Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Original Language Analysis
פַּלְגֵי
as the rivers
H6388
פַּלְגֵי
as the rivers
Strong's:
H6388
Word #:
1 of 11
a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)
מַ֣יִם
of water
H4325
מַ֣יִם
of water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
2 of 11
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לֶב
heart
H3820
לֶב
heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 11
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בְּיַד
is in the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
is in the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 11
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.Proverbs 20:24Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?Ezra 6:22And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.Acts 7:10And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.Proverbs 16:1The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?Psalms 106:46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.Isaiah 43:19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.Psalms 105:25He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.Nehemiah 1:11O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings claimed absolute authority, often declaring themselves divine or divinely appointed. Against this, Proverbs insists that even kings serve God's purposes whether they recognize it or not. Biblical examples abound: Pharaoh's hard heart served God's glory (Exodus 9:16), Cyrus fulfilled prophecy unknowingly (Isaiah 44:28), Nebuchadnezzar learned God's sovereignty through humiliation (Daniel 4:34-35). This truth sustained Israel under foreign rule and sustains Christians under ungodly governments today.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God sovereignly controls rulers' hearts provide comfort when you face unjust or ungodly government?
- In what ways should God's sovereignty over authorities affect your prayers for government leaders?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb asserts God's sovereignty over human rulers: 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.' Even the king—possessing supreme human authority—has his heart controlled by God. The metaphor of irrigation channels is instructive: as farmers direct water flow through channels for crop irrigation, so God directs kings' hearts toward His purposes. This doesn't negate human will but affirms divine sovereignty over it. God accomplishes His purposes even through rulers' decisions, whether those rulers acknowledge Him or not. This provides comfort that no human authority operates beyond God's control and that His plans will prevail despite human opposition.