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 scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them. 27The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. 29The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. 30Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.

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 16:6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.
• Psalms 61:7May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
• Psalms 101:1I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.
• Proverbs 16:12A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.
• Proverbs 29:14If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.
• Psalms 21:7For the king trusts in the Lord. The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.
• Psalms 26:1Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
• Isaiah 16:5then God will establish one of David’s descendants as king. He will rule with mercy and truth. He will always do what is just and be eager to do what is right.

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