Proverbs 28:16
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Original Language Analysis
נָגִ֗יד
The prince
H5057
נָגִ֗יד
The prince
Strong's:
H5057
Word #:
1 of 9
a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes
תְּ֭בוּנוֹת
understanding
H8394
תְּ֭בוּנוֹת
understanding
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
3 of 9
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
וְרַ֥ב
is also a great
H7227
וְרַ֥ב
is also a great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 9
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
Ancient kingship concentrated vast power; without wisdom, rulers became tyrants. Solomon's prayer for wisdom rather than wealth (1 Kings 3:9-12) stands as the ideal; Rehoboam's foolishness split the kingdom (1 Kings 12). The Dead Sea Scrolls emphasize that Israel's future messianic king must be wise, not merely powerful.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this proverb challenge the idea that 'good intentions' excuse incompetent leadership?
- What areas of influence in your life require greater understanding to avoid unwitting oppression?
- Where might covetousness be subtly shortening your effectiveness and legacy?
Analysis & Commentary
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor (נָגִיד חֲסַר תְּבוּנוֹת וְרַב מַעֲשַׁקּוֹת, nagid chasar tevunot verav ma'ashaqqot)—נָגִיד (nagid, 'prince, ruler, leader') who is חָסֵר (chaser, 'lacking, devoid of') תְּבוּנָה (tevunah, 'understanding, insight, intelligence') becomes רַב (rav, 'great, abundant in') מַעֲשָׁקָּה (ma'ashaqqah, 'oppression, extortion'). Ignorant leadership multiplies injustice—not from malice but from incompetence.
But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days (שֹׂנֵא בֶצַע יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים, sone vetza ya'arikh yamim)—שָׂנֵא (sane, 'to hate, detest') toward בֶּצַע (betza, 'unjust gain, dishonest profit, greed') leads to אָרַךְ (arakh, 'to lengthen, prolong') of יָמִים (yamim, 'days, life'). Rejecting corrupt gain secures lasting life. Jethro counseled Moses to appoint leaders who 'hate covetousness' (Exodus 18:21); greed shortened Achan's days (Joshua 7) and Judas's (Matthew 27:3-5).