Devine Scripture

Proverbs 25:21

What does Proverbs 25:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 25:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 25:21 means

This proverb encourages a surprising and counter-intuitive response to an enemy: instead of retaliation, one should offer practical aid like food and water. The imagery of "heaping coals of fire on his head" is debated; it could signify shaming the enemy into repentance through an act of overwhelming kindness, or perhaps a metaphorical image of purifying the enemy of their ill will through the "fire" of your goodwill – as coals were carried in a pan on one’s head. The verse promises that Yahweh will reward such benevolent action, implying divine approval and blessing for overcoming animosity with compassion. It underscores a principle of radical love and trust in God's justice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Context

Proverbs 25 begins a section titled "Further Sayings of Solomon Copied by Hezekiah’s Men." This collection of proverbs shifts between various life topics, often in short, pithy statements. Immediately preceding verse 21, the proverbs touch on themes of self-control, avoiding quarrels, and the dangers of gossip (25:15-20). Following this verse, the chapter continues with observations on unpleasant situations, like a quarrelsome wife, and the difficulty of good news to a downcast soul (25:22-26). Thus, Proverbs 25:21 is placed within a broader collection of wisdom concerning interpersonal relationships and ethical conduct, advising a specific strategy for dealing with adversaries amidst general guidance on social interactions.

v.20As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

v.21This passage

v.22For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 24:17

    Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown;

  • Romans 12:20

    But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

  • Exodus 23:4

    If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

  • 2 Kings 6:22

    And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:15

    And the men that have been mentioned by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm-trees, unto their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

  • Matthew 5:44

    but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;

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