King James Version

What Does Proverbs 19:6 Mean?

Proverbs 19:6 in the King James Version says “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. him: Heb. a man of gifts” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. him: Heb. a man of gifts”

Proverbs 19:6 · KJV

Context

4

Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. unpunished: Heb. held innocent

6

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. him: Heb. a man of gifts

7

All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. wisdom: Heb. an heart

Read Proverbs 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many will entreat the favor of the prince, and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts. Powerful persons attract supplicants; generous persons attract 'friends.' This verse observes how humans pursue relationships with those who can benefit them. The observation is both descriptive (this is how people behave) and prescriptive (recognize this dynamic). Those with power or resources should recognize that flattery may be mercenary; those without should examine their motives in relationships.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects patronage culture where princes and wealthy benefactors were courted by those seeking favor. Gift-giving created reciprocal obligations binding patrons and clients.

Reflection Questions

  1. How much of your social effort focuses on cultivating relationships with those who can benefit you?
  2. How do you distinguish genuine friendship from mercenary relationships in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
רַ֭בִּים1 of 8

“Many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

יְחַלּ֣וּ2 of 8

“will intreat”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

פְנֵֽי3 of 8

“the favour”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

נָדִ֑יב4 of 8

“of the prince”

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

וְכָל5 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֝רֵ֗עַ6 of 8

“and every man is a friend”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

לְאִ֣ישׁ7 of 8

“to him”

H376

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)

מַתָּֽן׃8 of 8

“that giveth gifts”

H4976

a present

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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:16Proverbs 29:26Proverbs 17:8Genesis 42:6Romans 6:23Proverbs 19:12

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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