Proverbs 19:6
Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭בִּים
Many
H7227
רַ֭בִּים
Many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
יְחַלּ֣וּ
will intreat
H2470
יְחַלּ֣וּ
will intreat
Strong's:
H2470
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
פְנֵֽי
the favour
H6440
פְנֵֽי
the favour
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
נָדִ֑יב
of the prince
H5081
נָדִ֑יב
of the prince
Strong's:
H5081
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 29:26Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.Proverbs 18:16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.Proverbs 17:8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.Proverbs 21:14A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.Proverbs 19:12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.Genesis 42:6And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Historical Context
Reflects patronage culture where princes and wealthy benefactors were courted by those seeking favor. Gift-giving created reciprocal obligations binding patrons and clients.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of your social effort focuses on cultivating relationships with those who can benefit you?
- How do you distinguish genuine friendship from mercenary relationships in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Many will entreat the favor of the prince, and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts. Powerful persons attract supplicants; generous persons attract 'friends.' This verse observes how humans pursue relationships with those who can benefit them. The observation is both descriptive (this is how people behave) and prescriptive (recognize this dynamic). Those with power or resources should recognize that flattery may be mercenary; those without should examine their motives in relationships.