King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:27 Mean?

Proverbs 15:27 in the King James Version says “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”

Proverbs 15:27 · KJV

Context

25

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. pleasant: Heb. words of pleasantness

27

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

28

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Read Proverbs 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Botsea' batsa ֹokher beyto (בּוֹצֵעַ בֶּצַע עֹכֵר בֵּיתוֹ, one greedy for gain troubles his house). Akhar (עָכַר, trouble, disturb, bring calamity) recalls Achan whose greed troubled Israel (Joshua 7:25). Greed destroys families. Vesone matanot yichyeh (וְשֹׂנֵא מַתָּנֹת יִחְיֶה, but one hating bribes lives). Mattanot (מַתָּנֹת, gifts) here means bribes. Resisting corruption brings life. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns love of money is root of all evil. Christ calls to generosity, not greed (Luke 12:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern corruption included bribery perverting justice. Exodus 23:8 prohibits bribes: "A gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous." Officials who accepted bribes enriched themselves while destroying families and communities. Those refusing bribes, though potentially poorer, lived righteously and enjoyed God's blessing. The principle applies to all ill-gotten gain.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might greed for gain be troubling your household through debt, workaholism, or unethical behavior?
  2. What 'gifts' (bribes, compromises, shortcuts) should you 'hate' to maintain integrity?
  3. How does contentment with godliness (1 Timothy 6:6) liberate you from greedy gain's troubles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עֹכֵ֣ר1 of 7

“troubleth”

H5916

properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict

בֵּ֭יתוֹ2 of 7

“his own house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בּוֹצֵ֣עַ3 of 7

“He that is greedy”

H1214

to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop

בָּ֑צַע4 of 7

“of gain”

H1215

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

וְשׂוֹנֵ֖א5 of 7

“but he that hateth”

H8130

to hate (personally)

מַתָּנֹ֣ת6 of 7

“gifts”

H4979

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

יִחְיֶֽה׃7 of 7

“shall live”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 23:8Proverbs 1:19Jeremiah 17:11Deuteronomy 16:19Isaiah 33:15-16Proverbs 11:29

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