Proverbs 25:21 kjv

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

Proverbs 25:21 nkjv

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

Proverbs 25:21 niv

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Proverbs 25:21 esv

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

Proverbs 25:21 nlt

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 21 Meaning

Proverbs 25:21 presents a clear imperative to extend practical compassion and care to an enemy in need. It commands an individual to provide essential sustenance, food and water, to their adversary if that person is experiencing hunger or thirst. This act of kindness is an intentional response that directly counters conventional human tendencies of revenge or indifference towards those who harbor hostility. It advocates for active goodness in the face of animosity.

Proverbs 25 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 is part of a collection of proverbs that were compiled by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah (circa 715-686 BC). This section (Proverbs 25-29) consists of Solomon’s proverbs that were presumably rediscovered and then meticulously transcribed during Hezekiah’s reign, reflecting a period of religious revival and renewed interest in the wisdom traditions of Israel. The proverbs in this chapter cover diverse topics including advice for rulers, conduct in social settings, self-control, and interaction with neighbors.

Within this context, Proverbs 25:21 stands out as a profound teaching on interpersonal ethics, particularly regarding treatment of enemies. It is immediately followed by verse 22, which further elaborates on the effect of such kindness, though verse 21 holds its own direct instruction. This instruction on beneficence towards adversaries stands in stark contrast to the common reciprocal justice or revenge ethics prevalent in the Ancient Near East. Instead of an eye for an eye, it calls for an act of unexpected grace, promoting a counter-cultural ethos centered on practical love.

Proverbs 25 21 Word analysis

• If (אִם 'im): This Hebrew particle introduces a conditional clause. It sets up a specific hypothetical situation—the enemy being in need—to which the commanded action applies. It implies that while enemies may not always be hungry or thirsty, when they are, a specific response is required.
• your enemy (אֹיִבְךָ 'oyiv'kha): The word 'oyiv' (אֹיֵב) is a strong term denoting an adversary, a foe, or someone actively hostile or hateful towards another. It does not refer to a mere competitor or a slight acquaintance, but one who harbors ill will or acts against you. The suffix 'kha' (ךָ) means "your," personalizing the animosity. The command is explicitly directed at an enemy, intensifying the challenge of the instruction.
• is hungry (רָעֵב ra'ev): This describes a fundamental physiological state of acute need—lack of food. It represents basic human vulnerability and dependency, highlighting that even an adversary shares a common humanity in their basic needs.
• give him food to eat (הַאֲכִלֵהוּ לֶחֶם ha'akhilehu lekhem): This is a direct imperative. "Ha'akhilehu" (הַאֲכִלֵהוּ) means "feed him" or "cause him to eat," indicating an active provision. "Lechem" (לֶחֶם) literally means "bread" but commonly denotes food or provisions in general. This stresses immediate, tangible assistance rather than abstract good wishes.
• if he is thirsty (צָמֵא tsame'): Another common, essential physiological need, parallel to hunger. It reinforces the universal nature of the needs being addressed.
• give him water to drink (הַשְׁקֵהוּ מַיִם hashqehu mayim): A second direct imperative, parallel to giving food. "Hashqehu" (הַשְׁקֵהוּ) means "give him drink" or "cause him to drink." "Mayim" (מַיִם) is water, a vital element for life. The pairing of hunger and thirst emphasizes that the command applies to life-sustaining essentials, appealing to the most basic forms of human need and care.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink": This parallel structure ("If...give; if...give") employs synonymous parallelism to emphatically convey a singular powerful instruction. It underscores the non-negotiable nature of the command: the vulnerability of the enemy, not their conduct or merit, is the basis for the compassionate act. It shifts the focus from the enemy's ill-will towards the actor's righteousness and God's standards of conduct. This teaching prefigures and directly aligns with the broader principles of love for enemies later expounded in the New Testament. The specificity of "food" and "water" denotes a practical, immediate, and life-sustaining response, not a mere emotional sentiment.

Proverbs 25 21 Bonus section

This proverb (along with v.22) found such favor that it was directly quoted by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:20, forming a crucial part of his instruction on how believers are to live righteously. In that context, Paul clarifies that such an act is part of "overcoming evil with good" (Rom 12:21). The associated concept in Proverbs 25:22, of "heaping burning coals on his head," is consistently interpreted by biblical scholars not as a punitive or retaliatory act (like causing suffering or remorse), but rather as an ancient Egyptian custom or metaphor indicating that acts of unexpected kindness would lead to either the melting of the enemy's hardened heart through shame and repentance, or an acknowledgement of the one performing the good deed by helping them, such as adding warm coals to their brazier. Thus, the kindness demonstrated in Proverbs 25:21 aims to foster a change in the adversary or secure a divine blessing, not inflict harm. This demonstrates a core principle in biblical wisdom literature: genuine righteousness is manifested in how one treats those who are undeserving or hostile, echoing God's own patience and kindness toward humanity.

Proverbs 25 21 Commentary

Proverbs 25:21 is a profoundly ethical directive that challenges natural human instincts towards those who are hostile. It calls for an act of intentional and practical kindness toward an adversary in a state of fundamental need. This is not an act motivated by personal gain or to "buy" favor, but an expression of higher wisdom rooted in a divinely inspired ethic. By meeting the enemy's most basic needs—hunger and thirst—the one acting on this proverb transcends the cycle of retaliation and embraces a principle of active beneficence. This deed serves not only to alleviate immediate suffering but can also profoundly impact the enemy, potentially inducing shame, repentance, or a softened heart. Ultimately, such an action aligns the believer's conduct with the character of God, who Himself extends common grace and provides for all humanity, even those who defy Him. The New Testament fully endorses and amplifies this proverb, seeing it as foundational to the love commanded by Christ and reiterated by His apostles as a way to "overcome evil with good."

Practical Usage Examples:

• You find a neighbor who has often spoken poorly of you struggling with their grocery bags, and you offer to help carry them inside.
• A colleague at work who has consistently undermined your efforts becomes suddenly ill and needs help with a crucial task, and you assist them without hesitation.
• During a community event, someone with whom you have a history of conflict is visibly dehydrated and you offer them a bottle of water.