Proverbs 8:16 in Multiple Translations
By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
By me princes rule, And nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
Through me chiefs have authority, and the noble ones are judging in righteousness.
It's because of me that leaders and nobles govern—all who rule justly.
By me princes rule and the nobles, and all the iudges of the earth.
By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.
By me princes rule, nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
By me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice.
Rulers govern their people with the help of me, wisdom, and those who have authority decide things fairly/just with my help.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:16
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 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ֭/י
שָׂרִ֣ים
יָשֹׂ֑רוּ
וּ֝/נְדִיבִ֗ים
כָּל
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
צֶֽדֶק
בִּ֭/י
Prep | Suff
שָׂרִ֣ים
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
יָשֹׂ֑רוּ
sârar
H8323
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ֝/נְדִיבִ֗ים
nâdîyb
H5081
noble
Conj | Adj
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
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 8:16
בִּ֭/י
""
Prep | Suff
שָׂרִ֣ים
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
יָשֹׂ֑רוּ
sârar
H8323
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to take control or rule over something, as seen in the Bible when leaders exercise power over their people.
Definition: 1) to be or act as prince, rule, contend, have power, prevail over, reign, govern 1a) (Qal) to rule over, govern 1b) (Hithpael) to lord it over Also means: sur (שׂוּר "to reign" H7786)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, make self a prince, (bear) rule. See also: Numbers 16:13; Proverbs 8:16; Isaiah 32:1.
וּ֝/נְדִיבִ֗ים
nâdîyb
H5081
"noble"
Conj | Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
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.
שֹׁ֥פְטֵי
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.
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 8:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
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. 18With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.Proverbs 8:16 Summary
[This verse means that wisdom is what helps leaders make good decisions and be fair, as it says in Proverbs 8:16 'By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly'. Wisdom is like a guide that shows them how to rule with justice and integrity, just like it says in Psalms 89:14 that 'righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne'. By following wisdom, leaders can make their countries and communities better places to live. As it is written in Proverbs 29:2, 'when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice', which shows the positive impact of wise leadership.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does wisdom play in the governance of leaders?
According to Proverbs 8:16, wisdom is essential for princes and nobles to rule and govern justly, as it is by wisdom that they are able to make sound decisions and enact just laws, as seen in Proverbs 8:15 where it says 'By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws'
How can leaders ensure they are governing justly?
Leaders can ensure they are governing justly by seeking wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 8:16, and following the principles of righteousness and justice, as taught in Psalms 89:14 and Isaiah 9:7
What is the relationship between wisdom and wealth?
While wealth and honor are associated with wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 8:18, the true wealth of wisdom lies in its ability to guide leaders in governing justly, as stated in Proverbs 8:16, rather than in material riches, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10
How does wisdom demonstrate its love for those who seek it?
Wisdom demonstrates its love for those who seek it by being found by them, as stated in Proverbs 8:17, and guiding them in their decisions, including those related to governance, as seen in Proverbs 8:16
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as a follower of God, seek wisdom in my own decision-making and leadership roles?
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principles of wisdom and justice in my daily life, whether in personal or professional settings?
- How can I ensure that I am seeking wisdom and not just my own desires or interests, and what are the consequences of neglecting wisdom in my decision-making?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 8:17, and how will this impact my relationships with others and my own spiritual growth?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:16
By me princes rule,.... All governors of provinces and cities, who are under the king as supreme; the discharge of whose office in a right manner requires much wisdom, prudence, justice, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:16
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. By me princes rule , [ saariym (H8269)] - a different Hebrew word from that for "princes" [ rowzªniym (H7336)] in Proverbs 8:15.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:16
Proverbs 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, [even] all the judges of the earth.Ver. 16. And nobles.] So called in the original, from their liberality and bounty. Hence this word is expressed by Eυεργεται, Bountiful, or benefactors, such as are ingenuous, free, munificent, endued with that free princely spirit. Even all the judges of the earth.] Though haply they be reckoned in the rank of bad men, but good princes; such as was Galba, and our Richard III, and Trajan, much magnified for a good emperor, and yet a drunkard and a cruel persecutor. Plin. Secund. Dion. Cass.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:16
(16) All the judges of the earth.—By the aid of heavenly wisdom only can they give right and just judgments, and so fulfil the high office delegated to them by God Himself, from the possession of which they are themselves termed “gods” (Exodus 22:28; Psalms 82:1). For the same reason kings, as ruling by His authority, have the same title accorded to them (Psalms 45:6).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:16
16. princes] “or rulers,” R.V. marg. The Heb. word is not the same as in Proverbs 8:15. The variety of words is used in order to bring all official positions within the domain of Wisdom. of the earth] “Many ancient authorities read of righteousness,” R.V. marg. This reading, found also in Syr. Targ. Vulg. (Lange ad loc.), is due probably to the idea that the proposition was only true of just judges.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:16
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.