Proverbs 20:27 kjv

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 20:27 nkjv

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

Proverbs 20:27 niv

The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD that sheds light on one's inmost being.

Proverbs 20:27 esv

The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts.

Proverbs 20:27 nlt

The LORD's light penetrates the human spirit,
exposing every hidden motive.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 27 Meaning

Proverbs 20:27 asserts that the human spirit acts as a divine lamp, illuminating and exploring the innermost depths of a person's being. This verse reveals that the Lord uses our spirit as an instrument to search, reveal, and bring to light our true thoughts, motives, and hidden intentions, even those hidden deep within ourselves. It speaks to God's pervasive knowledge and the innate connection He has placed within humanity, allowing for self-discernment under His divine illumination.

Proverbs 20 27 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, primarily comprising concise, memorable sayings that offer moral and practical instruction for living righteously under God. Proverbs 20, specifically, offers diverse proverbs dealing with issues like justice, deceit, diligence, the character of rulers, and the inner life. Verse 27 fits within this broader context by addressing the intrinsic nature of humanity and the profound way in which God interacts with a person's inner being. It emphasizes the divine origin of the human spirit and its unique role in discerning truth, especially about oneself. Historically and culturally, the concept of a "lamp" provided essential light in dark, hidden places, making it a fitting metaphor for the spirit's illuminating function within the often concealed "chambers" of the inner person. The "belly" was commonly understood as the seat of one's deepest thoughts, emotions, and moral core, not just physical intestines.

Proverbs 20 27 Word analysis

• The spirit of man (נשמת אדם - nishmath 'adam):

  • Nishmath (breath/spirit) specifically refers to the breath of life given by God, as in Gen 2:7, linking directly to the divine act of creation. It implies an intimate, vital connection to God, distinct from ruach (which can also mean wind, spirit, or breath but is broader). This divine endowment enables the spirit's role as a lamp.
  • Adam signifies humanity, both individual and collective, indicating this principle applies universally to all people.

• Is the candle/lamp of the LORD (נר יהוה - ner YHWH):

  • Ner (lamp/candle): Symbolizes light, illumination, guidance, revelation, and discernment. It implies that the human spirit acts as an instrument or channel through which divine light operates.
  • YHWH (The LORD): God's personal, covenant name. This emphasizes divine ownership and purpose. It is God's lamp, functioning under His sovereignty and for His purposes, implying that the light, wisdom, and searching power ultimately originate from Him. The human spirit doesn't independently search, but serves as God's instrument.

• Searching (חפש - ḥapash):

  • Meaning "to search," "explore," "examine thoroughly," "scrutinize," or "investigate." It implies a diligent and often profound exploration, looking for hidden details. In this context, it describes the active work of revelation or self-examination facilitated by the spirit under God's guidance.

• All the inward parts of the belly (כל חדרי בטן - kol hadrey beten):

  • Kol (all): Denotes completeness and totality.
  • Ḥadrey (chambers/innermost parts): Refers to hidden, private, secret rooms or compartments. This implies the most concealed and deepest aspects of a person's inner being, not easily accessible to others or even to oneself without divine aid.
  • Beten (belly/womb): In ancient thought, the "belly" was often seen as the seat of one's thoughts, emotions, will, moral center, conscience, and deepest motivations, not just a physical organ. It represents the core of one's being, where genuine character resides.

Proverbs 20 27 Bonus section

The metaphor of the "lamp" is potent. Just as a physical lamp dispels darkness, the human spirit, empowered by the Lord, dispels the spiritual darkness of self-deception and hidden motives. This verse underpins the concept of conscience, seeing it not as merely a human construct, but as a divinely installed mechanism, intrinsically linked to the neshamah, enabling spiritual and moral discernment when active. The search is both by God through the spirit and also enabling the human to self-search. This deep-seated internal probe points to God's omnipresence and His profound interest in the sincerity and purity of a person's inner being, not just outward actions or rituals. This underscores the Old Testament's consistent emphasis on the heart and inward truth as foundational to true piety (e.g., Psa 51:6).

Proverbs 20 27 Commentary

Proverbs 20:27 profoundly reveals the unique spiritual nature of humanity and its intrinsic connection to God. The phrase "The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD" means that the very essence of human life, given by God's breath, possesses an inherent capacity for receiving and reflecting divine light. This spiritual "lamp" is not merely for illuminating external paths but is primarily purposed for deep internal exploration.

God utilizes this inner lamp, our spirit, to "search all the inward parts of the belly," which refers to the hidden depths of our motives, thoughts, desires, and true character—our very conscience and moral core. It signifies God's comprehensive knowledge of humanity, knowing not just what we do, but why we do it. This internal illumination brings awareness, conviction of sin, self-assessment, and a realization of our need for divine guidance and grace. It’s through this internal working that we gain spiritual understanding and are prompted to align our hidden selves with God's will. This mechanism facilitates both God's revelation to man and man's enabled self-knowledge. For the believer, this implies the work of the Holy Spirit, which quickens the human spirit, guiding us to self-truth and God's truth, enabling spiritual growth and conformity to Christ's image.

Examples:

• A person facing a moral dilemma may experience an internal unease or clarity, their spirit illuminated by God's lamp, revealing the right path or the sinfulness of another.
• Someone might believe they have pure motives until circumstances, and an inner prompting, expose deeper, less noble reasons behind their actions.