Proverbs 11:25
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Original Language Analysis
נֶֽפֶשׁ
soul
H5315
נֶֽפֶשׁ
soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
תְדֻשָּׁ֑ן
shall be made fat
H1878
תְדֻשָּׁ֑ן
shall be made fat
Strong's:
H1878
Word #:
3 of 7
to be fat; transitively, to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively, to satisfy; to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)
וּ֝מַרְוֶ֗ה
and he that watereth
H7301
וּ֝מַרְוֶ֗ה
and he that watereth
Strong's:
H7301
Word #:
4 of 7
to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
In ancient agricultural economies, irrigation and water-sharing were communal necessities. Hoarding water harmed everyone; sharing it benefited all. This practical reality illustrated a spiritual principle—generosity creates flourishing communities where all benefit. The principle extends beyond material resources to include time, wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual gifts.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you living as a 'liberal soul' who actively looks for opportunities to bless and benefit others?
- How have you experienced the truth that generous living leads to personal flourishing rather than impoverishment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse promises blessing for generosity: 'The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.' 'Liberal soul' translates nephesh berakhah (literally 'soul of blessing')—one who blesses others through generosity. 'Made fat' means prosperous, flourishing, satisfied—the opposite of lean and impoverished. The agricultural metaphor 'he that watereth shall be watered' illustrates reciprocity: as you irrigate others' fields, your own receives water. This principle of generous living appears throughout Scripture: give and it shall be given (Luke 6:38), sow bountifully and reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). The verse promises that generosity produces flourishing, though not as mechanical formula but as God's gracious pattern.