Proverbs 29:14
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
Original Language Analysis
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
judgeth
H8199
שׁוֹפֵ֣ט
judgeth
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
2 of 7
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֣ת
that faithfully
H571
בֶּֽאֱמֶ֣ת
that faithfully
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
3 of 7
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
H1800
דַּלִּ֑ים
the poor
Strong's:
H1800
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin
כִּ֝סְא֗וֹ
his throne
H3678
כִּ֝סְא֗וֹ
his throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:12It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.Isaiah 11:4But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.Proverbs 29:4The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.Proverbs 20:28Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.Proverbs 25:5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings claimed divine mandate to protect widows, orphans, and the poor—this was standard royal ideology. But Israel uniquely made this standard the criterion for dynastic stability. Prophets held kings accountable: David's injustice toward Uriah brought instability; Solomon's oppression caused schism; Ahab's crimes brought judgment. Justice for the poor wasn't optional philanthropy but constitutional requirement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this proverb challenge modern political theory about the foundation of governmental legitimacy?
- In what ways does Christ's eternal throne rest on His identification with and judgment on behalf of the poor?
- What does 'faithful' judgment of the poor require beyond charity—how does it involve structural justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor (מֶלֶךְ שׁוֹפֵט בֶּאֱמֶת דַּלִּים)—a king who judges with truth/faithfulness (emet, reliability, covenant loyalty) toward the weak (dalim, the brought-low), his throne shall be established for ever (כִּסְאוֹ לָעַד יִכּוֹן). The verb yikon means to be firm, stable, enduring. Royal legitimacy rests on justice for the vulnerable.
This is the Davidic ideal: Psalm 72 describes the messianic king defending the poor and crushing the oppressor. Isaiah 11:4 prophesies the Branch judging the poor with righteousness. Jesus fulfills this perfectly—identifying with the least, defending the marginalized, establishing an eternal throne through righteous judgment. Proverbs teaches that power exercised for the powerless creates lasting authority; tyranny is inherently unstable.