Proverbs 17:17 kjv
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 nkjv
A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 niv
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 esv
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 nlt
A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 17 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 18:24 | There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. | Reinforces the depth of true friendship, potentially surpassing family. |
| Prov 27:6 | Faithful are the wounds of a friend... | Loyal friends speak truth, even if painful, for benefit. |
| Prov 27:9 | Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. | Friends provide refreshing counsel and joy. |
| John 15:13 | Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. | Ultimate expression of love from a friend (Jesus). |
| John 15:14-15 | Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you... no longer call you servants. | Jesus elevates disciples to friends, implying deep relationship. |
| Sir 6:14-16 | A faithful friend is a strong defense... | Wisdom literature outside the canon affirming the value of a friend. |
| Sir 22:23-24 | Though thou drawest a sword at thy friend... | Warns against betraying a friend and highlights their enduring bond. |
| 1 Cor 13:7 | Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. | Love's enduring qualities, reflecting the 'loves at all times' aspect. |
| 1 Cor 13:8 | Charity never faileth... | Emphasizes the unending nature of love. |
| Col 3:14 | Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. | Love as the binding force in Christian relationships. |
| 1 Pet 4:8 | Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. | The covering, enduring nature of brotherly love. |
| Gen 4:9-10 | Am I my brother's keeper? The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. | Tragic failure of a brother's responsibility to protect. |
| Deut 4:30 | When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days... | God's awareness and response to His people in trouble. |
| Psa 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. | Divine provision in adversity, the ultimate Helper. |
| Nah 1:7 | The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble... | God as the ultimate one "born for adversity." |
| Heb 2:11 | For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. | Christ identifies as our brother, sharing in our humanity and plight. |
| Heb 4:15-16 | For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are... | Jesus as the sympathetic High Priest, understanding and aiding in trouble. |
| Rom 8:28-29 | All things work together for good... conforms to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. | God's purpose through adversity and Christ as our elder brother. |
| Gal 6:2 | Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. | Call to assist spiritual brothers and sisters in their struggles. |
| Jas 1:2-4 | Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations... that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. | Adversity as a means of spiritual growth. |
| Matt 12:50 | For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. | Spiritual brotherhood transcends natural kinship. |
| Eph 2:19 | Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. | Believers are part of God's family, brothers and sisters in Christ. |
| Job 6:14 | To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. | Job's lament over his friends' lack of compassion in his adversity. |
Proverbs 17 verses
Proverbs 17 17 Meaning
Proverbs 17:17 articulates a profound truth about human relationships: a genuine friend exhibits consistent, unwavering love through all circumstances, while a familial brother is intrinsically purposed and present specifically for times of distress and trouble. It highlights the enduring nature of true friendship and the unique, foundational role of brotherhood during adversity.
Proverbs 17 17 Context
Proverbs, as a book of wisdom, distills observations about human nature, societal norms, and divine order into concise, memorable sayings. Proverbs 17, like much of the book, covers a variety of themes, offering practical guidance on righteousness, folly, relationships, and the importance of wise speech. Within this chapter, verse 17 is nestled among proverbs concerning family discord (v.14), justice (v.15, 23), the behavior of fools (v.16, 24), and the value of peace and integrity.
Culturally, in ancient Israel, family bonds ('ach, brother) were paramount, providing a foundational social safety net and defining identity. While friendship (chaver) was valued, the expectation of support in crisis was historically strongest within the kin group. This proverb reinforces this familial expectation while elevating the ideal of true friendship to an equally consistent and supportive, though perhaps different in its essence or origin, standard of loyalty. It does not contain direct polemics but rather offers an astute observation of relational dynamics, reflecting a culture where family and community ties were crucial for survival and well-being.
Proverbs 17 17 Word analysis
- A friend: The Hebrew word here is
'ohev(אוֹהֵב), meaning "one who loves" or "a lover," andchaver(חָבֵר), meaning "companion" or "associate." The construction implies a loving companion or one who truly loves another. It emphasizes the active, affectionate quality of the bond, not just a casual acquaintance. - loveth: (
'ohev, the participle form of "to love"). This signifies an ongoing, continuous action and state of being. True friendship is not intermittent or dependent on convenient circumstances but constant and steadfast. - at all times: The Hebrew
b'chol-et(בְּכָל־עֵת) translates to "in every time" or "always." This phrase underscores the unwavering commitment of a true friend, whether in joy, sorrow, prosperity, or adversity. It contrasts with fair-weather friends who abandon when conditions sour. - and a brother:
v'ach(וְאָח). This refers to a literal sibling, but in a broader biblical sense, it can also encompass close kinsmen, fellow Israelites, or even spiritual brethren. It denotes a familial bond, whether by blood or covenant. - is born: The Hebrew
yivvaled(יִוָּלֵד) is a passive verb, "he is born" or "is brought forth." This emphasizes the innate, natural, or even pre-ordained purpose of the brotherly bond. It's not a choice made in adversity, but the very reason for being a brother is to serve in adversity. - for adversity: The Hebrew
l'tzarah(לְצָרָה), wheretzarahmeans "distress," "trouble," "calamity," or "tightness." This highlights the specific context and primary function of a brother in this proverb. While a friend's love is universal, a brother's defining role, particularly emphasized here, is to be present and provide support during crisis and hardship.
Words-group analysis
- "A friend loveth at all times": This phrase describes the defining characteristic of a genuine friend: unwavering, constant affection and loyalty. It sets a high standard for true companionship, signifying a relationship built on deep commitment that transcends external circumstances. It speaks to the consistent nature of love regardless of seasons of life.
- "and a brother is born for adversity": This clause illuminates the intrinsic purpose of familial ties. It suggests that brotherhood carries an inherent responsibility and an expected role to stand by and aid one another especially during moments of trouble, distress, or calamity. It implies a divinely woven or naturally ordained commitment for crisis situations, distinct from the broader constancy of friendship's love, though complementary.
Proverbs 17 17 Bonus section
The tension or complementarity between "friend" and "brother" in this proverb is significant. Some interpret "a friend loveth at all times" as speaking of an ideal friend, one whose devotion even surpasses that of a natural brother (as suggested in Prov 18:24). However, it is also plausible to see these two clauses as descriptive of two distinct, yet equally vital, kinds of deep relationships. The friend provides constant, joyful companionship, while the brother steps forward when life takes its sharpest turn downward. This ideal paints a picture of relational maturity and healthy community, where individuals benefit from both abiding affection and targeted support when facing life's inevitable difficulties. In a broader Christian context, this ideal is fulfilled supremely in Jesus Christ, who is the faithful friend who loves at all times (Heb 13:8) and the brother who came precisely for our ultimate adversity (Heb 2:14-18). It also sets a standard for believers to become "friends who love at all times" and "brothers and sisters born for adversity" to one another within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 17 17 Commentary
Proverbs 17:17 presents a twofold yet harmonized truth about intimate human relationships. The first part elevates the concept of a true friend: such a person demonstrates continuous affection and loyalty, unswayed by changing fortunes. This love is stable and steadfast, not conditional. The second part of the verse then emphasizes the distinct, profound role of a brother. A brother, whether by blood or strong communal ties, is inherently intended for support in times of hardship. This doesn't diminish the friend's role in adversity, but highlights that the very essence and purpose of brotherhood are intrinsically linked to being a pillar of strength when trouble strikes. The proverb therefore celebrates both the enduring quality of chosen friendship and the deep-seated, often foundational, commitment expected from familial bonds in times of severe trial.
Examples:
- A true friend calls to check on you even when you're busy or distant.
- When your family faces a severe crisis, like illness or financial ruin, it's typically your siblings and close kin who are expected to rally immediately and practically.