King James Version
Proverbs 21:1 in the King James Version says “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
Proverbs 21:1 · KJV
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“is in the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“it whithersoever he will”
H2654properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
“he turneth”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
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.
Proverbs 21:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge