Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
Original Language Analysis
וּכְבֹ֥ד
It is the glory
H3519
וּכְבֹ֥ד
It is the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
אֱ֭לֹהִים
of God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהִים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
to conceal
H5641
הַסְתֵּ֣ר
to conceal
Strong's:
H5641
Word #:
3 of 8
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
דָּבָֽר׃
a matter
H1697
דָּבָֽר׃
a matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וּכְבֹ֥ד
It is the glory
H3519
וּכְבֹ֥ד
It is the glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
Cross References
Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.Job 42:3Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.Job 29:16I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.Ezra 4:15That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.Ezra 4:19And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.Job 40:2Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions valued riddles and hidden knowledge. Israel's faith insisted that true wisdom came from Yahweh, requiring both His disclosure and human diligent seeking.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance trust in God's revealed truth with humble awareness of mystery beyond your understanding?
- What does it mean to 'search out a matter' in studying Scripture and theology?
- How does this verse encourage both reverence for God's transcendence and diligent study?
Analysis & Commentary
God's glory is to 'conceal a thing,' but kings' honor is to 'search out a matter.' The Hebrew 'satar' (conceal) and 'chaqar' (search/investigate) create a dynamic: God reveals truth progressively, requiring human seeking. This reflects revelation's nature—God discloses Himself, but understanding requires diligent study. Reformed theology values both God's revelatory initiative and our responsibility to study Scripture carefully. 'It is the glory of God to conceal a thing' emphasizes divine transcendence and the vastness of His wisdom awaiting discovery.