King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:25 Mean?

Proverbs 10:25 in the King James Version says “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

Proverbs 10:25 · KJV


Context

23

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

24

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

25

As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

26

As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

27

The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. prolongeth: Heb. addeth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. The wicked's existence is temporary, swept away like debris in a storm. The righteous endures permanently, providing stable foundation. The contrast between temporary and eternal existence reflects covenant theology - the wicked perish but the righteous inherit eternal life. This long-view perspective relativizes temporary suffering while affirming eternal significance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Uses natural disaster imagery familiar in ancient Near East where whirlwinds could devastate crops and structures. Applied to human existence, the metaphor depicts the wicked's temporary nature versus the righteous's permanence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temporary nature of wickedness affect your response to present injustice?
  2. In what ways are you building your life on everlasting foundation versus temporary expedients?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כַּעֲב֣וֹר1 of 7

passeth

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

ס֭וּפָה2 of 7

As the whirlwind

H5492

a hurricane

וְאֵ֣ין3 of 7
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

רָשָׁ֑ע4 of 7

so is the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

וְ֝צַדִּ֗יק5 of 7

no more but the righteous

H6662

just

יְס֣וֹד6 of 7

foundation

H3247

a foundation (literally or figuratively)

עוֹלָֽם׃7 of 7

is an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 10:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 10:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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