Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Original Language Analysis
נֵ֣ר
is the candle
H5216
נֵ֣ר
is the candle
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
1 of 8
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִשְׁמַ֣ת
The spirit
H5397
נִשְׁמַ֣ת
The spirit
Strong's:
H5397
Word #:
3 of 8
a puff, i.e., wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal
אָדָ֑ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֑ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
חֹ֝פֵ֗שׂ
searching
H2664
חֹ֝פֵ֗שׂ
searching
Strong's:
H2664
Word #:
5 of 8
to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.Job 32:8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.Genesis 2:7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.Romans 2:15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)Proverbs 20:30The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
Historical Context
Hebrew anthropology distinguished physical life (nephesh) from God-breathed spirit (ruach/neshamah). This verse celebrates the unique human capacity for self-reflection and moral awareness as God's gift distinguishing humans from animals. This consciousness enables recognition of sin, moral deliberation, and accountability before God. It is the basis for conscience and moral responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you utilize the 'lamp' of conscience and self-examination God has given you?
- What 'inward parts' might God be searching in you through conscience, conviction, or His word that require attention?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb uses lamp imagery for human consciousness: 'The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.' The 'spirit of man' (neshamah adam—breath, life-force given by God) functions as God's 'candle' or 'lamp' (ner), illuminating the inner person. This suggests human conscience, self-awareness, and moral consciousness as God-given capacities enabling moral reflection and self-examination. The lamp 'searches all the inward parts'—reaches the deepest places of human motivation and thought. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that the spirit of man knows his own thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:11) and that God's word discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).