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; he turns the threshing wheel over them. 27The human spirit is like the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts. Loyal love and truth preserve a king, and his throne is upheld by loyal love. 29The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair. 30Beatings and wounds cleanse away evil, and floggings cleanse the innermost being.

Proverbs 20:28 word by word

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

Words taken from the KJV.

• Mercyחֶ֫סֶדchêsêd · kindnessH2617
• and truthאֱמֶת'emeth · truth: faithfulH571
• preserveנָצַרnâtsar · to watchH5341
• the kingמֶ֫לֶךְmelek · kingH4428
• and his throneכִּסֵּאkissê' kissêh · throneH3678
• is upholdenסָעַדsâ‛ad · to supportH5582

Cross-references for Proverbs 20:28

• Proverbs 16:6Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the Lord one avoids evil.
• Psalms 61:7May he reign forever before God! Decree that your loyal love and faithfulness should protect him.
• Psalms 101:1I will sing about loyalty and justice! To you, O Lord, I will sing praises!
• Proverbs 16:12Doing wickedness is an abomination to kings, because a throne is established in righteousness.
• Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor in truth, his throne will be established forever.
• Psalms 21:7For the king trusts in the Lord, and because of the sovereign Lord’s faithfulness he is not upended.
• Psalms 26:1Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have integrity, and I trust in the Lord without wavering.
• Isaiah 16:5Then a trustworthy king will be established; he will rule in a reliable manner, this one from David’s family. He will be sure to make just decisions and will be experienced in executing justice.

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