Proverbs 25:2 in Hebrew
כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר וּכְבֹ֥ד מְ֝לָכִ֗ים חֲקֹ֣ר דָּבָֽר׃
Introduction to the Verse
Proverbs 25:2 presents a contrast between divine and royal wisdom, highlighting the nature of hidden and revealed knowledge. The verse states:
כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר – “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter.”
וּכְבֹ֥ד מְ֝לָכִ֗ים חֲקֹ֣ר דָּבָֽר – “But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.”
A key phrase in this verse is כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים (kəvōd ʾĕlōhīm), which highlights the difference between divine wisdom and human governance.
Understanding כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר
1. כְּבֹ֣ד (Kəvōd) – “Glory, Honor”
– The word כְּבֹ֣ד (kəvōd) refers to weight, significance, or honor.
– In the Bible, it is often associated with divine majesty (e.g., Exodus 33:18, Psalm 29:3).
– Here, it describes God’s glory being expressed through concealment.
2. הַסְתֵּ֣ר (Hastēr) – “To Hide, Conceal”
– The root ס־ת־ר (s-t-r) means “to hide or make secret.”
– It appears in Deuteronomy 29:29, where God’s hidden things belong to Him, while revealed things belong to humans.
– This implies that some aspects of divine wisdom remain beyond human comprehension.
3. דָּבָ֑ר (Dābār) – “Matter, Word, Event”
– The word דָּבָ֑ר (dābār) can mean “a word, a matter, or an issue.”
– The phrase הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר suggests that God’s wisdom involves withholding full knowledge from humanity.
The Contrast with Human Kings
1. וּכְבֹ֥ד מְ֝לָכִ֗ים חֲקֹ֣ר דָּבָֽר – “The Glory of Kings is to Search Out a Matter”
– While God conceals, kings seek out knowledge.
– Rulers are expected to investigate, uncover truths, and administer justice.
– This highlights the role of human leadership in governance and decision-making.
2. The Balance Between Divine Mystery and Human Responsibility
– Some knowledge belongs to God alone, emphasizing humility in human understanding.
– Kings and leaders, however, must diligently seek wisdom, ensuring justice and order in society.
Theological and Literary Significance
1. The Limits of Human Knowledge
– The verse teaches that not all things are meant to be understood by humans.
– This aligns with Job’s reflection on divine wisdom (Job 28:23-28).
2. The Duty of Leadership
– Good governance requires seeking wisdom and uncovering truth.
– Kings must be diligent in judgment, contrasting with God, who remains sovereign over hidden knowledge.
3. Wisdom as a Journey
– The verse encourages both reverence for divine mystery and the pursuit of wisdom.
– It reminds readers that some knowledge is given freely, while other truths must be sought out.
The Meaning of כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר in Proverbs 25:2
The phrase כְּבֹ֣ד אֱ֭לֹהִים הַסְתֵּ֣ר דָּבָ֑ר emphasizes that God’s glory is revealed in what remains hidden, while human rulers demonstrate wisdom by seeking understanding.
This verse highlights the contrast between divine mystery and human responsibility, reminding us that true wisdom involves both accepting limits and actively seeking knowledge.
