Proverbs 18:16 kjv

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 nkjv

A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:16 niv

A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Proverbs 18:16 esv

A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

Proverbs 18:16 nlt

Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people!

Proverbs 18 verses

Proverbs 18 16 Meaning

A person's gift creates an opportunity for them, clearing a path and granting access to influential individuals and positions of power. It suggests that a well-chosen and appropriately given gift can open doors that might otherwise remain closed, enabling one to reach significant people or attain favorable standing. This proverb highlights the practical effectiveness of presenting a suitable offering in navigating social and hierarchical structures.

Proverbs 18 16 Context

Proverbs 18 is a collection of various short, pithy sayings offering wisdom on a range of topics, including human relationships, speech, wisdom, folly, and wealth. This chapter contains advice on the isolation of the selfish, the importance of discerning judgment, and the power of words. Verse 16 stands as a standalone proverb, a practical observation about the societal dynamics of its time. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gifts (מַתָּן, matthan) were common means of seeking an audience with a superior, expressing honor, or facilitating an introduction. They were part of established protocol, distinct from an illicit bribe (שֹׁחַד, shochad) which sought to pervert justice. The proverb simply notes a common, pragmatic truth about how one gains access to people of status and influence.

Proverbs 18 16 Word analysis

• A man's gift (מַתַּן אָדָם - matthan 'adam)

  • מַתַּן (matthan): From the root נתן (natan), meaning "to give." This word specifically means a "gift," "present," or "offering." It generally refers to a legitimate offering, distinct from a corrupting bribe (שֹׁחַד - shochad) that perverts judgment (as condemned in other Proverbs like 17:23). It implies a proper, intentional presentation of something valuable.
  • אָדָם ('adam): "Man," "person," "humankind." Refers to an ordinary individual seeking access or favor.

• makes room for him (יַרְחִיב לוֹ - yaḥîb lô)

  • יַרְחִיב (yaḥîb): Hiphil imperfect of רָחַב (raḥab), meaning "to be wide, broad." In the Hiphil, it means "to enlarge," "to make wide," "to give ample room," or "to broaden." Figuratively, it denotes removing obstacles, opening up possibilities, creating space, or clearing a path. It implies access where there was restriction.
  • לוֹ (lô): "for him" or "to him." Indicates the beneficiary of the opened space.

• and brings him before great men (וְלִפְנֵי גְדֹלִים יַנְחֶנּוּ - wəliphnéy gəḏōlîm yanḥennū)

  • וְלִפְנֵי (wəliphnéy): "And before the face of," or "and in the presence of." Indicates a direct audience or personal meeting.
  • גְדֹלִים (gəḏōlîm): Plural of גָּדֹל (gadol), "great, mighty." Refers to powerful, influential people, nobles, officials, or rulers. Those in positions of authority or high status.
  • יַנְחֶנּוּ (yanḥennū): Hiphil imperfect of נָחָה (naḥah), "to lead, guide, conduct." In the Hiphil, it means "to cause to come, to lead safely, to bring forth, to direct." It means that the gift directly facilitates or enables the individual to be presented to or gain an audience with these important people.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "A man's gift makes room for him": This phrase captures the pragmatic efficacy of a legitimate present. It describes how an offering clears literal or metaphorical space, overcoming barriers to advancement or connection. It highlights a common means by which social or professional advancement can occur.
  • "and brings him before great men": This second clause specifies the outcome of the "room-making" action. The cleared path directly leads to an audience with influential figures. This reveals the specific advantage or access gained—an invaluable commodity in ancient (and modern) societies where networking and patronage are key to success.

Proverbs 18 16 Bonus section

The effectiveness of gifts in ancient cultures extended beyond mere materialism; they were integral to social etiquette, establishing reciprocity, showing respect, and cementing relationships. A gift indicated the giver's earnestness and established their honor or seriousness of intent, thereby validating their desire for an audience with a "great man." While seemingly transactional, this practice often carried social and symbolic weight. This proverb highlights a universally applicable truth that personal presentation, generosity, or making a favorable impression can be instrumental in gaining access and opportunities that lead to higher connections. The "great men" here represent any powerful gatekeepers or influencers whose favor is beneficial for one's advancement or needs.

Proverbs 18 16 Commentary

Proverbs 18:16 is a shrewd observation on the practical workings of society, rather than a moral command or condemnation. It states a fact: a judiciously presented gift can serve as a catalyst for social mobility and access. This "gift" (מַתָּן - matthan) is understood as a legitimate token of respect, honor, or earnest intent, distinguishing it from the perversion of justice through a bribe (שֹׁחַד - shochad) which the Proverbs elsewhere vehemently condemn. In a world without formalized bureaucratic processes, gifts were often the currency of access, smoothing interactions and establishing one's worthiness for an audience with authority. The proverb highlights that diligence, skill, or wisdom might make one worthy to stand before kings (Prov 22:29), but a matthan provides the immediate opportunity for an audience. It underscores the practical reality that generosity or a well-placed offering can be a strategic tool for opening doors to opportunity and influence.

• Examples:
  • An entrepreneur wanting to meet a venture capitalist might send a personalized, thoughtful book as an introduction, paving the way for a meeting.
  • In a diplomatic context, countries exchange formal gifts as a gesture of goodwill to initiate or maintain high-level discussions.
  • In ancient times, a supplicant bringing a valuable animal or goods to a local potentate to request aid or patronage.