Proverbs 25:25 kjv

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 25:25 nkjv

As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 25:25 niv

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Proverbs 25:25 esv

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Proverbs 25:25 nlt

Good news from far away
is like cold water to the thirsty.

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 25 Meaning

Proverbs 25:25 conveys that receiving good news from a distant place is as profoundly refreshing and invigorating to the soul as cool water is to a person overcome by thirst. It speaks to the deep satisfaction, relief, and revitalization that positive tidings can bring to one who has been in a state of longing, worry, or uncertainty. This simile emphasizes the vital, life-giving quality of such news.

Proverbs 25 25 Context

Proverbs chapter 25 begins a new collection of proverbs, distinct from the preceding ones, stated to be "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Prov 25:1). This indicates a historical period (around 700 BC) when there was a renewed interest in gathering and preserving ancient wisdom. King Hezekiah's reign was characterized by religious revival and restoration, and part of this would involve circulating and valuing the inspired wisdom literature.

The proverbs in this chapter often use similes and comparisons, drawing vivid parallels between natural phenomena or common human experiences and moral or spiritual truths. Proverbs 25:25 is one such example, immediately understandable through its relatable imagery. It speaks to universally understood human experiences – thirst and the deep desire for positive assurance. While the immediate context of news from a "distant land" might relate to actual war, trade, or personal messages in an ancient world with slow communication, the principle extends to any form of long-awaited positive resolution or message.

Proverbs 25 25 Word analysis

• Like cold water: (Hebrew: כמים קרים, kəmayim qarim)

  • כמים (kəmayim): "Like water." The prefix כּ־ (k-) means "like" or "as." Water is a fundamental necessity for life, especially vital in the arid regions of the Near East.
  • קרים (qarim): "cold," "cool." In a hot climate, cold water is more than just hydrating; it is supremely refreshing and invigorating, offering immediate and profound relief from oppressive heat and exhaustion. It symbolizes perfect alleviation of distress.

• to a thirsty soul: (Hebrew: על נפש עייפה, ʿal nepesh ʿayefah)

  • על (ʿal): "to," "upon." Indicates the direct impact or destination of the cold water.
  • נפש (nepesh): "soul," "self," "person," "life-breath." In Hebrew thought, the nepesh refers to the whole person, their very being, encompassing their desires, emotions, and life force. It represents a deeper, more comprehensive aspect than just a physical body part.
  • עייפה (ʿayefah): "weary," "faint," "exhausted," "parched." This adjective emphasizes an extreme state of need and depletion, implying a deep longing not just for physical drink but also for rest and revival. A "thirsty soul" yearns deeply for satisfaction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

• so is: This connective simply highlights the direct analogy, establishing a powerful and immediate comparison.

• good news: (Hebrew: שמועה טובה, shmu'ah tovah)

  • שמועה (shmu'ah): "hearing," "report," "tidings," "news." It refers to information received, emphasizing communication and revelation.
  • טובה (tovah): "good," "pleasant," "favorable," "beneficial." This specifies that the news is desirable and brings positive benefit or relief. It dispels anxiety and brings joy.

• from a distant land: (Hebrew: מארץ מרחק, me'eretz merchaq)

  • מארץ (me'eretz): "from land," "from a country."
  • מרחק (merchaq): "distance," "remoteness," "far away." This detail adds significant impact to the "good news." News from a distant land often takes a long time to arrive, suggesting a period of anxious waiting, uncertainty, or a perceived danger concerning faraway people or events. The delay enhances the relief and joy when the good news finally breaks through the silence or worry.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Like cold water to a thirsty soul": This phrase masterfully uses a universally understood and profoundly felt physical sensation to illustrate spiritual or emotional relief. It paints a picture of intense suffering from a fundamental need, instantly met by the perfect remedy. This creates a vivid anchor for the proverb's wisdom.
• "so is good news from a distant land": This part describes the analogous emotional and spiritual relief. The "distant land" amplifies the impact of the news, signifying prolonged anticipation, the alleviation of prolonged worry, or the surprising arrival of hoped-for tidings from an unlikely or faraway source. The greater the waiting or uncertainty, the more impactful and refreshing the news.

Proverbs 25 25 Bonus section

• The wisdom of this proverb transcends its immediate context of physical mail. In the digital age, while communication is instant, the psychological effect of long-awaited "good news" that alleviates a deep worry or longing remains profoundly relevant, emphasizing that the human soul's core needs for reassurance and hope are unchanging.
• This verse subtly implies the value of those who bring such news (cf. Isa 52:7), recognizing them as agents of refreshment and peace.
• The metaphor of "thirsty soul" is a common biblical theme for profound spiritual longing for God (e.g., Ps 42). While the proverb directly addresses secular news, its powerful imagery invites a deeper spiritual application: that only the ultimate Good News, the Gospel of Christ, can truly satisfy the deepest thirst of the human spirit.

Proverbs 25 25 Commentary

Proverbs 25:25 is a beautiful and apt metaphor revealing the profound impact of positive communication. In a world where news traveled slowly, if at all, a message from afar regarding the welfare of loved ones, the success of an important endeavor, or the end of a conflict could be eagerly anticipated and deeply impactful. The long wait for such tidings often bred anxiety and fear; thus, their arrival, when positive, brought immense relief, comparable to the vital comfort of cold water to a person physically perishing from thirst in an arid land.

This proverb speaks to the inherent human need for hope, resolution, and assurance. Just as the body demands water to live, the soul yearns for clarity, safety, and joy. "Good news" satisfies this deeper yearning, dispelling fear, and revitalizing the spirit. This principle finds its ultimate expression in the Gospel – the "good news" of Jesus Christ. For souls "thirsty" and weary from sin and separation from God, the message of salvation, grace, and redemption is the most refreshing and life-giving news, providing eternal satisfaction and peace that surpasses understanding.

Examples:

• Receiving a long-awaited positive diagnosis after a period of anxious testing.
• Hearing that a loved one who was traveling through dangerous areas has arrived safely.
• Getting confirmation of a desired job offer after a challenging application process.
• The first missionary reports reaching early Christians, confirming the spread of the Gospel.