Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Original Language Analysis
כְּצִנַּת
As the cold
H6793
כְּצִנַּת
As the cold
Strong's:
H6793
Word #:
1 of 10
a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)
בְּי֬וֹם
in the time
H3117
בְּי֬וֹם
in the time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
נֶ֭אֱמָן
so is a faithful
H539
נֶ֭אֱמָן
so is a faithful
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
לְשֹׁלְחָ֑יו
to them that send
H7971
לְשֹׁלְחָ֑יו
to them that send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
7 of 10
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
the soul
H5315
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Ancient communication depended on messengers' reliability. No telecommunications meant human messengers carried crucial information across distances. Unfaithful messenger could destroy negotiations, report falsely, represent unfaithfully. Proverbs 13:17 contrasts: 'A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.' Modern communication technology doesn't eliminate need for faithful representation and reliable reporting.
Questions for Reflection
- How reliable are you in representing others' messages and interests faithfully?
- What makes you 'refreshing' or frustrating to those who depend on you for communication?
- How can you cultivate faithfulness in your words and commitments to become trustworthy messenger?
Analysis & Commentary
A faithful messenger to his senders is like snow's cold in harvest time - refreshing to his masters. The Hebrew 'emuwnah' (faithfulness/reliability) and 'tsir' (messenger/ambassador) describe trustworthy communication. The snow imagery: harvest occurred in hot season; cold snow was refreshing relief. Similarly, faithful messenger refreshes those who sent him - reliable information, accurate reporting, trustworthy representation. Reliability is refreshing in world of unreliability.