English Standard Version
Proverbs 14:28
28In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined.
Proverbs 14:28 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
- New International Version (NIV)A large population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
- New King James Version (NKJV)In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
- New Living Translation (NLT)A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.
Context of Proverbs 14:28
26In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people a prince is ruined. 29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. 30A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Read all of Proverbs 14Proverbs 14:28 word by word
בְּרָב־עָ֥ם הַדְרַת־מֶ֑לֶךְ וּבְאֶ֥פֶס לְ֝אֹ֗ם מְחִתַּ֥ת רָזֽוֹן׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 14:28
- Exodus 1:12But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.
- 1 Kings 4:20Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy.
- 1 Kings 20:27And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country.
- 2 Kings 10:32In those days the Lord began to cut off parts of Israel. Hazael defeated them throughout the territory of Israel:
- 2 Kings 13:7For there was not left to Jehoahaz an army of more than fifty horsemen and ten chariots and ten thousand footmen, for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing.
Commentaries on Proverbs 14:28
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 28In the multitude of people - It is the interest of every state to promote marriage by every means that is just and prudent; and to discourage, disgrace, and debase celibacy; to render bachelors incapable, after a given age, of all public employments: and to banish nunneries and monasteries from all parts of their dominions; - they have ever, from their invention, contributed more to vice than virtue; and are positively point blank against the law of God.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 28A protest against the false ideal of national greatness to which Eastern kings, for the most part, have bowed down. Not conquest, or pomp, or gorgeous array, but a happy and numerous people form the true glory of a king. The word translated “prince” is of doubtful meaning; but the translation is supported by the Septuagint, Vulg, and most commentators.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 28Verse 28 Let all that wish well to the kingdom of Christ, do what they can, that many may be added to his church.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 28A king's success is shown by the well-being and growth of the people, not by wealth or military victory.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2828. The teaching of a true political economy.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 14:28
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 14
- 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
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries