Proverbs 27:25 kjv
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
Proverbs 27:25 nkjv
When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
Proverbs 27:25 niv
When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
Proverbs 27:25 esv
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
Proverbs 27:25 nlt
After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears
and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
Proverbs 27 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1:11-12 | And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed..." | God creates and provides vegetation |
| Gen 8:22 | "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat..." | Perpetual cycles of nature guaranteed by God |
| Ps 65:9-13 | "You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it... You crown the year with your bounty..." | God's ongoing provision through creation |
| Ps 104:14 | "You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate..." | God provides plants for both animals and man |
| Deut 11:13-15 | "If you carefully obey... I will give the rain for your land in its season..." | Diligence leads to seasonal rain and bounty |
| Lev 25:1-7 | Laws concerning the Sabbatical year and the land's rest | Principles of land management and cycles |
| Isa 40:6-8 | "All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field... the word of our God will stand forever." | Transience of life vs. reliability of God's Word |
| Jer 14:4-6 | "The ground is cracked because there is no rain on the land... Even the doe in the field forsakes her newborn fawns..." | Consequences of lack of rain, reliance on provision |
| Joel 2:21-24 | "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice... the threshing floors shall be full of grain..." | God's restoration of agricultural bounty |
| Prov 6:6-11 | Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise... | Wisdom in observing nature's diligence |
| Prov 24:30-34 | "I passed by the field of a sluggard... behold, it was all overgrown with thorns..." | Contrast: sluggard's neglect vs. diligence |
| Prov 27:23-24 | "Know well the condition of your flocks... For riches do not last forever..." | Implied link to wise stewardship (preceding) |
| Prov 27:26-27 | "The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field... for the food of your household..." | Direct application: fodder provides for livestock which provide for people (following) |
| Mt 6:26-30 | "Consider the birds of the air... And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field..." | God's care for creation as example for human trust |
| 1 Cor 9:10 | "For it was written for our sake, because the plower should plow in hope..." | Diligence in labor with expectation of return |
| Heb 6:7-8 | "For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God..." | Land yielding fruit due to diligent cultivation |
| Acts 14:17 | "Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." | God's goodness manifest in natural provision |
| Jam 5:7-8 | "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains." | Farmer's patience and reliance on God's timing |
| Job 28:5 | "As for the earth, out of it comes food..." | Earth as the source of human sustenance |
| Ecc 3:1-2 | "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." | Emphasis on natural cycles and divine timing |
Proverbs 27 verses
Proverbs 27 25 Meaning
Proverbs 27:25 describes the natural, observable cycle of vegetation growth essential for an agricultural society. It speaks of the emergence of fresh fodder—green grass and tender shoots—followed by the availability of mountain herbage. This sequence underscores God's reliable provision through the created order, setting the stage for the practical wisdom of diligent observation and proactive stewardship. The verse highlights the predictability of nature's bounty for those who are attentive and prepare to utilize it.
Proverbs 27 25 Context
Proverbs 27 falls within a section of wisdom literature that offers practical guidance for everyday life, focusing heavily on interpersonal relationships, reputation, and the diligent management of one's affairs and possessions. Verses 23-27 specifically address the theme of economic prudence and careful stewardship, particularly within an agrarian and pastoral setting. Verse 25 serves as a foundational observation for the advice that follows. It highlights the visible and predictable cycle of natural provision—grass and herbage appearing—which is the very resource upon which a pastoral economy depends. Historically, ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society, where sustenance, wealth, and societal stability were inextricably linked to successful crop cultivation and livestock raising. The passage underscores the reality that natural resources, though abundant through God's design, require diligent observation, wise management, and timely gathering by humans to be fully utilized for provision. The proverb points to the fundamental truth that divine provision often operates through the observable processes of creation and calls for a corresponding human response of diligence and readiness.
Proverbs 27 25 Word analysis
- The hay appears (יָצָא חָצִיר - yatsa chatsir):
- חָצִיר (chatsir): Often translated "hay," but in this ancient context, it refers to fresh, green grass or herbage. It signifies the primary, common fodder. The emphasis is on its fresh state, ready for grazing or gathering.
- יָצָא (yatsa): "Appears," "comes forth," "goes out." It denotes a natural emergence, something visibly coming into existence from the ground. This implies a process initiated by divine design, but observable to human beings.
- Significance: It highlights the initial and continuous emergence of basic sustenance, God's unfailing provision.
- and the tender grass shows itself (נִרְאָה דֶּשֶׁא - nir'ah deshe):
- דֶּשֶׁא (deshe): "Tender grass," "sprouting green," "young shoots." This term indicates a softer, newer growth compared to chatsir, possibly appearing slightly later or representing a different stage of vegetation. It suggests a more delicate, perhaps more nutritious, part of the fodder.
- נִרְאָה (nir'ah): "Shows itself," "is seen," "reveals itself." This is a passive form, suggesting the grass becomes apparent, or makes itself visible. It underscores the clear and undeniable presence of this growth, available for observation.
- Significance: Emphasizes the continuity and variety of growth, and the clear visibility of God's provision.
- and the herbs of the mountains are gathered (וְנֶאֶסְפוּ עֵשֶׂב הָרִים - wene'espeu esev harim):
- עֵשֶׂב הָרִים (esev harim): "Herbs of the mountains," referring to the vegetation that grows in more elevated or wilder terrain. This could be tougher, more rugged plant life that is still valuable for grazing, perhaps a fallback or additional source of fodder when primary fields are depleted or during certain seasons. It indicates a broader, perhaps less cultivated, source of sustenance.
- נֶאֶסְפוּ (ne'espeu): "Are gathered," "are collected," "are brought in." This is a passive form but strongly implies human action. The availability of fodder isn't enough; it must be gathered for future use, especially in anticipation of leaner times or for particular animals.
- Significance: Points to human responsibility and active stewardship. God provides, but humanity must diligently observe, collect, and manage these resources.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself": This phrase highlights the natural, cyclical, and continuous appearance of different types of vegetation. It is a visual affirmation of the land's fruitfulness. The divine hand is seen in the automatic emergence of provision, providing the basis for life.
- "and the herbs of the mountains are gathered": This shifts the focus from passive observation to active human response. The "gathering" of mountain herbs implies deliberate human effort, foresight, and practical labor in collecting and storing resources. It underscores the symbiotic relationship between God's natural provision and man's diligent stewardship. This particular type of "herb" often implies a more varied and less accessible resource, requiring deliberate seeking and collection.
Proverbs 27 25 Bonus section
The seemingly simple observation in Proverbs 27:25 acts as a profound theological statement. It portrays God as faithful and consistent in His general provision for His creatures, specifically through the dependable cycles of the earth. This steady emergence of vegetation contrasts sharply with notions of a capricious or uninvolved deity; instead, God's fingerprints are visible in the predictable rhythms of life. Furthermore, the active "gathering" of mountain herbs suggests that divine provision, while abundant, requires human foresight, wisdom, and active labor to be fully realized and preserved. It highlights that diligence and timely action are not separate from, but integral to, experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. It's a foundational principle for responsible living: observe, understand the pattern of provision, and act wisely to harness it.
Proverbs 27 25 Commentary
Proverbs 27:25 presents a fundamental truth of agrarian life that transcends time: God, through His created order, consistently provides for the needs of His creation. The imagery of hay, tender grass, and mountain herbs appearing in their season signifies the cyclical and abundant provision inherent in nature. This verse serves as an essential preface to the subsequent verses (27:26-27), which detail how sheep and goats, sustained by this vegetation, in turn provide clothing, food, and resources. Therefore, the verse's core message is not just about natural cycles, but about wise observation and diligent engagement. The farmer or shepherd must be attuned to the seasons, recognizing the opportune moments when provisions are most abundant and ready for harvest. "Are gathered" subtly emphasizes the human responsibility in this divine economy: raw provision must be intelligently collected, processed, and managed for long-term sustainability. It is a call to recognize God's ongoing supply and to act prudently and labor diligently to harness it for sustained livelihood. It speaks to a steady, dependable process, not a sudden windfall, urging careful, ongoing stewardship.