King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:27 Mean?

Proverbs 27:27 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maid...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Proverbs 27:27 · KJV

Context

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
And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food (וְדֵי חֲלֵב עִזִּים לְלַחְמֶךָ, vedei chalev izzim lelahmekha)—דַּי (dai, 'sufficiency, enough') modifies חָלָב (chalav, 'milk'); עֵז (ez, 'goat') produces abundant, nourishing milk. לֶחֶם (lechem, 'bread, food') represents complete sustenance.

For the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens (לְלֶחֶם בֵּיתֶךָ וְחַיִּים לְנַעֲרוֹתֶיךָ, lelechem beitekha vechayim lena'arotekha)—the provision extends to בַּיִת (bayit, 'household, family') and נַעֲרָה (na'arah, 'young woman, maidservant'). The word חַיִּים (chayyim, 'life, living, sustenance') emphasizes not mere survival but flourishing life. This concluding verse of the stewardship unit (23-27) reveals the goal: faithful management provides abundantly for one's entire household. Paul echoes this: 'If anyone does not provide for his own... he has denied the faith' (1 Timothy 5:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Goat's milk was a staple in ancient Near Eastern diets—more digestible than cow's milk, rich in nutrients, and goats thrived in Israel's rocky terrain where cattle struggled. A household's ability to provide for servants demonstrated both prosperity and proper management. Biblical household codes consistently emphasize masters' responsibility to provide for those under their care (Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 4:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you managing your resources to provide not only for yourself but for your entire household?
  2. How does this vision of sustainable provision challenge modern consumerism and debt culture?
  3. What does 'enough' look like in your life—and are you content with God's sufficient provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְדֵ֤י׀1 of 8

“enough”

H1767

enough (as noun or adverb), used chiefly with preposition in phrases

חֲלֵ֬ב2 of 8

“milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

עִזִּ֗ים3 of 8

“And thou shalt have goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

לְלֶ֣חֶם4 of 8

“for the food”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

לְלֶ֣חֶם5 of 8

“for the food”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

בֵּיתֶ֑ךָ6 of 8

“of thy household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְ֝חַיִּ֗ים7 of 8

“and for the maintenance”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לְנַעֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ׃8 of 8

“for thy maidens”

H5291

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

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 27:27 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 27:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:33Proverbs 30:8-9

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