Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֹ֨כַח׀
are before
H5227
נֹ֨כַח׀
are before
Strong's:
H5227
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
עֵינֵ֣י
the eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֣י
the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דַּרְכֵי
For the ways
H1870
דַּרְכֵי
For the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 9
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
of man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Hebrews 4:13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Proverbs 15:3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Job 34:21For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.Jeremiah 32:19Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:Psalms 11:4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.Job 31:4Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?Psalms 119:168I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.Jeremiah 16:17For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.Hosea 7:2And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.
Historical Context
This wisdom reflects the Hebrew understanding that God's omniscience extends to every aspect of human conduct.
Questions for Reflection
- How would your behavior change if you consistently remembered that 'the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD'?
- In what areas are you tempted to compartmentalize your life, acting as if God doesn't see certain behaviors or thoughts?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse grounds sexual ethics in divine omniscience. 'The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD' (כִּי נֹכַח עֵינֵי יְהוָה דַּרְכֵי־אִישׁ/ki nokach einei Yahweh darkei-ish) establishes that God sees all human behavior. 'He pondereth all his goings' (וְכָל־מַעְגְּלֹתָיו מְפַלֵּס/vekhol-ma'gelotav mefalles) uses 'palas' (ponder, weigh, examine), indicating God's careful scrutiny and moral evaluation. This verse concludes the chapter's warnings against adultery by reminding that secret sin is never hidden from God. While humans may commit adultery in darkness, thinking none will know, 'all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do' (Hebrews 4:13). This doctrine of divine omniscience provides both warning against sin (you cannot hide from God) and comfort in injustice (God sees all and will judge rightly).