Proverbs 27:19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Original Language Analysis
כַּ֭מַּיִם
As in water
H4325
כַּ֭מַּיִם
As in water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
1 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
לַפָּנִ֑ים
answereth to face
H6440
לַפָּנִ֑ים
answereth to face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לַפָּנִ֑ים
answereth to face
H6440
לַפָּנִ֑ים
answereth to face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֵֽב
so the heart
H3820
לֵֽב
so the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Psalms 33:15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.Mark 7:21For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Historical Context
Before glass mirrors (invented around 1st century AD), people saw their reflections in polished bronze, copper, or still pools of water. The clarity of self-knowledge paralleled the quality of reflection. This proverb dates from Solomon's era (10th century BC) when such reflections were common experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- Who in your life serves as a 'mirror' reflecting your true character back to you?
- What does your response to others reveal about the condition of your own heart?
- How does community and fellowship help you see yourself more clearly before God?
Analysis & Commentary
As in water face answereth to face (כַּמַּיִם הַפָּנִים לַפָּנִים, kamayim hapanim lapanim)—the simile of water as mirror employs the ancient practice of seeing one's reflection in still water before polished metal mirrors became common. The Hebrew פָּנִים (panim, 'face') also carries connotations of presence, countenance, and inner disposition.
So the heart of man to man (כֵּן לֵב־הָאָדָם לָאָדָם, ken lev-ha'adam la'adam)—the לֵב (lev, 'heart') in Hebrew encompasses mind, will, emotions, and moral character. This proverb reveals the profound truth of human interconnectedness: we know ourselves through relationships. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17); water reflects water; hearts reveal hearts.