Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Original Language Analysis
בְּאוֹר
In the light
H216
בְּאוֹר
In the light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
1 of 7
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
פְּנֵי
countenance
H6440
פְּנֵי
countenance
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
חַיִּ֑ים
is life
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
is life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 7
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
Cross References
Psalms 72:6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.Acts 2:28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.Hosea 6:3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.Psalms 21:6For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.Psalms 30:5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.Psalms 4:6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.Proverbs 19:12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
Historical Context
Agricultural societies depended on seasonal rains. Former rains (autumn) softened soil for planting; latter rains (spring) matured crops for harvest. Without latter rain, crops failed. Royal favor similarly meant prosperity, position, protection. Disfavor meant ruin. This proverb taught seeking favor wisely while recognizing God as the ultimate King whose favor brings eternal life.
Questions for Reflection
- Whose favor are you seeking—earthly authorities' or God's—and why?
- How is God's favor like latter rain bringing life and fruitfulness to spiritually barren ground?
- In what ways does having God's favor free you from anxiously seeking human approval?
Analysis & Commentary
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. Be'or-peney-melekh chayyim (בְּאוֹר־פְּנֵי־מֶלֶךְ חַיִּים, in the light of the king's face—life). Royal favor brings life and prosperity. Uretsono ke'av malqosh (וּרְצוֹנוֹ כְּעָב מַלְקוֹשׁ, and his favor like cloud of latter rain). Malqosh (מַלְקוֹשׁ, latter rain) came in spring, essential for harvest. The king's favor is life-giving like needed rain. This earthly truth points to God's favor as ultimate life source. Psalm 4:6 prays: "LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."