King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:20 Mean?

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. never: Heb. not”

Context

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. never: Heb. not

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Hell and destruction.—**See above on Proverbs 15:11. **The eyes of man are never satisfied.—**Comp. Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 4:8. God would thus teach us that in Himself only can man find complete satisfaction. (Comp. Psalm 36:8-9; 1Corinthians 2:9.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 27:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.