Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Original Language Analysis
מְֽכַסֶּה
He that covereth
H3680
מְֽכַסֶּה
He that covereth
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
seeketh
H1245
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
3 of 8
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
וְשֹׁנֶ֥ה
but he that repeateth
H8138
וְשֹׁנֶ֥ה
but he that repeateth
Strong's:
H8138
Word #:
5 of 8
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
בְ֝דָבָ֗ר
a matter
H1697
בְ֝דָבָ֗ר
a matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Proverbs 16:28A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.Psalms 32:1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Historical Context
Honor-shame cultures made public exposure devastating to reputation. Covering offenses demonstrated mercy and preserved social bonds essential for community functioning.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to others' offenses: covering in love or exposing to others?
- What relationships need restoration through your choice to cover rather than repeat offenses?
Analysis & Commentary
Love covers offenses rather than exposing them, promoting reconciliation over vindication. The contrast shows that repeating matters separates friends—gossip and grudge-bearing destroy relationships. This anticipates 1 Peter 4:8's teaching that love covers a multitude of sins through forgiveness.