Proverbs 17:17
What does Proverbs 17:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 17:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 17:17 means
Proverbs 17:17 profoundly articulates the nature of true friendship and brotherhood. A genuine friend demonstrates unwavering love, not just in favorable circumstances, but "at all times." This speaks to a deep, abiding loyalty that transcends changes in fortune or mood. The imagery suggests a steadfast commitment, a love that perseveres through thick and thin. In contrast, a brother, while sharing a familial bond, is specifically highlighted as being "born for adversity." This does not diminish brotherly love, but rather emphasizes their unique role in times of trouble. The verse implies that while friendship offers continuous affection, brotherhood provides a foundational, inherent support system, particularly when facing hardship. Both relationships are presented as vital, each offering distinct forms of comfort and strength.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that is a friend loveth at all times: and a brother is proved in distress.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Context
Proverbs 17, in which verse 17 appears, is a collection of various short, pithy sayings offering wisdom on a range of life topics. There isn't a continuous narrative or a single speaker addressing a specific audience, but rather a series of independent observations. Verses immediately preceding and following 17:17 touch on themes of justice, foolishness, wealth, and the importance of integrity. For example, verse 16 discusses the futility of a fool buying wisdom, and verse 18 warns against providing security for another. Therefore, verse 17, with its focus on friendship and brotherhood, serves as a standalone proverb, offering a timeless insight into human relationships within the broader scope of practical wisdom for living a virtuous life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
- Hebrews 2:11
For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
- Proverbs 19:7
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth them with words, but they are gone.
- 1 Samuel 23:16
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
- 1 Samuel 19:2
And Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:
- Ruth 1:16
And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from following after thee, for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God;
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