Proverbs 20:28

Proverbs 20:28 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
• New International Version (NIV)Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king, and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.

Context of Proverbs 20:28

26A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. 27The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne. 29The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. 30Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.

Proverbs 20:28 word by word

חֶ֣סֶד וֶ֭אֱמֶת יִצְּרוּ־מֶ֑לֶךְ וְסָעַ֖ד בַּחֶ֣סֶד כִּסְאֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

• Loving devotionחֶ֫סֶדchêsêd · kindnessH2617
• and faithfulnessאֱמֶת'emeth · truth: faithfulH571
• preserveנָצַרnâtsar · to watchH5341
• a kingמֶ֫לֶךְmelek · kingH4428
• he maintainsסָעַדsâ‛ad · to supportH5582
• his throneכִּסֵּאkissê' kissêh · throneH3678

Cross-references for Proverbs 20:28

• Proverbs 16:6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
• Psalms 61:7May he sit enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness to guard him.
• Psalms 101:1I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
• Proverbs 16:12Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness.
• Proverbs 29:14A king who judges the poor with fairness— his throne will be established forever.
• Psalms 21:7For the king trusts in the LORD; through the loving devotion of the Most High, he will not be shaken.
• Psalms 26:1Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
• Isaiah 16:5in loving devotion a throne will be established in the tent of David. A judge seeking justice and hastening righteousness will sit on it in faithfulness.

Commentaries on Proverbs 20:28

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 28Mercy and truth preserve the king - These are the brightest jewels in the royal crown; and those kings who are most governed by them have the stablest government.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 28Verse 28 Mercy and truth are the glories of God's throne.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 28God's constant love and loyalty are linked to his agreement with his people (see Exodus 34:5–7; Deuteronomy 7:7–9). The king acts as God's representative on earth, so God will guard him (see 2 Samuel 7).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2828. (Compare Pr 3:3; 16:6, 12).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 20:28

• Mercy
• Rulers
• Truth

In the dictionaries

• Advice
• Cease
• Counsel
• Naught
• Obscure
• Proclaim
• Pure
• Purpose
• Wait
• Proverb

Commentaries on Proverbs 20

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings