Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Original Language Analysis
כַּ֭כְּפִיר
of a lion
H3715
כַּ֭כְּפִיר
of a lion
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
2 of 7
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗וֹ
whoso provoketh him to anger
H5674
מִ֝תְעַבְּר֗וֹ
whoso provoketh him to anger
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Proverbs 19:12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.Proverbs 8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.1 Kings 2:23Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.Hosea 11:10They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern monarchs held absolute power over subjects' lives. Provoking royal anger could result in immediate execution. This proverb counseled careful, respectful interaction with those who held life-and-death authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance respect for authorities with prophetic truth-telling when necessary?
- In what ways might you be unnecessarily provoking conflict with those in authority?
- What does prudent respect for governing authorities look like in contemporary society?
Analysis & Commentary
A king's wrath is like 'the roaring of a lion,' and provoking him 'sinneth against his own soul.' The Hebrew 'naham' (roaring) evokes terror—a lion's roar before attack. To anger the king is suicidal folly. This teaches respect for authority and caution in approaching power. Reformed theology recognizes that God establishes governing authorities (Romans 13:1), and while we must obey God over man when they conflict, we should approach earthly rulers with prudence and respect. Unnecessarily provoking authorities is foolish and sinful.