Proverbs 27:25
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
Original Language Analysis
גָּלָ֣ה
appeareth
H1540
גָּלָ֣ה
appeareth
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
1 of 7
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
וְנִרְאָה
sheweth
H7200
וְנִרְאָה
sheweth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְ֝נֶאֶסְפ֗וּ
are gathered
H622
וְ֝נֶאֶסְפ֗וּ
are gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
5 of 7
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's agricultural calendar structured life around planting (October-November), winter rains (December-February), spring harvest (March-May), and summer drought (June-September). Mountain herbs provided supplemental fodder during dry seasons. The proverb assumes intimate knowledge of these cycles—wisdom lost in modern urbanization.
Questions for Reflection
- How aware are you of the 'seasons' and rhythms God has established in your life and work?
- Are you harvesting opportunities when they appear, or letting them pass unharvested?
- What does patient attention to natural cycles teach about trusting God's provision?
Analysis & Commentary
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself (גָּלָה חָצִיר וְנִרְאָה־דֶשֶׁא, galah chatzir ve'nir'ah-deshe)—the agricultural cycle continues: חָצִיר (chatzir, 'grass, hay') is revealed (גָּלָה, galah, 'to uncover, disclose') as mature growth, while דֶּשֶׁא (deshe, 'tender grass, vegetation') appears as new growth.
And herbs of the mountains are gathered (וְנֶאֶסְפוּ עִשְּׂבוֹת הָרִים, ve'ne'esfu issvot harim)—the verb אָסַף (asaf, 'to gather, collect') suggests intentional harvesting. This verse continues the stewardship theme (verses 23-27): nature's reliable cycles reward the diligent manager. God's creation operates by faithful rhythms (Genesis 8:22); human responsibility is to work in harmony with divine providence, neither presuming on tomorrow nor despising today's provision.