King James Version

What Does Proverbs 26:21 Mean?

Proverbs 26:21 in the King James Version says “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”

Proverbs 26:21 · KJV

Context

19

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent

21

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. innermost: Heb. chambers

23

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

Read Proverbs 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As coals to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife. The Hebrew 'madyan midyaniym' (contentious person) and 'lecharcher riyb' (kindle strife) describes someone who creates conflict wherever they go. Some people aren't merely caught in conflicts but actively create them. Like adding fuel to fire intensifies burning, contentious people intensify conflicts. This warns: some people are relationally toxic - they manufacture drama and division. Wisdom requires recognizing and, when possible, avoiding such people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Proverbs frequently warns about contentious people (15:18, 22:10, 29:22). Titus 3:10 instructs: 'A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.' Some people won't change; protecting community requires excluding divisive people. Second Timothy 2:23 warns: 'Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.' Paul and Barnabas separated because of sharp contention over Mark (Acts 15:39) - even godly people sometimes must separate to preserve peace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your life functions as 'coal to embers' - intensifying every conflict?
  2. How might you be the contentious person who kindles strife wherever you go?
  3. What boundaries protect you and your community from chronically contentious people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
פֶּחָ֣ם1 of 8

“As coals”

H6352

a coal, whether charred or live

לְ֭גֶחָלִים2 of 8

“are to burning coals”

H1513

an ember

וְעֵצִ֣ים3 of 8

“and wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לְאֵ֑שׁ4 of 8

“to fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְאִ֥ישׁ5 of 8

“man”

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)

מִ֝דְוָנִ֗ים6 of 8
H4066

a contest or quarrel

לְחַרְחַר7 of 8

“to kindle”

H2787

to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

רִֽיב׃8 of 8

“strife”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

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 26:21 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 26:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 15:18Proverbs 29:222 Samuel 20:1Psalms 120:4Proverbs 30:331 Kings 12:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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