King James Version

What Does Proverbs 31:4 Mean?

Proverbs 31:4 in the King James Version says “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:”

Proverbs 31:4 · KJV

Context

2

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted . prevert: Heb. alter of any: Heb. of all the sons of affliction

6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. of: Heb. bitter of soul

Read Proverbs 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is 'not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.' The Hebrew 'yayin' (wine) and 'shekar' (strong drink/beer) should be avoided by rulers. Alcohol impairs judgment, making it particularly dangerous for those making important decisions. Reformed theology doesn't necessarily mandate total abstinence but warns against alcohol's dangers, especially for leaders. Clear thinking is essential for godly governance. This principle applies to all intoxicants and anything that clouds judgment or creates addiction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings often drank heavily, leading to poor decisions and moral failures. Biblical examples include Noah (Genesis 9:21), Lot (Genesis 19:32-35), and Belshazzar (Daniel 5). God's wisdom protected kings from this trap.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you avoid substances or habits that impair your judgment and effectiveness?
  2. How does responsibility increase the need for sobriety and clear thinking?
  3. What 'strong drink' (literal or metaphorical) threatens to compromise your calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אַ֤ל1 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים2 of 10

“It is not for kings”

H4428

a king

לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל3 of 10

“O Lemuel”

H3927

lemuel or lemoel, possibly a symbolic name of solomon

אַ֣ל4 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים5 of 10

“It is not for kings”

H4428

a king

שְׁתוֹ6 of 10

“to drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

יָ֑יִן7 of 10

“wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים8 of 10

“princes”

H7336

probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable

אֵ֣ו9 of 10
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

שֵׁכָֽר׃10 of 10

“strong drink”

H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

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 31:4 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 31:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 20:1Isaiah 5:22Ecclesiastes 10:17Hosea 4:11-121 Kings 20:16-20Habakkuk 2:5

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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