Proverbs 25:22

Authorized King James Version

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For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גֶֽחָלִ֗ים coals of fire H1513
גֶֽחָלִ֗ים coals of fire
Strong's: H1513
Word #: 2 of 9
an ember
אַ֭תָּה H859
אַ֭תָּה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 3 of 9
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
חֹתֶ֣ה For thou shalt heap H2846
חֹתֶ֣ה For thou shalt heap
Strong's: H2846
Word #: 4 of 9
to lay hold of; especially to pick up fire
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ upon his head H7218
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ upon his head
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 6 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה and the LORD H3068
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה and the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְשַׁלֶּם shall reward H7999
יְשַׁלֶּם shall reward
Strong's: H7999
Word #: 8 of 9
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
לָֽךְ׃ H0
לָֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 9

Analysis & Commentary

If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if thirsty, give him drink. For you'll heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you. The Hebrew 'oyeb' (enemy/hater) and 'gachelet esh' (coals of fire) create striking image. Respond to enemies with kindness, not retaliation. The 'coals of fire' likely means producing shame/conviction in enemy's conscience, potentially leading to repentance. God rewards this counterintuitive generosity. Romans 12:20-21 quotes this, adding: 'Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.'

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern ethics typically embraced lex talionis (eye for eye) or vengeance against enemies. Israel's law was revolutionary: 'If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again' (Exodus 23:4). Jesus intensified this: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you' (Matthew 5:44). Enemy-love demonstrates kingdom ethics.

Questions for Reflection