God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 14:28
28A large population is an honor for a king, but without people a ruler 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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)In a multitude of people is the glory of a king, but without people 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.
Context of Proverbs 14:28
26In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge. 27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life to turn ⌞one⌟ away from the grasp of death. A large population is an honor for a king, but without people a ruler is ruined. 29A person of great understanding is patient, but a short temper is the height of stupidity. 30A tranquil heart makes for a healthy body, but jealousy is ⌞like⌟ bone cancer.
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 the Israelites were oppressed, the more they increased in number and spread out. The Egyptians couldn’t stand them ⌞any longer⌟.
- 1 Kings 4:20The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They ate and drank and lived happily.
- 1 Kings 20:27When the Israelite ⌞troops⌟ had been organized and given provisions, they went to meet the enemy. The Israelites, while camped opposite the Arameans who filled the country, seemed like two newborn goats.
- 2 Kings 10:32So in those days the Lord began to take away some of Israel’s territory. Hazael defeated Jehu’s army throughout Israel’s territory
- 2 Kings 13:7Jehoahaz had no army left except for 50 horses, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers because the king of Aram had destroyed the rest. He had made them like dust that people trample.
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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