King James Version

What Does Proverbs 20:26 Mean?

Proverbs 20:26 in the King James Version says “A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

Proverbs 20:26 · KJV


Context

24

Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

25

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

26

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

27

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. candle: or, lamp

28

Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A wise king exercises judicial discernment to identify and punish evildoers ('scattereth the wicked') and executes judgment decisively ('bringeth the wheel over them'). The wheel imagery likely refers to threshing—separating grain from chaff, a common biblical metaphor for judgment. The righteous ruler doesn't tolerate wickedness but actively roots it out to protect the innocent and maintain justice. This reflects God's own governance: He separates sheep from goats, wheat from tares. While the church must not wield the sword, civil magistrates are ordained by God to punish evil and praise good (Romans 13:1-7). Wisdom in leadership requires both discernment to identify evil and courage to confront it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings held absolute judicial power. Israel's kings were supposed to govern according to God's law, executing justice impartially and protecting the vulnerable from oppression.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you exercise appropriate authority to confront evil in your sphere of influence?
  2. How should Christians view civil government's role in punishing wickedness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מְזָרֶ֣ה1 of 7

scattereth

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

רְ֭שָׁעִים2 of 7

the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

מֶ֣לֶךְ3 of 7

king

H4428

a king

חָכָ֑ם4 of 7

A wise

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

וַיָּ֖שֶׁב5 of 7

and bringeth

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עֲלֵיהֶ֣ם6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אוֹפָֽן׃7 of 7

the wheel

H212

a wheel


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 20:26 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 20:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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