King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:26 Mean?

Proverbs 27:26 in the King James Version says “The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.”

Proverbs 27:26 · KJV

Context

24

For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? riches: Heb. strength to: Heb. to generation and generation?

25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

26

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

27

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens. maintenance: Heb. life

Read Proverbs 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The lambs are for thy clothing (כְּבָשִׂים לִלְבוּשֶׁךָ, kevasim livushekha)—כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, 'lamb, sheep') provides לְבוּשׁ (levush, 'clothing, garment') through wool. The plural suggests sustainable yield: proper management allows shearing without slaughtering the flock.

And the goats are the price of the field (וּמְחִיר שָׂדֶה עַתּוּדִים, umechir sadeh attudim)—עַתּוּד (attud, 'male goat, he-goat') serves as מְחִיר (mechir, 'price, payment') for acquiring or maintaining the שָׂדֶה (sadeh, 'field, cultivated land'). The economic principle: faithful stewardship creates a self-sustaining cycle where assets generate resources for acquiring more productive capacity. This is biblical prosperity—not getting rich quick, but patient multiplication of God's entrustments (compare the parable of the minas, Luke 19:11-27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient agrarian economies, livestock served multiple functions: food (milk, meat), clothing (wool, leather), capital (breeding stock), and currency (trade, dowry, tribute). A well-managed flock provided sustainable income without depleting the principal—precisely the economic wisdom this passage teaches. Biblical stewardship emphasizes multiplication through faithful management.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you managing God's resources to create sustainable provision rather than short-term consumption?
  2. What 'assets' has God given you that, properly tended, could multiply provision for others?
  3. Where might you be consuming 'seed corn' that should be invested for future harvest?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
כְּבָשִׂ֥ים1 of 5

“The lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

לִלְבוּשֶׁ֑ךָ2 of 5

“are for thy clothing”

H3830

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

וּמְחִ֥יר3 of 5

“are the price”

H4242

price, payment, wages

שָׂ֝דֶ֗ה4 of 5

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

עַתּוּדִֽים׃5 of 5

“and the goats”

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

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 27:26 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 27:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 31:20

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