Proverbs 27:24

Authorized King James Version

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For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְעוֹלָ֣ם are not for ever H5769
לְעוֹלָ֣ם are not for ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
חֹ֑סֶן For riches H2633
חֹ֑סֶן For riches
Strong's: H2633
Word #: 4 of 8
wealth
וְאִם H518
וְאִם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 5 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
נֵ֝֗זֶר and doth the crown H5145
נֵ֝֗זֶר and doth the crown
Strong's: H5145
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
דֽוֹר׃ endure to every H1755
דֽוֹר׃ endure to every
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
דֽוֹר׃ endure to every H1755
דֽוֹר׃ endure to every
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis & Commentary

For riches are not for ever (כִּי לֹא לְעוֹלָם חֹסֶן, ki lo le'olam chosen)—חֹסֶן (chosen, 'wealth, riches, treasure') lacks permanence; לְעוֹלָם (le'olam, 'forever, perpetually') is negated. What seems solid proves transient. James 5:2-3 warns the wealthy: 'Your riches are corrupted... your gold and silver is cankered.'

And doth the crown endure to every generation? (וְאִם־נֵזֶר לְדוֹר וָדוֹר, ve'im-nezer ledor vador)—the rhetorical question expects a negative answer. Even the נֵזֶר (nezer, 'crown, diadem')—symbol of ultimate earthly power—passes from דּוֹר (dor, 'generation') to generation. Solomon, possessing unparalleled wealth and power, understood their impermanence. Only God's kingdom endures forever (Daniel 4:34); storing treasure in heaven proves the wise investment (Matthew 6:19-20).

Historical Context

Solomon wrote from experience—his vast wealth (1 Kings 10:14-29) and the succession of Israelite dynasties demonstrated that neither riches nor royal power guaranteed permanence. Within a generation of Solomon's death, the kingdom split; later, both Israel and Judah fell. The proverb's wisdom proved prophetically accurate.

Questions for Reflection