Proverbs 20:8
A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
Original Language Analysis
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
that sitteth in
H3427
יוֹשֵׁ֥ב
that sitteth in
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִ֑ין
of judgment
H1779
דִ֑ין
of judgment
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
5 of 9
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
מְזָרֶ֖ה
scattereth away
H2219
מְזָרֶ֖ה
scattereth away
Strong's:
H2219
Word #:
6 of 9
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
בְעֵינָ֣יו
with his eyes
H5869
בְעֵינָ֣יו
with his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:26A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.Proverbs 25:5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.Psalms 99:4The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.Isaiah 32:1Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.Psalms 92:9For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.Psalms 72:4He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.Proverbs 29:14The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.2 Samuel 23:4And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Historical Context
Ancient kings functioned as supreme judges. Their ability to discern truth from lies, innocent from guilty, was essential for maintaining justice. Solomon's wisdom in judgment exemplified this ideal (1 Kings 3:16-28).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you prepare for Christ's judgment when all will be exposed before His eyes?
- If you hold positions of judgment or decision-making, do you seek discernment to separate truth from deception?
- What does it mean to live coram Deo, under the gaze of the all-seeing Judge?
Analysis & Commentary
A king on the throne of judgment 'scattereth away all evil with his eyes.' The Hebrew 'zarah' (scatter/winnow) suggests separating wheat from chaff. A wise judge perceives truth and evil, rendering righteous verdicts. His penetrating gaze discerns deception. This points to Christ's perfect judgment—He 'searches hearts and minds' (Revelation 2:23). Reformed theology anticipates the final judgment when all evil is separated from good. This verse also instructs earthly judges to pursue discernment, recognizing that their office reflects God's judicial authority.